Tensions in the Middle East have reached a critical level. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened major American technology and aerospace companies, including Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp-parent company Meta, Google and Apple, with an attack and urged the staff to evacuate their office in the region. The Iran’s multi-service primary force has said that these these Silicon Valley companies are now legitimate targets because they are ‘responsible’ for high-tech warfare that has led to the termination of the country’s leadership.In a statement released via Iran’s state-aligned Tasnim news agency (as per Al-Jazeera), the IRGC warned on Tuesday (March 31) that it will begin targeting US tech companies operating in the region starting at 8:00 pm local time tomorrow (April 1). The military wing has urged employees and residents living near these corporate facilities to evacuate immediately.

US tech companies declared ‘Legitimate Targets’

The IRGC’s threat is a significant shift in its strategy as it moves beyond traditional military infrastructure to focus on the technology companies it claims are responsible for enabling high-tech warfare like use of artificial intelligence (AI) for pin-pointing targets.“Since the main element in designing and tracking terrorist targets are American and ICT [Information and Communications Technology] and AI companies… from now on, [these] main institutions will be our legitimate targets,” the statement read, as per Al-Jazeera.The IRGC specifically named more than 15 high-profile companies in its hit list, including Meta (Facebook/Instagram), Google and Apple; Transportation and energy conglomerates Boeing and Tesla; and defense and AI firms involved in AI and satellite tracking.The threat is directly tied to the ongoing attacks led by Israel and supported by US intelligence. Iran stated that these strikes will start if any more Iranian leaders are killed in “targeted assassinations”.This follows weeks of intense attacks where Israel has used advanced AI platforms to track and kill over 250 senior Iranian officials, including Iran’s supreme leader, according to The Wahsington Post which cited a count maintained by the Israeli military.Amazon AWS operations were hit twice earlier this month due to US-Iran war, with company confirming disruptions in its cloud infrastructure in Bahrain and in the UAE due to drone activity.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru star all-rounder Krunal Pandya has finally broken his silence on his India snub. Despite performing consistently well in the last season, he did not get a chance to make a comeback to the Indian team.

Pandya finished the previous edition of the tournament as the second-highest wicket-taker for the Bangalore-based franchise, picking up 17 wickets throughout the season. Sharing his thoughts on a potential national comeback in a recent interview, he admitted, “sometime it hurts”.

It has been five years since Pandya last wore the Men in Blue jersey on the field. However, he still believes that he can represent India again, as he feels he has a lot of cricket left in him.

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Why is Krunal Pandya not being considered for the Indian team?

Krunal Pandya can be a valuable asset for the Indian team due to his all-round ability. However, if we look at the current Indian setup, there are limited openings for this role. In T20Is, India already has strong all-round options like Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel, who have been crucial to the team’s recent success in ICC events.

In ODIs, the team features young talents like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar, along with the experience of Ravindra Jadeja. Although Hardik Pandya has not been a regular in ODIs recently, his past performances suggest he will return to the format as well.

In Tests, India already has options like Jadeja, Reddy, and Axar Patel fulfilling the all-rounder role effectively. Considering this depth, it is clear that the selectors are reluctant to disturb the current combination and are also looking at younger players who can contribute across formats.

Krunal Pandya said, “Virat Kohli’s unmatched hunger sets him apart from every generation”

Krunal Pandya also spoke about Virat Kohli, highlighting his unmatched passion and consistency in the game. Pandya believes that Kohli’s hunger to score runs and win matches is what makes him stand apart from other cricketers. Having played for Royal Challengers Bangalore for nearly two decades, Kohli continues to show the same intensity and desire every season.

Virat is a classic example. You can see that hunger; you can see that passion in how he sees the game and how much he wants that victory. If Virat Kohli had been born in any (some other) generation, he would still be one of the greats. He is not competing with anyone else,” he said.

Krunal Pandya opens up on RCB’s team atmosphere this season

Krunal Pandya shared that the team atmosphere this season is much calmer and more settled compared to last year, as players now have a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

“I feel that this year there is a much calmer atmosphere. Last year it was a new team, and everyone got to know each other. This year many players understand their roles and each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” Pandya said in a release by the franchise.

