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Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence fuels doubts over Iran’s leadership as CIA and Mossad search for clues. Reports suggest IRGC may hold real power amid escalating US-Israel-Iran war.

Who is running Iran amid war? Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence ‘beyond weird’ as CIA, Mossad look for signs

Diego Garcia, a vital US-UK military base in the Indian Ocean, faced an Iranian missile attack. The UK and US maintain full administrative and military control over Diego Garcia, specifically for at least 99 years. Take a deep dive into the article and know more about the Island.

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<p>Researchers in their new study have detected Caffeine, cocaine, and painkillers, among other drugs, in the blood of sharks swimming near the coast of the Bahamas. The team led by biologist Natascha Wosnick found after analysing blood samples from 85 sharks near Eleuthera Island. Out of these, nearly one-third have tested positive for caffeine, anti-inflammatory drugs like acetaminophen and diclofenac, and in one case, cocaine.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"This represents the first report concerning contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) and potentially associated physiological responses in sharks from The Bahamas, pointing to the urgent need to address marine pollution in ecosystems often perceived as pristine," the study published in the journal Environmental Pollution confirmed.</p><h3>Are divers the main culprit?</h3><p>A biologist with the Federal University of Parana, identified as Wosnick, said the traces of the drug could reach marine environments through water currents carrying sewage or other water. However, he suggested that divers are the most likely source of sharks being exposed to these substances. Most of the sharks studied were found near an inactive fish farm that is frequently visited by divers.</p><p><br>“It's mostly because people are going there, peeing in the water and dumping their sewage in the water,” Wosnick said, ScienceNews reported. "They bite things to investigate and end up exposed [to substances]," added Wosnick.</p><p><br>In addition to detecting pharmaceuticals and cocaine, researchers observed changes in the sharks’ metabolic markers. While it is still uncertain whether these changes are harmful, they could potentially influence the animals’ behaviour.</p><p><br>"The very limited information on how CECs interact with the unique physiology and detoxification systems of elasmobranchs (sharks) represents a major barrier to assessing ecological risks and population-level impacts, hindering the development of effective conservation strategies for this already high-at-risk group," the study authors stated.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/meat-blood-milk-and-almost-no-water-mutation-that-helped-kenyan-tribe-survive-for-centuries-1773986257798">Meat, blood, milk, and almost no water: Scientists find what helped Kenyan tribe survive on extreme diet for centuries</a></p>

A biologist with the Federal University of Parana said the traces of the drug could reach marine environments through water currents carrying sewage or other water. However, he suggested that divers are the most likely source of sharks being exposed to these substances. 

Researchers in their new study have detected Caffeine, cocaine, and painkillers, among other drugs, in the blood of sharks swimming near the coast of the Bahamas. The team led by biologist Natascha Wosnick found after analysing blood samples from 85 sharks near Eleuthera Island. Out of these, nearly one-third have tested positive for caffeine, anti-inflammatory drugs like acetaminophen and diclofenac, and in one case, cocaine. "This represents the first report concerning contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) and potentially associated physiological responses in sharks from The Bahamas, pointing to the urgent need to address marine pollution in ecosystems often perceived as pristine," the study published in the journal Environmental Pollution confirmed. Are divers the main culprit? A biologist with the Federal University of Parana, identified as Wosnick, said the traces of the drug could reach marine environments through water currents carrying sewage or other water. However, he suggested that divers are the most likely source of sharks being exposed to these substances. Most of the sharks studied were found near an inactive fish farm that is frequently visited by divers. “It's mostly because people are going there, peeing in the water and dumping their sewage in the water,” Wosnick said, ScienceNews reported. "They bite things to investigate and end up exposed [to substances]," added Wosnick. In addition to detecting pharmaceuticals and cocaine, researchers observed changes in the sharks’ metabolic markers. While it is still uncertain whether these changes are harmful, they could potentially influence the animals’ behaviour. "The very limited information on how CECs interact with the unique physiology and detoxification systems of elasmobranchs (sharks) represents a major barrier to assessing ecological risks and population-level impacts, hindering the development of effective conservation strategies for this already high-at-risk group," the study authors stated. Also read: Meat, blood, milk, and almost no water: Scientists find what helped Kenyan tribe survive on extreme diet for centuries

<p>A biologist with the Federal University of Parana said the traces of the drug could reach marine environments through water currents carrying sewage or other water. However, he suggested that divers are the most likely source of sharks being exposed to these substances.&nbsp;</p>

What’s in water? Sharks near Bahamas found with Cocaine & Caffeine in blood, study reveals

<p>The Iranian Embassy in South Africa on Friday (Mar 20) posted a cryptic post amid war with the United States and Israel. This comes as tensions in West Asia continue to escalate, with no signs of de-escalation. The post has fueled debate on social media as US President Donald Trump faces criticism over the war that has entered its third week.</p><p>In a post on X, the Iranian Embassy wrote, “For the first time in history, you can simply post he’s an idiot, and 90% of the world will know who you’re talking about.”</p><p>The post sparked mixed reactions among social media users, some of whom support the US and Israel, while others back Iran in the ongoing conflict that has expanded to West Asia.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What do you think? 😎 <a href="https://t.co/jRV4XPgxhZ">pic.twitter.com/jRV4XPgxhZ</a></p>&mdash; Iran Embassy SA (@IraninSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/IraninSA/status/2034955312306774479?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>“Is this official account of Iran Embassy???” one user questioned, amused. Another wrote, “Terrifyingly accurate...” and a third said, “That was so sarcastic.” Some commented, “Trump and Netanyahu came to my mind,” while others mocked Iran’s supreme leader, Khamenei.</p><h2><strong>Did Trump ignore Qatar energy boss’ warning?</strong></h2><p>Saad al-Kaabi, Qatar’s energy minister and QatarEnergy CEO, said that the US was warned of the dangers of provoking Iran.</p><p>“I was always warning, talking to executives from oil and gas that are partnered with ‌us, talking to the U.S. Secretary of Energy, to warn him of that consequence and that that could be detrimental to us,” al-Kaabi told Reuters.</p><p>“They were aware of the threat, and they were always reminded by me, almost on a daily basis, that we need to make sure that there is restraint on oil and gas facilities,” he added.</p><p>In response to the claims, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said, “President Trump and his entire energy team were not ignorant of the reality that there would be short-term disruptions to oil and gas supply during the ongoing operations ​in Iran, and planned for these highly anticipated, temporary disruptions.”</p><h2><strong>Trump considering ‘winding down’?</strong></h2><p>In a surprise announcement, Trump on Friday (Mar 20) claimed that the US is “getting very close to meeting our objectives” in the war and considering “winding down” military operations in the Gulf. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump laid out five said objectives:</p><p>(1) Completely degrading Iranian Missile Capability, Launchers, and everything else pertaining to them.&nbsp;<br>(2) Destroying Iran’s Defense Industrial Base.&nbsp;<br>(3) Eliminating their Navy and Air Force, including Anti Aircraft Weaponry.&nbsp;<br>(4) Never allowing Iran to get even close to Nuclear Capability, and always being in a position where the U.S.A. can quickly and powerfully react to such a situation, should it take place.&nbsp;<br>(5) Protecting, at the highest level, our Middle Eastern Allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others.”</p><p>He added that the Strait of Hormuz “will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it.”</p><p><i>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.</i></p>

The Iranian Embassy in South Africa posted a cryptic message online, sparking debate and mixed reactions as the US–Iran–Israel war intensifies into its third week.

The Iranian Embassy in South Africa on Friday (Mar 20) posted a cryptic post amid war with the United States and Israel. This comes as tensions in West Asia continue to escalate, with no signs of de-escalation. The post has fueled debate on social media as US President Donald Trump faces criticism over the war that has entered its third week. In a post on X, the Iranian Embassy wrote, “For the first time in history, you can simply post he’s an idiot, and 90% of the world will know who you’re talking about.” The post sparked mixed reactions among social media users, some of whom support the US and Israel, while others back Iran in the ongoing conflict that has expanded to West Asia.

<p>The Iranian Embassy in South Africa posted a cryptic message online, sparking debate and mixed reactions as the US–Iran–Israel war intensifies into its third week.</p>

‘HE’S AN IDIOT’: Did Iranian embassy in SA mock Trump? Cryptic post amid war fuels debate

<p>&nbsp;Iran, in a chilling warning on Friday (Mar 20), said that the UK was "putting British lives in danger" by allowing the US to use its bases. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he was caught off guard by what he called the United Kingdom's delayed response in allowing American forces to use British bases for strikes on Iran. "I was a little surprised," Trump told reporters, adding that London "should have acted a lot faster." The remarks came as Downing Street confirmed that UK ministers had approved expanded access for US operations, specifically targeting Iranian missile systems seen as a threat to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irgc-warns-ras-al-khaimah-residents-to-evacuate-why-is-iran-threatening-uae-and-what-happens-next-1774064112660"><strong>IRGC warns Ras Al-Khaimah residents to evacuate — why is Iran threatening UAE?</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Tehran pushes back, warns the UK</strong></h2><p>Iran’s response was swift. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Britain’s decision risks dragging it deeper into the conflict.</p><p>In a post on X, he said most British citizens "do not want any part" in what he described as a "US-Israel war of choice," adding that the move was putting British lives at risk. "Iran will exercise its right to self-defence," he wrote.</p><p>According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Tehran recently fired two ballistic missiles toward the joint US-UK military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. However, neither missile hit the target.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-s-oil-gambit-how-trump-is-using-iranian-crude-to-bankrupt-tehran-amid-strait-of-hormuz-blockade-in-pics-1774056598032"><strong>US's oil gambit: How Trump is using Iranian crude to bankrupt Tehran | In Pics</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What did the UK do to anger Iran?</strong></h2><p>Downing Street on Friday (Mar 20) confirmed that its Cabinet ministers had approved an expansion of US access to British bases. This means the US can now use UK bases to target Iranian missile sites. The decision followed a high-level meeting of British officials as the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran continues to widen.</p><p>According to the government, the arrangement falls under collective self-defence. It allows US forces to use British bases to degrade missile capabilities being used against vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.</p><p><strong>Disclaimer: </strong><i>WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.</i></p>

Iran warns UK it is “putting British lives at risk” after allowing US to use its bases. Even as Tehran hinted at retaliation, US Prez Trump slammed London for acting too slowly. With missiles already fired near a US-UK base, is Britain now a direct target? Scroll to see what’s next

Iran, in a chilling warning on Friday (Mar 20), said that the UK was "putting British lives in danger" by allowing the US to use its bases. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he was caught off guard by what he called the United Kingdom's delayed response in allowing American forces to use British bases for strikes on Iran. "I was a little surprised," Trump told reporters, adding that London "should have acted a lot faster." The remarks came as Downing Street confirmed that UK ministers had approved expanded access for US operations, specifically targeting Iranian missile systems seen as a threat to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Also read | IRGC warns Ras Al-Khaimah residents to evacuate — why is Iran threatening UAE? Tehran pushes back, warns the UK Iran’s response was swift. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Britain’s decision risks dragging it deeper into the conflict. In a post on X, he said most British citizens "do not want any part" in what he described as a "US-Israel war of choice," adding that the move was putting British lives at risk. "Iran will exercise its right to self-defence," he wrote. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Tehran recently fired two ballistic missiles toward the joint US-UK military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. However, neither missile hit the target. Also read | US's oil gambit: How Trump is using Iranian crude to bankrupt Tehran | In Pics What did the UK do to anger Iran? Downing Street on Friday (Mar 20) confirmed that its Cabinet ministers had approved an expansion of US access to British bases. This means the US can now use UK bases to target Iranian missile sites. The decision followed a high-level meeting of British officials as the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran continues to widen. According to the government, the arrangement falls under collective self-defence. It allows US forces to use British bases to degrade missile capabilities being used against vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

<p>Iran warns UK it is “putting British lives at risk” after allowing US to use its bases. Even as Tehran hinted at retaliation, US Prez Trump slammed London for acting too slowly. With missiles already fired near a US-UK base, is Britain now a direct target? Scroll to see what’s next</p>

'Putting British lives at risk': Iran issues chilling warning to Downing Street over US base access

<p>US President Donald Trump on Friday demanded that other nations that “use” the Strait of Hormuz need to step up to “guard and police” the vital waterway. On day 21 of the Iran war, the POTUS in a post on Truth Social also revealed that he was considering "winding down" military operations against Iran. He said that America was “getting very close” to meeting its objectives “with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran”. As Crude prices rose by 3.3 per cent at $112.19 a barrel on Friday, and stocks slid lower, Trump claimed that the US does not use the Strait of Hormuz and those who use it must be responsible for its security.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-using-their-barrels-against-them-trump-issues-30-day-sanctions-waiver-floods-market-with-140mn-barrels-of-iranian-oil-to-crash-global-prices-1774053242531"><strong>'Using their barrels against them': Trump floods market with Iranian oil to crash global prices, issues 30-day sanctions waiver</strong></a></p><h2><strong>US ready to end the Iran war?</strong></h2><p>The US president, in a social media post, said that the US was “getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran”.</p><p>“The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it,” said Trump, claiming that "The United States does not!" use the world's most critical maritime oil chokepoint. Since the start of the US-Israel-Iran war, Iran has effectively closed the shipping channel through which over one-fifth of global oil and one-quarter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass through daily.</p><p>The US President Donald sent shockwaves through global markets by announcing he is considering "winding down" military operations, claiming the US is "very close" to meeting its victory plan. On Truth Social, the POTUS laid out five "objectives" that the US has achieved or is "close to meeting". What are they?&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mission-accomplished-trump-reveals-5-iran-war-goals-announces-surprise-exit-strategy-as-us-nears-victory-what-are-they-and-is-the-war-ending-soon-1774045708559"><strong>'Winding down': Trump sets 5 goals—what are they and is Iran war ending soon?</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Disclaimer: </strong><i>WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.</i></p>

Trump says US may “wind down” Iran war as goals are nearly met, but drops a shocker, America won’t guard the Strait of Hormuz. With oil surging past $112, who steps in now? A power vacuum or strategic exit? Scroll to understand what’s really happening. 

