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Flooding shuts down Baglihar hydropower project in J&K | India News


Flooding shuts down Baglihar hydropower project in J&K
Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam on the Chenab river

SRINAGAR: Operations were suspended at the 450MW stage 1 Baglihar hydropower project on the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir after it got flooded two days ago.As water entered the project’s machine room, engineers immediately halted power generation to prevent damage to critical electro-mechanical components. The project, located in Ramban district, is a major contributor to the region’s power supply. As the project’s stage 1 remains suspended, stage 2 which adds another 450 MW capacity, will be operational. It has not been impacted by the flooding, officials said.A senior official called it minor flooding which happened during scheduled maintenance. Stage 1 was anyway scheduled to remain closed for three months for repair works, the official said. “Since stage 1 has to stay shut for 90 days, we will operate stage 2 during the period,” he said.The official said stage 1 typically runs at full load for seven to eight months and at partial load for three to four months annually. Stage 2, however, operates only for about four months, from July to Sept, as per design, as there is not enough discharge to run both stages simultaneously during lean period. “Now that stage 1 is shut down for repairs, we will run stage 2, which otherwise remains closed during the lean period,” he said.



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‘Someday, I won’t be here’: Trump says Board of Peace will oversee UN, will ensure it runs properly


'Someday, I won't be here': Trump says Board of Peace will oversee UN, will ensure it runs properly

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said the United States will work to strengthen the United Nations, asserting that the global body needs financial support and that the “Board of Peace is going to look” over it to ensure it runs properly.Speaking at the inaugural meeting of his newly formed Board of Peace, Trump said the US would ensure the UN becomes stronger and more viable.“Someday, I won’t be here. The United Nations will be… is going to be much stronger. The Board of Peace is going to almost be looking over the United Nations and making sure it runs properly,” Trump said.“But we’re going to strengthen up the United Nations. We’re going to make sure its facilities are good. They need help, and they need help money-wise. We’re going to help them money wise, and we’re going to make sure the United Nations is viable,” he added.Trump also said Washington is closely coordinating with the world body. “And we are very closely working with the United Nations. In fact, I’m going to speak to the Secretary General in a little while. He’s a good man, and I’ve had a good relationship,” he said.The Board of Peace was initiated as part of Trump’s 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. The initiative is widely seen as a parallel platform to the UN, and Trump has previously suggested it “might” replace the global organisation, saying the UN has never lived up to its potential.At the meeting, attended by leaders of nations that have joined the Board of Peace, Trump said the US would continue to work with the UN. “We’re going to bring them back. I think the United Nations has great potential, really great potential. It has not lived up to potential,” he said.He also noted that during his second term he had “settled” eight wars without consulting the UN. “I never spoke to the UN about even one of them when in fact I should have spoken about all of them with the global body,” he said.The United States remains the largest financial contributor to the United Nations, providing about 22 per cent of its regular budget and around 25 per cent of its peacekeeping budget. However, Washington reportedly owes approximately USD 4 billion in unpaid assessed contributions.Trump has previously been critical of the UN and withdrew the US from several UN agencies, including the World Health Organisation. Despite this, he said the organisation has potential and capable personnel.“I’ve said it for years, United Nations has tremendous potential,” Trump said, adding that although some people dismiss the UN, “No, it’s really very important, and I think it’s going to eventually live up to potential. That will be a big day.”Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said earlier that he was not aware of any UN presence at the Board of Peace meeting in Washington. However, he said the UN continues to work toward implementing relevant Security Council resolutions related to Gaza and remains engaged with stakeholders influencing the humanitarian situation on the ground.



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M. M. Baig Death News: Veteran filmmaker M. M. Baig found dead at home; neighbours alerted police after foul smell: Publicist Hanif Zaveri |


Veteran filmmaker M. M. Baig found dead at home; neighbours alerted police after foul smell: Publicist Hanif Zaveri

Veteran filmmaker M. M. Baig, known for his work in Hindi cinema and as the father of former child actor Baby Guddu, was found dead at his residence earlier this week. He was in his 70s. The news was confirmed by his publicist, Hanif Zaveri.According to Zaveri, Baig had been unwell for some time and was staying alone. Neighbours reportedly informed the police after noticing a foul smell coming from his house when he had not stepped out for four to five days.Speaking to PTI, Zaveri said, “He was unwell for quite some time. Since he hadn’t come out of the house for four to five days, the neighbours complained to the cops about a foul smell coming from his house. The police opened the door and found Baig sahab’s dead body and informed his daughter about it. They later took his body to Cooper Hospital for a post-mortem at around 1:30–2:00 am. He was a loving man. I pray for his departed soul.

