Looking out to the future, we see a gradual but also very important shift occurring right under our feet; the Earth’s own rhythm has begun to alter and slow down. New studies by researchers from both ETH Zurich and the University of Vienna have demonstrated that climate change caused by humans is making our planet’s rotation continuously longer than it has ever been at any time in recorded history for approximately 3.6 million years. As the polar ice caps have melted due to climate change, they have created a mass of water now distributed towards the equator, which resembles how an ice skater uses his arms to slow himself down as he turns. This has had a direct impact on slowing down how fast the Earth rotates. The current rate at which Earth is drastically slowing can be measured at approximately a very small but measurable slowdown of about 1.3 milliseconds per century. The study was published in the research article of the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth. The Solid Earth has established that anthropogenic causes this deceleration.

How melting ice is affecting Earth’s rotation

The Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth publishes research by teams at ETH Zurich and the University of Vienna theorising that anthropogenic climate change plays a large role in changing the rotation of Earth. Melting glaciers from Greenland and Antarctica produce increased amounts of water that move into the ocean due to increasing average global temperatures.This redistribution of mass will change the way that weight is distributed across the Earth, which causes the Earth to rotate more slowly, which causes a slight increase in the amount of time it takes to complete one rotation (length of a day). Historically, other factors such as tidal forces from the Moon have been the main influences on this phenomenon. Currently, however, the brake placed on the Earth’s rotational speed caused by the melting of anthropogenic ice has become the principal influence.“In our earlier work, we showed that the accelerated melting of polar ice sheets and mountain glaciers in the 21st century is raising sea levels, which slows Earth’s rotation and therefore lengthens the day – similar to a figure skater who spins more slowly once they stretch their arms, and more rapidly once they keep their hands close to their body,” explains Mostafa Kiani Shahvandi of the University of Vienna’s Department of Meteorology and Geophysics. “What remained unclear was whether there were earlier periods when climate increased day length at a similarly rapid pace.”

The ‘figure skater effect’: A simple physics explanation

The principles of Angular Momentum provide a basis for how a slowing down occurs as a result of distance from the axis of rotation. Mass that travels away from this axis creates a slowing of its rotation.Figure skating is an example of this idea being tested. A figure skater who extends her arms will cause a decrease in the rate of spin, while bringing them in will create a faster spin. Movement of melting glacial ice, for example, redistributes water from the poles to the equator, which increases Earth’s Moment of Inertia and causes Earth to rotate slightly slower and increases the length of the day.

Measuring a tiny but important change

The impact on Earth’s rotation is negligible but still discernible; it is predicted that a day will last approximately 1.33 milliseconds longer each century as a result of fluctuations in the distribution of mass on the planet as a result of climate change.According to this research, human-induced melting of ice is one of the major contributors to this variation. The variation of a planet’s spin due to natural geophysical processes can typically be between 30 milliseconds and 2 minutes across an extended time period that can take many thousands of years. The amount of variation measured in the 21st-century is shocking by comparison.

What geological records reveal

Scientists utilise geological information to establish the relationship between changes happening today and those that occurred in the past. One key area where this type of data can be found is Benthic Foraminifera, which are minute marine creatures that build hard outer shells, called tests, made out of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) when living. The tests of Benthic Foraminifera provide us with a ‘chemical scrap book’ with which to examine past ocean conditions.By measuring the ratio of oxygen and carbon isotopes found in analysed tests, Mostafa Kiani Shahvandi and Benedikt Soja were able to analyse the fluctuations in sea levels for the past 3.6 million years back to the end of the Pliocene Epoch. These sea-level records have shown that while all natural phenomena have caused the Earth to rotate at different rates, primarily due to the ice ages, the current amount of time spent rotating is much faster than any of the changes that have occurred naturally over the past 3.6 million years. The only time that has occurred before was approximately 2 million years ago, and therefore it can be concluded that the period from 2000 to 2026 consists of a true ‘geological anomaly.‘

Combining modern data with advanced models

With the goal to unite ancient observations with modern data gathered by satellite analysis, a team of researchers has implemented an innovative artificial intelligence tool known as the Physics-Informed Diffusion Model (PIDM). The Physics-Informed Diffusion Model can anchor itself to existing principles of Physics rather than merely identifying numeric patterns, as traditional AIs would do.For example, the PIDM was programmed against the Sea Level Equation, which predicts oceanic evolution based on the following principles: gravitational force, centrifugal force due to Earth’s rotation, and the natural recovery of land caused by glacial retreat. To achieve this goal, the PIDM utilised Monte Carlo sampling techniques to develop records of 3.6 million years’ worth of Earth’s Ecological influences (with the aid of over 50,000 Monte Carlo samples) while removing extraneous sources of ‘noise’ (i.e., Moon feature terrestrial connectivity; and core material displacement) to isolate the magnitude of human underpinnings due to melting glacial ice.

