Damage in Tehran (AP file photo)

Iran on Thursday officially conveyed its reponse to Pakistan on the US 15-point proposal for de-escalation talks, calling it one sided and unfair.“Iran’s assessment is that it is “one-sided and unfair”, serving only US, Israel interests,” reported Reuters quoting a senior Iranian official, confirming that the proposal “was ​reviewed in detail on ⁠Wednesday night ‌by senior Iranian ​officials ​and the representative of ⁠Iran’s Supreme Leader”.The official further criticised the US proposal, arguing that it effectively asks Iran to give up its defensive capabilities without offering a clear or credible pathway for sanctions relief. “In brief, the proposal suggests that Iran would relinquish its ability to defend itself in exchange for a vague plan to lift sanctions,” he said, adding that the ‌proposal lacked the minimum requirements for success.He further indicated that diplomatic engagement remains distant, noting the absence of any concrete framework for talks.He said there was “still no arrangement for ⁠negotiations, and no plan for talks appears realistic at this stage”, while Turkey and Pakistan were trying to help “establish common ground between Iran and the United States and reduce differences”.This comes a day after Iran had already publicly rejected US 15-point proposal on possible de-escalation talks in Pakistan or turkey, countering with their own 5 demands. Iran had said that any ceasefire will happen only on its own terms and timeline.It laid out key conditions, including a halt to attacks, guarantees against future conflict, war reparations, and recognition of its rights over the Strait of Hormuz, while ruling out negotiations until these are met.Meanwhile, the US proposal included curbs on Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes in exchange for sanctions relief, but Iran has dismissed it as unrealistic on Wednesday too. With continued strikes between Iran and Israel and disruptions to global energy flows, the situation remains tense.

Retired US Army colonel and geopolitical adviser Douglas Macgregor has dismissed Pakistan’s attempt to mediate in the Iran war, calling the move “ludicrous nonsense” and questioning Islamabad’s credibility.In an interview with news agency ANI, Macgregor said Pakistan’s internal instability and economic troubles make it an unlikely broker. “For the Pakistanis to offer help is sort of like a man who is in a burning building offering you a spare room,” he said. He added that Israel would not see Pakistan as neutral, but rather “part of the problem”, making any talks in Islamabad unrealistic.“They’re going to view Pakistan as part of the problem. Why would you go to Pakistan to Islamabad to try and close a deal, if you will, on ending the war? That’s an impossibility. It strikes me as just ludicrous nonsense,” he added.“If the Israelis heard that they were supposed to show up in Islamabad for a meeting, I think they’d laugh it off. This is ridiculous. Why should we trust anything those people say?” he asked.Macgregor suggested that India could be in a stronger position to facilitate dialogue, pointing to its ties across competing blocs. He said Narendra Modi commands global respect and maintains working relationships with leaders including Vladimir Putin, as well as Iran and Israel. He also indicated that Donald Trump would be more likely to engage with New Delhi’s efforts.His remarks come as the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran enters its fourth week, with both sides hardening their positions. The war has intensified across the region, with continued Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and retaliatory missile attacks from Tehran.Meanwhile, tensions continue to centre on the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has tightened control over shipping lanes. Analysts say Tehran is effectively restricting passage for vessels linked to the US and Israel, contributing to a sharp rise in global oil prices and fears of wider economic disruption.Trump has warned that Iran needs to “get serious soon” about negotiations, linking any ceasefire to the reopening of the strait. However, Tehran has rejected US demands and insists it will end the conflict only on its own terms, dismissing indirect communication through intermediaries.With casualties rising across multiple fronts and no breakthrough in talks, Macgregor warned the conflict could drag on. He said there is currently “no off-ramp”, cautioning that prolonged disruption particularly to global energy flows could have far-reaching consequences.

