Official media in Iran has confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, announcing a 40-day period of national mourning across the country. The announcement was made through state television, which reported that the senior leader died following recent military strikes carried out by the

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian strongly condemned what he described as a barbaric attack on a school in southern Iran on Saturday, following a series of strikes carried out by the United States and Israel that have intensified the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In an official statement, Pezeshkian said the incident marked another dark chapter in what he called a pattern of aggression against the country, and warned that the violence could further destabilize the region. According to Iranian authorities, at least 63 people were killed in the attack, with dozens more injured, making it one of the deadliest incidents reported since the latest escalation began. Israeli officials stated that the strikes were aimed at high-level targets connected to Iran’s leadership and military planning. A military spokesperson said multiple locations where senior Iranian figures had gathered were hit simultaneously, resulting in the elimination of individuals considered critical to the country’s campaign management and governance. The strikes were described as part of a broader effort to weaken Iran’s operational capabilities, though details about those killed were not immediately confirmed by independent sources. The developments prompted urgent diplomatic activity at the United Nations, where the security council scheduled an emergency session in New York to address the growing crisis. Diplomats said the meeting was requested by several member states, including Russia and China, who described the strikes as an act of armed aggression and called for immediate international discussion. France, Bahrain, and Colombia also supported the request, reflecting widespread concern over the risk of a wider regional war. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to address the council and has already urged all sides to halt military actions. In a statement issued earlier, he warned that continued use of force could undermine international peace and security and lead to severe consequences for civilians across the Middle East. Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic negotiations, stressing that only dialogue could prevent the conflict from expanding further and threatening global stability.

Iran launched a large-scale counter-attack targeting United States military bases across the Middle East, with several strikes also reported in the United Arab Emirates, triggering panic in major cities including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Explosions were heard in multiple locations on Saturday, prompting emergency responses and heightened security across the Gulf region. Authorities confirmed that precautionary evacuations were carried out in several high-profile locations, including the Burj Khalifa

The United States and Israel have launched large-scale military strikes on Iran, triggering a rapid escalation that has pushed West Asia toward a wider conflict. US President Donald Trump announced the start of major combat operations, while calling on the Iranian public to oppose their leadership. Within hours, Iran responded with missile attacks targeting Israeli positions and US military facilities across the region, raising fears of a prolonged confrontation. Explosions were reported in

The United States and Israel carried out a coordinated military operation against Iran on February 28, marking a sharp escalation in West Asia tensions and raising concerns about a wider regional conflict. Officials familiar with the development said the strikes were aimed at key military and political targets, including locations linked to Iran’s leadership and nuclear programme. Iranian authorities later responded with missile attacks targeting Israeli territory and facilities used by US for

The collapse of the Geneva nuclear talks on February 26, 2026, marked a decisive setback in months of diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the long-running dispute over Iran’s nuclear program. Mediators had earlier indicated that progress was being made, but negotiations ultimately failed after both sides refused to compromise on core demands. Officials confirmed that technical-level discussions were scheduled to continue in Vienna, though the situation deteriorated rapidly following milit