Why this slowdown matters

The change in the Earth’s rotational rate may seem minuscule to notice in an everyday sense, but it is important in the world of science, especially when considering precise measures of time (e.g., short-term uses of time). In this regard, global time synchronisation must take into account very small changes in rotation between two consecutive days.To provide time with extreme accuracy, such as an Atomic Clock does, will need resynchronisation periodically (depending on how often the Earth’s rotation changes) to maintain alignment between the Atomic Clock and the rotational position of the Earth. If able to provide extreme accuracy of clocks used in GPS Navigation, Space Exploration Missions, and World Financial Systems without realignment/updates, it would create substantial issues with the precision of synchronisation between any such systems.

A subtle signal of a changing planet

The deceleration of the planet’s rotation illustrates how all of the systems on Earth are interrelated and interconnected; therefore, the changes that occur due to climate change, such as the melting of ice caps and the shifting of oceans, will not only have an impact on ecosystems and weather systems but also affect the basic principles of the planet itself.Although this time frame is measured in milliseconds, it is a measurable indication of the impact of human activities on Earth in complex and extensive ways. By 2100, the effects of climate change are likely to create changes to the length of a day that exceed that of the Moon’s effects- a change to the rhythm of the Earth that has not been experienced for millions of years.

A 28-year-old man allegedly shot himself in the chest while his cousin was recording a video of him loading a pistol in east Delhi’s Dallupura, police said on Tuesday.

NEW DELHI: “Chalana mat bhai” warned the cousin filming the video. Moments later, despite a second alarm — “Arey, nahi” — a 28-year-old man allegedly shot himself in the chest while recording a video of himself loading a pistol in east Delhi’s Dallupura, police said on Tuesday. According to news agency PTI, the incident came to light on Monday after police at New Ashok Nagar station received information from Dharamshila Hospital in Vasundhara Enclave about a medico-legal case involving a gunshot injury. When officers reached the hospital, they found that Pawan Kumar, a resident of Dallupura village, had been admitted in an unconscious state with a gunshot wound on the left side of his chest. Doctors later declared him dead during treatment.

Police say the incident was captured on camera, although the person filming — identified as Himanshu, a cousin of the deceased — appeared unaware of Pawan’s intentions. In the video, which has since circulated on social media, Pawan is seen inserting a magasine into a licensed pistol and loading the weapon. Himanshu can be heard advising him on handling the firearm and cautioning him against firing it. Moments later, Pawan places the pistol against the left side of his chest, briefly looks towards the camera and pulls the trigger, collapsing to the ground as Himanshu reacts in shock. A preliminary inquiry found that the pistol belonged to Himanshu. Police said the weapon, along with 10 live cartridges, has been seized. The mobile phone used to record the video has also been taken into possession, and investigators have collected other relevant evidence from the scene. The body has been sent to Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Police have registered a case under Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with relevant provisions of the Arms Act, at New Ashok Nagar police station.

Representative image (AI-generated)

Amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, Sri Lanka has declared every Wednesday a public holiday to conserve fuel as the island nation grapples with possible shortages following the US and Israel’s war with Iran.President Anura Kumara Dissanayake speaking at an emergency meeting with senior officials on Monday, said, “We must prepare for the worst, but hope for the best.” The announcement comes as part of a series of precautionary measures implemented by several Asian countries since the outbreak of the conflict.The war has disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage that carries millions of barrels of oil from the Gulf into global markets. Nearly 90% of that oil and gas was bound for Asia, the world’s largest oil-importing region.Other Asian nations have also introduced reciprocal measures to cope with the escalating energy crisis. In Thailand, authorities are urging citizens to swap formal suits for short-sleeved shirts to reduce reliance on air conditioning. Myanmar has limited private vehicle use to alternate days based on license plate numbers, BBC reported. Bangladesh has declared university holidays during Ramadan and implemented planned blackouts to conserve electricity. In the Philippines, some government offices require staff to work from home at least one day a week and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has banned non-essential public sector travel. Vietnam is encouraging citizens to stay home, use bicycles, carpool or rely on public transport, while restricting unnecessary vehicle use.In Sri Lanka, the new public holiday affects not only government offices but also schools and universities. Essential services, including health and immigration authorities will continue operating. Officials chose Wednesday as the day off to prevent three-day closures for government offices in a row.Additionally, motorists are now required to register for a National Fuel Pass, which rations fuel purchases. The quota allows 15 litres for private cars and five litres for motorcycles. The rationing system was first introduced in 2022, during Sri Lanka’s worst economic crisis, when the country ran out of foreign reserves and struggled to import essentials, including fuel.Since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran late last month, global oil prices have surged, hovering around $100 per barrel. The war has heightened fears of regional supply disruptions, prompting countries across Asia to implement different measures to deal with the crisis.