A career rooted in mainstream Hindi cinema

Baig began his career as an assistant director and worked with prominent filmmakers such as J. Om Prakash, Vimal Kumar and Rakesh Roshan. Over the years, he was associated with films including Aadmi Khilona Hai, Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharnii, Karz Chukana Hai, Kala Bazaar and Kishen Kanhaiya.He later directed Massom Gawah starring Naseeruddin Shah, though the film did not see a release. He also helmed Chhoti Bahu featuring Shilpa Shirodkar.

Do you remember child actress Baby Guddu? She is now working with an international airlines

Mentored Hrithik Roshan before his debut

Zaveri also shared that Baig had a close professional association with Rakesh Roshan and had helped Hrithik Roshan with diction, voice modulation and dialogue delivery before his debut in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai.“Baig sahab shared a warm equation with Rakesh Roshan sahab. He helped Hrithik Roshan with diction, voice modulation and dialogues. This was much before his debut film happened,” he said.

Remembered as father of 80s child star

Baig’s daughter, Baby Guddu — born Shahinda Baig — was one of the most recognisable child actors of the 1980s, appearing in films such as Aakhir Kyon?, Nagina, Pyar Kiya Hai Pyar Karenge and Aulad.



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‘Will know in 10 days’: Trump warns of bad things if Iran doesn’t make meaningful deal


'Will know in 10 days': Trump warns of bad things if Iran doesn't make meaningful deal

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that America could take the next step in its standoff with Iran within the next 10 days, warning that “bad things will happen” if a “meaningful deal” is not reached.Speaking at a Board of Peace event in Washington, Trump said talks with Iranian representatives are ongoing and described them as constructive, but cautioned that progress had historically been difficult.Referring to US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, leading the US in indirect talks with Iran, who were sitting across from Trump, the president said, “Good people and they like them both. And they’ve had some very good meetings. They’ve had some very interesting meetings having to do with, as you know, Iran is a hotspot right now, and they’re meeting and they have a good relationship with the representatives of Iran.Trump further went on to warn, if over the period of next 10 days there is no meaningful deal, America might escalate and take a step further,“And, you know, good talks are being had. It’s proven to be, over the years, not easy to make a meaningful deal with Iran. We have to make a meaningful deal, otherwise bad things will happen,” Trump said. “So now we may have to take a step further or may not. Maybe we’re going to make a deal. You’re going to be finding out over the next, probably, 10 days,” he added.

Rising tensions and military buildup

Trump’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. As reported earlier by, Reuters the US has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East, deploying aircraft carriers, fighter jets and additional defence systems to the region.Satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters has also shown Iran reinforcing key nuclear and missile-related sites, including fortifying tunnel entrances and adding concrete shielding at sensitive facilities. Tehran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons.The renewed push for a deal follows years of strained diplomacy. Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 nuclear agreement during his first term and has since advocated for a new arrangement that he says must be stronger and more comprehensive. Efforts under former President Joe Biden to revive the earlier framework did not yield a final agreement.Recent negotiations in Geneva between US officials and Iranian representatives were described by both sides as constructive, but senior US officials have indicated that significant gaps remain.Trump’s 10-day timeline signals that a decision point may be approaching. While he reiterated that a deal remains possible, his warning suggests that Washington is prepared to consider other options if talks fail.There has been no official indication of immediate military action. However, the combination of diplomatic deadlines, visible force deployments and continued nuclear tensions has kept the spotlight on US-Iran relations in recent days.



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US trade gap widens as goods deficit hits record $1.24 trillion in 2025


