Times of India

Intense fighting grips the Middle East as Iran and the US-Israeli alliance escalate conflict. Tehran faces sustained strikes on military and nuclear sites, retaliating with attacks on regional US assets and Israel. Casualties mount on both sides, with evacuations underway for foreign nationals. The future leadership of Iran remains uncertain amidst the escalating violence.

Banaras' Masaan Holi offers a unique, contemplative celebration with sacred ashes from cremation pyres, unlike the riot of colours elsewhere. Rooted in Shaivite traditions, it symbolizes life's cyclical nature and confronts mortality. While social media has amplified its spectacle, the ritual's profound, existential encounter remains, urging immersion beyond filtered frames.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif alleged Zionists are orchestrating the Iran war to expand Israel's influence towards Pakistan's borders. He claimed Zionism has controlled global economics for a century, influencing every catastrophe in the Islamic world. Asif also stated Afghanistan, Iran, and India share an agenda of enmity towards Pakistan, urging citizens to recognize this conspiracy

Stock market crash today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex crashed in trade on Wednesday on rising Middle East tensions and escalating US-Israel-Iran war. While Nifty50 went below 24,350 in intraday trade, BSE Sensex went below 78,500.

Israeli air strikes have targeted several areas in Lebanon, including towns south of Beirut and a residential building in Baalbek, resulting in civilian casualties. Hezbollah, in turn, launched missiles at Israel's Haifa naval base. The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for residents in southern Lebanon

Hoteliers in Kullu Valley are anxiously monitoring the ongoing conflict, fearing a significant drop in Israeli tourist arrivals this summer. These visitors are crucial to the region's hospitality industry, and a prolonged war could lead to substantial economic losses. Currently, very few Israelis are present in the Kullu and Kangra districts.

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green expressed excitement after being name-dropped by the popular Korean girl group Blackpink. It was in their new song "Me and My." Green, a four-time NBA champion, views the K-Pop mention as a significant validation of his global influence and popularity. He plans to listen to the song with his daughters, who are fans of K-Pop.

Newlyweds Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are radiating post-wedding bliss, recently spotted in traditional attire after their Udaipur nuptials. The couple has been actively participating in post-wedding rituals, including a housewarming ceremony and a visit to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams temple. Their grand Hyderabad reception is scheduled for March 4, promising more celebratory moments.

Holi 2026 is here, falling on Wednesday, March 4th, promising a mid-week celebration of colors. The article provides a comprehensive guide to Holi wishes, messages, quotes, and status updates tailored for family, friends, and colleagues, ensuring everyone can share the festive spirit.

Families in Delhi are celebrating Holi and Eid with renewed joy after reuniting with relatives who returned from West Asia amid escalating tensions. Passengers arriving at IGI Airport expressed relief at being back in India, emphasizing the safety of their homeland after experiencing a tense but manageable situation abroad.

Iran's Assembly of Experts is reportedly deliberating on Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the Supreme Leader, as his successor, with the IRGC pushing for his appointment. While Mojtaba is the front-runner, some clerics express reservations due to potential targeting by the US and Israel. The selection process is ongoing amid heightened tensions.

Delhi is set for a significant warm-up, with temperatures expected to climb from 34°C on Holi to 36°C by March 8. Clear skies and prolonged sunshine are driving this rise, as the city experiences a lack of western disturbances. Expect daytime temperatures to remain appreciably above normal for the next week.

Madeline Ross, sister of streamer Adin Ross, died on January 15 in Broward County, Florida, at age 36. The Broward County Medical Examiner confirmed the news to TMZ. The cause of death is still pending. Madeline lived a private life. Adin Ross remains one of the world’s most followed streamers despite past controversies.

Mohammad Amir has criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board's reported PKR 50 lakh fine on players after their T20 World Cup exit. He argued that selectors and administrators should also be held accountable for poor team selections and performance, suggesting dropping underperforming players instead of fining them.

Abhishek Sharma's batting form is a concern for India's T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal clash against England. Former cricketers Manoj Tiwary and Irfan Pathan have pointed out issues with his approach and technique. Sharma has struggled for consistency in the tournament. He needs to improve his performance to help India win matches.

Hit By Higher Freight, Longer Sail Times | Fear Wastage, Plan To Offload Stocks At Discounts

Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi criticized PM Modi's government for its "silence" on the attack on Iran, calling it a "tacit endorsement." They questioned India's foreign policy direction and its standing in the world, especially concerning the "Global South," urging a return to India's core values of sovereignty and peace.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has signaled a strategic shift in India's export policy, moving from cost competitiveness to quality-driven growth. He urged industries to scale up research, adopt global standards, and align with emerging supply chains to become a trusted manufacturing partner in a reshaped global trade landscape.

India expresses deep anxiety over the escalating West Asia conflict, highlighting the critical stakes for nearly one crore Indian nationals in the Gulf and the potential economic repercussions. The Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned attacks on merchant shipping, noting the loss of Indian lives and emphasizing the need for restraint and dialogue.