US President Donald Trump on Friday demanded that other nations that “use” the Strait of Hormuz need to step up to “guard and police” the vital waterway. On day 21 of the Iran war, the POTUS in a post on Truth Social also revealed that he was considering "winding down" military operations against Iran. He said that America was “getting very close” to meeting its objectives “with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran”. As Crude prices rose by 3.3 per cent at $112.19 a barrel on Friday, and stocks slid lower, Trump claimed that the US does not use the Strait of Hormuz and those who use it must be responsible for its security. Also read | 'Using their barrels against them': Trump floods market with Iranian oil to crash global prices, issues 30-day sanctions waiver US ready to end the Iran war? The US president, in a social media post, said that the US was “getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran”. “The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it,” said Trump, claiming that "The United States does not!" use the world's most critical maritime oil chokepoint. Since the start of the US-Israel-Iran war, Iran has effectively closed the shipping channel through which over one-fifth of global oil and one-quarter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass through daily. The US President Donald sent shockwaves through global markets by announcing he is considering "winding down" military operations, claiming the US is "very close" to meeting its victory plan. On Truth Social, the POTUS laid out five "objectives" that the US has achieved or is "close to meeting". What are they? Also read | 'Winding down': Trump sets 5 goals—what are they and is Iran war ending soon?

<p>Trump says US may “wind down” Iran war as goals are nearly met, but drops a shocker, America won’t guard the Strait of Hormuz. With oil surging past $112, who steps in now? A power vacuum or strategic exit? Scroll to understand what’s really happening.&nbsp;</p>

‘US does not!’ Trump signals America mulling 'winding down' in Iran, refuses to guard Strait of Hormuz

<p>American far-right political activist, conspiracy theorist, and internet personality Laura Loomer, who had been highly critical of India and Indians, has made a drastic U-turn from her earlier stance after a nine-day visit to the country and called India “the best country she has ever travelled to” and admitted that many of her previous beliefs were shaped by negative portrayals in the media.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Loomer took to X and said her experience in the country had completely changed her perspective.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Loomer, a Trump supporter, said she hopes to return to India every year. “I love India. My misconceptions have been corrected,” she wrote, adding that her experience had been “amazing” and eye-opening.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/iranian-man-arrested-while-trying-to-enter-uk-s-nuclear-naval-base-with-woman-1774016970617"><strong>Iranian man arrested while trying to enter UK’s nuclear naval base with woman</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Honestly, as someone who has traveled a lot, India is the best country I have ever traveled to. It’s incredible. I will have been here for 9 days when I leave, and there is still so much to see and do. My experience has been amazing and India is portrayed negatively in the media… <a href="https://t.co/M5PcETapBt">https://t.co/M5PcETapBt</a></p>&mdash; Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) <a href="https://twitter.com/LauraLoomer/status/2034957337317028153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Honestly, as someone who has traveled a lot, India is the best country I have ever traveled to. It’s incredible,” Loomer, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, said in a post on X.</p><p>“My experience has been amazing, and India is portrayed negatively in the media as a place Americans should avoid, but I realize a lot of that is completely made up,” she said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mulling-kharg-island-takeover-to-force-iran-to-open-strait-of-hormuz-report-1774004752258"><strong>Trump mulling Kharg Island takeover to force Iran to open Strait of Hormuz: Report</strong></a></p><h2>‘India often wrongly depicted as a place Americans should avoid’</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Loomer said in her post that India is often wrongly depicted as a place Americans should avoid.</p><p>She described feeling safe and comfortable throughout her stay, adding that the reality of India was far from the “third world” image often presented abroad.</p><p>Loomer praised the Indian people, calling them the “nicest” she has ever met, and expressed a strong desire to return, especially to visit South India on her next trip.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-not-putting-troops-in-iran-want-japan-to-step-up-says-trump-claims-iran-leadership-gone-1773939473299"><strong>‘Not putting troops in Iran, want Japan to step up,’ says Trump; claims Iran leadership ‘gone’</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Loomer further said that it was wrong to call India a third-world country.</p><p>“The people, food, culture and hospitality culture are just incredible. I have felt safe and comfortable the entire time I have been here and India will truly be the next big super power. This country has incredible potential and you have to see it yourself to understand,” she said. Wants to come back every year.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>‘My misconceptions have been corrected’</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>She ended the post on X, saying she has nothing but nice things to say about India.</p><p>“I love India. My misconceptions have been corrected. I have nothing but nice things to say,” Loomer said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Loomer also met the Dalai Lama, whom she described as “a global beacon of peace, compassion, and wisdom, and the spiritual leader of Tibet.”</p><p>“In a world filled with division and chaos, sitting down with the Dalai Lama was truly inspiring. His calm presence, deep insights on inner peace, and unwavering commitment to non-violence left a lasting impact on me,” she said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-nations-and-japan-condemn-iran-for-attacks-say-ready-for-efforts-to-ensure-safe-passage-in-hormuz-1773931556678"><strong>European nations and Japan condemn Iran for attacks, say ready for ‘efforts’ to ensure safe passage in Hormuz</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Grateful for this rare, once in a lifetime and meaningful private encounter that I will cherish for the rest of my life,” she added.</p>

American far-right political activist Laura Loomer, who had been highly critical of India and Indians, praised the Indian people, calling them the “nicest” she had ever met, and said that it was wrong to call India a third-world country.

American far-right political activist, conspiracy theorist, and internet personality Laura Loomer, who had been highly critical of India and Indians, has made a drastic U-turn from her earlier stance after a nine-day visit to the country and called India “the best country she has ever travelled to” and admitted that many of her previous beliefs were shaped by negative portrayals in the media. Loomer took to X and said her experience in the country had completely changed her perspective. Loomer, a Trump supporter, said she hopes to return to India every year. “I love India. My misconceptions have been corrected,” she wrote, adding that her experience had been “amazing” and eye-opening. Also Read: Iranian man arrested while trying to enter UK’s nuclear naval base with woman

<p>American far-right political activist Laura Loomer, who had been highly critical of India and Indians, praised the Indian people, calling them the “nicest” she had ever met, and said that it was wrong to call India a third-world country.</p>

‘India is incredible, will be next super power,’ says Laura Loomer in dramatic U-turn after visit

<p>An Instagram reel by a Delhi-based influencer went viral across social media after it received a response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the video, the content creator shared that his father is a huge Modi fan and said that “since your words are instructions to my father, agle ‘Man ki Baat’ mein agar aap mithai ke against kuch bol dein toh mere papa ki sugar control ho jayegi.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This roughly translates to: “If in the next ‘Man ki Baat’ (the PM’s monthly radio show) you say something against sweets, my father’s sugar will come under control.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Social media influencer Yuvraj Dua is known for his sharp wit and loud, relatable “Dilli” anecdotes. But earlier this week, the influencer—who boasts over one million followers, traded his usual comedy for a mission of national importance: his father’s health.</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVyIWeTkUnW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVyIWeTkUnW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVyIWeTkUnW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Yuvraj Dua (@yuvraj.dua)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p>Yuvraj posted a reel titled “Modi-Paglu Papa,” a mix of earnest pleading and classic Delhi humour. In the video, he explained how his father hangs on to every word the PM says, viewing him not just as a leader but as the ultimate authority.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Responding to the reel, PM Modi wrote, “On Yuvraj’s request, I urge his father (and everyone out there) to reduce sugar intake, be healthy and be happy.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-us-getting-isolated-switzerland-suspends-military-exports-as-western-allies-reject-hormuz-coalition-1774012660460"><strong>Is US getting isolated? Switzerland suspends military exports as Western allies reject Hormuz coalition</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Focus on your wellbeing. Eat well, eat healthy. Excessive sugar invites a range of diseases. Then, of course, there is the looming threat of obesity. Also, do make Yoga a part of your lives. It is a great way to remain fit and active," Modi wrote on Instagram.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Yuvraj also reacted to the Prime Minister’s response, writing: “Ab toh Modi ji ne bol diya, papa maan jao please (Now even Modi ji has said it, please stop eating sugar).”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>PM Modi, currently the most-followed world leader on Instagram, has increasingly used “collabs” and re-shares to reach younger audiences. In 2023, the Prime Minister also featured in a collaborative video with fitness influencer Ankit Baiyanpuria, where they performed cleanliness activities together to promote the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission).</p>

Yuvraj posted a reel titled “Modi-Paglu Papa,” a mix of earnest pleading and classic Delhi humour. In the video, he explained how his father hangs on to every word the PM says, viewing him not just as a leader but as the ultimate authority.

An Instagram reel by a Delhi-based influencer went viral across social media after it received a response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the video, the content creator shared that his father is a huge Modi fan and said that “since your words are instructions to my father, agle ‘Man ki Baat’ mein agar aap mithai ke against kuch bol dein toh mere papa ki sugar control ho jayegi.” This roughly translates to: “If in the next ‘Man ki Baat’ (the PM’s monthly radio show) you say something against sweets, my father’s sugar will come under control.” Social media influencer Yuvraj Dua is known for his sharp wit and loud, relatable “Dilli” anecdotes. But earlier this week, the influencer—who boasts over one million followers, traded his usual comedy for a mission of national importance: his father’s health.

<p>Yuvraj posted a reel titled “Modi-Paglu Papa,” a mix of earnest pleading and classic Delhi humour. In the video, he explained how his father hangs on to every word the PM says, viewing him not just as a leader but as the ultimate authority.</p>

'Modi-Paglu Papa': PM Modi plays ‘family health coach’ for Delhi influencer’s sweet-toothed father

<p>An Iranian man has been arrested with a woman for trying to enter the Faslane naval base, which is home to the United Kingdom’s nuclear-armed submarines. Police Scotland said a 34-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman were arrested at HM Naval Base Clyde at about 17:00 on Thursday.</p><p>The Royal Navy said the suspects “unsuccessfully attempted” to enter the base near Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute.</p><p>A spokesperson for the police force said that inquiries were ongoing into the incident.</p><p>“As the matter is subject to an ongoing investigation, we will not comment further,” the spokesperson added.</p><p>The nationality of the woman arrested with the Iranian is not known yet.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mulling-kharg-island-takeover-to-force-iran-to-open-strait-of-hormuz-report-1774004752258"><strong>Trump mulling Kharg Island takeover to force Iran to open Strait of Hormuz: Report</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Faslane naval base is home to all the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines, including the Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines, which carry Trident nuclear missiles.</p><p>The four Vanguard submarines are the sole platforms for the UK’s nuclear weapons and are due to be replaced by the new Dreadnought-class submarines after 2030.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-not-putting-troops-in-iran-want-japan-to-step-up-says-trump-claims-iran-leadership-gone-1773939473299"><strong>‘Not putting troops in Iran, want Japan to step up,’ says Trump; claims Iran leadership ‘gone’</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The arrests took place as the US and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran, killing the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and many other senior leaders on 28 February. Iran responded to the killing by launching attacks on Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf.</p><p>The Faslane base has long been the focus of anti-war protests from groups such as the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and Trident Ploughshares.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-nations-and-japan-condemn-iran-for-attacks-say-ready-for-efforts-to-ensure-safe-passage-in-hormuz-1773931556678"><strong>European nations and Japan condemn Iran for attacks, say ready for ‘efforts’ to ensure safe passage in Hormuz</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The UK’s stock of nuclear warheads is based at the Royal Naval Armaments Depot (RNAD) Coulport on nearby Loch Long.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Since 1969, the UK has maintained continuous at-sea deterrence, with its missiles stored on and launched from nuclear-powered submarines with the capacity to remain submerged at sea for months.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-may-impose-toll-and-taxes-on-ships-passing-through-strait-of-hormuz-1773918080590"><strong>Iran may impose toll and taxes on ships passing through Strait of Hormuz</strong></a></p>

The Faslane naval base is home to all the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines, including the Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines, which carry Trident nuclear missiles. The UK’s stock of nuclear warheads is based at the Royal Naval Armaments Depot (RNAD) Coulport on nearby Loch Long.

An Iranian man has been arrested with a woman for trying to enter the Faslane naval base, which is home to the United Kingdom’s nuclear-armed submarines. Police Scotland said a 34-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman were arrested at HM Naval Base Clyde at about 17:00 on Thursday. The Royal Navy said the suspects “unsuccessfully attempted” to enter the base near Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute. A spokesperson for the police force said that inquiries were ongoing into the incident. “As the matter is subject to an ongoing investigation, we will not comment further,” the spokesperson added. The nationality of the woman arrested with the Iranian is not known yet. Also Read: Trump mulling Kharg Island takeover to force Iran to open Strait of Hormuz: Report The Faslane naval base is home to all the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines, including the Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines, which carry Trident nuclear missiles. The four Vanguard submarines are the sole platforms for the UK’s nuclear weapons and are due to be replaced by the new Dreadnought-class submarines after 2030. Also Read: ‘Not putting troops in Iran, want Japan to step up,’ says Trump; claims Iran leadership ‘gone’ The arrests took place as the US and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran, killing the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and many other senior leaders on 28 February. Iran responded to the killing by launching attacks on Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf. The Faslane base has long been the focus of anti-war protests from groups such as the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and Trident Ploughshares. Also Read: European nations and Japan condemn Iran for attacks, say ready for ‘efforts’ to ensure safe passage in Hormuz The UK’s stock of nuclear warheads is based at the Royal Naval Armaments Depot (RNAD) Coulport on nearby Loch Long. Since 1969, the UK has maintained continuous at-sea deterrence, with its missiles stored on and launched from nuclear-powered submarines with the capacity to remain submerged at sea for months. Also Read: Iran may impose toll and taxes on ships passing through Strait of Hormuz

<p>The Faslane naval base is home to all the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines, including the Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines, which carry Trident nuclear missiles. The UK’s stock of nuclear warheads is based at the Royal Naval Armaments Depot (RNAD) Coulport on nearby Loch Long.</p>

