World News

US continuing jobless claims drop to lowest in almost two years

Continuing claims, a proxy for the number of people receiving benefits, fell by 32,000 to 1.819 million in the week ended March 14, the lowest since May 2024

Iran war is pushing consumers to break up with fossil fuels

A shortage of cooking oil in India is driving a run on electric stoves. From Germany to Nigeria, interest in rooftop solar is surging. And in the UK, some homeowners are taking the plunge on expensive heat pumps.

Gold declines as Trump threatens Iran with military escalation

Bullion fell as much as 2.1% to dip below $4,420 an ounce before paring some losses

'Man had a great deal of blood on his hands': Netanyahu after Israel claims killing of IRGC Navy chief

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the IRGC Navy commander was killed in a recent strike, marking a potential escalation in tensions, though Iran has not confirmed the development.

Pakistan confirms it is relaying messages between US and Iran, but doubts mount over its influence

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar said that indirect talks are currently underway, with Pakistan facilitating the exchange of sensitive messages between Washington and Tehran

A war with no exit? How clashing demands are blocking any path to US-Iran peace talks

Despite renewed signals from President Donald Trump that talks are back on the table, officials and analysts say the gap between Washington and Tehran remains too wide for any immediate breakthrough.

‘Injection for pedophiles’: Iran embassy post sparks fresh speculation around Trump’s war and Epstein files

Notably, the US and Israeli strikes on Iran began just days after fresh disclosures in the Jeffrey Epstein files started dominating global headlines, triggering political backlash and renewed scrutiny.

‘Don’t want third world ceremony’ remark by US lawmaker Brandon Gill triggers backlash over Chhath Puja in Texas

US Congressman Brandon Gill sparked outrage after criticising Chhath Puja celebrations in Texas, triggering online backlash, accusations of hypocrisy, and renewed debate over rising anti-Indian sentiment in the United States.

Running out of firepower? US weighs diverting Ukraine weapons to Middle East as Iran war costs hit $2 billion a day

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has drawn attention to the widening gap in resource allocation. He noted that US-backed forces in the Middle East used more than 800 Patriot interceptor missiles in just three days.

‘Five Nights at Epstein’s’ game goes viral at US school campuses

Five Nights at Epstein’s is sweeping through classrooms across the country — from Utah to North Carolina — supercharged by videos on social media that show young boys and girls playing in class

A NATO ally prepared to fight US amid Trump's Iran war: Is America becoming a superpower without support?

From dissent within President Donald Trump’s own political base to quiet resistance from NATO partners, the signs of strain are becoming harder to ignore.

US-Iran war: Indian among two killed in Abu Dhabi as intercepted Iranian missile debris falls on civilians

An Indian and a Pakistani national were killed and three others injured in Abu Dhabi after debris from an intercepted missile fell, as the West Asia conflict raises growing civilian risks.

How AI boom is reshaping global chip industry

Surging demand for artificial intelligence has pushed semiconductor companies to the centre of global markets, driving valuations, revenues and competition to new highs

Why NATO chief Mark Rutte is facing backlash over backing Iran war

His public support for the US-Israel offensive has exposed deep tensions inside NATO, with critics warning he may be prioritising Washington over alliance unity.

US-Iran talks explained: What’s on the table, why the war isn’t ending yet

Even as Washington explores a diplomatic exit, military pressure, oil disruption and conflicting demands from Iran and Israel are making a quick deal look unlikely.

How Trump is being briefed on Iran war, and why it’s raising questions

Daily video montages showing US strikes are part of the briefing process, but some officials worry they don’t reflect the full picture.

What a Republican loss in Trump’s own district could signal for midterms

A surprise win for Democrats in a Florida seat linked to Donald Trump is adding to a broader pattern that both parties are watching closely

A peacemaker with too many fires to fight: Why Pakistan’s Iran mediation bid is being undermined by its own war next door

Pakistan retains certain advantages. It has access, geography and a willingness to engage. But these strengths are increasingly overshadowed by its internal and regional challenges.

The rise of America’s quiet rich: Why multimillionaires are reshaping US economy

They’re not billionaires and rarely make headlines, but a fast-growing class of ultra-rich households is quietly driving spending, markets and inequality across the US.

Donald Trump says US 'needs nothing from NATO'

"NATO nations have done absolutely nothing to help with the lunatic nation, now militarily decimated, of Iran," Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

Iran rakes in millions of dollars as Strait of Hormuz crisis lifts oil revenues

Iran is also bringing in extra income by charging transit fees of as much as $2 million on some commercial ships crossing the strait.

Trump says Iran 'begging' for deal, warns of consequences: 'There is no turning back'

Trump, whose daily statements have swung wildly from threatening to conciliatory, said talks to end the war were ongoing with Iran, but that officials in Tehran were covering them up out of fear.

OpenAI indefinitely pauses plans to release erotic chatbot: Report

Employees and investors have raised concerns about the effect of sexualized AI content on society, the report said

From WFH to fuel curbs: How Iran war is pushing Asia back to Covid-era measures and where India stands

With the Strait of Hormuz disrupted, a route that handles a large share of global crude flows, Asian economies that depend heavily on imported oil are feeling the squeeze.

