The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is reportedly working to arm Kurdish militias to trigger an uprising in Iran. KDPI are among the Kurdish militias being targeted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) of Iran, with dozens of drones to curb any popular uprising. The ground operation is likely to be launched in western Iran within the next couple of days, a senior Kurdish official said. Last year, the US built a $796 million consulate in Irbil, the capital of the semiautonomous Kurdish region, to strengthen ties with the Kurds. In 2017 again, Israel backed the Kurdish independence referendum in Iraq, but when neighbouring powers pushed back, Israel did not intervene.

And yet, a lifetime ago, it was oil that brought Israel and Iran together to set up a joint venture in secret. At the same time, sellers of oil such as Iran, too, needed a different route: the Suez Canal remained shut till 1975. The secret pipelineThe Suez Canal’s closure led to a joint-venture between Israel and Iran in 1968 that would connect the Red Sea port of Eilat and the Mediterranean port of Ashkelon. But the 42-inch-wide and 254-kilometre-long Eilat Ashkelon Pipeline did not evade detection. The pipeline connects the Red Sea port of Eilat and the Mediterranean port of Ashkelon.

Qatar has also shut down LNG production at the world’s largest export facility after it was targeted in an Iranian drone strike. QatarEnergy too has served a force majeure notice for inability to serve its buyer - Petronet LNG - due to hostilities in the region. "Acts of war are also excluded under Business Interruption Insurance covers taken by Petronet LNG," it said. "A line of confirmation about continuity of gas supply to the city gas sector during the crisis period will be helpful," it added. The fuel is used for fertiliser production, power generation, and as feedstock for city gas entities.

CHENNAI: Technical education must continuously adapt to rapid changes in industry and technology, Dr Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF), said at the ThinkEdu Conclave 2026 on Tuesday. He was speaking at a session titled ‘Today’s Tech Ed: Tracking Change’ on Day 2 of the conclave. The session was chaired by Philip Praveen, Dean of Placements and Training at Rajalakshmi Engineering College. Responding to a question on reforms required in engineering education, Sahasrabudhe observed that universities once revised syllabi every four to five years. This, he said, is critical for students entering the job market, as innovations can reshape required skills even before they graduate.

Indian passengers who returned from Dubai said operations were smooth as the United Arab Emirates partially reopened its airspace amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Many travelers described the atmosphere at airports as calm and well-managed, with authorities ensuring minimal disruption. Flights resumed in phases after temporary suspensions, allowing stranded passengers to make their way home. They noted that safety measures were visible but not alarming, and daily life appeared largely unaffected. Meanwhile, airlines are coordinating with officials to maintain schedules and assist passengers, reflecting cautious optimism as stability gradually returns to the region.

That is why people chose to work in the factory.”Of the 16 women who died, some were single mothers and sole breadwinners. An eight-hour shift meant they could return home to cook, clean and care for their families, and, if needed, earn extra through overtime. “Many women chose to work there because it was an eight-hour shift. Alongside her factory job, she took up additional household work to support the family. With the family facing financial strain, she began working at the factory over a year ago to supplement the household income.

Iran's judiciary chief on Wednesday threatened "those who say or do anything" in support of the US-Israeli airstrike campaign now targeting the Islamic Republic. Gholam Hosseini Mohseni Ejehei made the comments in an interview with Iranian state television. ADVERTISEMENTHis remarks raised the possibility of those detained facing death-penalty charges, as cooperating with an enemy can carry execution if convicted. "As we said during the unrest, riot cases are a priority," Ejehei said, referring to January's nationwide protests that Iran violently suppressed. "We have now also announced that those who cooperate with the enemy in any way will be considered an enemy."

Reports suggested that Ayatollah Khamenei's second-oldest son, Mojtaba Khamenei, took over as Iran's next Supreme Leader after his brutal killing in a joint strike by the United States and Israel. Reports began circulating after Israeli Media claimed that Mojtaba has been chosen as the successor to his father and will take over as Supreme Leader. Senior officials told Israeli Media that the Assembly is expected to formally announce Mojtaba Khamenei as successor in the coming hours. Israeli Media described Mojtaba as having a more hard-line position than his father and being behind the violent crackdowns on protesters in Iran. He was designated to represent the then Supreme Leader in an official capacity despite never being elected or appointed to a government position.