Iranian man arrested while trying to enter UK’s nuclear naval base with woman

<p>Two American warships - USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara - were stationed in the Persian Gulf for the larger part of February. But, sometime around the time the Iran war escalated, they vanished. They were operating from Naval Support Activity Bahrain as a core component of the US Fifth Fleet’s mine-countermeasures force. As the Iran crisis intensified, both vessels could no longer be tracked in the regional waters, Indian Defence Review reported. Both ships are equipped with specialised mine countermeasures (MCM) mission packages, which means they can find, identify, and destroy underwater mines. Both of them reached Bahrain within the last year to fill the gap left behind by the Avenger-class wooden-hulled minesweepers that were retired. Meanwhile, Iran is now laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz to prevent ships from passing by. Their absence has raised questions about American mine countermeasure capacity in the Middle East.</p><h2><strong>USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara seen in Malaysia</strong></h2><p>So where are the two warships at such a critical juncture? According to a picture taken by a spotter named Sherwynd Kessler, the combat ships are docked at the North Butterworth Container Terminal in Penang, Malaysia, more than 3,500 nautical miles away from their last known station. Two photos taken by a Defense Visual Information Distribution Service show the Tulsa in Manama, Bahrain, on February 9, and USS Santa Barbara in the Persian Gulf on January 30. But then The War Zone reported, citing satellite imagery, that there were no ships in the port at Bahrain. Both the vessels were likely moved to prevent any damage from Iranian missiles and drones.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mulling-kharg-island-takeover-to-force-iran-to-open-strait-of-hormuz-report-1774004752258"><strong>Trump mulling Kharg Island takeover to force Iran to open Strait of Hormuz: Report</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A strategic failure when Iran is laying mines in Strait of Hormuz&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Joe Hontz, a spokesperson for the Naval Forces Central Command, told The War Zone that the ships are "conducting brief logistical stops in Malaysia." He added that "US forces routinely make port calls in Malaysia as part of our operations, reflecting the close and enduring military cooperation between the United States and Malaysia." Their departure leaves a significant gap in the Navy's mine countermeasure (MCM) capabilities in the Middle East at a time when Iran is laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military said it has been targeting structures that lay mines. However, to remove the mines that have already been laid requires specialised equipment.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-tabled-india-backed-nations-express-concern-over-closure-of-hormuz-at-un-maritime-body-1773979259326"><strong>UAE-Tabled, India-Backed: Nations express concern over closure of Hormuz at UN Maritime Body</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>https://www.wionews.com/videos/can-red-sea-replace-strait-of-hormuz-capacity-vs-reality-1774011558298/embed</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara have this ability. Their package includes unmanned systems, or autonomous underwater vehicles (UUVs) and surface boats (USVs) that can enter "danger zones" to keep the ship safe. Advanced sonar with high-resolution sensors can spot metallic or odd-shaped objects on the sea floor. They also have small robots that carry a charge to blow up a detected mine on-site.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">15 Mar – Two US Navy Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) that were assigned to mine-countermeasure (MSM) missions in the Persian Gulf are currently docked at Butterworth in Malaysia.<br><br>Butterworth, Penang<br>15th March 2026<br>SC - sherwyndkessier <a href="https://t.co/FZN6qH1aSA">https://t.co/FZN6qH1aSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/2kRnHiSeVk">pic.twitter.com/2kRnHiSeVk</a></p>&mdash; Justine (@polietzz) <a href="https://twitter.com/polietzz/status/2033138746267509159?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara, equipped with specialised mine countermeasures (MCM) mission packages, went missing around the time the Iran war started. They have been located. But their absence leaves a major gap in the Middle East.

Two American warships - USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara - were stationed in the Persian Gulf for the larger part of February. But, sometime around the time the Iran war escalated, they vanished. They were operating from Naval Support Activity Bahrain as a core component of the US Fifth Fleet’s mine-countermeasures force. As the Iran crisis intensified, both vessels could no longer be tracked in the regional waters, Indian Defence Review reported. Both ships are equipped with specialised mine countermeasures (MCM) mission packages, which means they can find, identify, and destroy underwater mines. Both of them reached Bahrain within the last year to fill the gap left behind by the Avenger-class wooden-hulled minesweepers that were retired. Meanwhile, Iran is now laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz to prevent ships from passing by. Their absence has raised questions about American mine countermeasure capacity in the Middle East. USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara seen in Malaysia So where are the two warships at such a critical juncture? According to a picture taken by a spotter named Sherwynd Kessler, the combat ships are docked at the North Butterworth Container Terminal in Penang, Malaysia, more than 3,500 nautical miles away from their last known station. Two photos taken by a Defense Visual Information Distribution Service show the Tulsa in Manama, Bahrain, on February 9, and USS Santa Barbara in the Persian Gulf on January 30. But then The War Zone reported, citing satellite imagery, that there were no ships in the port at Bahrain. Both the vessels were likely moved to prevent any damage from Iranian missiles and drones. Also Read: Trump mulling Kharg Island takeover to force Iran to open Strait of Hormuz: Report

<p>USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara, equipped with specialised mine countermeasures (MCM) mission packages, went missing around the time the Iran war started. They have been located. But their absence leaves a major gap in the Middle East.</p>

US mine-hunting warships vanish from Strait of Hormuz, reappear 5,630 km away as Iran lays mines

<p>In a teary-eyed interview aired on national television, Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit on Friday (Mar 20) spoke publicly for the first time regarding her association with late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, saying she was ‘manipulated and deceived’. Breaking seven weeks of silence since the release of Epstein files in the US, she sat down with her husband, Crown Prince Haako, to discuss her past association with the financier and convicted sex offender. Among the trove of documents released by the US Justice Department were hundreds of emails between Mette-Marit and Epstein between 2011 and 2014. It also emerged that she had stayed at his Palm Beach, Florida residence.</p><h2>Mette-Marit takes responsibility, expresses regret for Epstein links</h2><p>Seeking to set the record straight before the nation, Mette-Marit expressed deep regret and acknowledged personal responsibility over the Epstein links.</p><p>"I feel so manipulated, and when you are manipulated, you don't realise it from the start," she said, adding, "It is incredibly important for me to take responsibility for not checking his background more carefully… and to take responsibility for being so manipulated and deceived as I was."</p><p>“Of course, I wish I had never met him.”</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-image-surfaces-of-andrew-mandelson-and-epstein-together-in-newly-released-doj-files-1773484466617">First image surfaces of Andrew, Mandelson and Epstein together in newly released DOJ files</a></p><h2>Norway Crown Princess reacts to public scrutiny over Epstein ties</h2><p>The interview followed intense criticism in Norway against the princess from both the public and politicians, including Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. She had previously apologised and admitted to “poor judgment”.</p><p>Even the interview on national TV was seen by some as an attempt to defend herself.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/epstein-files-ignite-rahul-puri-political-firestorm-1770833155735/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/epstein-files-ignite-rahul-puri-political-firestorm-1770833155735/embed</a></p><h2>Did the princess know about Epstein’s past?</h2><p>It is clear from the emails that the princess had researched Epstein. He had already been convicted in Florida for soliciting sex from a minor by the time they met. In a 2011 email, Mette-Marit wrote: "Googled u after last email. Agree didn't look too good."</p><p>However, during the interview, she denied awareness about Epstein’s crimes. "I didn't know he was a sex offender or a predator," she said, adding, "I can't remember this; it was 15 years ago, to be honest."</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dan-goldman-unveils-previously-redacted-epstein-document-contradicting-donald-trump-s-mar-a-lago-claim-1773896950722">Dan Goldman unveils previously redacted Epstein document contradicting Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago claim</a></p><h2>Nature of Mette-Marit’s relationship with Epstein</h2><p>Asked about their relationship, Mette-Marit described Epstein as a private acquaintance. He was a "private contact," said the princess, adding she did not tell everyone about her private contacts.</p><p>Explaining her stay at his Palm Beach home, she said, "Epstein was a close friend of a good friend of mine."</p><p>She admitted she was overly trusting: “I am overly trusting, I tend to think the best of people.”</p><h2>Princess had an uneasy incident yet continued contact with Epstein</h2><p>In the interview, she spoke of an uncomfortable experience during her stay at Eptein's home. While describing it as a situation that made her feel uneasy on the final day, she did not disclose details of the incident. She said she telephoned her husband at the time because it made her feel insecure. Despite this, she maintained contact for some time before eventually ending it: “But I also chose to end all direct contact with him. And it was because of such episodes as that.”</p><h2>‘Focus should remain on Epstein victims’, says princess as timing of interview questioned</h2><p>Mette-Marit said the focus should remain on Epstein’s victims and the lack of justice, while expressing anger that they had not yet received justice.</p><p>Meanwhile, the timing of the interview is being questioned: it was recorded after the conclusion of her son Marius Borg Høiby’s rape trial hearings. This suggested that she delayed speaking publicly until those proceedings had concluded.</p><h2>Princess discusses health concerns and future role, as crown prince expresses support</h2><p>The crown princess also addressed concerns about her ability to continue royal duties due to illness. She suffers from the chronic lung disease pulmonary fibrosis. "I live with a serious illness… That is the very thing that decides, quite plainly, whether I can, in any way whatsoever, continue to perform in the role I hold, or not."</p><p>"I would very much like to stand by him in that truly important and challenging project, if I have the opportunity to do so, given my health."</p><p>Sitting with her for the interview, Crown Prince Haakon expressed solidarity with the princess. "This is, after all, our project, which we're doing together," he said, reflecting on their more than 25 years of marriage.</p>

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit said on national TV she was “manipulated and deceived”, while addressing her links to Jeffrey Epstein for the first time in public. She admitted poor judgment, but denied knowing of the crimes of the convicted paedophile



In a teary-eyed interview aired on national television, Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit on Friday (Mar 20) spoke publicly for the first time regarding her association with late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, saying she was ‘manipulated and deceived’. Breaking seven weeks of silence since the release of Epstein files in the US, she sat down with her husband, Crown Prince Haako, to discuss her past association with the financier and convicted sex offender. Among the trove of documents released by the US Justice Department were hundreds of emails between Mette-Marit and Epstein between 2011 and 2014. It also emerged that she had stayed at his Palm Beach, Florida residence. Mette-Marit takes responsibility, expresses regret for Epstein links Seeking to set the record straight before the nation, Mette-Marit expressed deep regret and acknowledged personal responsibility over the Epstein links. "I feel so manipulated, and when you are manipulated, you don't realise it from the start," she said, adding, "It is incredibly important for me to take responsibility for not checking his background more carefully… and to take responsibility for being so manipulated and deceived as I was." “Of course, I wish I had never met him.” Also read: First image surfaces of Andrew, Mandelson and Epstein together in newly released DOJ files Norway Crown Princess reacts to public scrutiny over Epstein ties The interview followed intense criticism in Norway against the princess from both the public and politicians, including Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. She had previously apologised and admitted to “poor judgment”. Even the interview on national TV was seen by some as an attempt to defend herself. https://www.wionews.com/videos/epstein-files-ignite-rahul-puri-political-firestorm-1770833155735/embed Did the princess know about Epstein’s past? It is clear from the emails that the princess had researched Epstein. He had already been convicted in Florida for soliciting sex from a minor by the time they met. In a 2011 email, Mette-Marit wrote: "Googled u after last email. Agree didn't look too good." However, during the interview, she denied awareness about Epstein’s crimes. "I didn't know he was a sex offender or a predator," she said, adding, "I can't remember this; it was 15 years ago, to be honest." Also read: Dan Goldman unveils previously redacted Epstein document contradicting Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago claim Nature of Mette-Marit’s relationship with Epstein Asked about their relationship, Mette-Marit described Epstein as a private acquaintance. He was a "private contact," said the princess, adding she did not tell everyone about her private contacts. Explaining her stay at his Palm Beach home, she said, "Epstein was a close friend of a good friend of mine." She admitted she was overly trusting: “I am overly trusting, I tend to think the best of people.” Princess had an uneasy incident yet continued contact with Epstein In the interview, she spoke of an uncomfortable experience during her stay at Eptein's home. While describing it as a situation that made her feel uneasy on the final day, she did not disclose details of the incident. She said she telephoned her husband at the time because it made her feel insecure. Despite this, she maintained contact for some time before eventually ending it: “But I also chose to end all direct contact with him. And it was because of such episodes as that.” ‘Focus should remain on Epstein victims’, says princess as timing of interview questioned Mette-Marit said the focus should remain on Epstein’s victims and the lack of justice, while expressing anger that they had not yet received justice. Meanwhile, the timing of the interview is being questioned: it was recorded after the conclusion of her son Marius Borg Høiby’s rape trial hearings. This suggested that she delayed speaking publicly until those proceedings had concluded. Princess discusses health concerns and future role, as crown prince expresses support The crown princess also addressed concerns about her ability to continue royal duties due to illness. She suffers from the chronic lung disease pulmonary fibrosis. "I live with a serious illness… That is the very thing that decides, quite plainly, whether I can, in any way whatsoever, continue to perform in the role I hold, or not." "I would very much like to stand by him in that truly important and challenging project, if I have the opportunity to do so, given my health." Sitting with her for the interview, Crown Prince Haakon expressed solidarity with the princess. "This is, after all, our project, which we're doing together," he said, reflecting on their more than 25 years of marriage.