The United States is weighing what officials describe as a potential “final blow” against Iran, with plans under discussion ranging from a sweeping bombing campaign to risky ground operations deep inside the country, according to an Axios report citing multiple sources familiar.The proposals come as President Donald Trump ramps up pressure on Tehran amid a widening Middle East war and stalled diplomatic efforts. The Pentagon’s planning reflects growing frustration in Washington, where officials believe a decisive show of force could either compel Iran to negotiate or “simply give Trump something to point to and declare victory”, the report said.Iran claims strike on Israel’s nuclear infra — Follow live updatesAt the centre of the strategy are several high-impact targets tied to Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil shipments that Tehran has effectively choked in recent weeks. Among the options being considered are seizing or blockading Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export hub, and capturing key islands such as Larak and Abu Musa, which are vital to Iran’s military grip over the strait. Another scenario involves intercepting or halting Iranian oil shipments altogether on the eastern side of the waterway.US military planners have reportedly drawn up options for ground incursions aimed at securing highly enriched uranium stored in fortified nuclear facilities. Such operations would be complex and dangerous, raising the risk of a prolonged conflict. As an alternative, officials are also considering large-scale air strikes designed to destroy those facilities outright and deny Iran access to nuclear material.Despite the detailed planning, no final decision has been taken. White House officials have described ground operations as hypothetical, though sources say Trump is prepared to escalate quickly if ongoing backchannel efforts fail to produce results. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt warned that the president is ready to strike “harder than ever before”, adding that “any violence beyond this point will be because the Iranian regime… refuses to come to a deal”.The military build-up is already underway. Additional fighter jet squadrons, Marine expeditionary units and thousands of troops — including elements of the 82nd Airborne Division are being deployed to the region, signalling that Washington is positioning itself for rapid escalation.Iran, however, has dismissed US overtures, with officials insisting they do not trust Washington’s negotiating push. Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that any attempt to seize Iranian territory would trigger sweeping retaliation against regional infrastructure.The standoff leaves both sides entrenched. While the US seeks a decisive end to hostilities and the reopening of the Hormuz shipping lane, Iran appears willing to endure sustained pressure, calculating that its ability to disrupt global energy flows remains a powerful lever. With mediation efforts by countries including Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt still struggling to bring both sides to the table, the prospect of a dramatic military escalation is becoming increasingly real.

NEW DELHI: India’s largest private fuel retailer Nayara Energy on Thursday raised its prices by Rs 5 per litre and diesel by Rs 3 a litre amid the ongoing Middle East crisis. Nayara Energy, which operates 6,967 of India’s 102,075 petrol pumps, has decided to pass on part of the increase in input costs to consumers, said PTI sources.The majority-owned by Russia’s Rosneft, has raised the prices but the actual increase varies across states due to differences in local levies such as VAT, with petrol prices in certain regions rising by as much as Rs 5.30 per litre.Fuel marketing companies in India are under increasing financial pressure, as retail petrol and diesel prices have been kept unchanged even though global oil prices have climbed nearly 50 per cent since February 28, when US–Israel strikes on Iran sparked a wider conflict and retaliation from Tehran.Private and state-run fuel retailers in India are taking divergent approaches as pressure mounts from elevated global crude prices and a prolonged freeze in retail rates.Jio-bp, the fuel retail joint venture between Reliance Industries and BP Plc, which operates over 2,100 outlets nationwide, has so far held petrol and diesel prices steady despite absorbing significant losses. In contrast, state-owned oil marketing companies—dominating roughly 90 per cent of the market—have also maintained a price freeze on standard fuels, continuing a strategy in place since April 2022.State-run companies—Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL)—have been absorbing losses during periods of high crude prices and recovering margins when prices soften. While retail prices for regular petrol and diesel remain unchanged, these companies recently increased the price of premium-grade petrol by Rs 2 per litre and sharply raised bulk diesel rates sold to industrial consumers by about Rs 22 per litre.In Delhi, the price of premium 95-octane petrol now stands at Rs 101.89 per litre, up from Rs 99.89, while bulk diesel rates have jumped to Rs 109.59 per litre from Rs 87.67. Meanwhile, standard petrol and diesel prices remain frozen at Rs 94.77 and Rs 87.67 per litre, respectively.The divergence reflects differences in fuel grades: regular petrol, typically rated at 91–92 octane, caters to standard engines, whereas premium petrol with higher octane levels (95–98) is designed for high-performance vehicles.Globally, crude oil prices surged to as high as $119 per barrel earlier this month amid escalating tensions involving Iran, before easing to around $100 per barrel. India, which imports nearly 88 per cent of its crude oil and about half of its natural gas requirements, remains highly exposed to such volatility—particularly as a significant portion of supplies passes through the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz. Recent threats from Iran following US and Israeli strikes, coupled with insurance withdrawals, have disrupted tanker movements through the route.The government has reiterated that petrol and diesel pricing is deregulated and determined by oil marketing companies.Historically, oil firms have navigated sharp price cycles. Crude had previously touched $119 per barrel in June 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While that year saw limited profitability, state-run companies posted record profits of Rs 81,000 crore in FY24, offsetting earlier margin pressures. In the current financial year, the three firms together reported profits of Rs 23,743 crore in the December quarter alone.