US trade gap widens as goods deficit hits record $1.24 trillion in 2025

The US trade deficit in goods widened to a record level in 2025 even as overall trade flows expanded, underscoring persistent import strength despite tariffs imposed during President Donald Trump’s first year back in office, according to the US government data.Data released by the Commerce Department showed the US goods deficit reached $1.24 trillion in 2025, slightly wider than the previous year’s level. The figures come despite sweeping tariffs introduced by the administration during the year.Separate data from the US Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis showed the overall goods and services trade deficit stood at $70.3 billion in December, rising $17.3 billion from a revised $53.0 billion in November.Exports in December totalled $287.3 billion, down $5.0 billion from the previous month, while imports climbed $12.3 billion to $357.6 billion, driving the widening imbalance. The increase reflected a $15.7 billion jump in the goods deficit to $99.3 billion alongside a narrowing services surplus, which fell $1.6 billion to $29.0 billion.For the full year, however, the combined goods and services deficit edged lower by $2.1 billion to $901.5 billion in 2025. Exports rose strongly by $199.8 billion, or 6.2 per cent, to $3,432.3 billion, while imports increased $197.8 billion, or 4.8 per cent, to $4,333.8 billion.The annual decline in the overall deficit reflected a larger services surplus, which expanded by $27.6 billion to $339.5 billion, partly offsetting a $25.5 billion increase in the goods deficit.Trade flows showed mixed trends across sectors. Goods exports were lifted by gains in capital goods, computers, civilian aircraft and industrial supplies, while imports surged in capital equipment, telecommunications gear and computer accessories. Services exports also strengthened, led by growth in business services, intellectual property charges and financial services.Monthly data indicated shifting trade balances with key partners. In December, the United States recorded trade deficits with Taiwan ($19.8 billion), Vietnam ($17.6 billion), Mexico ($14.5 billion), China ($12.4 billion) and the European Union ($11.1 billion), while posting surpluses with the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Brazil.Over a three-month average basis, the goods and services deficit widened to $50.7 billion by December, as average imports rose while exports softened modestly.The report noted that all figures were seasonally adjusted and that the next release schedule remains uncertain following a recent lapse in federal funding.



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Sikandar roars in Colombo: Zimbabwe stun Sri Lanka, fire warning shot at India | Cricket News


Sikandar roars in Colombo: Zimbabwe stun Sri Lanka, fire warning shot at India
Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett plays a shot during the T20 World Cup cricket match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026.

TimesofIndia.com in Colombo: At the end of the first innings, Zimbabwe leg-spinner Graeme Cremer voiced confidence about chasing down Sri Lanka’s 178 in their final group match at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. “We thought it was a good batting wicket. We feel it’s a very chaseable score. If we bat well, we should be able to get it done,” said Cremer.Every word Cremer said proved prophetic. It was once again the 39-year-old warhorse Sikandar Raza who stepped up and played a blistering 26-ball 45 to set the chase. Opener Brian Bennett (60 not out) stayed at the end to take Zimbabwe with three balls to spare. Zimbabwe defeated co-hosts Sri Lanka by six-wickets and finished the group stage unbeaten with three wins, including a statement victory over Australia.

Captain fantastic

On the sidelines of the SA20, where Raza was playing for Paarl Royals, he had told TimesofIndia.com what it means for him to wear the Zimbabwean jersey. “The World Cup is really crucial in every cricketer’s life. And I always think for Zimbabwe to gain more respect in world cricket, World Cups play a huge part. So we have the mindset to go there and try and do really well so that we can come back with our goals set high and so that our people back home can hold their heads high as well,” Raza had said.On a windy Thursday evening in Colombo, he took matters into his own hands. When he walked into the ground, Zimbabwe needed 81 runs off 50 balls and the match was evenly poised, but Raza decided not today.Sikandar Raza’s innings was a masterclass in control, awareness and ruthless finishing. He began in measured fashion, rotating the strike against the spinners. Against Dunith Wellalage and Dasun Shanaka, he was content to work the ball into gaps, nudging singles and ensuring the asking rate never climbed. His early approach was built on soft hands, late cuts and quiet punches square of the wicket, allowing Zimbabwe to consolidate without risk.As Zimbabwe crossed the 100-run mark, Raza subtly shifted gears. Sensing Sri Lanka’s bowlers searching for breakthroughs, he began manipulating the field with ease.Maheesh Theekshana, brought back to stem the flow, missed his lengths ever so slightly and Raza pounced. A wide full toss was sliced through backward point, followed by a towering lofted drive over long-on. In a blink, a tight over turned expensive and Sri Lanka’s grip on the game loosened.The decisive blow came against Dushan Hemantha. Raza read him early, picked the dragged-down wrong’un and dispatched it over mid-wicket. When Hemantha dared to pitch it up, Raza responded with disdain, launching a 101-metre straight hit back over the bowler’s head. Colombo fell silent as the contest tilted decisively Zimbabwe’s way.Dilshan Madushanka’s variations offered brief resistance, with a slower ball beating Raza’s big swing, but the Zimbabwe captain was already locked in. The very next delivery that sat up was punished, rolled wrists, perfect balance and a ferocious pull dumped over square leg for six.When Raza got out, Zimbabwe needed 12 runs off 10 balls and after a slight hiccup, Tony Munyonga’s six off the first ball of the 20th over sealed the win for Zimbabwe. It was fitting that the winning shot came off Brian Bennett’s bat.After the match, Raza said he had wanted to stay till the end. “I wanted to finish the game, but we’ll take it,” Raza said.He also revealed how he kept communicating with opener Brian Bennett in the middle. “I kept saying to Benny that if you find a ball, hit it for a boundary. Otherwise, it’s really important that you bat through. I felt like I’d let you down at the start, but I’m starting to find my rhythm, so just please hang in there. If you stay at one end, we can win the game from the other end. Credit to Benny, he keeps doing that role really well, and I think he’s going to get better and better with every game.Interestingly, the Zimbabwe team did not over-celebrate and their batters walked off as if it were just another match.Watch out, teams in the Super Eight, including favourites India, will face Zimbabwe exactly a week later at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Sri Lanka stutters in the middle