<p>Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit said on national TV she was “manipulated and deceived”, while addressing her links to Jeffrey Epstein for the first time in public. She admitted poor judgment, but denied knowing of the crimes of the convicted paedophile</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Manipulated, deceived: Norway Crown Princess Mette-Marit talks of Epstein links, teary-eyed interview timed after son's rape trial raises questions

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu caused a major furore on Thursday night when he said "Jesus Christ has no advantage over Genghis Khan" in a televised address. He has now issued a clarification, saying he “did not denigrate Jesus Christ” and that he was merely quoting historian Will Durant, Times of Israel reported. “History proves that, unfortunately and unhappily, Jesus Christ has no advantage over Genghis Khan. Because if you are strong enough, ruthless enough, powerful enough, evil will overcome good. Aggression will overcome moderation," Netanyahu said in the address. He quickly faced backlash for his choice of words, with critics slamming him for suggesting that those who possess the most power determine what is "right." The PM responded in an X post, "A fervent admirer of Jesus Christ, Durant stated that morality by itself is not enough to ensure survival,” the post reads. “A morally superior civilisation may still fall to a ruthless enemy if it does not have the power to defend itself.”</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/premium-petrol-hike-by-rs-2-per-litre-in-india-amid-iran-war-check-fuel-rates-today-1774002061567"><strong>Premium petrol price hike by Rs 2.35 per litre in India amid Iran war</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Netanyahu slammed for suggesting “might makes everything right”</strong></h2><p>“Israel’s already fighting the global optics war, and the PM decides to drop ‘might makes right, Jesus who?’ in the middle of it," Mario Nawfal, a Dubai-based entrepreneur, wrote, also saying, "that’s not a flex, that’s a facepalm on steroids." In the same address, Netanyahu said that the war with Iran could end "a lot faster than people think." He also mentioned that the current leader of Iran is missing and that he is "not sure who’s running Iran right now", since Mojtaba Khamenei, who was named the new Supreme Leader, "has not shown his face".</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-confirms-irgc-spokesperson-brig-gen-ali-mohammad-naeini-killed-in-us-israeli-airstrikes-1773995438516"><strong>Iran confirms IRGC spokesperson Brig Gen Ali Mohammad Naeini killed in US-Israeli airstrikes</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨🇮🇱 Netanyahu: &quot;Jesus Christ has no advantage over Genghis Khan. Because if you are strong enough, ruthless enough, powerful enough, evil will overcome good.&quot; <br><br>He is actually the antichrist... <a href="https://t.co/HxtUDIaYq1">pic.twitter.com/HxtUDIaYq1</a></p>&mdash; Jackson Hinkle 🇺🇸 (@jacksonhinklle) <a href="https://twitter.com/jacksonhinklle/status/2034747124621963716?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A morally superior civilization may still fall to a ruthless enemy if it does not have the power to defend itself.<br><br>No offense was meant.</p>&mdash; Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/2034839224411709503?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260320/image-1774006806445.png"></figure><h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2><strong>‘I am alive,’ says Netanyahu</strong></h2><p><br>Netanyahu started the address by saying, “I’m alive, and you’re all witnesses." There has been a lot of speculation about whether he was alive or not since the war started. He posted a video from a coffee shop, which people claimed could be AI-generated. He used the press conference to debunk all those rumours. The PM then gave an update on the ongoing war with Iran, saying, "We are winning, and Iran is being decimated. This war is ending a lot faster than people think."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-prices-surge-above-already-high-36-inflation-rate-shops-shut-amid-rising-price-1773999909874/embed</p><h2><strong>Attack on Iran gas field</strong></h2><p>He also denied that Israel dragged the US into the war. "Does anyone really think that someone can tell President Trump what to do?" he told reporters. &nbsp;Netanyahu also clarified that Israel acted on its own in the strike on an Iranian gas field. In response, Tehran hit Qatar's main gas hub, which caused panic and sent oil prices soaring. US President Donald Trump said in a social media post that Israel attacked the Asaluyeh gas compound alone, and he had told them to refrain from hitting gas fields again.</p>

Benjamin Netanyahu made a controversial statement in his Thursday night address by comparing Jesus Christ and Genghis Khan, and suggesting that the former is weaker. He later issued a clarification, stating those were not his words.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu caused a major furore on Thursday night when he said "Jesus Christ has no advantage over Genghis Khan" in a televised address. He has now issued a clarification, saying he “did not denigrate Jesus Christ” and that he was merely quoting historian Will Durant, Times of Israel reported. “History proves that, unfortunately and unhappily, Jesus Christ has no advantage over Genghis Khan. Because if you are strong enough, ruthless enough, powerful enough, evil will overcome good. Aggression will overcome moderation," Netanyahu said in the address. He quickly faced backlash for his choice of words, with critics slamming him for suggesting that those who possess the most power determine what is "right." The PM responded in an X post, "A fervent admirer of Jesus Christ, Durant stated that morality by itself is not enough to ensure survival,” the post reads. “A morally superior civilisation may still fall to a ruthless enemy if it does not have the power to defend itself.” Also Read: Premium petrol price hike by Rs 2.35 per litre in India amid Iran war Netanyahu slammed for suggesting “might makes everything right” “Israel’s already fighting the global optics war, and the PM decides to drop ‘might makes right, Jesus who?’ in the middle of it," Mario Nawfal, a Dubai-based entrepreneur, wrote, also saying, "that’s not a flex, that’s a facepalm on steroids." In the same address, Netanyahu said that the war with Iran could end "a lot faster than people think." He also mentioned that the current leader of Iran is missing and that he is "not sure who’s running Iran right now", since Mojtaba Khamenei, who was named the new Supreme Leader, "has not shown his face". Also Read: Iran confirms IRGC spokesperson Brig Gen Ali Mohammad Naeini killed in US-Israeli airstrikes

<p>Benjamin Netanyahu made a controversial statement in his Thursday night address by comparing Jesus Christ and Genghis Khan, and suggesting that the former is weaker. He later issued a clarification, stating those were not his words.</p>

'Evil will overcome good...': Netanyahu’s 'Jesus vs Genghis Khan' quote sparks global backlash. Here is what he said

<p>Iran has warned the United Kingdom that providing American forces with access to British military bases would be considered as ‘participation in acts of aggression’. This was made clear by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a phone call with his British counterpart, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, reports said on Friday (Mar 20). The news came days after Britain reportedly allowed the US limited access to an RAF base in Cyprus for defensive operations, such as surveillance and support missions. Here is why this development puts Britain in a tight spot, particularly as President Donald Trump had expressed displeasure in the UK not doing more to help the US.</p><h2>What did Iran tell Britain on US use of British military bases?</h2><p>Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi spoke with UK Foreign Secretary Cooper over the phone, explicitly warning that allowing the US access to use British military bases would be viewed as “participation in aggression”.</p><p>“Such actions will certainly be regarded as participation in aggression and will be recorded in the history of relations between the two countries,” Iranian state media reported, citing Araghchi’s statement.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-trump-not-happy-with-uk-as-starmer-distances-from-iran-war-1773744262572/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-trump-not-happy-with-uk-as-starmer-distances-from-iran-war-1773744262572/embed</a></p><h2>UK had agreed ‘limited US use’ of British bases</h2><p>Araghchi’s reported warning came after the government of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed to limited US use of its bases.</p><p>The UK is doing a balancing act. In a recent joint statement with other major European states such as France, the UK condemned Iranian aggression against its Gulf allies and Jordan.</p><p>But the UK’s direct involvement in the war is a political hot potato for Starmer. Britain is portraying its actions as purely defensive, involving the protection of its nearly 30,000 citizens living in the Gulf region and regional partners, as well as securing its energy security.</p><p>However, Starmer’s government insists it does not want to be dragged into a wider war.</p><p>The UK, which did not participate in the initial US–Israeli offensive strikes of February 28 that sparked off the ongoing war, supports diplomatic de-escalation and a “negotiated settlement with Iran”.</p><p>The phone call from Araghchi came days after Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper visited Saudi Arabia and joined Gulf Cooperation Council meetings to condemn Iranian counterstrikes, and coordinated energy security measures with GCC nations.</p><p>While directly avoiding offensive combat, the UK is stressing the defence of its allies from what it called “reckless Iranian aggression”.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-iran-war-strait-of-hormuz-keir-starmer-allies-criticism-1773835187478">Donald Trump suggests ‘finishing off' Iran, says Starmer is 'no Churchill'</a></p><h2>The issue of US access to UK military bases</h2><p>In the initial days of the war, Starmer refused a US request to use Royal Air Force sites for offensive strikes on Iran.</p><p>This was cited by the government as evidence that it was not an “active participant”.</p><p>But in early March, Starmer authorised US use of the UK base in Cyprus for “specific and limited defensive” operations targeting Iranian missile sites and launchers threatening Britain and regional allies.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/keir-starmer-denies-rift-trump-uk-hormuz-operation-1773661379152">Keir Starmer denies rift with Donald Trump, says UK won’t be drawn into wider war</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Cooper defended this as necessary short-term defensive support while continuing to push for diplomacy.</p><p>UK ministers said it was right for Britain not to be an active participant in offensive operations in the war, stressing de-escalation.</p>

Iran warned the UK that allowing US use of British military bases will be seen as “aggression”. The UK is insisting that it has a limited, defensive role in the war, as PM Starmer tries to avoid being dragged into it

Iran has warned the United Kingdom that providing American forces with access to British military bases would be considered as ‘participation in acts of aggression’. This was made clear by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a phone call with his British counterpart, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, reports said on Friday (Mar 20). The news came days after Britain reportedly allowed the US limited access to an RAF base in Cyprus for defensive operations, such as surveillance and support missions. Here is why this development puts Britain in a tight spot, particularly as President Donald Trump had expressed displeasure in the UK not doing more to help the US. What did Iran tell Britain on US use of British military bases? Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi spoke with UK Foreign Secretary Cooper over the phone, explicitly warning that allowing the US access to use British military bases would be viewed as “participation in aggression”. “Such actions will certainly be regarded as participation in aggression and will be recorded in the history of relations between the two countries,” Iranian state media reported, citing Araghchi’s statement. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-trump-not-happy-with-uk-as-starmer-distances-from-iran-war-1773744262572/embed UK had agreed ‘limited US use’ of British bases Araghchi’s reported warning came after the government of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed to limited US use of its bases. The UK is doing a balancing act. In a recent joint statement with other major European states such as France, the UK condemned Iranian aggression against its Gulf allies and Jordan. But the UK’s direct involvement in the war is a political hot potato for Starmer. Britain is portraying its actions as purely defensive, involving the protection of its nearly 30,000 citizens living in the Gulf region and regional partners, as well as securing its energy security. However, Starmer’s government insists it does not want to be dragged into a wider war. The UK, which did not participate in the initial US–Israeli offensive strikes of February 28 that sparked off the ongoing war, supports diplomatic de-escalation and a “negotiated settlement with Iran”. The phone call from Araghchi came days after Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper visited Saudi Arabia and joined Gulf Cooperation Council meetings to condemn Iranian counterstrikes, and coordinated energy security measures with GCC nations. While directly avoiding offensive combat, the UK is stressing the defence of its allies from what it called “reckless Iranian aggression”. Also read: Donald Trump suggests ‘finishing off' Iran, says Starmer is 'no Churchill' The issue of US access to UK military bases In the initial days of the war, Starmer refused a US request to use Royal Air Force sites for offensive strikes on Iran. This was cited by the government as evidence that it was not an “active participant”. But in early March, Starmer authorised US use of the UK base in Cyprus for “specific and limited defensive” operations targeting Iranian missile sites and launchers threatening Britain and regional allies. Also read: Keir Starmer denies rift with Donald Trump, says UK won’t be drawn into wider war Cooper defended this as necessary short-term defensive support while continuing to push for diplomacy. UK ministers said it was right for Britain not to be an active participant in offensive operations in the war, stressing de-escalation.

<p>Iran warned the UK that allowing US use of British military bases will be seen as “aggression”. The UK is insisting that it has a limited, defensive role in the war, as PM Starmer tries to avoid being dragged into it</p>

Iran warns UK: Providing US access to military bases would be considered ‘participation in aggression’

<p>The Iran-US-Israel conflict is turning into an economic war as an oil tanker operator reportedly paid Tehran a $2 million fee for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is now charging “favoured” countries millions of dollars per oil tanker for safe passage, even as gasoline prices have crossed $8 a gallon in some US pumps.&nbsp;</p><h2>The cost of war: Oil companies feel the pinch; Iran mulls Strait of Hormuz transit surcharge</h2><p>According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, cited by the Financial Times and other media, at least one tanker operator is understood to have paid around $2 million as part of an agreement to transit via Iran’s newly established “safe corridor” along the Strait of Hormuz. This is a route near Iranian territorial waters around Larak Island, where the IRGC Navy and port authorities are reportedly conducting visual vetting and verification of vessels. Based on recent reports, at least nine vessels have used this corridor, mostly from diplomatically cleared nations such as India, Pakistan and China.</p><p>As per reports, India did not pay for passage of its LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi. A Pakistan-flagged Karachi tanker was also similarly cleared through government-to-government talks.</p><p>While Iran is negotiating such arrangements with operators on a case-by-case basis, its parliament is debating formalised surcharges. Iran, in effect, is creating a “protection” racket in Strait of Hormuz.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-missile-strike-hits-haifa-oil-refinery-israel-reports-no-significant-damage-1773957556388">Iran missile strike hits Haifa oil refinery, Israel reports ‘no significant damage’</a></p><h2>Trump administration moves to allow passage of Iranian oil</h2><p>Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US will allow 140 million barrels of Iranian oil already at sea to move. This de-sanctioning will free up roughly 10–14 days of global supply and drive prices down in the near term. This Iranian oil was originally headed mostly to China.</p><p>This is the second instance of the US de-sanctioning oil in recent weeks, following the decision to allow Russian oil meant mainly for India to pass through.&nbsp;</p><p>These are short-term releases of existing cargoes to bring down global oil prices, which have crossed $100 per barrel in recent days.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-release-140-million-barrels-of-sanctioned-iranian-oil-floating-on-water-says-bessent-1773930578453">US to release 140 million barrels of sanctioned Iranian oil floating on water, says Bessent</a></p><h2>Iran’s twin war strategy: Shut Hormuz, attack Gulf energy installations</h2><p>In the past few days, Iran has intensified attacks on oil and gas installations in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait. Combined with its threats of selective closure of the Strait of Hormuz to enemy vessels, the strategy appears to be working in driving up oil prices. Surcharges and payments to Iran for passage would amount to the country funding the war through its leverage over Hormuz traffic.</p><p>While Bessent framed the freeing up of Iranian oil as using its own barrels “against Tehran”, the real goal appears to be to stabilise oil prices for US consumers and industry: America acts when Americans are pinched.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-attacks-on-oil-infrastructure-in-west-asia-triggers-price-spike-1773926960482/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-attacks-on-oil-infrastructure-in-west-asia-triggers-price-spike-1773926960482/embed</a></p><p>Brent crude has spiked by up to 60 per cent since the joint US–Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February started the war, hitting $118 per barrel at one point.&nbsp;</p><p>At the pump, US gas prices are up sharply, with some reports citing increases of up to 90 cents per gallon nationally.</p><p>In reality, overall tanker traffic through Hormuz has collapsed. Only around 15 vessels have transited in recent days, mostly Iran-linked ones.</p>

Iran is leveraging control over the Strait of Hormuz by charging tanker fees, and US is desanctioning Iranian oil stuck at sea. Spike in global crude prices is driving up US petrol costs. All in all, we are witnessing an economic warfare