A homelessness prevention program that began in Santa Clara County is expanding nationwide with a goal of helping more than 10,000 families avoid eviction and remain stably housed. Nonprofit Destination: Home announced it is partnering with 10 organizations across the United States to replicate a rental assistance and case management model focused on preventing housing instability before it leads to homelessness. The expansion spans large and small cities, rural regions and tribal communities, including sites in Minnesota, Alaska, Atlanta, Georgia, and Asheville, North Carolina. Through the Right at Home initiative, Destination: Home will work with local partners to implement pilot programs based on its established homelessness prevention framework. The initiative is designed to demonstrate that eviction prevention and supportive services can be effectively scaled and adopted as part of broader housing policy. Destination: Home first launched its homelessness prevention program in 2017 after observing an increase in residents falling into homelessness in Santa Clara County. Backed by private funding, the nonprofit provided rental assistance, case management and supportive services to families at immediate risk of eviction. The approach aimed to stabilize households facing temporary financial crises, helping them maintain housing while addressing underlying challenges. In 2024, Santa Clara County formally incorporated the program into its countywide homelessness strategy and expanded it across the region. Since its launch, nearly 44,000 people in the county have avoided homelessness through the initiative, according to program data. A randomized control trial conducted by the University of Notre Dame’s Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities found that 90 percent of participants who received assistance remained housed two years later, highlighting the long-term impact of early intervention. The national expansion has raised $77 million to date. Under the plan, each participating community will receive at least $5 million over five years, with a target of serving approximately 1,500 households per location. The Lab for Economic Opportunities will collect and analyze data to measure outcomes such as housing stability and economic resilience. Funding partners include Cisco, Sobrato Philanthropies, the Valhalla Foundation and The Audacious Project. Researchers involved in the evaluation say prevention plays a critical role in addressing the affordable housing crisis and rising poverty. Eviction can trigger a chain of negative consequences, including job loss, financial hardship and increased reliance on emergency services. By providing eviction relief and community support before families lose their homes, the program seeks to reduce long-term social and economic costs. For some residents, the program has provided essential support during periods of instability. Desiré Campusano received rental assistance multiple times while navigating job transitions and significant rent increases. The assistance helped her remain housed and later move into an affordable apartment, with continued guidance from a case manager. Advocates argue that as unemployment and economic pressures affect households nationwide, homelessness prevention must be prioritized alongside emergency response systems. Supporters of the initiative say investing in rental assistance and case management before a crisis escalates offers a more stable and cost-effective solution to housing insecurity. By expanding its model nationally, Destination: Home aims to build momentum for broader federal funding dedicated to preventing homelessness before it begins.

In a significant legal development, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia have been discharged from the Delhi excise policy case. A Delhi court ruled that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) failed to provide substantial evidence to support the serious charges against the two leaders. The court highlighted the lack of material evidence to substantiate the allegations against Kejriwal. It emphasized that serious charges, such as th

In a surprising turn of events, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has launched a sharp attack on President Mohammed Shahabuddin, following his public criticism of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim regime. Rahman’s comments, which came shortly after Shahabuddin revealed his experiences under the Yunus administration, inadvertently exposed a deeper connection between Bangladesh’s Islamist groups and the interim regime, hinting at a tacit alliance that has shaped the country's po

Karnataka BJP Chief BY Vijayendra launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his government, accusing them of "lying and cheating" instead of addressing the state's critical issues. Speaking at a press conference, Vijayendra questioned the long-standing leadership of Siddaramaiah, who has presented the state budget a record-breaking 16 times, and demanded that the CM provide solutions to the burning problems facing Karnataka, rather than continuing to offer excuses.

Canada has indicated a significant shift in its position on India, stating that it no longer believes New Delhi is linked to violent crimes or ongoing foreign interference within Canadian territory. The remarks were made during a briefing with journalists ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s scheduled nine-day visit to India, which includes stops in Mumbai and New Delhi and a planned meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Senior Canadian officials said there is currently no evidence of continued foreign interference or violent activity tied to India. One official noted that diplomatic engagement between the two countries remains robust, including regular communication between national security advisers. The official added that the visit would not be taking place if authorities believed such activities were still ongoing. The statement marks a notable change from Canada’s earlier stance, when concerns about alleged foreign interference had strained bilateral ties. Relations between Ottawa and New Delhi deteriorated sharply following the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a gurdwara in British Columbia. Months after the incident, then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that there was credible evidence linking agents of the Indian government to the killing. India strongly denied the allegations, calling them unfounded. The dispute escalated into a diplomatic standoff, with both countries expelling senior diplomats. In 2024, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police alleged that individuals linked to the Indian government were associated with violent crimes in Canada, including death threats and possible involvement in homicides. However, the latest comments from Canadian officials suggest that authorities no longer see active or continuing interference connected to India. The evolving position has drawn mixed reactions. Moninder Singh, a religious leader in British Columbia, said that Vancouver police had recently warned him of an imminent threat to his life and that of his family. Meanwhile, members of Sikhs for Justice staged protests on Parliament Hill, criticizing the government’s renewed engagement with India and expressing concern over the Nijjar case. Indian officials have consistently maintained that they are willing to cooperate with Canadian authorities within the framework of the law. India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa, Dinesh Patnaik, has previously emphasized that disagreements should be resolved through dialogue rather than actions that damage the broader relationship. He described recent discussions between the two countries’ national security advisers, including a visit by NSA Ajit Doval to Ottawa, as an important step toward strengthening bilateral security cooperation. Carney’s visit is being viewed as part of Ottawa’s effort to adopt a more pragmatic foreign policy approach and to deepen economic and strategic ties with India. With trade, investment, and security collaboration on the agenda, both sides appear to be seeking a reset after months of diplomatic friction. While the Nijjar case remains before the courts and political sensitivities persist, the latest statements suggest a willingness from both governments to stabilize relations and rebuild trust through sustained engagement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Wednesday conferred with the prestigious Speaker of the Knesset Medal, marking a significant milestone in India-Israel relations. The honour, considered the highest award of Israel’s Parliament, was presented in recognition of Modi’s exceptional contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana presented the medal to the Indian prime minister following his address to the Israeli Parliam