Earlier, Sri Lanka capped their innings with a strong late surge to post an above-par 178 for 7, smashing 30 runs off the final two overs to wrest back momentum after a prolonged middle-overs squeeze.Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka wanted to challenge themselves by setting a target on a surface that wasn’t easy for strokeplay. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera made the most of the harder new ball, timing it sweetly and finding gaps with regularity. Their fluent 54-run opening stand laid a solid foundation before Blessing Muzarabani broke through in the fifth over, dismissing Perera for 22. Despite that setback, Sri Lanka closed the powerplay in a commanding position at 61 for 1.The game shifted decisively after the field spread. Zimbabwe’s spinners tightened the screws on a surface that offered grip and turn, choking the boundary flow and forcing Sri Lanka into a period of consolidation. While runs came largely through sharp singles and twos, the lack of boundaries slowed the scoring rate. Nissanka, continuing his rich vein of form after a century in the previous match, held the innings together with another composed knock, raising a well-crafted half-century.Sri Lanka were pegged back further when Ryan Burl removed Kusal Mendis for a laboured 14 off 20 balls. Soon after, Graeme Cremer accounted for Nissanka, dismissing the opener for 62, a blow that drained momentum. From that point on, the innings stagnated, with Sri Lanka managing just 81 runs in the 11 overs following the powerplay.Brief Scores: Sri Lanka: 178 for 7 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 62, Pavan Rathnayake 44; Graeme Cremer 2/27, Blessing Muzarabani 2/38)Zimbabwe: 182 for 4 in 19.3 overs (Brian Bennett 63 not out, Sikandar Raza 45; Dushan Hemantha 2/36)



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‘Law must take its course’: King Charles on arrest of his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor amid Epstein probe


BREAKING: Disgraced Ex-UK Royal Andrew Arrested Over Epstein Files Fallout

Britain’s King Charles III on Thursday said “the law must take its course” following the arrest of his younger brother, former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on suspicion of misconduct in public office amid the mounting heat over his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The monarch expressed his “deepest concern” but stressed that the investigation would follow “the full, fair and proper process” by the appropriate authorities. “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities,” Charles said in a statement, according to BBC, adding, “In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.” He also noted that it would not be right to comment further as the process continues.

BREAKING: Disgraced Ex-UK Royal Andrew Arrested Over Epstein Files Fallout

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who turned 66 on Thursday, was arrested by Thames Valley police at his residence on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, eastern England.According to The Guardian neither King Charles or Buckingham Palace was informed in advance of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest.The former prince, stripped of his royal titles in 2022 over his links to Epstein, remains in police custody. The force confirmed it had opened an investigation into the alleged offence but did not name the suspect in line with standard UK procedures.Thames Valley police previously said they were “assessing” reports that Mountbatten-Windsor, during his tenure as Britain’s special envoy for international trade, sent confidential trade documents to Epstein in 2010. These reports were among millions of pages of documents released last month by the US justice department as part of its investigation into Epstein, according to AP.Mountbatten-Windsor’s links to Epstein have long shadowed the royal family. He was forced by the late Queen Elizabeth II to give up royal duties and charitable work in 2019 after a controversial BBC interview attempted to address the relationship. Last year, further revelations in a book and the release of court documents prompted King Charles to strip him of the title “prince” and ask him to leave his Windsor home.Assistant chief constable Oliver Wright of Thames Valley police said, “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”Unmarked police vehicles and plainclothes officers were reportedly seen outside Andrew’s Norfolk residence earlier this week. Buckingham Palace confirmed its readiness to cooperate fully with authorities investigating Mountbatten-Windsor’s links to Epstein.