The Iran-US-Israel conflict is turning into an economic war as an oil tanker operator reportedly paid Tehran a $2 million fee for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is now charging “favoured” countries millions of dollars per oil tanker for safe passage, even as gasoline prices have crossed $8 a gallon in some US pumps. The cost of war: Oil companies feel the pinch; Iran mulls Strait of Hormuz transit surcharge According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, cited by the Financial Times and other media, at least one tanker operator is understood to have paid around $2 million as part of an agreement to transit via Iran’s newly established “safe corridor” along the Strait of Hormuz. This is a route near Iranian territorial waters around Larak Island, where the IRGC Navy and port authorities are reportedly conducting visual vetting and verification of vessels. Based on recent reports, at least nine vessels have used this corridor, mostly from diplomatically cleared nations such as India, Pakistan and China. As per reports, India did not pay for passage of its LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi. A Pakistan-flagged Karachi tanker was also similarly cleared through government-to-government talks. While Iran is negotiating such arrangements with operators on a case-by-case basis, its parliament is debating formalised surcharges. Iran, in effect, is creating a “protection” racket in Strait of Hormuz. Also read: Iran missile strike hits Haifa oil refinery, Israel reports ‘no significant damage’ Trump administration moves to allow passage of Iranian oil Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US will allow 140 million barrels of Iranian oil already at sea to move. This de-sanctioning will free up roughly 10–14 days of global supply and drive prices down in the near term. This Iranian oil was originally headed mostly to China. This is the second instance of the US de-sanctioning oil in recent weeks, following the decision to allow Russian oil meant mainly for India to pass through. These are short-term releases of existing cargoes to bring down global oil prices, which have crossed $100 per barrel in recent days. Also read: US to release 140 million barrels of sanctioned Iranian oil floating on water, says Bessent Iran’s twin war strategy: Shut Hormuz, attack Gulf energy installations In the past few days, Iran has intensified attacks on oil and gas installations in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait. Combined with its threats of selective closure of the Strait of Hormuz to enemy vessels, the strategy appears to be working in driving up oil prices. Surcharges and payments to Iran for passage would amount to the country funding the war through its leverage over Hormuz traffic. While Bessent framed the freeing up of Iranian oil as using its own barrels “against Tehran”, the real goal appears to be to stabilise oil prices for US consumers and industry: America acts when Americans are pinched. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-attacks-on-oil-infrastructure-in-west-asia-triggers-price-spike-1773926960482/embed Brent crude has spiked by up to 60 per cent since the joint US–Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February started the war, hitting $118 per barrel at one point. At the pump, US gas prices are up sharply, with some reports citing increases of up to 90 cents per gallon nationally. In reality, overall tanker traffic through Hormuz has collapsed. Only around 15 vessels have transited in recent days, mostly Iran-linked ones.

<p>Iran is leveraging control over the Strait of Hormuz by charging tanker fees, and US is desanctioning Iranian oil stuck at sea. Spike in global crude prices is driving up US petrol costs. All in all, we are witnessing an economic warfare</p>

Crude war: Oil tanker firm paid Iran $2 million for Strait of Hormuz safe passage; Iran mulls surcharge as US gas costs $8 at some pumps

<p>March 20 is the Spring Equinox, and the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is the place where you can witness an extraordinary solar alignment on this day. The solar equinox occurs twice a year - in March and September. On this day, the sun appears directly over the equator since Earth’s axis is tilted neither towards nor away from the Sun. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is an 8th-century shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Its Gopuram, or the monumental entrance tower, is nearly 100 feet tall and is divided into seven tiers. There are five windows, and on the day of the equinox, the sun peaks exactly through them in an interval of five minutes. This astonishing occurrence is made possible because of the way the tower has been built. The windows are perfectly aligned on an East-West axis, making the temple one of the most well-known examples of ancient Indian archaeoastronomy.</p><h2><strong>Engineering precision at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>At sunset, the temple's construction creates a visual spectacle. The Earth's axis is not tilted at the equinox, so the sun sets exactly west. It appears exactly in the centre of the topmost window. After 5 minutes, the Sun can then be seen through the window below the top one. Remember, the Earth is rotating, yet the sun appears to be descending in a straight line when seen through the windows of the temple tower. This repeats till it reaches the horizon, when it appears through the lowest window. This is a marvellous occurrence since ancient architects built the temple without modern surveying tools. The Sun is only partially visible on the day before and the day after the equinox because of the depth of the windows and the thickness of the walls.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-days-are-getting-longer-it-has-not-happened-in-3-6-million-years-1773408587727"><strong>Earth days are getting longer. It has not happened in 3.6 million years</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Significance of the sun peeking through the tower windows</strong></h2><p>It is an engineering marvel since the builders were able to achieve such precision as to ensure that the sun fully peaks through on just two days of the year. The architects had to calculate the exact latitude of Thiruvananthapuram to ensure that the orientation was perfect for the sun's path only on the equinox. The purpose of constructing the Gopuram tower in this way served a bigger purpose. When the Sun made this spectacular appearance on these two days, they became checkpoints that told the priests that it was the equinox and the seasons would change from then on. It is also symbolic of the transition of time and the omnipresence of Lord Padmanabha (Vishnu).&nbsp;</p>

Spring Equinox 2026: The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram stands as a testament to the architectural marvel of ancient times. On the equinox, the sun descends, peeking through the five windows of the tower every five minutes.

March 20 is the Spring Equinox, and the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is the place where you can witness an extraordinary solar alignment on this day. The solar equinox occurs twice a year - in March and September. On this day, the sun appears directly over the equator since Earth’s axis is tilted neither towards nor away from the Sun. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is an 8th-century shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Its Gopuram, or the monumental entrance tower, is nearly 100 feet tall and is divided into seven tiers. There are five windows, and on the day of the equinox, the sun peaks exactly through them in an interval of five minutes. This astonishing occurrence is made possible because of the way the tower has been built. The windows are perfectly aligned on an East-West axis, making the temple one of the most well-known examples of ancient Indian archaeoastronomy. Engineering precision at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple At sunset, the temple's construction creates a visual spectacle. The Earth's axis is not tilted at the equinox, so the sun sets exactly west. It appears exactly in the centre of the topmost window. After 5 minutes, the Sun can then be seen through the window below the top one. Remember, the Earth is rotating, yet the sun appears to be descending in a straight line when seen through the windows of the temple tower. This repeats till it reaches the horizon, when it appears through the lowest window. This is a marvellous occurrence since ancient architects built the temple without modern surveying tools. The Sun is only partially visible on the day before and the day after the equinox because of the depth of the windows and the thickness of the walls. Also Read: Earth days are getting longer. It has not happened in 3.6 million years Significance of the sun peeking through the tower windows It is an engineering marvel since the builders were able to achieve such precision as to ensure that the sun fully peaks through on just two days of the year. The architects had to calculate the exact latitude of Thiruvananthapuram to ensure that the orientation was perfect for the sun's path only on the equinox. The purpose of constructing the Gopuram tower in this way served a bigger purpose. When the Sun made this spectacular appearance on these two days, they became checkpoints that told the priests that it was the equinox and the seasons would change from then on. It is also symbolic of the transition of time and the omnipresence of Lord Padmanabha (Vishnu).

<p>Spring Equinox 2026: The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram stands as a testament to the architectural marvel of ancient times. On the equinox, the sun descends, peeking through the five windows of the tower every five minutes.</p>

Spring Equinox: Indian temple where sun peeks through 5 windows every 5 minutes twice a year

<p>The Kenyan tribe of Turkana pastoralists can survive without water and only on a diet of milk, meat, and blood. Living in an extremely arid region where water is scarce, and temperatures can reach 50 degrees Celsius, this has been possible because of a mutation. Over thousands of years, their bodies have evolved to survive chronic dehydration. They eat a high-protein diet and almost no water; almost every other human would not be able to live healthily in this manner. But the Turkanas can. An international team of scientists has found that this has been possible because of evolutionary adaptations due to regional aridification that intensified 5,500 years ago. Their kidneys have changed so much that they can aggressively conserve water and process heavy loads of animal protein without causing any harm.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/world-s-longest-evolution-experiment-long-term-evolution-experiment-1988-80-000-generations-1766037923998"><strong>World's longest evolution experiment started 37 years ago, but has already seen 80,000 generations</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Evolution led Turkanas to remain healthy on less water and more meat</strong></h2><p>“If you and I went on a Turkana diet, primarily eating lots of meat, fat and protein, we’d probably get sick very fast,” study co-author Julien Ayroles said. "But this community has been eating these foods for many generations and is adapted," he added, saying that this is what the study tried to understand. What has simply happened is that their bodies have evolved to survive in a harsh climate with very little water. US and Kenyan researchers sequenced the genomes of 367 people and analysed over seven million genetic variants. Eight distinct DNA regions showed natural selection. One gene showed the strongest signal.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/13-000-years-ago-a-tribe-vanished-and-mammoths-died-when-a-cosmic-explosion-ripped-earth-1763624710450"><strong>13,000 years ago, a tribe vanished, and mammoths died - When a cosmic explosion ripped Earth</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This is STC1, which is activated in the kidneys during dehydration. When the body is deprived of water, the kidneys work to concentrate urine to prevent water loss. STC1 is allowing the Turkana to concentrate the urine, Ayroles explained. STC1 has also been linked to urea levels in the body and explains how the Turkanas can process milk, blood, and meat, which forms 70-80 per cent of their diet. The gene protects the kidneys from waste products, like urea and uric acid, created by the high-meat diet. This is why the Turkanas do not suffer from gout.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/creature-that-has-chomped-down-on-its-dna-by-half-is-evolving-in-reverse-1768205437002"><strong>Creature that has chomped down on its DNA by half is evolving in reverse</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Natural selection kicked in among Turkanas</strong></h2><p>The changes in the community started occurring 5,000 to 8,000 years ago when northern Africa went dry. Natural selection led to genetic variants that led humans to survive in the harsh environment to take over, and slowly those with a mutated STC1 had more children, making it the dominant lineage. However, this adaptation had an adverse effect on the Turkanas who lived in cities because it did not match their conditions. Scientists noted that they were at a higher risk of developing diabetes, hypertension and kidney problems.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Can humans live on almost no water when our bodies are largely made up of water? A Kenyan community has been doing just that for thousands of years. Scientists now know why their bodies allow them to lead healthy lives with little water and a lot of protein.

The Kenyan tribe of Turkana pastoralists can survive without water and only on a diet of milk, meat, and blood. Living in an extremely arid region where water is scarce, and temperatures can reach 50 degrees Celsius, this has been possible because of a mutation. Over thousands of years, their bodies have evolved to survive chronic dehydration. They eat a high-protein diet and almost no water; almost every other human would not be able to live healthily in this manner. But the Turkanas can. An international team of scientists has found that this has been possible because of evolutionary adaptations due to regional aridification that intensified 5,500 years ago. Their kidneys have changed so much that they can aggressively conserve water and process heavy loads of animal protein without causing any harm. Also Read: World's longest evolution experiment started 37 years ago, but has already seen 80,000 generations Evolution led Turkanas to remain healthy on less water and more meat “If you and I went on a Turkana diet, primarily eating lots of meat, fat and protein, we’d probably get sick very fast,” study co-author Julien Ayroles said. "But this community has been eating these foods for many generations and is adapted," he added, saying that this is what the study tried to understand. What has simply happened is that their bodies have evolved to survive in a harsh climate with very little water. US and Kenyan researchers sequenced the genomes of 367 people and analysed over seven million genetic variants. Eight distinct DNA regions showed natural selection. One gene showed the strongest signal. Also Read: 13,000 years ago, a tribe vanished, and mammoths died - When a cosmic explosion ripped Earth This is STC1, which is activated in the kidneys during dehydration. When the body is deprived of water, the kidneys work to concentrate urine to prevent water loss. STC1 is allowing the Turkana to concentrate the urine, Ayroles explained. STC1 has also been linked to urea levels in the body and explains how the Turkanas can process milk, blood, and meat, which forms 70-80 per cent of their diet. The gene protects the kidneys from waste products, like urea and uric acid, created by the high-meat diet. This is why the Turkanas do not suffer from gout. Also Read: Creature that has chomped down on its DNA by half is evolving in reverse Natural selection kicked in among Turkanas The changes in the community started occurring 5,000 to 8,000 years ago when northern Africa went dry. Natural selection led to genetic variants that led humans to survive in the harsh environment to take over, and slowly those with a mutated STC1 had more children, making it the dominant lineage. However, this adaptation had an adverse effect on the Turkanas who lived in cities because it did not match their conditions. Scientists noted that they were at a higher risk of developing diabetes, hypertension and kidney problems.

<p>Can humans live on almost no water when our bodies are largely made up of water? A Kenyan community has been doing just that for thousands of years. Scientists now know why their bodies allow them to lead healthy lives with little water and a lot of protein.</p>

Meat, blood, milk, and almost no water: Scientists find what helped Kenyan tribe survive on extreme diet for centuries

Denmark spent January preparing for a military invasion—not from Russia, but from its closest ally, the United States. Following Donald Trump’s threat to take Greenland "the hard way," Danish elite soldiers were reportedly flown to the Arctic carrying bags of blood. Here's all we know.

Blood bags, bombs, and betrayal? Denmark's plan to stop Trump from invading Greenland REVEALED!

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appears with daughter Kim Ju Ae during tank drills, signalling heightened military readiness amid missile tests and rising tensions with South Korea and the US.