NEW DELHI: India’s T20 World Cup hero Sanju Samson has opened up on his much-discussed exit from Rajasthan Royals, revealing that the decision stemmed from a simple realisation — his journey with the franchise had run its course.Now gearing up for a new chapter with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Samson made it clear that emotions won’t cloud his focus when he comes up against his former side.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“This is the first time I will play against Rajasthan Royals, but I don’t let emotions rule me on the field. I left Rajasthan Royals because I felt my time in the team was over. Even if we face them now, I will play my best cricket,” Samson said.

The highly anticipated clash will come early, with CSK set to face the Royals in their opening game of the season in Guwahati. While Samson admitted the occasion would feel “unusual,” he struck a balanced tone about the emotional aspect of the reunion.“I don’t think much about emotions on the ground as the situation dictates the game. But certainly before and after the match there will be emotions, as there are players and support staff with whom I have shared a long association,” he added.

Samson eyes fresh start with CSK

Samson’s move to CSK has already generated significant buzz, not least because of the opportunity to share a dressing room with MS Dhoni. The Kerala batter revealed he has already spoken to the CSK legend and is eager to learn from him.“I am really excited to be part of CSK. I had spoken to Dhoni bhai earlier and always had positive vibes. Spending close to two months with him will be a great opportunity to observe and learn,” he said.Samson also fondly recalled the support he received from Chennai fans during the T20 World Cup. “I was surprised by the support from the Chennai crowd. Maybe they see me as one of them. I don’t want to disappoint them and will give my best for CSK,” he said.Fresh off a stellar World Cup campaign, Samson now turns his focus to IPL 2026, determined to make a strong impact in yellow.

Gulf Arab nations have made it clear that they never asked the United States to go to war with Iran. However, many now caution that halting the conflict midway could leave the Islamic Republic in a position to threaten the Gulf’s vital oil shipping routes and the economies dependent on them, three Gulf sources told Reuters. “There is a wide feeling across the Gulf that Iran has crossed every red line with every Gulf country,” said Abdulaziz Sager, chairman of the Saudi-based Gulf Research Center. “At first we defended them and opposed the war. But once they began directing strikes at us, they became an enemy. There is no other way to classify them.”Hitting airports, ports, oil facilities, and commercial centres in the six Gulf countries with missiles and drones, Tehran has already showcased its capabilities, while disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly a fifth of the world’s oil.Now, the Gulf nations have warned that in case US leaves before the task is finished, the region will be left to deal with Iran alone. “If the Americans pull out before the task is complete, we’ll be left to confront Iran on our own,” Sager said. These attacks have reinforced fears that leaving Iran with significant military or arms-production capabilities would allow it to hold the region’s energy supply hostage. As the war has entered its third week, with US and Israeli airstrikes intensifying and Iran targeting US bases and civilian sites, Gulf leaders reportedly believe that Trump must take action to seriously degrade Iran’s military power. “The alternative is living under constant threat,” said a Gulf source.Meanwhile, US officials are urging Gulf states to back the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign. According to the sources, US President Donald Trump is seeking regional support to bolster both the international legitimacy of the operation and its domestic backing.Predominantly Shi’ite Iran has long viewed Sunni Gulf neighbours with suspicion, though relations with Qatar and Oman have been less strained. Over the years, Iran and its allies have faced accusations of attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure, including the 2019 strike on Saudi Arabia’s Abqaiq and Khurais oil facilities, which Iran denied.For Gulf states, inaction is now seen as the greater risk. The UAE has stated it “does not seek to be drawn into conflicts or escalation” but reserves the right to protect its sovereignty and residents. Unilateral military action by any Gulf country remains unlikely, leaders prefer collective measures to reduce the risk of retaliation.The Gulf Cooperation Council, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE, has held only one Zoom call, and no summit has been convened to plan a coordinated response. Leaders are cautious of triggering a wider conflict.US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Gulf partners are “stepping up even more” and are willing to “go on the offense,” working on collective air defence, though details remain unspecified. A senior UAE official said the country has exercised restraint, following Iran’s claim that US forces used UAE territory to strike Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export terminal.Sager noted that Saudi Arabia may be forced to retaliate if Iran crosses red lines, such as attacking major oil facilities, desalination plants, or causing heavy casualties. “In that case, Saudi Arabia would have no choice but to intervene,” he said, while adding Riyadh would aim to manage its response carefully.Analyst Fawaz Gerges of the London School of Economics said Gulf states face a delicate balance: addressing the immediate threat of Iranian attacks while avoiding involvement in a US-Israeli-led war. Joining the campaign could increase their exposure to Iranian reprisals while adding little to US military superiority. The result is a strategy of calculated restraint: signalling red lines and defending sovereignty without entering a conflict they did not start.Iran’s control over which ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz has revealed its leverage. “Now that Iran has shown it can shut down Hormuz, the Gulf faces a fundamentally different threat,” Bernard Haykel, professor of Near Eastern studies at Princeton University told Reuters. While Trump has called for an international coalition to reopen the waterway, Haykel noted that much of the Gulf’s oil flows to China, Japan, and other Asian countries, which may also need to play a role.