“When I get into the big occasions, I feel that if God has got you here, then there is a reason behind it and sometimes I think that these big occasions are actually made for me. I feel the pressure, but I think about how I can be calm and in the present moment and do what is required,” he said.

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Heavy rain and strong winds forced the Pakistan Super League (PSL) match between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday to be abandoned without a ball being bowled.The toss was delayed as the weather worsened, and the situation became difficult for the ground staff. Strong winds made it hard to hold the covers in place, with several members of the crew losing balance while trying to secure them. Some were seen falling as the covers were dragged across the ground.Videos of the incident later circulated on social media, showing the staff struggling to manage the covers in the rain and wind. At one point, two members fell while trying to stop the covers from being lifted.Rain started just before the toss, which was scheduled for 6:30 PM local time, and continued to get heavier. The outfield remained wet, and the pitch stayed covered, leaving no chance for play.Despite efforts by the ground staff to prepare the field, the match was called off 30 minutes before the cut-off time for a five-over game. Both teams shared one point each.With this, Peshawar Zalmi moved to three points from two matches, while United got their first point of the season. Zalmi moved up to second place, ahead of Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans, while United moved to sixth, ahead of Rawalpindi Pindiz.Zalmi will next face Hyderabad Kingsmen on April 8 in Karachi, while United will play Quetta Gladiators on April 4 at the same venue.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Monday said the central bank is closely monitoring inflation risks arising from the spike in energy prices due to the Iran war, but cautioned that there is limited scope for policy intervention in such supply-driven shocks.Speaking at Harvard University before nearly 400 students, Powell said energy shocks typically tend to be short-lived and monetary policy works with a lag.He said policymakers must remain alert to shifts in inflation expectations. “You have to carefully monitor inflation expectations because you could have a series of big supply shocks and that can lead, you know, the public generally, businesses, price setters, households … to start expecting higher inflation over time. Why wouldn’t it?” Powell said, AP quoted.His remarks come as US gasoline prices approach $4 per gallon, reflecting rising global oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.Powell noted that while inflation expectations remain contained for now, repeated shocks could pose a broader challenge to price stability.In his interaction, he also highlighted concerns around the labour market, particularly for young job seekers. While unemployment remains low, hiring activity has been subdued, creating what economists describe as a “low-hire, low-fire” environment.Employers added fewer than 10,000 jobs per month in 2025 — the weakest pace outside a recession since 2002. After a relatively strong start this year with 126,000 jobs added in January, the economy saw 92,000 job losses the following month.Powell said technological changes, including the rise of artificial intelligence, may also be influencing hiring decisions, particularly at entry-level roles.Despite near-term challenges, he expressed optimism about long-term economic prospects, noting that innovation has historically boosted productivity and living standards.“You’re in a situation where you need to really invest the time to master the use of these new technologies,” Powell said. “There’s no denying it’s a challenging time to enter the labor market, It may take some patience and all that, but in the longer term, this economy is going to give you great opportunities. Just be a little optimistic.”Powell also underscored the importance of maintaining the Federal Reserve’s independence amid political pressures.“It’s very hard to build great democratic institutions and much easier to bring them down,” he said.The Fed chair’s comments come amid continued criticism from President Donald Trump, who has urged the central bank to cut interest rates. However, Powell reiterated that the Fed must remain focused on its mandate of price stability and maximum employment.“We have very powerful tools. They’re supposed to be for maximum employment and price stability and financial stability,” he said. “There’s always a time when an administration looks and say it would be good to use that tool for something else … We just have to be in a situation where we’re not trying to work against any politician or any administration, but we have to be careful to stick to what we’re doing.”

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a strict warning to its centrally contracted players against posting any content on social media without prior approval, following the controversy involving Naseem Shah.The board has reminded players and their managers of its social media rules, stating that any post of political nature will not be allowed. According to a Geo News report, the PCB has informed players that political posts will not be tolerated under any circumstances, and any violation could lead to a fine of at least PKR 10 million. As per the directive, centrally contracted players must take approval from the PCB’s media department before posting on social media.