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‘Appeasing policy’: Why Supreme Court flagged ‘freebies culture’ and cautioned states | India News


'Appeasing policy': Why Supreme Court flagged 'freebies culture' and cautioned states

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday raised serious concerns over the growing culture of ‘freebies’ across states , warning that indiscriminate distribution of such benefits could hamper economic development and strain state finances. The top court also cautioned states and asked whether such a culture, without drawing a distinction between the haves and the have-nots, would amount to an “appeasing policy.”Hearing a plea by Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Ltd, which plans to provide free electricity to all consumers regardless of their financial status, the court said welfare measures are justified for the poor, but extending them to everyone could weaken development efforts.Why SC flagged freebiesA bench led by Chief Justice India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, pointed out that many states already face revenue deficits yet continue to announce large-scale free schemes.“Most of the states in the country are revenue deficit states and yet they are offering such freebies” overlooking development, the bench said.The judges stressed that excessive spending on freebies could slow economic progress and reduce funds available for infrastructure, jobs, and long-term growth.“The economic development of the nation will be hampered by this kind of largesse distribution. Yes, it is the State’s duty to provide, but the ones who are enjoying freebies… is it not something that should be looked at?” Chief Justice of India Surya Kant verbally observed.The CJI also questioned whether states were using their revenue wisely.“States are running into deficit but still giving freebies. See, 25 per cent of the revenue you collect in a year, why can it not be used for the development of the State?”Concern over impact on work culture &financesThe bench warned that indiscriminate distribution of benefits could affect productivity and reduce incentives to work.“What kind of culture are we developing in India? It is understandable that as part of the welfare measure you want to provide to those who are incapable of pay the electricity charges,” the bench asked.“But without drawing a distinction between those who can afford and those who cannot, you start distributing. Will it not amount to an appeasing policy,” the CJI asked.The court also questioned the timing of the Tamil Nadu power firm’s proposal.“The states should work to open avenues for employment. If you start giving free food from morning to evening then free cycle, then free electricity then who will work and then what will happen to the work culture,” the CJI said.JusticeBagchi added that states must properly justify such spending in their budgets.“It’s not one State we are talking about, it’s about all States. It is planned expenditure. Why don’t you make Budget proposals and give justification that this is my outlay on unemployment of people?”Court issues notice but clarifies wider concernDespite its sharp observations, the Suprme Court issued notice to the Centre and other parties on the petition filed by the DMK government-run power utility challenging electricity rules.The court clarified that its concern was not limited to Tamil Nadu but applied to all states offering similar schemes without proper financial planning.Freebies: New currency of political power?A report by Aequitas Investments noted that freebies have increasingly become a major electoral strategy.“As political parties compete in what appears to be a race to the bottom, welfare schemes and ‘freebies’ have evolved from mere campaign promises to the new currency of political power,” the report said.



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Gold price today: Check rates of 18K, 22K and 24K gold in your city; Mumbai, Delhi & more


Gold price today: Check rates of 18K, 22K and 24K gold in your city; Mumbai, Delhi & more

Gold prices moved up on Thursday, with the April futures contract advancing by Rs 365 to Rs 1,56,126 per 10 grams, supported by fresh buying from speculators amid firm spot demand. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, the contract rose 0.23% in a business turnover of 1,071 lots. Analysts said the build-up of new positions lifted prices, while in the global market, gold futures in New York gained 0.48% to $5,001.54 per ounce.How much gold costs in your city today?

Gold price in Ahmedabad today

Gold prices in Ahmedabad today stand at Rs 11,742 per gram for 18K, Rs 14,350 per gram for 22K, and Rs 15,654 per gram for 24K gold.

Gold price in Bangalore today

Gold in Bangalore today is priced at Rs 11,737 per gram for 18K, Rs 14,345 per gram for 22K, and Rs 15,649 per gram for 24K gold.

Gold price in Bhubaneswar today

Bhubaneswar markets today see 18K gold costing at Rs 11,737 per gram, Rs 14,345 per gram for 22K, and Rs 15,649 per gram for 24K gold.

Gold price in Chennai today

Gold prices in Chennai today stand at Rs 12,400 per gram for 18K, Rs 14,500 per gram for 22K, and Rs 15,818 per gram for 24K gold.

Gold price in Delhi today

18K gold prices in Delhi stands at Rs 11,752 per gram, 22K at Rs 14,360 per gram, and 24K is priced at Rs 15,664 per gram.

Gold price in Hyderabad today

In Hyderabad too gold prices inched higher, costing Rs 11,737 per gram for 18K, Rs 14,345 per gram for 22K, and Rs 15,649 per gram for 24K gold.

Gold price in Jaipur today

Gold prices in Jaipur today stand at Rs 11,752 per gram for 18K, Rs 14,360 per gram for 22K, and Rs 15,664 per gram for 24K gold.

Gold price in Kanpur today

Gold prices in Kanpur today stand at Rs 11,752 per gram for 18K, Rs 14,360 per gram for 22K, and Rs 15,664 per gram for 24K gold.

Gold price in Kolkata today

Gold prices in Kolkata today stand at Rs 11,737 per gram for 18K, Rs 14,345 per gram for 22K, and Rs 15,649 per gram for 24K gold.

Gold price in Mumbai today

Gold prices in Mumbai today stand at Rs 11,737 per gram for 18K, Rs 14,345 per gram for 22K, and Rs 15,649 per gram for 24K gold.



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Fortified tunnels, repaired missile sites: Is Iran preparing for US strike? What satellite images show


Fortified tunnels, repaired missile sites: Is Iran preparing for US strike? What satellite images show

Satellite imagery from Iran shows that the Khamenei-regime is accelerating efforts to fortify key nuclear and missile sites, as the United States ramps up its military presence in the region and warns that time for diplomacy is running out.The images, captured between late 2024 and February 2026, show new concrete shielding, buried tunnel entrances and reconstruction at missile bases previously struck during last year’s Israel-Iran conflict, as reported by Reuters.

Photo credit: Reuters

The developments come amid renewed nuclear talks and increasingly blunt rhetoric from Washington. The United States has also deployed its largest military presence in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, heightening concerns over possible strikes against Iran as President Donald Trump considers his next move. According to sources cited by CNN, US forces could be prepared to act as soon as this weekend, though no final decision has been made. Trump is said to be consulting advisers and foreign leaders, balancing the risks of military action against the prospects for diplomacy.President Donald Trump convened senior advisers this week to discuss next steps following negotiations in Geneva. According to Axios, officials described the administration as closer to a potential military campaign than many Americans realise. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said “there are many arguments one can make in favor of a strike against Iran”, though she added that the president prefers diplomacy and that “Iran would be wise to make a deal”.Against that backdrop, satellite images offer a rare window into Tehran’s parallel strategy on the ground.

Concrete shield at Parchin raises fresh questions

At the sensitive Parchin military complex, around 30km south-east of Tehran, imagery shows the rapid evolution of a damaged structure into what experts describe as a hardened bunker.Israel reportedly struck Parchin in October 2024. Images taken shortly afterwards show extensive damage to a rectangular building. By November that year, reconstruction was under way. Satellite photographs from October 2025 reveal the skeleton of a large new structure, flanked by two smaller buildings. By mid-November, a metallic roof appeared to cover the main facility.However, images from December show the structure partially concealed. By 16 February 2026, it was no longer visible, hidden beneath what analysts say is a concrete overbuild covered in soil.The Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) described the development as a “concrete sarcophagus” around a facility it identified as Taleghan 2. In earlier analysis, ISIS said imagery indicated the presence of a long cylindrical chamber inside the building, possibly a high-explosives containment vessel approximately 36 metres long.“High-explosive containment vessels are critical to the development of nuclear weapons,” ISIS said, while noting they may also have conventional uses.William Goodhind, a forensic imagery analyst at Contested Ground, told Reuters the roof had likely been covered with dirt “to obscure the concrete colour”. ISIS founder David Albright wrote that burying the facility would provide “significant protection from aerial strikes”.Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons.

Tunnel entrances buried at Isfahan and reinforced near Natanz

Further west, at the Isfahan nuclear complex, satellite images show all three tunnel entrances to an underground complex have now been backfilled with soil.The site was among three enrichment facilities bombed by the United States during last year’s 12-day war between Israel and Iran. Diplomats say parts of Isfahan have stored enriched uranium.ISIS reported in late January that two entrances had been buried; by 9 February, a third had also been sealed. A 10 February image confirmed the tunnels were “completely buried”.According to ISIS, backfilling would help dampen the impact of airstrikes and complicate any ground raid aimed at seizing or destroying nuclear material.Near the Natanz nuclear facility, imagery also points to activity at a tunnel complex under a mountain roughly 2km away, known as Pickaxe Mountain. Analysts observed numerous vehicles, including cement mixers and dump trucks, suggesting ongoing efforts to “harden and defensively strengthen” the entrances.ISIS said Iran’s precise plans for the facility remain unclear.



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