From viral video to statue: Dog rescue in Kazakhstan remembered decade later

Nearly a decade after a spontaneous act of kindness captured hearts online, Almaty, a city in Kazakhstan has turned that moment into a lasting tribute.In 2016, a group of strangers formed a human chain to rescue a dog trapped in a reservoir — a scene that quickly went viral for its quiet display of compassion. Now, that fleeting moment has been cast in bronze.Unveiled on March 22, the sculpture recreates the rescue: figures holding hands, leaning together, united in a shared effort to save a life. The installation has once again stirred emotions online, with the story resurfacing across social media platforms.

A moment that brought strangers together

The rescue began with a single passerby who spotted the struggling dog, unable to climb out due to steep, slippery walls and a strong current. Realising he couldn’t do it alone, others stepped in.One by one, strangers joined hands, forming a chain that stretched down into the reservoir — until they were able to reach the animal and pull it to safety. No coordination, no planning — just instinctive cooperation.That act of collective effort is exactly what the sculpture seeks to preserve.According to local reports, the project was approved by city authorities responsible for public spaces but not funded by the administration. Officials described it as a symbol of solidarity, mutual support and the power of collective action.Some accounts on social media have attributed the work to artist Yerbosyn Meldibekov.

Internet revisits a moment of kindness

Since the unveiling, the story has found a new life online. The original rescue video — along with clips of the statue — has been widely reshared, prompting a wave of nostalgia and reflection.Users across platforms have hailed the gesture as a reminder of everyday humanity.On Instagram, one popular post called it “a moment the world will never forget,” while discussions on Reddit praised the decision to commemorate what some described as a “small but meaningful” act.As one user wrote, such moments matter because they show “what a society chooses to value”.In a world often dominated by conflict and division, the sculpture stands as a quiet counterpoint — a reminder that sometimes, humanity reveals itself in the simplest acts.

The United States has expanded its screening and vetting requirements of social media accounts to cover several additional non-immigrant visa categories, including H-3, K, Q, R, S, T and U visas, as part of tighter security checks during visa processing. The move is unlikely to affect large numbers of Indian applicants, but it signals broader scrutiny across almost all temporary visa types.According to a notification issued by the US State Department, the new rule extends online presence review, including social-media checks, to applicants in the H-3, K-1, K-2, K-3, Q, R-1, R-2, S, T and U visa classifications, along with certain dependents.These categories are in addition to H-1B, H-4, F, M and J visas, which were already subject to such checks earlier. In fact, social media vetting of H-1B and their dependents has led to immense backlogs at US consulates and several Indians in need of a visa stamp have found themselves stranded in India for months together.Applicants in the categories now covered will need to keep their social-media profiles accessible so that consular officers can review publicly available information during adjudication. The State Department has said the visa process involves “thorough vetting of all applicants” and that each visa decision is treated as a national-security matter.The newly added categories largely cover specialised or less-common visa types.