President Donald Trump smiles as Vice President JD Vance speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, March 16, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

US Vice President JD Vance on Monday (US local time) pushed back against what he described as attempts to “drive a wedge” between him and President Donald Trump over the war in the Middle East.He emphasised that members of the Trump administration are in “complete harmony” on foreign policy.Vance’s relative silence during the ongoing conflict, along with his earlier remarks opposing military action in the Middle East, had triggered speculation that he and Trump were not on the same page.Also Read | US-Israel War with Iran: Where is JD Vance? The curious case of the ‘missing’ vice president“You’re trying to drive a wedge between members of the administration, between me and the president. What the president has said consistently since 2015 — and I agree with him — is that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon,” he told reporters at the White House alongside Trump.According to CNN, when pressed on whether he had any reservations about US involvement in the war with Iran, Vance reiterated his support, saying he trusts Trump “to get the job done.”Also Read | Was JD Vance hesitant on Iran strike? Trump reveals VP’s stance“We have a smart president, whereas in the past we’ve had dumb presidents. I trust President Trump to get the job done, to do a good job for the American people, and to make sure the mistakes of the past aren’t repeated,” he added, drawing a contrast between the incumbent commander-in-chief and his predecessors.Vance’s earlier stance on US involvement in foreign conflictsHe had previously expressed skepticism about US involvement in foreign conflicts before joining the administration. In a 2023 op-ed, he wrote that Trump’s success was partly due to “avoiding wars.”In 2024, Vance also said that a war with Iran would not serve US interests and would be a “huge distraction of resources.”The Marine Corps veteran had earlier warned about the risk of “escalation” in 2020 following the killing of Iranian commander Qasim Soleimani during Trump’s first term. He had also privately expressed doubts about US strikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels, according to private messages that surfaced during last year’s “Signal-gate.”Meanwhile, about 200 American troops have been wounded across seven Gulf countries during the ongoing military campaign against Iran, CNN reported, citing US Central Command spokesperson Timothy Hawkins.Most of the injuries have been minor, with more than 180 service members already returning to duty.So far, 13 US service members have been killed in action, CNN reported.(With ANI inputs)

Eid-ul-Fitr is almost here, and there’s a specific kind of magic in the air this year. As we wrap up the final days of Ramadan 2026, the anticipation for that silver crescent moon is building. While we’re looking at March 20 or 21 for the big day (just a quick heads-up: it’s a bit earlier than the late-March/April window some were expecting!), the feeling remains the same: a beautiful blend of spiritual exhaustion and pure, unadulterated joy.Whether you’re dodging the crowds at a local bazaar or prepping your kitchen for a marathon of biryani and sheer khurma, Eid is the ultimate reset button. It’s a time to move past old grudges, and reconnecting with the people who actually matter.To help you wish your friends and family on this festival, here are some choicest of wishes and messages to help you spread love this Eid:

1. To the Whole Crew: “Eid Mubarak to my forever team! May our home stay as loud, messy, and full of love as it is today.”2. For Mom & Dad: “You taught me the discipline of the fast and the joy of the feast. Thank you for everything.”3. For the Siblings: The Partners in Crime“From wrestling over the last date at iftar to actually being nice to each other for five minutes today—Eid wouldn’t be the same without the chaos you bring to the table. Love you, even when you’re annoying. Eid Mubarak!”4.For the Grandparents: The Anchors“The house just feels safer and warmer with you in it. Your duaas are the secret sauce that keeps this whole family moving. Eid Mubarak to the people who started it all; we’re so lucky to have you.”5. For the Kids“Eid Mubarak to my favorite little humans! May your pockets be heavy with Eidi, your plates be full of sweets, and your sugar rush be absolutely legendary. Try not to spend it all in one place!”6. For cousins“There is nothing quite like the noise of a full house and the smell of biryani everywhere. Grateful to have every single one of us back under one roof this year. Eid Mubarak to the best crew I know!”7. For sisters: “From the morning prayer to the late-night gossip over chai, you’re my favourites to celebrate with. Sisters in faith and in fun—let’s make this one for the books. Mubarak ho!”8. To Dad: “Your strength is our anchor. May this Eid bring you the relaxation and peace you deserve.”9. The Prayer Circle: “To the family that prays together: may we stay united in love and faith forever. Eid Mubarak.”10. Dear uncle/ aunt, your home is always the heart of our Eid. Thank you for the warmth!”11. For cousins: “From childhood pranks to adulting together—Eid Mubarak!”12. The Pillars: “To the ones who keep this family running—may Allah bless you with abundance today and always.”13. “Family first, always. Wishing us a day that feeds our souls as much as it feeds our stomachs.”14. Gratitude for Parents: “Your sacrifices made my joy possible. Eid Mubarak to my greatest blessings.”15. Blended Family Love: “Different paths, one beautiful family. Eid Mubarak to us!”

For Friends: The Family We Choose

1. To the Bestie: “Eid Mubarak my friend!”2. “Eid Mubarak! I’ve already saved you a seat at the table. Don’t be late for the feast!”3. The “Ride-or-Die” Crew: “May joy chase us as hard as we chased those iftar snacks. Love you guys!”4. Squad Goals: “Eid Mubarak to the group that keeps me sane.”5. “We might be miles apart, but you’re always in my prayers. Eid Mubarak!”6. The Reliable Friend: “You’re the iftar to my fast—essential and much needed. Eid Mubarak, buddy!”7. “Blessed to have a friend who prays for me. Happy Eid”8. “Have a beautiful Eid.”9. Coffee & Chats: “From coffee dates to Eid dates, grateful for every conversation. Eid Mubarak!”10. “Happy Eid my dearest friend”

Romantic & Spouse: The Hearts We Share

1. “Eid Mubarak, my love.”2. “My favorite part of the day is breaking my fast with you. Happy Eid.”3. “Your smile is my favorite Eid gift. Eid Mubarak!”4. “We survived the hangry moments of Ramadan together—now let’s enjoy the feast! Love you always.”5. To the Soulmate: “May our love grow as steadily as the crescent moon. Eid Mubarak.”6. Everyday Magic: “You make the ordinary feel extraordinary. Eid Mubarak to my forever person.”7. “From whispered prayers at 4 AM to the joy of today, I’m so lucky to have you.”8. The Perfect Partner: “My partner in prayer and my partner in crime. Eid Mubarak, with all my heart.”9. “Eid Mubarak to the person who completes me in ways I can’t even describe.”10. “Let’s feast on happiness today and every day. I love you.”

Inspirational Eid messages

1. “Eid Mubarak! May Allah’s blessings light your path to success”2. The Grateful Heart: “Reflect, recharge, and rejoice this Eid!”3. New Beginnings: “The fast is over, but the growth shouldn’t be. Here’s to a fresh start. Happy Eid!”4. “May your heart find deep peace this Eid.”5. “May we keep the spirit of generosity of Eid alive long after the decorations come down.”6. “Ramadan taught us patience; let Eid teach us gratitude. Mubarak ho!”7. “Wishing you a heart full of Sabr (patience) and Shukr (gratitude). Eid Mubarak.”8. Growth: “Bloom where you are planted, and may this Eid be your most beautiful season yet.”9. “May all the duaas you whispered in the dark be answered in the light of today.”10. “Gratitude turns what we have into more than enough. Have a blessed Eid.”11. “Eid Mubarak! Be the light someone else needs today.”12. “From the struggle of the fast to the joy of the feast—you did it. Eid Mubarak, warrior!”13. “Wishing prosperity and pure happiness to you and the entire world. Eid Mubarak.”14. “May Allah bless you.”15. “Eid Mubarak! Live with intention, and love without limits.”16. Unity: “Eid Mubarak 2026! May this day remind us that we are all connected by faith, hope, and humanity.”