Markets in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Southeast Asia also posted sharp declines across multi-day sessions. Japan’s Nikkei 225 traded 2.3% to 4% lower in different sessions, reflecting rapid intraday swings reported by Livemint, BBC and Reuters. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index fell as much as 2%, extending losses from the previous day, Livemint reported. AI-generated illustrationThe Strait of Hormuz, through which around a fifth of the world’s oil and gas normally flows, saw near-complete disruption, BBC reported. BBC quoted Trump saying the US Navy would protect ships in the region "if necessary" to stop an energy supply crunch.

Since then, various cities have experimented with having similar tomato events across India. Under Francisco Franco's dictatorship, the festival was banned, but local resistance and symbolic protest led to its resumption. 4 10 The Tomatina sequence in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara romanticised the festival for Indian audiences. A major factor behind India’s fascination with La Tomatina was the 2011 Bollywood film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. The Tomatina sequence romanticised the festival for Indian audiences.

After the reported killing of Ali Khamenei, Israel warned that any successor would be a target. As Iran prepares state funeral rites, speculation grows over Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei amid conflicting reports about the Assembly of Experts and rising regional tensions. The statement came even before funeral ceremonies began for Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in joint US-Israeli strikes over the weekend. Israeli media outlets have suggested that his son, Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, may be poised to assume leadership. Senior Israeli officials reportedly believe an announcement from Iran’s Assembly of Experts could come soon.

Reportedly, Israel's F-35I Adir jet has shot down an Iranian Yak-130 fighter jet over Tehran, marking the first time an F-35 has downed a manned fighter jet. Israeli forces have expanded their attack on Iran, claiming that its fighter jets shot down an Iranian jet over Tehran. Israel shot down Iranian fighter jetReportedly, Israel's F-35I Adir jet has shot down an Iranian Yak-130 fighter jet over Tehran, marking the first time an F-35 has downed a manned fighter jet. This escalation comes as Israel continues to target Iranian and Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, with the death toll surpassing 800 in Iran. The heaviest losses so far have been faced by Iran, as the death toll is expected to have risen beyond 800.

The frigate, IRIS Dena, was on its return voyage to Iran after attending the naval engagements hosted by India when it reported an emergency at sea around dawn. The frigate, IRIS Dena, was on its return voyage to Iran after attending the naval engagements hosted by India when it reported an emergency at sea around dawn. The Sri Lankan navy recovered the bodies of 87 sailors from waters near the southern city of Galle, but 61 remained missing, police and defence officials said. “Yesterday, in the Indian Ocean, an American submarine sank an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters. Responding to the alert, the Sri Lanka Navy dispatched ships and aircraft, while the Sri Lanka Air Force joined the rescue effort to evacuate sailors from the vessel.

A 43-year-old homemaker who had consumed pesticide after finding that her name was listed as “under adjudication” in the preliminary “final” electoral roll died at the Malda Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) on Monday evening. The final roll had been published by the Election Commission on Saturday. “After discovering that her name was still under adjudication, she broke down and consumed poison on Sunday,” the relative alleged. The BJP has unfortunately influenced the EC,” Hossain said while visiting the victim’s home. However, all those who were summoned for hearings have been marked under adjudication in the final electoral roll,” he said.

Tens of thousands of airline passengers remain stranded as the Iran war spreads across the Gulf region, disrupting major flight routes and forcing widespread cancellations. Amid the escalating tensions, governments and airlines have been working urgently to evacuate citizens from affected areas. In a significant relief effort, an IndiGo special flight from Jeddah brought back around 200 Indian nationals on Tuesday night. The flight landed in Ahmedabad at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport late at night, offering much-needed reassurance to anxious families awaiting their loved ones. Authorities have indicated that additional relief flights may be arranged depending on the evolving situation in the Gulf region.