North Korea preparing for war? Kim Jong Un and his teen daughter ride tank, oversee drills

<p><strong>WASHINGTON: </strong>With the Iran war entering its third week, the Trump administration is in hot water for reportedly requesting a staggering $200 billion in emergency funding. Amid concerns about the staggering bill of the Iran war, US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Mar 20) sought to downplay the costs, dismissing the bill as a "small price" to keep the US military "tippy top." Meanwhile, as soaring costs, combined with the Strait of Hormuz energy crisis, fuel economic troubles at home, Trump's Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has sparked controversy by saying it "takes money to kill bad guys." The Trump aide said this when asked by a reporter about the $200bn request. Internal reports suggest, in just the first six days of the conflict, the US burned through $11.3 billion—a nearly $2 billion-a-day price tag driven by dual carrier strike groups and a rain of "standoff" cruise missiles. While President Trump</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-is-how-much-iran-war-cost-us-in-first-week-pentagon-reveals-shocking-number-1773284909499"><strong>THIS is how much Iran war cost US in first week: Pentagon reveals shocking number</strong></a></p><h2><strong>'Tippy Top' Defense: Trump’s Plan to Refill the US Ammunition 'Locker.'</strong></h2><p>Trump seemed to confirm the figure. When asked about the money and what it would be used for, the POTUS reasoned that even beyond Iran, it was a "volatile world".</p><p>"We're asking for a lot of reasons, beyond even what we're talking about in Iran. This is a very volatile world," he said.</p><p>Trump said that the US wants and needs "right now" vast amounts of ammunition, and the $200 billion was a small price to stay "tippy top". Speaking during an event in the oval office, the president said "We want to have vast amounts of ammunition, which we have right now...It's a small price to pay to make sure that we stay tippy top."</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-lie-lie-lie-iran-uses-inside-out-ai-satire-to-mock-trump-s-evil-impulses-amid-minab-school-strike-and-epstein-files-controversies-watch-1773374313730"><strong>'Lie! lie! lie!': Iran uses AI satire video to mock Trump's ‘Inside Out’ evil impulses amid Minab school strike &amp; Epstein files controversies | Watch</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Where is the $200 Billion Going? Breaking Down the Iran War 'Bill'</strong></h2><p>While the White House is yet to confirm or deny reports of the $200 billion funding request to Congress, Hegseth on Thursday all but confirmed it. Alarmingly, he said that the $200 billion number could actually go up as the US tries to "refill" ammunition. &nbsp;</p><p>"As far as $200 billion, I think that number could move," he told reporters. "We're going back to Congress and our folks there to ensure that we're properly funded for what's been done, for what we may have to do in the future, ensure that our ammunition is, everything's refilled," Hegseth added.</p><h2><strong>$1.8 Billion Per Day: Why the Iran Conflict is the 'Costliest' US Intervention</strong></h2><p>While lawmakers were told that Trump's war against Iran cost US taxpayers $11.3 billion in the first six days, exactly how much the war cost so far has yet to be publicly disclosed. Friday (Mar 20) will be Day 21 of the war.</p><p>Experts believe that the cost of war is substantial. "The amount of precision munitions and interceptors used, the number of air sorties, fuel expended, and cost of operation of two carrier strike groups all factored in, would lead to a very large bill," Daniel Schneiderman, director of global policy programs at Penn Washington told AFP.</p><p>He noted that in military operations like these, the most crucial items happen to be the most expensive. "Standoff weapons like cruise missiles, THAAD interceptors and batteries, bombs and missiles fired from aircraft, the fuel and maintenance that supports those aircraft and the carriers they fly off of, and not to mention the skilled labor that operates them."</p><p>Schneiderman added that it is "very expensive to run a war" and said that the Iran War "has to be up there with the costliest interventions the US has undertaken from a financial perspective."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Disclaimer: </strong><i>WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.</i></p>

$200B for war? Trump admin faces heat as Pentagon says “it takes money to kill bad guys.” With $11.3B burned in just the first 6 days, the Iran war is turning into one of America’s costliest conflicts yet. How big is the real bill? Scroll to find out

WASHINGTON: With the Iran war entering its third week, the Trump administration is in hot water for reportedly requesting a staggering $200 billion in emergency funding. Amid concerns about the staggering bill of the Iran war, US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Mar 20) sought to downplay the costs, dismissing the bill as a "small price" to keep the US military "tippy top." Meanwhile, as soaring costs, combined with the Strait of Hormuz energy crisis, fuel economic troubles at home, Trump's Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has sparked controversy by saying it "takes money to kill bad guys." The Trump aide said this when asked by a reporter about the $200bn request. Internal reports suggest, in just the first six days of the conflict, the US burned through $11.3 billion—a nearly $2 billion-a-day price tag driven by dual carrier strike groups and a rain of "standoff" cruise missiles. While President Trump Also read | THIS is how much Iran war cost US in first week: Pentagon reveals shocking number 'Tippy Top' Defense: Trump’s Plan to Refill the US Ammunition 'Locker.' Trump seemed to confirm the figure. When asked about the money and what it would be used for, the POTUS reasoned that even beyond Iran, it was a "volatile world". "We're asking for a lot of reasons, beyond even what we're talking about in Iran. This is a very volatile world," he said. Trump said that the US wants and needs "right now" vast amounts of ammunition, and the $200 billion was a small price to stay "tippy top". Speaking during an event in the oval office, the president said "We want to have vast amounts of ammunition, which we have right now...It's a small price to pay to make sure that we stay tippy top." Also read | 'Lie! lie! lie!': Iran uses AI satire video to mock Trump's ‘Inside Out’ evil impulses amid Minab school strike & Epstein files controversies | Watch Where is the $200 Billion Going? Breaking Down the Iran War 'Bill' While the White House is yet to confirm or deny reports of the $200 billion funding request to Congress, Hegseth on Thursday all but confirmed it. Alarmingly, he said that the $200 billion number could actually go up as the US tries to "refill" ammunition. "As far as $200 billion, I think that number could move," he told reporters. "We're going back to Congress and our folks there to ensure that we're properly funded for what's been done, for what we may have to do in the future, ensure that our ammunition is, everything's refilled," Hegseth added. $1.8 Billion Per Day: Why the Iran Conflict is the 'Costliest' US Intervention While lawmakers were told that Trump's war against Iran cost US taxpayers $11.3 billion in the first six days, exactly how much the war cost so far has yet to be publicly disclosed. Friday (Mar 20) will be Day 21 of the war. Experts believe that the cost of war is substantial. "The amount of precision munitions and interceptors used, the number of air sorties, fuel expended, and cost of operation of two carrier strike groups all factored in, would lead to a very large bill," Daniel Schneiderman, director of global policy programs at Penn Washington told AFP. He noted that in military operations like these, the most crucial items happen to be the most expensive. "Standoff weapons like cruise missiles, THAAD interceptors and batteries, bombs and missiles fired from aircraft, the fuel and maintenance that supports those aircraft and the carriers they fly off of, and not to mention the skilled labor that operates them." Schneiderman added that it is "very expensive to run a war" and said that the Iran War "has to be up there with the costliest interventions the US has undertaken from a financial perspective." Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

<p>$200B for war? Trump admin faces heat as Pentagon says “it takes money to kill bad guys.” With $11.3B burned in just the first 6 days, the Iran war is turning into one of America’s costliest conflicts yet. How big is the real bill? Scroll to find out</p>

‘Tippy top’ defence vs taxpayers money? Trump shrugs off $200B Iran war bill as US burns $2B a day

<p>WASHINGTON: A high-stakes Oval Office summit between President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took a surreal turn on Thursday (Mar 19) after the US President invoked the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbour to justify keeping Japan "in the dark" over recent Iran strikes under Operation Epic Fury. When questioned by Japanese media on why Tokyo wasn't consulted before the February 28 escalation, Trump fired back: "Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn't you tell me about Pearl Harbour?" Despite the visible shock, Takaichi—Japan’s first female premier—successfully navigated the "diplomatic storm" to seal a staggering $73 billion energy pact, trading a "big hug" and a massive nuclear and gas partnership designed to save her tanking domestic approval ratings.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-japan-unveil-nuclear-deal-bet-40b-on-small-modular-reactors-in-next-gen-energy-push-after-trump-takaichi-meet-1773960751058"><strong>US, Japan unveil nuclear deal, bet $40B on small modular reactors in next gen energy push after Trump-Takaichi meet</strong></a></p><h2><strong>'Why Didn't You Tell Me About Pearl Harbour?': Decoding Trump’s Viral Jibe</strong></h2><p>A routine diplomatic question during a press conference quickly turned into something else when Trump brought up Pearl Harbour during his meeting with Japanese PM Takaichi. When asked by a Japanese media person why allies like Japan were kept in the dark about US strikes on Iran, Trump didn’t answer directly.</p><p>Instead, he shot back: "We wanted surprise...Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbour?"</p><p>A video of the moment is going viral on social media. It shows how, for a moment after Trump's comment, the room shifted, and Takaichi's expression tightened. The comment pointed to the December 7, 1941, attack on the US Pacific Fleet, the moment that pulled Washington into World War II.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-a-moment-of-silence-for-the-0-07-internet-reacts-as-kim-jong-un-s-perfect-election-marred-by-rare-dissent-north-korea-1773819815156"><strong>'A moment of silence for the 0.07%': Internet reacts as Kim Jong Un’s ‘perfect’ election marred by rare dissent</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Hugs vs. History: How Sanae Takaichi is 'Charming' Trump During the Iran War</strong></h2><p>Takaichi, for her part, did not engage with the remark. She kept her composure and let the moment pass, choosing not to escalate what could have quickly turned awkward. Notably, just minutes before the comment, Trump had struck a noticeably warm tone, praising Japan for “stepping up” on Middle East security and even telling Takaichi, “I’m very proud of you.”</p><p>He called her a friend. She greeted him with a hug. Then came the Pearl Harbour line.</p><p>However, Japan had to walk a careful line, as for Tokyo, the stakes are high. Japan depends heavily on energy routes like the Strait of Hormuz and on US security guarantees. About 60,000 American troops are stationed in Japan, and the alliance remains central amid rising tensions with China. However, deploying military support overseas continues to be a politically sensitive issue domestically. That balancing act showed in Takaichi’s approach. She avoided confrontation, stayed focused on the broader agenda, and moved the conversation forward.</p>

Trump stuns Japan PM with a Pearl Harbour jab when asked about Iran strikes. Awkward moment goes viral, but here’s the twist, Tokyo still walks away with a massive $73B energy deal. Diplomacy derailed or strategic win? Scroll to see how it played out.

WASHINGTON: A high-stakes Oval Office summit between President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took a surreal turn on Thursday (Mar 19) after the US President invoked the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbour to justify keeping Japan "in the dark" over recent Iran strikes under Operation Epic Fury. When questioned by Japanese media on why Tokyo wasn't consulted before the February 28 escalation, Trump fired back: "Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn't you tell me about Pearl Harbour?" Despite the visible shock, Takaichi—Japan’s first female premier—successfully navigated the "diplomatic storm" to seal a staggering $73 billion energy pact, trading a "big hug" and a massive nuclear and gas partnership designed to save her tanking domestic approval ratings. Also read | US, Japan unveil nuclear deal, bet $40B on small modular reactors in next gen energy push after Trump-Takaichi meet 'Why Didn't You Tell Me About Pearl Harbour?': Decoding Trump’s Viral Jibe A routine diplomatic question during a press conference quickly turned into something else when Trump brought up Pearl Harbour during his meeting with Japanese PM Takaichi. When asked by a Japanese media person why allies like Japan were kept in the dark about US strikes on Iran, Trump didn’t answer directly. Instead, he shot back: "We wanted surprise...Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbour?" A video of the moment is going viral on social media. It shows how, for a moment after Trump's comment, the room shifted, and Takaichi's expression tightened. The comment pointed to the December 7, 1941, attack on the US Pacific Fleet, the moment that pulled Washington into World War II. Also read | 'A moment of silence for the 0.07%': Internet reacts as Kim Jong Un’s ‘perfect’ election marred by rare dissent Hugs vs. History: How Sanae Takaichi is 'Charming' Trump During the Iran War Takaichi, for her part, did not engage with the remark. She kept her composure and let the moment pass, choosing not to escalate what could have quickly turned awkward. Notably, just minutes before the comment, Trump had struck a noticeably warm tone, praising Japan for “stepping up” on Middle East security and even telling Takaichi, “I’m very proud of you.” He called her a friend. She greeted him with a hug. Then came the Pearl Harbour line. However, Japan had to walk a careful line, as for Tokyo, the stakes are high. Japan depends heavily on energy routes like the Strait of Hormuz and on US security guarantees. About 60,000 American troops are stationed in Japan, and the alliance remains central amid rising tensions with China. However, deploying military support overseas continues to be a politically sensitive issue domestically. That balancing act showed in Takaichi’s approach. She avoided confrontation, stayed focused on the broader agenda, and moved the conversation forward.

<p>Trump stuns Japan PM with a Pearl Harbour jab when asked about Iran strikes. Awkward moment goes viral, but here’s the twist, Tokyo still walks away with a massive $73B energy deal. Diplomacy derailed or strategic win? Scroll to see how it played out.</p>

'Why didn't you tell me?': Trump stuns Japan PM Takaichi with Pearl Harbour swipe when asked about surprise strikes on Iran | Watch video

Real or Deepfake? Netanyahu emerges in the high-security Kirya command center to prove he’s alive—while announcing the deaths of Iran's top leaders. Here is the breakdown of the video that Tel Aviv wants to serve as proof that Netanyahu is alive.