These are niche categories compared to the H-1B work visa or F-1 student visa, which account for the bulk of Indian travel to the US.Limited impact on Indian applicantsImmigration experts say the change is unlikely to affect large numbers of Indians because most Indians going to the US do so on H-1B, F-1, L-1, B-1/B-2 or family-based immigrant visas, not the newly added categories.However, Indians may still be affected in some cases, such as:

The expanded vetting is part of a broader effort by US authorities to increase screening of foreign nationals seeking entry. Earlier measures had already required social-media review for student, exchange-visitor and H-1B visa applicants.US officials have said stricter checks are meant to ensure that applicants do not pose security risks and that they intend to comply with the terms of their visa.What applicants should expectThe new rule does not change eligibility criteria, but it could lead to:

For Indian applicants, the immediate impact is expected to be small, but the move indicates that US visa vetting is gradually expanding to cover nearly all non-immigrant categories, not just students and skilled workers.

Imagine boarding a flight from a small city airport that barely existed a few years ago, that’s the kind of connectivity India is now aiming to expand. The Centre has given the green signal to UDAN 2.0, a revamped version of the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik scheme, with an outlay of over Rs 28,000 crore to further boost regional air travel.The modified scheme focuses on strengthening regional air connectivity through new airport infrastructure, enhanced financial support for airlines, and operational assistance for smaller aerodromes. It builds on the original UDAN initiative launched in 2016, which has already connected 95 airports and facilitated over 3.41 lakh flights, carrying more than 162 lakh passengers.The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the launch and implementation of the Regional Connectivity Scheme – Modified UDAN (UDAN 2.0) for a 10-year period from FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36, with a total outlay of Rs 28,840 crore.

How will UDAN 2.0 benefit consumers?

Aimed at significantly expanding affordable air connectivity across the country, especially in underserved and unserved regions, UDAN 2.0 is expected to bring wide-ranging benefits for consumers and the broader economy. The scheme will improve air connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, making air travel more accessible and affordable for a larger section of the population. It is also likely to boost tourism, trade and local economies by improving regional access and mobility. For consumers, it will enhance access to healthcare and emergency services in remote areas by reducing travel time to major centres. In addition, the scheme will strengthen regional aviation infrastructure, support indigenous aerospace manufacturing under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, and contribute to the long-term goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 by building a more connected and inclusive transport network across the country.

Key features of the UDAN 2.0 scheme

Expansion of airport infrastructureIn a major push to bring unserved and underserved regions of India onto the aviation map, the Modi government on Wednesday approved a modified Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) for a 10-year period with a budget outlay of Rs 28,840 crore. Under the plan, 100 airports will be developed at existing unserved airstrips to strengthen regional connectivity, at a cost of Rs 12,159 crore.Support for aerodrome operation and maintenanceTo ensure sustainability of low-traffic regional airports, the government will provide Operation & Maintenance (O&M) support for three years. The assistance is capped at Rs 3.06 crore per airport annually and Rs 0.90 crore per heliport/water aerodrome. The total allocation for this component is Rs 2,577 crore for around 441 aerodromes.Development of modern helipadsThe scheme includes the construction of 200 modern helipads in hilly, remote, island and aspirational districts to improve emergency response and connectivity. Each helipad will cost around Rs 15 crore, taking the total outlay for this segment to Rs 3,661 crore.Viability gap funding (VGF) for airlinesAirline operators will continue to receive financial support under the scheme to operate regional routes. The government has proposed Rs 10,043 crore in VGF support over 10 years, helping improve route viability and encourage wider participation by carriers.Atmanirbhar Bharat aircraft acquisitionTo address the shortage of small aircraft and strengthen domestic manufacturing, the scheme includes procurement of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including two HAL Dhruv helicopters for Pawan Hans and two HAL Dornier aircraft for Alliance Air.Since its launch in October 2016, the UDAN scheme has operationalised 663 routes across 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes (as of February 28, 2026). It has enabled over 3.41 lakh flights and carried 162.47 lakh passengers, significantly improving connectivity in remote, hilly and island regions while promoting regional aviation growth.

