Iran is reportedly nearing a deal with China to purchase CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles, capable of sinking aircraft carriers, amid escalating US military pressure in the Middle East. The CM-302 has a 290-kilometre range, flies low and fast to evade shipborne defences, and can be mounted on ships, aircraft or ground vehicles. Negotiations accelerated following last year's 12-day Israel-Iran war. Iran is also in talks to acquire Chinese surface-to-air missiles, MANPADS, anti-ballistic and anti-satellite weapons. Experts warn the deal would be a "complete gamechanger" for Iranian strike capabilities. The transfer would defy a reinstated UN weapons embargo and significantly deepen China-Iran military ties against US interests. (PC: AFP & NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivering the keynote address at News18's Rising Bharat Summit, said developed nations worldwide are actively seeking trade agreements with India, reflecting the country's growing economic confidence and global stature. He credited 11 years of governance with helping India shed its colonial mindset and rediscover its inherent strengths. Modi highlighted macroeconomic achievements including controlled inflation, a strengthened banking system and India becoming the world's growth engine. He pointed to the JAM trinity of Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile enabling Rs 24 lakh crore in direct benefit transfers. India's transformation from a technology consumer to a global digital leader was also underscored as a key driver of international interest.

Afghanistan's Taliban-led military claimed its Air Force and drones carried out retaliatory strikes on Pakistani military targets, including sites near Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Nowshera, Jamrud and Abbottabad roughly 200 kilometres from the Durand Line. The strikes were described as retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes on Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia that allegedly killed civilians. Pakistan has not officially confirmed aerial bombardment on its territory. The Taliban's Air Force remains severely under-resourced, inheriting limited equipment post-2021 US withdrawal with no advanced fighter jets. Taliban's repeated reference to Pakistan as a "military regime" deliberately delegitimises its civilian leadership. Independent verification of the scale, casualties and actual impact of Afghan aerial operations remains unavailable. (PC: AP/Rahmatulla)

A video circulating on social media claims that General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon of the Pakistan Air Force was shot down by Afghan forces amid escalating border clashes with Afghanistan, showing wreckage with Pakistani markings and serial number “85510.” � However, the authenticity of the footage and claim remains unverified by credible international news outlets. Analyses suggest the shape and size of the wreckage don’t match an F‑16, and independent verification is lacking. Pakistan has confirmed conducting airstrikes on militants but denies that any of its aircraft were lost. Experts say the viral clip may be misleading or manipulated, underscoring the role of misinformation amid rising tensions between the neighbours. 

Telangana’s monthly expenditure on salaries and pensions has risen sharply to nearly ₹6,000 crore, according to a report by NDTV. The surge follows multiple pay revisions and dearness allowance hikes since the state’s formation in 2014. Senior sanitation workers in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation are reportedly earning up to ₹2 lakh per month, while top engineers in state-run power utilities draw salaries of up to ₹7 lakh monthly. The steep rise in fixed costs has triggered debate over the state’s fiscal sustainability and long-term financial planning. (PC: NDTV)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) will begin on March 28, 2026, with the final scheduled for May 31, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo. The tournament’s start date has been pushed back by two days from the initially proposed March 26 window. The IPL Governing Council is expected to meet soon to finalise the complete schedule and confirm venues. The delay in announcing fixtures is reportedly linked to upcoming assembly elections in multiple states. Further clarity is also awaited on the venue for the opening match and playoff games. (PC: Getty Images)

India and Israel have agreed to elevate their long-standing “time-tested” relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership, reaffirming deep trust and shared democratic values during Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel. The two leaders announced plans to soon finalise a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to expand economic cooperation, alongside boosting collaboration in defence, technology, digital payments (including UPI use in Israel), critical minerals and innovation. Talks also covered regional stability and counterterrorism cooperation. This marks a significant strengthening of bilateral ties, expected to enhance trade and strategic engagement. (PC: ANI)

Afghan forces opened fire on multiple Pakistani military posts along the disputed Durand Line, triggering a fierce two-hour exchange of gunfire between the two sides. Security officials said heavy weapons were used during the clash, raising tensions in an already volatile border region. Pakistan’s military stated it responded “effectively” to what it called unprovoked firing, while Afghan authorities accused Islamabad of earlier aggression. Casualty figures remain unclear, with both sides offering conflicting accounts. The latest confrontation underscores the deepening security crisis between the neighbours, fuelling fears of further escalation and prolonged instability in the region.

A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage after the statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square was defaced with red paint and graffiti. Slogans including “Zionist war criminal”, “Stop the Genocide”, “Free Palestine”, and “Globalise the Intifada” were sprayed on the bronze monument in the early hours of Friday. Metropolitan Police officers arrived within minutes and made an arrest. Heritage wardens cordoned off and began cleaning the statue. Officials condemned the vandalism, noting the landmark has been targeted several times during past protests.

Afghanistan’s Taliban-led authorities say they have launched large-scale offensive attacks against Pakistan’s military positions and installations along the disputed Durand Line border in response to recent Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory. Kabul claims its forces hit multiple posts and inflicted casualties, while Pakistan insists its troops delivered an “immediate and effective response” and inflicted heavy losses on Afghan fighters. Both sides report conflicting casualty figures and accusations of aggression as tensions soar following repeated exchanges of fire and air operations. The violence marks a significant escalation in the long-running security crisis between the two neighbours.