Real or deepfake? Netanyahu mocks death rumours with Kirya war room video after wiping out Iran's top 'terror chieftains'

<p>As the Iran war escalates, experts are concerned that the current situation could trigger a nuclear war. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is worried and says it is preparing for the possibility of a nuclear catastrophe. Politico quoted Hanan Balkhy, WHO regional director for the eastern Mediterranean, as saying that the United Nations is keeping a close watch on the fallout of US-Israeli attacks on Iran’s atomic sites. “The worst-case scenario is a nuclear incident, and that's something that worries us the most,” Balkhy said. She added that they can prepare but not "prevent the harm that will come". Balkhy warned, "The consequences are going to last for decades" if this scenario ever unfolds. Notably, the US and Israel have been striking several regions in Iran, including those where nuclear plants are located. Iran earlier said that a projectile struck the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant premises on Tuesday evening. The International Atomic Energy Agency said that Tehran claims it hit close to the operating reactor unit.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-it-takes-money-to-kill-bad-guys-pentagon-defends-200-billion-for-iran-war-as-hegseth-says-number-could-move-1773926561828"><strong>Pentagon defends $200 billion for Iran war as Hegseth says number ‘could move’</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Nuclear cataclysm and the world</strong></h2><p>"We are thinking about it, and we're just really hoping that it does not happen," she said. Balkhy added that the UN staff is prepared to tackle an incident involving either an attack on a nuclear facility or the use of a nuclear weapon. She explained that if a nuclear catastrophe ever happens, it would leave an impact lasting decades, while immediate effects from the dangerous levels of radiation would include trauma to the lungs and skin, and heighten the danger of developing cancer and mental health problems.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-the-south-pars-gas-field-hit-by-israel-and-why-does-it-matter-globally-1773926053091"><strong>What is the South Pars gas field hit by Israel, and why does it matter globally?</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Iran nuclear facilities attacked</strong></h2><p>The US and Israel have repeatedly targeted Iran's nuclear facilities. In June 2025, Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz sites came under attack. In the current war, the two countries have also been taking shots at such areas where Iran is believed to be keeping radioactive material. Meanwhile, Iran has also been regularly hitting places in Israel and the Middle East. Israel is also a nuclear country and reportedly has a huge arsenal of nukes. Even the United Arab Emirates has such facilities, all within range of Iran's missiles. As the war continues and expands, there are fears that any of these facilities could come under attack, triggering a nuclear holocaust.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-will-hit-west-asia-s-energy-infra-if-our-facilities-are-hit-1773928805914/embed</p><h2><strong>Pentagon seeks $200 billion for Iran war</strong></h2><p>The US is preparing to fight Iran for several more weeks, as Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth almost confirmed that the Pentagon is seeking $200 billion for the war. “I think that number could move. It takes money to kill bad guys,” Hegseth said when reporters checked with him about the reports.&nbsp;</p>

Could the Iran war trigger a nuclear catastrophe? The United Nations has given the world a reason to worry after admitting that the WHO is preparing for a nuclear fallout. Israel, the US and Iran have been hitting critical sites. Will human stupidity end humanity?

As the Iran war escalates, experts are concerned that the current situation could trigger a nuclear war. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is worried and says it is preparing for the possibility of a nuclear catastrophe. Politico quoted Hanan Balkhy, WHO regional director for the eastern Mediterranean, as saying that the United Nations is keeping a close watch on the fallout of US-Israeli attacks on Iran’s atomic sites. “The worst-case scenario is a nuclear incident, and that's something that worries us the most,” Balkhy said. She added that they can prepare but not "prevent the harm that will come". Balkhy warned, "The consequences are going to last for decades" if this scenario ever unfolds. Notably, the US and Israel have been striking several regions in Iran, including those where nuclear plants are located. Iran earlier said that a projectile struck the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant premises on Tuesday evening. The International Atomic Energy Agency said that Tehran claims it hit close to the operating reactor unit. Also Read: Pentagon defends $200 billion for Iran war as Hegseth says number ‘could move’ Nuclear cataclysm and the world "We are thinking about it, and we're just really hoping that it does not happen," she said. Balkhy added that the UN staff is prepared to tackle an incident involving either an attack on a nuclear facility or the use of a nuclear weapon. She explained that if a nuclear catastrophe ever happens, it would leave an impact lasting decades, while immediate effects from the dangerous levels of radiation would include trauma to the lungs and skin, and heighten the danger of developing cancer and mental health problems. Also Read: What is the South Pars gas field hit by Israel, and why does it matter globally? Iran nuclear facilities attacked The US and Israel have repeatedly targeted Iran's nuclear facilities. In June 2025, Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz sites came under attack. In the current war, the two countries have also been taking shots at such areas where Iran is believed to be keeping radioactive material. Meanwhile, Iran has also been regularly hitting places in Israel and the Middle East. Israel is also a nuclear country and reportedly has a huge arsenal of nukes. Even the United Arab Emirates has such facilities, all within range of Iran's missiles. As the war continues and expands, there are fears that any of these facilities could come under attack, triggering a nuclear holocaust. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-will-hit-west-asia-s-energy-infra-if-our-facilities-are-hit-1773928805914/embed Pentagon seeks $200 billion for Iran war The US is preparing to fight Iran for several more weeks, as Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth almost confirmed that the Pentagon is seeking $200 billion for the war. “I think that number could move. It takes money to kill bad guys,” Hegseth said when reporters checked with him about the reports.

<p>Could the Iran war trigger a nuclear catastrophe? The United Nations has given the world a reason to worry after admitting that the WHO is preparing for a nuclear fallout. Israel, the US and Iran have been hitting critical sites. Will human stupidity end humanity?</p>

Humanity has set the stage for self-annihilation as WHO admits nuclear disaster possible amid Iran war

<p>Chinese aerospace researchers claim they have identified a flaw in the flying-wing design of the B-21 Raider bomber. Using a simulation software, they have found potential aerodynamic and stability weaknesses in the US Air Force’s next-generation stealth bomber. The study was conducted at the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre. Researchers at China's military aviation research institute used publicly available design information and created a model emulating the bomber’s likely flight characteristics. Simulation software PADJ-X helped them with this, which also supposedly helped them suggest possible improvements that can be done in the &nbsp;B-21’s aerodynamic configuration, 19fortyfive reported. If true, this shows that the PADJ-X software is capable of using the given information to analyse complex military aircraft designs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider is still under development and is touted to be the most advanced strategic bomber. It is expected to act as the backbone of the US Air Force’s future nuclear triad. It represents a massive leap in "stealth" technology and digital engineering. It is designed to penetrate the most sophisticated modern air defence systems. It will remain nearly invisible to a broad spectrum of radar frequencies. What makes it special is its "brain". It uses an open architecture that allows for rapid software updates that can be done within weeks. It can be upgraded to counter new threats without needing a complete hardware redesign. The B-21 Raider will replace both the B-2 and the B-1B Lancer.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/holding-b-2-bomber-model-trump-says-ex-us-president-told-me-he-wishes-he-did-what-i-did-1773693066187"><strong>Holding B-2 bomber model, Trump says, ‘Ex-US president told me he wishes he did what I did’</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Chinese researchers find a flaw in B-21 Raider</strong></h2><p>However, Chinese researchers have found a flaw based on publicly available information. They modelled the B-21’s aerodynamic behaviour using the software that helped engineers analyse the performance of the aircraft. They used high-fidelity digital simulations and theoretical modelling based on open-source imagery. The researchers focused on several critical engineering dimensions. The study assessed the airflow dynamics unique to its flying-wing profile, evaluated how the airframe maintains balance across diverse flight regimes and analysed overall aerodynamic efficiency. The researchers think there is scope for improvement, and a few changes to the aircraft’s configuration can make performance better.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>What the Chinese scientists have done is pretty common. Countries routinely analyse rival aircraft to estimate performance and identify their weaknesses. It is important to note that the B-21’s exact aerodynamic configuration and other details remain highly classified.</p>

The B-21 Raider bomber will replace the B-2 and B-1B Lancer in the US Air Force. There is some publicly available information on the bomber, but most details remain highly classified. Chinese researchers created a simulation and found a flaw.

Chinese aerospace researchers claim they have identified a flaw in the flying-wing design of the B-21 Raider bomber. Using a simulation software, they have found potential aerodynamic and stability weaknesses in the US Air Force’s next-generation stealth bomber. The study was conducted at the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre. Researchers at China's military aviation research institute used publicly available design information and created a model emulating the bomber’s likely flight characteristics. Simulation software PADJ-X helped them with this, which also supposedly helped them suggest possible improvements that can be done in the B-21’s aerodynamic configuration, 19fortyfive reported. If true, this shows that the PADJ-X software is capable of using the given information to analyse complex military aircraft designs. The Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider is still under development and is touted to be the most advanced strategic bomber. It is expected to act as the backbone of the US Air Force’s future nuclear triad. It represents a massive leap in "stealth" technology and digital engineering. It is designed to penetrate the most sophisticated modern air defence systems. It will remain nearly invisible to a broad spectrum of radar frequencies. What makes it special is its "brain". It uses an open architecture that allows for rapid software updates that can be done within weeks. It can be upgraded to counter new threats without needing a complete hardware redesign. The B-21 Raider will replace both the B-2 and the B-1B Lancer. Also Read: Holding B-2 bomber model, Trump says, ‘Ex-US president told me he wishes he did what I did’ Chinese researchers find a flaw in B-21 Raider However, Chinese researchers have found a flaw based on publicly available information. They modelled the B-21’s aerodynamic behaviour using the software that helped engineers analyse the performance of the aircraft. They used high-fidelity digital simulations and theoretical modelling based on open-source imagery. The researchers focused on several critical engineering dimensions. The study assessed the airflow dynamics unique to its flying-wing profile, evaluated how the airframe maintains balance across diverse flight regimes and analysed overall aerodynamic efficiency. The researchers think there is scope for improvement, and a few changes to the aircraft’s configuration can make performance better. What the Chinese scientists have done is pretty common. Countries routinely analyse rival aircraft to estimate performance and identify their weaknesses. It is important to note that the B-21’s exact aerodynamic configuration and other details remain highly classified.

<p>The B-21 Raider bomber will replace the B-2 and B-1B Lancer in the US Air Force. There is some publicly available information on the bomber, but most details remain highly classified. Chinese researchers created a simulation and found a flaw.</p>

Chinese scientists have supposedly found a flaw in US' B-21 Raider Bomber

<p>Raghav Chadha, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, introduced a Private Member’s Bill, “The Asset Tokenisation (Regulation) Bill, 2026,” in the Upper House on Friday (March 13, 2026). It was bought with the aim of establishing a clear legal and regulatory framework for tokenised real-world assets in India.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The proposed legislation aims to formally bring legal recognition to asset tokenisation and bring greater clarity to the fast-growing digital asset ecosystem. The bill outlines a legal framework governing the issuance, trading, custody, and settlement of tokenised assets linked to real-world holdings.</p><h3>What is the Asset Tokenisation (Regulation) Bill 2026?</h3><p>According to Raghav Chadha, the initiative is designed to promote transparency, accountability, and investor protection, while also supporting innovation in the fintech sector. The bill proposes regulatory oversight to ensure market integrity and maintain financial stability in tokenised asset markets.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I introduced a Private Member Bill titled The Asset Tokenisation (Regulation) Bill, 2026 in Parliament.<br><br>The Bill is a forward-looking framework to bring legal clarity, transparency and investor protection to the emerging ecosystem of tokenised real-world assets in India.<br><br>Key… <a href="https://t.co/P4NDEAYjtJ">pic.twitter.com/P4NDEAYjtJ</a></p>&mdash; Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) <a href="https://twitter.com/raghav_chadha/status/2032708378968076412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Based on the post on X of Raghav Chadha, key features of bill are:</h3><p>1) It grants legal recognition to asset tokenisation in India.</p><p>2) Establishing a formal framework for issuance, trading, custody and settlement of tokenised real-world assets.</p><p>3) Introducing regulatory supervision and oversight of tokenised asset markets.</p><p>4) Strengthening investor protection and ensuring market integrity.</p><p>5) Aiming to balance financial stability with innovation in digital finance.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Basically, the Asset tokenisation is the process of converting ownership rights of a real-world asset (physical or financial) into digital tokens on a blockchain. These tokens act as digital certificates of ownership that can be easily traded, transferred, and managed in a decentralised ecosystem.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier, Chadha had also pledged to the government to introduce a dedicated Tokenisation Bill, recommending the division of assets such as real estate, infrastructure projects, and intellectual property into digital units, making them available to be purchased in smaller portions.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alpa-urges-dgca-to-review-pilot-duty-hours-amid-gulf-conflict-flag-safety-concerns-1773920750569">ALPA urges DGCA to review pilot duty hours amid Gulf conflict, flag safety concerns</a></p>

The initiative is designed to promote transparency, accountability, and investor protection, while also supporting innovation in the fintech sector. The bill proposes regulatory oversight to ensure market integrity and maintain financial stability in tokenised asset markets.

Raghav Chadha, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, introduced a Private Member’s Bill, “The Asset Tokenisation (Regulation) Bill, 2026,” in the Upper House on Friday (March 13, 2026). It was bought with the aim of establishing a clear legal and regulatory framework for tokenised real-world assets in India. The proposed legislation aims to formally bring legal recognition to asset tokenisation and bring greater clarity to the fast-growing digital asset ecosystem. The bill outlines a legal framework governing the issuance, trading, custody, and settlement of tokenised assets linked to real-world holdings. What is the Asset Tokenisation (Regulation) Bill 2026? According to Raghav Chadha, the initiative is designed to promote transparency, accountability, and investor protection, while also supporting innovation in the fintech sector. The bill proposes regulatory oversight to ensure market integrity and maintain financial stability in tokenised asset markets.

<p>The initiative is designed to promote transparency, accountability, and investor protection, while also supporting innovation in the fintech sector. The bill proposes regulatory oversight to ensure market integrity and maintain financial stability in tokenised asset markets.</p>

What is Asset Tokenisation (Regulation) Bill 2026? AAP MP Raghav Chadha introduces in parliament

<p>The 2003 Iraq Weapons of Mass Destruction claims and the current Iran nuclear weapon justification share a clear parallel in pattern: A US president and administration publicly citing an active threat as the rationale for military action, despite US intelligence assessments saying otherwise. History is repeating in several ways. Here is how:</p><h2>Iraq 2003: The "smoking gun" that wasn't</h2><p>In the run-up to the March 2003 invasion of Iraq, the George W Bush administration claimed that the country possessed active chemical or biological weapons stockpiles, a reviving nuclear programme, and mobile production labs, with links to terrorism. The most famous public presentation was Colin Powell's February 5, 2003, UN Security Council briefing. The then Secretary of State displayed photos, diagrams, and defector testimony as a "smoking gun" proving that Iraqi ruler Saddam Hussein was hiding WMDs and reconstituting banned programmes. Words and phrases like 'aluminium tubes for centrifuges' and 'yellowcake uranium' were thrown in for good measure. President Bush warned of "mushroom clouds" and an imminent threat.</p><p>Soon, the US invaded Iraq, starting a war that resulted in the removal of the Hussein regime, his trial and hanging.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-warns-iran-of-military-actions-after-attack-on-oil-facilities-12-arab-nations-issue-statement-1773895488630">Saudi Arabia warns Iran of 'military actions' after attack on oil facilities, 12 Arab nations issue statement: Is the war expanding?</a></p><h2>Post-invasion reality of Iraq: Where were the WMDs?</h2><p>Several reviews after the invasion, including the Iraq Survey Group report of 2004, found no WMD stockpiles or active programmes. Iraq's WMD capabilities had been dismantled after the 1991 Gulf War. It emerged that intelligence had been cherry-picked, exaggerated, and unreliable sources like dissidents and exiles overtly relied upon.</p><p>It was releaved that even some internal US assessments and IAEA findings that had raised doubts about going into war with Iraq were sidelined.</p><p>US official inquiries later said the Bush administration misled the public and the US Congress on the urgency of the invasion and the existence of the threat.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-drone-seen-over-us-army-base-housing-rubio-hegseth-raises-security-alarm-wion-1773912557332/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-drone-seen-over-us-army-base-housing-rubio-hegseth-raises-security-alarm-wion-1773912557332/embed</a></p><h2>What the US intelligence assessment said about Iran nuclear weapon threat&nbsp;</h2><p>In an eerie repeat of the 2003 events, the current US intelligence assessment is that Iran did not resume uranium enrichment activities—which are required for building a nuclear bomb—since the US and Israeli strikes during the 12-Day war of June 2025. In Operation Midnight Hammer, the US air strikes that ended that war, &nbsp;Iran's nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan were razed, with President Donald Trump and his aides claiming to have "obliterated" the enrichment programme.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chernobyl-in-the-gulf-us-israel-missile-hits-iran-s-bushehr-nuclear-plant-is-the-world-at-risk-of-regional-scale-radiological-disaster-russia-1773875738801">Chernobyl in the Gulf: US-Israel missile hits Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant. World at risk of 'regional-scale radiological disaster'?</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On Wednesday (Mar 18), in sworn testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said, “As a result of Operation Midnight Hammer, Iran’s nuclear enrichment program was obliterated. There has been no efforts since then to try to rebuild their enrichment capability.” The intel assessment said that entrances to underground facilities were "buried and shuttered with cement".</p><p>Gabbard confirmed no rebuild efforts occurred in the intervening months from Iran, directly undercutting one of President Trump's central public justifications for the ongoing war.</p><p>This is what she said in her written testimony, but in oral remarks, Gabbard softened or omitted the "no efforts/no rebuild" language. This prompted Democratic senators to accuse her of avoiding direct contradiction of the president.</p><h2>Boots on the ground in Iran?&nbsp;</h2><p>In spite of this divergence of assessment within the administration, there is a likelihood that the US would go for an invasion of Iran, similar to what it did against Iraq in 2003. Trump is reportedly mulling sending over a thousand specialist marines to Iran, as the decapitation strikes appear to have failed in bringing Iran to its knees.</p><p>A section of the US administration appears to think that a ground invasion is required to ensure Strait of Hormuz security, create buffer zones, and secure any remnant nuclear material.</p><p>Similar to Iran, the 2003 Iraq war had started with air strikes before becoming a US-led ground invasion and occupation.</p><h2>Building the narrative: Iran and the bomb</h2><p>The US Operation Epic Fury launched on February 28 against Iran came after days of Israeli and American claims that Tehran was very close to building a nuclear bomb. Trump repeatedly claimed Iran was "starting it all over", attempting to rebuild its nuclear programme, and posed an imminent threat. Clearly, public rhetoric is outshining the government's own intelligence.</p><h2>Iran war turns murkier with counterterror centre chief's resignation, blaming Israel</h2><p>In his letter of resignation as National Counterterrorism Center director this week, Joe Kent explicitly said Iran did not pose any imminent threat to the US. He wrote that Israel is misleading the US into the war, the same way he alleged it had done for Iraq.</p><p>Kent, who said he could not support the ongoing conflict in good conscience, is facing investigations for allegedly leaking classified material.</p><p>This is similar to how critics of the Iraq war alleged external influences, including from unreliable exiles and faulty intelligence from allies. The narrative was carefully built in spite of internal doubts.</p>

Iran war situation is increasingly turning similar to the Iraq invasion runup: US intelligence says Iran halted nuclear activity after 2025 strikes, contradicting Trump's war rhetoric. Flawed WMD claims were used in 2003 to justify the invasion of Iraq

The 2003 Iraq Weapons of Mass Destruction claims and the current Iran nuclear weapon justification share a clear parallel in pattern: A US president and administration publicly citing an active threat as the rationale for military action, despite US intelligence assessments saying otherwise. History is repeating in several ways. Here is how: Iraq 2003: The "smoking gun" that wasn't In the run-up to the March 2003 invasion of Iraq, the George W Bush administration claimed that the country possessed active chemical or biological weapons stockpiles, a reviving nuclear programme, and mobile production labs, with links to terrorism. The most famous public presentation was Colin Powell's February 5, 2003, UN Security Council briefing. The then Secretary of State displayed photos, diagrams, and defector testimony as a "smoking gun" proving that Iraqi ruler Saddam Hussein was hiding WMDs and reconstituting banned programmes. Words and phrases like 'aluminium tubes for centrifuges' and 'yellowcake uranium' were thrown in for good measure. President Bush warned of "mushroom clouds" and an imminent threat. Soon, the US invaded Iraq, starting a war that resulted in the removal of the Hussein regime, his trial and hanging. Also read: Saudi Arabia warns Iran of 'military actions' after attack on oil facilities, 12 Arab nations issue statement: Is the war expanding? Post-invasion reality of Iraq: Where were the WMDs? Several reviews after the invasion, including the Iraq Survey Group report of 2004, found no WMD stockpiles or active programmes. Iraq's WMD capabilities had been dismantled after the 1991 Gulf War. It emerged that intelligence had been cherry-picked, exaggerated, and unreliable sources like dissidents and exiles overtly relied upon. It was releaved that even some internal US assessments and IAEA findings that had raised doubts about going into war with Iraq were sidelined. US official inquiries later said the Bush administration misled the public and the US Congress on the urgency of the invasion and the existence of the threat. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-drone-seen-over-us-army-base-housing-rubio-hegseth-raises-security-alarm-wion-1773912557332/embed What the US intelligence assessment said about Iran nuclear weapon threat In an eerie repeat of the 2003 events, the current US intelligence assessment is that Iran did not resume uranium enrichment activities—which are required for building a nuclear bomb—since the US and Israeli strikes during the 12-Day war of June 2025. In Operation Midnight Hammer, the US air strikes that ended that war, Iran's nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan were razed, with President Donald Trump and his aides claiming to have "obliterated" the enrichment programme. Also read: Chernobyl in the Gulf: US-Israel missile hits Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant. World at risk of 'regional-scale radiological disaster'? On Wednesday (Mar 18), in sworn testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said, “As a result of Operation Midnight Hammer, Iran’s nuclear enrichment program was obliterated. There has been no efforts since then to try to rebuild their enrichment capability.” The intel assessment said that entrances to underground facilities were "buried and shuttered with cement". Gabbard confirmed no rebuild efforts occurred in the intervening months from Iran, directly undercutting one of President Trump's central public justifications for the ongoing war. This is what she said in her written testimony, but in oral remarks, Gabbard softened or omitted the "no efforts/no rebuild" language. This prompted Democratic senators to accuse her of avoiding direct contradiction of the president. Boots on the ground in Iran? In spite of this divergence of assessment within the administration, there is a likelihood that the US would go for an invasion of Iran, similar to what it did against Iraq in 2003. Trump is reportedly mulling sending over a thousand specialist marines to Iran, as the decapitation strikes appear to have failed in bringing Iran to its knees. A section of the US administration appears to think that a ground invasion is required to ensure Strait of Hormuz security, create buffer zones, and secure any remnant nuclear material. Similar to Iran, the 2003 Iraq war had started with air strikes before becoming a US-led ground invasion and occupation. Building the narrative: Iran and the bomb The US Operation Epic Fury launched on February 28 against Iran came after days of Israeli and American claims that Tehran was very close to building a nuclear bomb. Trump repeatedly claimed Iran was "starting it all over", attempting to rebuild its nuclear programme, and posed an imminent threat. Clearly, public rhetoric is outshining the government's own intelligence. Iran war turns murkier with counterterror centre chief's resignation, blaming Israel In his letter of resignation as National Counterterrorism Center director this week, Joe Kent explicitly said Iran did not pose any imminent threat to the US. He wrote that Israel is misleading the US into the war, the same way he alleged it had done for Iraq. Kent, who said he could not support the ongoing conflict in good conscience, is facing investigations for allegedly leaking classified material. This is similar to how critics of the Iraq war alleged external influences, including from unreliable exiles and faulty intelligence from allies. The narrative was carefully built in spite of internal doubts.

<p>Iran war situation is increasingly turning similar to the Iraq invasion runup: US intelligence says Iran halted nuclear activity after 2025 strikes, contradicting Trump's war rhetoric. Flawed WMD claims were used in 2003 to justify the invasion of Iraq</p>

No smoking gun? How US intel assessment of no Iran nuclear weapon threat is eerily similar to the run-up to Iraq invasion of 2003

<p>In a shocking turn of events, a woman packed her father in a gunny bag to take him to a courier office in order to send a parcel out of Bengaluru. The act was done to make a reel for social media, highlighting that "couriering a person" was the only option left for travel when bus tickets are often sold out during the festive season. The whole scene was captured on camera and went viral on social media.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The incident came to light on Tuesday when the five members of the family, a woman, her husband, mother-in-law and brother-in-law, visited a courier service's office within the Vyalikaval police station limits carrying a large package. When staff asked what was inside, the family refused to respond. Suspicious, employees opened the parcel and were shocked to discover the woman’s father inside.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Citing sources, NDTV confirmed that the man appeared visibly distressed and was unable to breathe properly. The family later claimed the act was staged to create a reel for social media to highlight how bus tickets are often unavailable during the festive season around Ugadi and Ramzan, suggesting that sending a person by courier was the only remaining option.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Even after being confronted, the family reportedly argued with the staff, insisting that the package be accepted since they had gone to the trouble of bringing it there. Later, they alerted the cops, leading them to the police station, where they also recorded an apology video and admitted that their actions were irresponsible. Authorities stated that they allowed the family to go after issuing a stringent warning for attempting the same stunts in the future.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We live in a weird weird world. Daughter &amp; family pack father in a gunny bag,take him to a courier office,ask staff to send parcel out of Bengaluru, all this for a reel showing it&#39;s easier to courier a man than get bus &amp; train tickets this festive season. Land in police station. <a href="https://t.co/ROz2SWjFpT">pic.twitter.com/ROz2SWjFpT</a></p>&mdash; Deepak Bopanna (@dpkBopanna) <a href="https://twitter.com/dpkBopanna/status/2033957424307335385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Netizens react to the shocking incident</h3><p>After the video surfaced on social media, a user on X said, "When content crosses the line between creativity and common sense, situations like this happen."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The next said, "Creativity is great, but stunts like this send the wrong message and can be dangerous."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"For the sake of fame, what lows will people go to? Exposing bodies, chasing clout with cheap content, fake controversies, staged drama, clickbait lies, relationship publicity stunts, etc., and now this. Attention has become more important than dignity to some," the next said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/coldplay-kiss-cam-woman-has-ended-all-ties-with-former-boss-he-wasn-t-the-person-1773896386270">Coldplay kiss cam woman has ended all ties with former boss. 'He wasn't the person...'</a></p>

The incident came to light on Tuesday when the five members of the family, a woman, her husband, mother-in-law and brother-in-law, visited a courier service's office within the Vyalikaval police station limits carrying a large package.

In a shocking turn of events, a woman packed her father in a gunny bag to take him to a courier office in order to send a parcel out of Bengaluru. The act was done to make a reel for social media, highlighting that "couriering a person" was the only option left for travel when bus tickets are often sold out during the festive season. The whole scene was captured on camera and went viral on social media. The incident came to light on Tuesday when the five members of the family, a woman, her husband, mother-in-law and brother-in-law, visited a courier service's office within the Vyalikaval police station limits carrying a large package. When staff asked what was inside, the family refused to respond. Suspicious, employees opened the parcel and were shocked to discover the woman’s father inside. Citing sources, NDTV confirmed that the man appeared visibly distressed and was unable to breathe properly. The family later claimed the act was staged to create a reel for social media to highlight how bus tickets are often unavailable during the festive season around Ugadi and Ramzan, suggesting that sending a person by courier was the only remaining option. Even after being confronted, the family reportedly argued with the staff, insisting that the package be accepted since they had gone to the trouble of bringing it there. Later, they alerted the cops, leading them to the police station, where they also recorded an apology video and admitted that their actions were irresponsible. Authorities stated that they allowed the family to go after issuing a stringent warning for attempting the same stunts in the future.

<p>The incident came to light on Tuesday when the five members of the family, a woman, her husband, mother-in-law and brother-in-law, visited a courier service's office within the Vyalikaval police station limits carrying a large package.</p>

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‘US does not!’ Trump refuses to guard Strait of Hormuz amid Iran war

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‘Modi-Paglu Papa’: PM Modi turns ‘health coach’ for influencer’s father

Iranian man arrested while trying to enter UK’s nuclear naval base with woman

US mine-hunting warships vanish from Strait of Hormuz, reappear 5,630 km away

Manipulated, deceived: Norway crown princess opens up on Epstein links

Netanyahu’s 'Jesus vs Genghis Khan' quote sparks global backlash - What he said

Iran warns UK: US access to bases would be ‘participation in aggression’

Crude war: Oil tanker firm paid Iran $2 million for Strait of Hormuz safe passage; Iran mulls surcharge as US gas costs $8 at some pumps

Indian temple where sun peeks through 5 windows every 5 minutes on equinox

Meat, blood, milk, almost no water: How a Kenyan tribe survived for centuries

Blood bags & bombs: Denmark plan to stop Trump from invading Greenland REVEALED!

North Korea preparing for war? Kim Jong Un and his teen daughter ride tank

‘Tippy top’ defence? Trump shrugs off $200B Iran war bill as US burns $2B a day

Trump uses Pearl Harbor to justify Iran strikes, stuns Japan PM Takaichi | Watch

‘Watching from above': PM Netanyahu mocks death rumours with war room video

Humanity could annihilate itself as WHO admits nuclear disaster possible

Chinese scientists have supposedly found a flaw in the B-21 Raider Bomber

What is Asset Tokenisation Bill 2026? Raghav Chadha introduces in parliament

No smoking gun? US intel-Trump divergence on Iran is similar to Iraq war runup

Indian woman tried to 'courier' her father to record reel, & then this happened