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is expected to travel to Texas on Friday, timing his visit with the final day of early voting and just days before the state’s closely watched Republican primary. The trip, confirmed by a White House official, will take place in Corpus Christi, although specific details about the event have not yet been publicly released. State Representative Stan Gerdes said the announcement prompted him to move a previously scheduled campaign appearance with

Satellite imagery and open-source flight tracking data indicate that the United States has significantly expanded its military presence across Europe and the Middle East as tensions with Iran intensify over Tehran’s nuclear programme. More than 150 American military aircraft have reportedly been repositioned to forward operating bases in what analysts describe as one of the largest regional force deployments in over two decades. The aircraft include heavy cargo planes, aerial refuelling tanker

The highly anticipated wedding celebrations of Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda have officially commenced. The couple, who have kept their pre-wedding events intimate and modern, shared exclusive glimpses of the early festivities on social media, revealing a delightful mix of fun, relaxation, and sophistication. Their celebrations kicked off with a lively poolside party, where close friends joined in to set a cheerful tone for the days ahead. The couple also made sure to capture the mo

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a high-profile visit to India as part of a broader Indo-Pacific tour, in what officials describe as a significant step toward revitalizing bilateral relations that have faced strain in recent years. The visit, scheduled from February 26 to March 7, 2026, will also include stops in Australia and Japan, reflecting Ottawa’s strategic focus on strengthening partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region. Carney’s itinerary begins in Mum

The rich, inviting aroma that greets customers at Dulcinea Panadería Oaxaqueña in downtown San Jose is often enough to draw them in before they even reach the display cases. Inside, visitors are met with an extensive selection of more than 100 varieties of cookies, pastries, breads, and cakes, most prepared fresh each day. The bustling bakery represents years of persistence and reinvention by owner Monse Barrita, whose journey into the food business has been anything but conventional.

Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho” and long regarded by authorities as one of the world’s most dangerous drug cartel leaders, has been killed during a Mexican military operation in the western state of Jalisco, officials confirmed Sunday. According to a statement from Mexico’s Defense Ministry, the CJNG chief was shot while troops attempted to capture him and later died while being transported to Mexico City. Cervantes led the Jalisco New Generati

Microsoft on Friday announced the appointment of Indian-origin executive Asha Sharma as executive vice president and chief executive of its gaming division, marking a significant leadership transition for the Xbox business. The move signals a strategic shift as the company looks to strengthen its position in the competitive gaming industry and sharpen its focus on core console experiences. Sharma will succeed long-time Xbox head Phil Spencer, who is retiring after an extensive 38-year tenure

President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that the United States will contribute $10 billion to the newly formed Board of Peace, a central element of his 20-point plan aimed at stabilising and rebuilding Gaza. Speaking at the board’s inaugural meeting in Washington, Trump told representatives from nearly 50 countries that the United States intended to play a leading financial role in the initiative, though questions remain about how the funding will be sourced amid the administration’s