NEW DELHI: Indian-flagged tanker, Shivalik, which departed from Ras Laffan Port in Qatar carrying 46,000 tonnes of LPG, arrived at Mundra Port in Gujarat on Monday, after a nine-day voyage, including the passage through the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz. Nanda Devi, another Indian-flagged LPG carrier carrying approx 46,000 tonnes, is scheduled to reach Kandla Port in Gujarat early Tuesday. Both ships are owned by the state-run Shipping Corporation of India. Another India-flagged crude oil tanker, Jag Laadki, which started its voyage from the UAE’s Fujairah port on Saturday when the oil terminal was attacked, is scheduled to reach Mundra on Tuesday afternoon. The ship is carrying around 81,000 tonnes of Murban crude, a crude grade produced by the UAE. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, special secretary in the shipping ministry, said all Indian seafarers operating in the Persian Gulf region are safe. TOI has learnt that 20,000 tonnes of LPG ordered by Indian Oil Corporation from Shivalik will be unloaded at Mundra, and the remaining 26,000 tonnes will be unloaded at New Mangalore Port. In case of Nanda Devi LPG carrier, the LPG will be transferred to two smaller vessels on the sea at Vadinar, a facility of Kandla Port near Jamnagar. The consignments will then be transported to different destinations. Officials said Mundra Port has a special storage facility, and from there gas is transferred to the Mithi Rohar location in Gandhidham through a pipeline to GAIL and subsequently supplied to the National Gas Grid. Sinha said govt-owned major ports are closely monitoring vessel movements and facilitating cargo operations, offering concessions on anchorage, berth hire, storage charges, and temporary transshipment storage at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority. Meanwhile, following direction to step up production of LPG, HPCL Mittal Energy (Bhatinda) and Reliance refinery (Jamnagar) have placed ademand for rail rakes.

Afghanistan on Monday accused Pakistan of killing civilians in fresh airstrikes on Kabul, an allegation Islamabad denied, saying it had carried out precision strikes on military and “terrorist” targets.Loud explosions rocked the Afghan capital at about 9.00 pm local time, with plumes of smoke visible from the Shahr-e-Naw and Wazir Akbar Khan areas of the city.Afghanistan’s Taliban government said the Pakistani strikes hit a hospital treating drug addicts in Kabul, killing four people and wounding several others.Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid wrote on X that the Pakistani military had “once again violated Afghan territory,” calling the strikes “a crime” and an “act of inhumanity.” He said most of those killed and wounded were addicts receiving treatment at the facility.Pakistan rejected the allegation. A spokesman for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Mosharraf Zaidi, dismissed the claims as baseless and said no hospital was targeted in Kabul.Pakistan’s Ministry of Information said the strikes “precisely targeted military installations and terrorist support infrastructure including technical equipment storage and ammunition storage of Afghan Taliban” and Afghanistan-based Pakistani militants in Kabul and Nangarhar. It said the locations “were being used against innocent Pakistani civilians.”The ministry added that Pakistan’s targeting was “precise and carefully undertaken to ensure no collateral damage is inflicted.” It described Mujahid’s claim as “false and misleading” and aimed at stirring sentiment and covering what it called “illegitimate support for cross-border terrorism.”Pakistan’s military has struck Kabul several times in recent weeks as tensions rose over accusations that Afghanistan’s Taliban government has sheltered militants who carry out attacks inside Pakistan.The latest developments came as deadly clashes continued along the countries’ shared border.Pakistan has repeatedly said its military only targets Afghan posts and militant hideouts. Officials in Islamabad have described the situation as an “open war,” with clashes including multiple Pakistani airstrikes on Kabul President Asif Ali Zardari said Afghanistan’s Taliban administration crossed a “red line” by deploying drones that injured several civilians in Pakistan last week.In response, Pakistan’s air force struck equipment storage sites and “technical support infrastructure” in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province over the weekend, saying the sites were being used for attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul said Pakistan hit two locations, including an empty security site and a drug rehabilitation center that sustained minor damage.In Kabul, Afghanistan’s administrative deputy prime minister Abdul Salam Hanafi said defending sovereignty is the duty of all citizens. Speaking during a meeting with political analysts and media figures, Hanafi expressed regret over civilian casualties in recent Pakistani attacks and said the war was imposed on Afghanistan.