Mediator or self-promoter? Pakistan claims Israel dropped Iran’s top leaders from hit list after its intervention

Earlier, The Wall Street Journal reported that Araghchi and Qalibaf had been temporarily removed from Israel’s target list for four to five days as efforts to explore possible peace talks gained traction.

Asia braces for worst-case oil scenario as Iran war drags on

PM Modi warned the war could cause unprecedented challenges for the nation

Israel took Iran's Araqchi, Qalibaf off hit list on Pakistan request, Pakistani source says

The Wall Street Journal first reported that the two top Iranian officials had been temporarily removed from Israel's list of officials to eliminate as they explore possible peace talks

Amid war fears, China urges US, Iran to begin 'meaningful' peace talks

Earlier in the week, Iran denied that it had engaged in negotiations with the US.

One crisis, two chokepoints: Iran eyes Bab el-Mandeb. Why it matters more than ever amid Hormuz disruption?

The development is significant because it suggests Iran is willing to expand the conflict geographically and economically, potentially disrupting not one but two of the world’s most vital maritime corridors.

Iran Navy chief Alireza Tangsiri killed in Israeli strike near Strait of Hormuz: Report

The strike, reported near the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, marks a significant escalation given Tangsiri’s central role in overseeing Iran’s naval operations.

Markets can’t relax even if the Iran war ends tomorrow; ex-Goldman Sachs CEO explains why

Lloyd Blankfein warns Iran war damage will linger even if it ends soon, flags energy market stress and calls for cautious investing.

US Postal Service to impose 8% surcharge on packages amid fuel cost surge during West Asia conflict

US Postal Service defended the decision, citing rising transportation expenses and pointing to similar actions by competitors.

Iran's missile blitz cripples US bases, triggers shift to remote warfare in Middle East

Fighter pilots and air crews continue missions from operational airfields, but land-based units have had to adapt to less secure, makeshift setups, the New York Times said

'Necessary to discipline enemy': After Strait of Hormuz, Iran threatens to block Bab al-Mandab Strait if war escalates

The Houthis in Yemen have been on high alert since the US-Israel war with Iran started on February 28.

OPINION | Indian defence firms have a big opportunity in Europe’s rearmament drive

Military consumables present a market opportunity. Government needs to play its part by ringfencing India’s defence equipment supply ties with Russia to instill confidence amongst Europeans

Meta rolls out rich stock options for top executives just hours after 700 layoffs

Meta lays off 700 employees across teams including Reality Labs, even as it rolls out stock incentives worth up to $921 million for top executives.

Iran plans law to impose tolls on Strait of Hormuz transit

Lawmakers say the proposal treats the Strait of Hormuz like other global trade corridors, where transit duties are commonly imposed

Western intel claims Russia 'secretly' sending weapons to Iran amid war with US

If confirmed, the latest shipments would mark the first instance of Russia providing lethal military support to Iran since the current conflict escalated.

Pete Hegseth prays for ‘overwhelming violence’ against ‘those who deserve no mercy’ at first Pentagon Christian service

At the service, held amid the ongoing Iran war, Hegseth prayed for Almighty God to “pour out your wrath” and to “break the teeth of the ungodly.”

Between war and talks: Security teams likely to visit Islamabad amid uncertainty over US-Iran talks

The visiting delegations are scheduled to receive detailed briefings on the overall security plan from Pakistani officials. They will also hold meetings with local law enforcement agencies and intelligence officials.

'Had to cut out the cancer': Trump says, 'the cancer was Iran with nuclear weapon'

Trump also claimed that a large-scale Iranian missile attack had been intercepted by US defence systems.

White House X handle hacked? Video sparks speculations amid Iran-US war

The concerns surfaced at a time of heightened global tensions, particularly amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, leading to increased alertness among law enforcement agencies over potential security threats.

Khalistani terror groups to face crackdown as Canada passes Combatting Hate Act

The new law introduces criminal penalties for the public display of symbols linked to listed terrorist organisations and for acts that promote hatred against identifiable groups.

Iran mines, militarises Kharg Island as US considers strategic takeover

The island has seen increased military movement in recent weeks as Tehran prepares for a potential escalation.

'Don't send your children to hell': Iran responds to Washington's 'Trump will unleash hell' warning

Will level Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground, warns Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps

Maduro’s life behind bars: Son paints upbeat picture, lawyers describe ‘hell on earth’

Maduro and Flores are scheduled to appear in court on March 26 for what is expected to be a procedural hearing on the case’s progress.

Trump wants Iran war wrapped up within weeks, shift focus to 'other major geopolitical priorities'

Trump wants Iran war wrapped up within weeks and is preparing to move on to other priorities. Challenges to quick exit remain.

23 killed, several others feared drowned after bus falls into Padma river in Dhaka

The bus was on a ferry and was right in front of a ferry terminal in Daulatdia when it fell into the river.

G7 allies meet against backdrop of wars in Ukraine and Iran, with unpredictable US

The two-day gathering at the restored 12th-century Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay, about 40 km (25 miles) southwest of Paris, brings together ministers from the G7 – Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the U.S. – alongside the European Union.