Some of the unhappiest jobs are also some of the loneliest, according to an 85‑year‑long study led by Harvard researchers. While it’s hard to pin down any single job title as the “most miserable,” the researchers have found that certain job features seem to reliably wear people down – especially when work feels emotionally isolating. The problem isn’t just long hours or low pay; it’s the quiet absence of real human connection that often leaves employees feeling empty, exhausted, and stuck.Dr. Robert Waldinger, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and director of the famous Harvard Study of Adult Development—one of the longest‑running investigations into happiness—explained to CNBC Make It that jobs with little human interaction and almost no chance to form real relationships with colleagues very often end up with the most dissatisfied workers. The Harvard study, which has followed more than 700 people since 1938, has found that money, prestigious titles, intense exercise routines, or even a strict healthy diet don’t hold a candle to positive relationships when it comes to living a longer, healthier, and genuinely happy life. And that rule applies just as much to work as it does to the rest of life.“It’s a basic social need that should be met in every area of our lives,” Waldinger says. “When people feel more connected at work, they tend to be more satisfied with their jobs and actually do better work.”

The hidden loneliness of modern work

Workplace loneliness is far more widespread than most of us realise. Some of the most isolating jobs involve long stretches of independent work and very few real conversations, such as truck driving, night‑shift security work, or solitary roles in large warehouses. In tech‑driven fields like package and food delivery, workers often move from one drop‑off to the next with no colleagues in sight. In online retail or big‑box warehouses, the pace is so relentless that people on the same shift may never learn each other’s names.Loneliness isn’t only a problem for people in solo roles, though. Even those in busy, social‑feeling jobs can feel profoundly alone if their interactions are shallow or stressful. Customer‑service workers, especially those in call centres, often bear the brunt of this. “We know that people in call centres are often enormously stressed by their jobs, mainly because they’re on the phone all day with frustrated, impatient people,” Waldinger explains. Constant demands without emotional support can create a kind of social isolation that feels just as heavy as physical solitude.And the emotional toll isn’t just psychological. Recent research suggests that chronic loneliness as we age can increase the risk of early death as much as smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Feeling disconnected from others at work isn’t just an “off‑day” issue; over time, it can quietly chip away at both mental health and physical well‑being.

Social connection: a quiet superpower at work

The Harvard team’s findings point to a surprisingly simple antidote: small, intentional moments of connection. Creating even brief opportunities for socialising at work can be deeply restorative. A five‑minute catch‑up with a friendly colleague, joining a workplace book club, or signing up for an intramural sports league can give exhausted employees a sense of belonging they may not get from their actual tasks.The way a company is structured also matters. “If you’re encouraged to work in teams, it’s much easier to build positive relationships,” Waldinger says. “But if you’re expected to keep your head down, compete with others, and stay constantly focused on your own tasks, that becomes a very different experience.”Some managers still see chatting and laughter at the office as a sign that people aren’t working hard enough. Waldinger and his colleague, Dr. Marc Schulz, the associate director of the Harvard study, push back against this idea in their book The Good Life. In fact, research shows the opposite: a 2022 Gallup report found that employees who say they have a “best friend” at work are more engaged and more productive than those who don’t.When people look for jobs, they usually focus on salary, benefits, or commute time. But Waldinger and Schulz argue that the potential for real, positive relationships at work is another kind of benefit—one that can dramatically shape the day‑to‑day experience of work. “Positive relationships at work lead to lower stress levels, healthier employees, and fewer evenings spent coming home upset,” they conclude. In the end, strong, caring connections aren’t just a “nice to have”—they’re one of the quiet but powerful keys to a happier, more meaningful working life.