- Middle East
Israeli soldier’s photo smashing Jesus statue in Lebanon goes viral
Beirut: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed the authenticity of a viral image showing an Israeli soldier smashing a statue of Jesus Christ with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon, triggering widespread…
- Middle East
Trump ‘screamed at aides’, kept out of the room after jet downed in Iran: WSJ
A US F-15 fighter jet shot down over Iran triggered turmoil inside the White House, with Donald Trump having “screamed at aides for hours” before being kept out of the room during…
- Middle East
Iran says no plans for US talks as tensions rise after Hormuz incident
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said there are currently no plans for a second round of negotiations with the United States. Baghaei said on Monday, April 20, that Washington had demonstrated…
- Middle East
Iran says it hit US ships after American forces seize ship near Hormuz
Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated on Monday, April 20, as Tehran said it launched drone attacks on US military vessels after American forces seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship near…
- Middle East
US officials to visit Pak on Mon, Trump says Iran could be ‘blown up’ if no deal
The United States (US) will send a delegation to Pakistan on Monday, April 20, for a second round of negotiations with Iran, as President Donald Trump warned of severe consequences if Tehran…
- Middle East
Watch: Kaaba’s Kiswah raised ahead of Haj 2026
Makkah: As part of the preparations for the 1447 AH (2026) Haj season, authorities in Makkah have raised the lower portion of the Kiswah — the black silk covering of the Kaaba…
- Middle East
US–Iran ceasefire deadline looms amid rising tensions
The ceasefire between the United States (US) and Iran, which began on Wednesday, April 8, is set to expire on Wesnesday, April 22, with no indication of an extension. Donald Trump has…
- India
Telangana pilgrims among 250 Indians stranded in Kuwait for Haj
Hyderabad: More than 250 Indian pilgrims selected for Haj 2026 are stranded in Kuwait amid travel disruptions, prompting urgent appeals for government intervention. A large number of those affected are from Telangana,…
- Middle East
Iran war: Trump calls Israel ‘great ally’, ‘knows how to win’
As the Middle East entered the 12th day of a US–Iran ceasefire and the third day of a truce between Israel and Lebanon on Sunday, April 19, President Donald Trump described Israel…
- Middle East
UNICEF ‘outraged’ over killing of water truck drivers in Gaza
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the killing of two drivers contracted to deliver clean water in the Gaza Strip, describing the incident as a grave violation and halting its…
- Middle East
India summons Iran envoy after firing on Indian-flagged ships in Strait of Hormuz
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday, April 18, summoned Iran’s ambassador to India, Dr Mohammad Fathali, to lodge a formal protest after two Indian-flagged tankers were fired upon near the…
- Middle East
Trump says he may not extend Iran ceasefire if no deal is reached
The ceasefire between the United States (US) and Iran entered its eleventh day on Saturday, April 18, with President Donald Trump warning that the truce may not be extended if negotiations fail…
- Middle East
Dubai-based Indian Atiqa Mir becomes world’s top-ranked female kart racer
Dubai-based Indian driver Atiqa Mir, originally from Jammu and Kashmir, has emerged as the world’s highest-ranked female kart racer in the latest FIA International Kart Ranking (IKR), marking a key milestone in…
- Middle East
Iran opens Strait of Hormuz, Trump says blockade remains
Iran on Friday, April 17, said the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open” to all vessels following the Lebanon ceasefire, signalling a shift towards easing regional tensions. In a post on X,…
- India
Haj 2026: Over 1.75 lakh Indian pilgrims to depart in batches from April 18
Hyderabad: The Haj pilgrimage for 2026 will commence on April 18, with over 1.75 lakh Indian pilgrims set to depart in batches for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) from multiple embarkation…
