Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has made a bold political move by deciding to contest the upcoming Puducherry Assembly elections independently. The party, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, has officially announced candidates for all 30 constituencies, signaling its intent to emerge as a strong alternative in the region’s political landscape. The elections are scheduled to take place on April 9, with counting of votes set for May 4. The current Assembly term will end on June 15, makin

The United Kingdom has approved an expanded role for United States forces to use British bases for defensive operations targeting Iranian-linked threats in the Strait of Hormuz, according to official statements following a ministerial meeting on Friday. The decision comes amid rising tensions in the Gulf region, where attacks on commercial shipping and critical infrastructure have raised concerns about global maritime security and economic stability. Previously, London had permitted US force

​US President Donald Trump on Friday said the United States was “doing extremely well in Iran,” making a series of sweeping claims about the country’s military capabilities during a ceremony at the White House. Speaking while presenting the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, Trump asserted that Iran’s naval forces had effectively been neutralised, stating that the country now has “no navy anymo

US President Donald Trump on Friday sharply criticized NATO allies, accusing them of failing to support Washington and Israel during the ongoing conflict with Iran, while also expressing frustration over their stance on rising oil prices. His remarks highlight growing tensions between the United States and its traditional partners amid escalating instability in the Middle East. In a social media post, Trump described NATO as ineffective without US leadership, calling the alliance a “paper

A major escalation in regional tensions unfolded on Wednesday after Iran’s South Pars gas field was struck, marking the first reported attack on the country’s Gulf energy infrastructure amid the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict. The incident prompted Tehran to issue a strong warning, stating it would retaliate by targeting oil and gas installations across the Gulf region, raising fears of a broader confrontation affecting global energy security. The strike had an immediate impact on internat

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has confirmed the death of Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib following an Israeli airstrike in Tehran, describing the incident as a “cowardly assassination” that has intensified tensions in an already volatile Middle East conflict. The confirmation came on Wednesday,

In an important development in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has allotted five seats to its ally, the Communist Party of India (CPI), for the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. This seat allocation comes after several rounds of talks between the two parties, reflecting their continued collaboration and alliance ahead of the crucial polls. The decision was finalized following discussions held at the DMK headquarters, Anna Ari

In the midst of the ongoing war, Iran has continued to export millions of barrels of oil, with about 90 ships, including oil tankers, crossing the critical Strait of Hormuz between March 1 and 15, 2026. Despite the waterway being effectively "closed" to most traffic due to the conflict, Iran has managed to keep its oil exports flowing, benefitting from its control over this vital chokepoint. According to maritime traffic data from Lloyd's List Intelligence, Iran has relied on a mix

Iran has vowed to continue its fight against the United States and Israel following the killing of Ali Larijani, one of Iran's most influential political figures, in an Israeli airstrike. Iranian foreign minister Syed Abbas Araghchi made a bold statement, declaring that Iran’s political and economic structure would remain intact despite the loss of Larijani, the head of the Supreme National Security Council, who was killed alongside his family members and bodyguards near Tehran. I

As Ramadan comes to a close in 2026, Muslims across the globe eagerly await the celebration of Eid ul-Fitr, marking the end of a month of fasting and spiritual reflection. The exact date of Eid, however, depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, making it a topic of great anticipation. Eid ul-Fitr, which marks the beginning of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, is celebrated based on lunar cycles. This means that the date of Eid can vary from country to country, depending on

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation on Tuesday with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, as tensions continue to escalate across the West Asian region. The discussion focused on regional stability, recent developments in the Middle East crisis, and the importance of safeguarding critical global energy routes. During the call, both leaders underscored the need to ensure safe and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of

India has sharply criticised Pakistan at the United Nations, accusing it of repeatedly fabricating narratives around Islamophobia to target neighbouring countries while diverting attention from its own domestic and regional record. The remarks were made during a session of the UN General Assembly marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, where India’s Permanent Representative Parvathaneni Harish delivered a firm and direct response to Pakistan’s allegations. Addressing

The conflict in West Asia has entered its third week, with hostilities intensifying across multiple fronts and raising concerns about a broader regional escalation. Israeli President Isaac Herzog called on European nations to support Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hezbollah, as Israeli forces continued ground operations in southern Lebanon. The situation in Lebanon deteriorated further after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel earlier this month, following the reported killing of Iran’s

Ugadi, the Hindu New Year festival, will be celebrated on Thursday, March 19, 2026. This auspicious day, falling during the Chaitra month of the Hindu lunar calendar, marks the arrival of the spring season and the beginning of the harvest period. Celebrated with immense enthusiasm and devotion, particularly in Karnataka, Ugadi is a time for renewal, spiritual growth, and emotional well-being. Ugadi Timings (I

A series of drone attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates’ critical energy infrastructure has intensified concerns over prolonged supply disruptions as regional tensions linked to the Iran conflict continue to escalate. The incidents have struck key oil and gas facilities, disrupted shipping routes, and heightened volatility in global energy markets. Operations at the Shah gas field, one of the world’s largest ultra-sour gas developments, remained suspended after a drone stri

China on Tuesday announced that it will extend humanitarian assistance to several West Asia countries, including Iran and Lebanon, as the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel enters its third week and continues to escalate. The move reflects Beijing’s growing concern over the worsening humanitarian situation across the region, where sustained military operations have disrupted civilian life and critical infrastructure. Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreig