File photo: US President Donald Trump (Picture credit: AP)

US President Donald Trump has said he is “not happy” with Iran but still wants to reach a deal, even as Washington continues its major military build-up in the Middle East.Speaking to reporters, Trump said more talks with Iran are expected on Friday. “Not happy with Iran but more talks expected Friday,” he said, according to Reuters.He made clear that his core demand remains unchanged: “Iran cannot have nuclear weapons.”

‘Don’t want to, but sometimes you have to’

When asked directly whether he would use military force against Iran, Trump signalled reluctance but did not rule it out.“Don’t want to, but sometimes you have to,” he said.The remarks come amid rising tensions following the latest round of nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Geneva. While Oman-mediated talks have reportedly made some progress, no agreement has yet been announced.Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if Iran refuses to agree to a far-reaching deal curbing its nuclear programme. Iran insists it has the right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes and denies seeking a nuclear weapon.

Diplomacy continues amid military build-up

Despite the tough rhetoric, diplomatic channels remain open.US secretary of state Marco Rubio will travel to Israel on Monday and Tuesday to discuss “a range of regional priorities including Iran, Lebanon, and ongoing efforts to implement President Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan for Gaza,” the state department said.The visit comes as the US gathers significant military assets in the region. One aircraft carrier is already deployed in the Middle East and another is heading there, alongside additional aircraft and warships.Iran has warned it would retaliate against American forces in the region, including those stationed at US bases in allied Arab countries, if it comes under attack.

Embassy departures and travel warnings

The US Embassy in Jerusalem has authorised the voluntary departure of non-essential personnel and their families. In an email cited by news agency AP, US Ambassador Mike Huckabee urged staff who wished to leave to do so immediately.“Those wishing to take AD should do so TODAY,” Huckabee wrote, referring to “authorised departure”.The email warned that while outbound flights might continue for several days, “there may not be”.Other countries have taken similar precautions. Britain has temporarily withdrawn its embassy staff from Iran, with the embassy continuing to operate remotely. Australia has directed dependents of its officials in Israel to leave, while China and several European nations have advised citizens to avoid travel to Iran.

Nuclear concerns and stalled access

Meanwhile, a confidential report from the UN’s nuclear watchdog, seen by AP, said Iran has not granted inspectors access to sensitive nuclear sites since they were heavily bombed during a 12-day conflict launched by Israel last June.As a result, the agency said it could not verify Iran’s claim that it halted uranium enrichment following US and Israeli strikes.Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday that “what needs to happen has been clearly spelled out from our side,” without elaborating. Tehran has long demanded relief from sanctions in exchange for limits — but not a full halt — to its nuclear activities.Technical discussions are scheduled to take place in Vienna next week. US vice president JD Vance was also expected to meet Oman’s foreign minister Badr al-Busaidi in Washington, as Muscat continues to mediate between the two sides.

Former US President Bill Clinton released his opening statements as he testified before Congress on his alleged linked to convicted sexual offender to Jeffrey Epstein, insisting he “did nothing wrong.”He claimed that he saw no signs of wrongdoing and would cut-offif he knew.The former Democratic president opened the deposition with a statement, shared on social media, that stated, “I saw nothing and did nothing wrong.” In his statement he also said, “I had no idea of the crimes Epstein was committing. No matter how many photos you show me, I have two things that at the end of the day matter more than your interpretation of those 20-year-old photos. I know what I saw, and more importantly, what I didn’t see. I know what I did, and more importantly, what I didn’t do.”Further defending himself he added, “As someone who grew up in a home with domestic abuse, not only would I not have flown on his plane if I had any inkling of what he was doing—I would have turned him in myself and led the call for justice for his crimes, not sweetheart deals.”Further clarifying his association and insisting he cut-off ties before Epstein’s record became public he said, “Even with 20/20 hindsight, I saw nothing that ever gave me pause. We are only here because he hid it from everyone so well for so long. And by the time it came to light with his 2008 guilty plea, I had long stopped associating with him.”“You’ll often hear me say that I don’t recall. That might be unsatisfying. But I’m not going to say something I’m not sure of. This was all a long time ago. And I am bound by my oath not to speculate, or to guess. This is not merely for my benefit, but because it doesn’t help you for me to play detective 24 years later,” he added.Clinton also said democracy depends on everyone doing their part and expressed hope that his testimony could help move the country toward civil discourse, where truth and justice take priority over partisan spectacle. He also emphasised that the victims of Jeffrey Epstein deserve both justice and healing and said he was sharing what he knows to help prevent such crimes in the future.BA day before the former president’s testimony, is wife former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also testified, insisting that she had “no idea about their criminal activities” and described herself as “horrified by what we have learned about their crimes”. She acknowledged knowing Maxwell “casually, as an acquaintance”, including at events linked to the Clinton Foundation, and said Maxwell attended her daughter’s wedding as someone else’s guest.

NEW DELHI: The Centre has decided to “temporarily discontinue” the fortification of rice distributed under the free foodgrain scheme (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes, following a comprehensive review of its implementation and effectiveness.The decision was taken on Friday after a study conducted by IIT-Kharagpur, which assessed the shelf life of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) and Fortified Rice (FR) under real storage conditions across diverse agro-climatic zones in the country. The study found that key factors such as moisture content, temperature, relative humidity, storage conditions and packaging materials “critically” affect the stability of fortified rice.As per an official release, the study concluded that FRK and FR are “susceptible to micronutrient reduction and shortening of shelf life during prolonged storage and routine handling. This reduction is rendering the effective shelf life shorter than expected and, in turn, limiting the intended nutritional outcomes”.The food ministry took note that rice procured for distribution often remains in storage for 2-3 years due to high buffer stocks. Against an annual allocation of 372 lakh tonnes under PMGKAY and other welfare schemes, total availability in the central pool is projected at 674 lakh tonnes, including expected receipts from the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2025–26. The extended storage duration has emerged as a key challenge in maintaining micronutrient stability.“In view of these findings, it has been decided to temporarily discontinue fortification of rice until a more robust and effective nutrient delivery mechanism is developed and operationalised,” the ministry said.It also said govt that the move will not lead to any reduction in foodgrain entitlements for beneficiaries.In his address from Red Fort on Aug 15, 2021, PM Narendra Modi had announced the mandatory fortification of rice distributed through govt schemes, including PDS and PM POSHAN, by 2024 to combat malnutrition. This initiative was aimed to supply iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12-enriched rice to vulnerable populations nationwide.

Mumbai: The state govt on Friday suspended Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) member secretary M Devender Singh pending disciplinary proceedings. Panel Speaker Dilip Lande had on Thursday directed that Singh be suspended after environment minister Pankaja Munde said in the legislative assembly that the officer had not shown up for her ministerial briefings despite several reminders. BJP MLA Sudhir Mungatiwar demanded that this kind of insubordination by officials was a murder of democracy and such officials must be suspended. Mungatiwar also said the Speaker must move a breach of privilege motion against Singh suo motu. Singh is an IAS officer of the 2011 batch.Following the discussion, Lande directed that such officials must be suspended and the govt must inform the assembly about the action taken. “Nothing can be more serious than this. This is nothing but cold-blooded murder of democracy… if officers are not showing up for briefing the minister. Such officials therefore must be suspended. Their names must be taken and a breach of privilege should be moved against them suo motu. Pankaja Munde is a cabinet minister. A message must be given to all officers and this message should serve for the next 100 years,” Mungantiwar said.Munde had said while replying to a query in the legislative assembly that the officer had not turned up for the briefing and reportedly told her that he would not come for the meeting.“Whereas disciplinary proceeding against M Devender Singh, Member Secretary, MPCB is contemplated. Now, therefore, government of Maharashtra in exercise of powers conferred by clause (a) of sub-rule (i) of rule 3 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, hereby places M Devender Singh, Member Secretary, MPCB under suspension with immediate effect,” stated the state govt’s suspension order.“Minister Pankaja Munde said an IAS officer says he would not attend the briefing. The panel Speaker thereafter ordered his suspension on Thursday. Accordingly, such an action should be taken within 24 hours. This incident happened on Thursday and he was suspended on Friday. In future, this officer should be put in jail. Saying I will not come to give a briefing to the minister is an insult to the Constitution. Punish that officer because this is a provision in the Constitution. Some officers have gone a step further; 75% of the district collectors are arrogant, and say MLAs keep changing, we will remain. They must give respect and take respect,” Mungantiwar said.

Actors Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna tied the knot on Thursday in an intimate ceremony in Udaipur, but their fans are already likening the photos to the stuff of mythological epics.Following the private nuptials, attended by only close family and friends, the newlyweds took to social media to share a handful of photographs from their big day. Rashmika stunned in a traditional red sari paired with classic gold jewellery, while Vijay complemented her in an off-white dhoti, gold jewellery and a red shawl.Both stars penned personalised notes alongside the images, but it was one particular photograph that truly captured the internet’s imagination.

In the now-viral image, Vijay is seen leading his new bride, Rashmika out of the ceremony. The photo features his shawl still tied to her sari, as the couple hold each other’s little fingers and walk on as their guests cheer them on in the background.

Vijay and Rashmika’s wedding pic wins over internet

The dramatic yet stunning photo quickly drew comparisons to mythological love stories. Fans flooded social media with posts that read, “This looks straight outta mythology,” while another shared a side-by-side comparison and wrote, “This is soo Shiv-Parvati coded.” A third commented, “Feels straight out of a Shiv–Parvati love story rooted in devotion, strength and forever kind of commitment.”Others echoed similar sentiments saying, “Rashmika and Vijay got married! Idk they look somewhat like Shiv and Parvati.” Another post read, “Shiv Parvati?!! Ohh yesss… How beautiful, this is something unreal.” One admirer added, “All Shiv-Parvati vibes, I missed a South Indian celebrity wedding like this.”Some even likened the couple’s regal presence to other mythological pairs, with one comment reading, “Looking like Arjuna & Subhadra” while another said that they looked like ‘Ram and Sita’.

Vijay and Rashmika pen notes of love

“Missed her in a way that made me feel like my day would’ve been better if she were around. Like my meals would’ve felt more wholesome if she were sitting across from me. Like my workouts would’ve been more fun and less of a punishment if she were doing them with me. Like I needed her – just to feel that sense of home and calm, no matter where I was. So, I made my best friend… my wife,” Deverakonda captioned the wedding photographs.Mandana, titled the caption as ‘Introducing to you now ‘My Husband!’ and wrote, “Mr. Vijay Deverakonda!! The man who taught me what true love feels like, The man who showed me what being in peace feels like! The man who told me everyday that dreaming big was absolutely ok and constantly telling me I was capable of achieving something much more than what I could possibly think I ever could! …I’ve truly been blessed! Vijju I am always short of words to describe the feelings I have for you!! I’ve always told you that!! But you know suddenly all of my achievements, struggles, happiness, sadness, joy, life – everything just makes a lot more sense now – it is because I have you witnessing it all.. being the biggest part of it all! I am so so so so soooo excited to becoming your wife! to it’s full be your wife! To be called your wife!! party time now!! Let’s have the bestestest life ever together! I love you.(sic)”‘In every lifetime’: Rashmika Mandanna’s emotional bridal veil becomes the most romantic wedding moment

In a move that has sent ripples through the Indian cricketing landscape, former BCCI President and legendary captain Sourav Ganguly has thrown his weight behind Jammu and Kashmir’s pace sensation, Auqib Nabi. As the 2026 Ranji Trophy season reaches its dramatic conclusion, Ganguly’s public endorsement on social media has sparked a massive debate over India’s selection strategy for the upcoming white-ball tour of England in July 2026. With Nabi’s career-defining performance in the domestic circuit, many believe the 29-year-old is finally ready to graduate to the international stage.

Sourav Ganguly pushes for Auqib Nabi’s selection for England tour through social media post

The catalyst for this growing momentum was a heartfelt post by Ganguly, who has never been shy about spotting raw talent. Witnessing Jammu and Kashmir’s historic run to the Ranji Trophy final at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground, ‘Dada’ took to X (formerly Twitter) to urge the national selectors to take notice. In his post, Ganguly highlighted the resilience of the J&K team and specifically pinpointed Nabi as the next big thing for Indian cricket.

“J&K has shown the world what effort and intent can do… They have made that region so proud of them… tough environment makes tough people. Aqib Nabi on his way to national colours. England is the place to start in the summer @bcci, @imAagarkar, @lonsaikia,” Ganguly wrote.

J&K has shown the world what effort and intent can do ..They have made that region so proud of them .. tuff environment makes tuff people. Aqib nabi on his way to national colours .. england is the place to start in the summer @bcci @imAagarkar @lonsaikia

— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) February 27, 2026

By tagging Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, Ganguly made it clear that Nabi’s skill set—marked by a high-arm action and the ability to move the ball both ways—is perfectly suited for English conditions. India is scheduled to play a high-octane white-ball series in England this July, consisting of five T20Is and three ODIs. Ganguly’s endorsement suggests that Nabi could provide the fresh energy and wicket-taking threat India needs in swinging conditions.

Also WATCH: Auqib Nabi removes KL Rahul with peach of a delivery in Ranji Trophy final

Auqib Nabi’s emphatic form in Ranji Trophy 2026

Nabi’s case for selection isn’t just based on reputation; it is backed by an overwhelming statistical mountain. In the 2025-2026 Ranji Trophy edition, Nabi has emerged as the most lethal bowler in the country. He currently sits atop the wicket-taking charts with a staggering 60 wickets in just 10 matches. His efficiency is even more remarkable when looking at the numbers: an average of 12.56 and a strike rate of 28.43.

During the ongoing final against powerhouse Karnataka, Nabi dismantled a star-studded lineup that included KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. His 5/54 in the first innings was instrumental in J&K securing a massive 291-run lead. This performance marked his seventh five-wicket haul of the season, making him only the third pacer in the 92-year history of the Ranji Trophy to breach the 60-wicket mark in a single edition.

As Jammu and Kashmir stands on the cusp of their maiden Ranji title—likely to be decided by their first-innings dominance, Nabi has proven he is a big-match player. Having already secured a lucrative ₹8.40 crore deal with Delhi Capitals for the upcoming IPL, the transition to the national team seems less like a possibility and more like an inevitability.

Also READ: Fans react as Mayank Agarwal hits fighting hundred for Karnataka in Ranji Trophy final against J&K

Foreign direct investment (FDI) into India increased 18 per cent year-on-year to $47.87 billion during April-December 2025-26, with inflows from the United States nearly doubling in the first nine months of the fiscal, government data released on Friday showed.FDI during April-December FY24 had stood at $40.67 billion, PTI reported.In the October-December quarter of 2025-26, FDI equity inflows rose about 17 per cent year-on-year to $12.69 billion. However, they declined over 23 per cent compared with the June-September quarter, when inflows were $16.55 billion.Total FDI, which includes equity inflows, reinvested earnings and other capital, grew 17.4 per cent to $73.31 billion during April-December this fiscal, compared with $62.48 billion in the same period of 2024-25.Inflows from the US increased sharply to $7.8 billion during the latest nine-month period, up from $3.73 billion recorded in April-December 2024-25.Singapore remained the largest source of FDI during the period at $17.65 billion. It was followed by the US, Mauritius at $4.83 billion, Japan at $3.2 billion, the UAE at $2.45 billion, the Netherlands at $2.29 billion, the Cayman Islands at $1.97 million, and Cyprus at $1.4 billion.The US is the third-largest investor in India with cumulative investments of $78.46 billion between April 2000 and December 2025. Singapore leads with $192.53 billion, followed by Mauritius at $185 billion during the same period.Sector-wise, computer software and hardware attracted the highest inflows at $10.7 billion during April-December this fiscal. Services received $8.42 billion and trading $3.36 billion. Non-conventional energy saw inflows of $2.53 billion, construction infrastructure activities $2.1 billion, automobiles $1.82 billion, and chemicals $702 million.Among states, Maharashtra received the highest inflow of $15.38 billion, followed by Karnataka at $11.2 billion, Gujarat at $5 billion, Tamil Nadu at $3.89 billion, Haryana at $3.84 billion, Delhi at $3.52 billion, and Telangana at $1.7 billion.The government said it has put in place an investor-friendly FDI policy under which most sectors are open for 100 per cent overseas inflows through the automatic route. Reforms between 2014 and 2019 included increased FDI caps in defence, insurance and pension sectors, along with liberalised policies for construction, civil aviation and single-brand retail trading.From 2019 to 2024, further measures allowed 100 per cent FDI under the automatic route in coal mining, contract manufacturing and insurance intermediaries.During the last financial year, FDI equity inflows stood at $50.01 billion, while overall FDI totalled $80.6 billion.

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