TNS- The Northeast Sentinel

Dhaka:  On the solemn occasion of Genocide Day, observed annually on March 25, a message was issued by Tarique Rahman, paying deep tribute to the martyrs of 1971 and recalling one of the darkest chapters in the nation’s history. In his message, he described March 25, 1971, as a “disgraceful and brutal” night when Pakistani occupation forces carried out a horrific crackdown under Operation Searchlight. The attack targeted unarmed civilians, including teachers, intellectuals, and students across key locations such as Dhaka University, Pilkhana, and Rajarbagh Police Lines. Rahman stated that the genocide was a pre-planned massacre aimed at crushing the spirit of the Bengali people. He emphasized that the resistance began the same night, notably with the revolt of the East Bengal Regiment in Chattogram, which marked the beginning of the nine-month Liberation War. Highlighting the importance of remembering history, he urged present and future generations to understand the si...

Agartala, March 24: The TIPRA Motha Party has officially released its list of candidates for the upcoming elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) 2026. In a press release issued on Monday, the party announced 28 candidates representing various constituencies across the TTAADC region. The list includes prominent names such as Hollywood Chakma (Manu-Chailengta), Bhaba Ranjan Reang (Damchherra-Jampui), Swapan Kumar Chakma (Machmara), and Dhirendra Debbarma (Demchhara-Kachuchhrra), among others. The announcement was formally endorsed by party president B.K. Hrangkhawl and founder Pradyot Bikram Manikya, signaling the party’s preparedness for the crucial council elections. The TTAADC elections hold significant political importance in Tripura, particularly for tribal representation and governance. TIPRA Motha, which has been a dominant force in the council in recent years, is expected to contest aggressively across all constituencies. Party lead...

Shillong: In a landmark decision hailed as a defining moment for indigenous governance, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) has amended its rules to make Scheduled Tribe (ST) certification mandatory for candidates contesting Council elections. Describing the move as “history in the making,” the Chief Minister noted that the Council, established in 1952, has taken 74 years to introduce this significant reform. The decision is expected to ensure more authentic representation of the Garo community by enabling leadership rooted in local traditions, aspirations, and cultural identity. “This step will strengthen true representation of our people and safeguard the interests of the Garo Hills,” Sangma said, while joining citizens in celebrating the milestone. The amendment is being widely viewed as a major stride toward reinforcing indigenous governance and preserving the socio-political fabric of the region.

Agartala/Chandigarh : In a proud moment for Tripura, Dangubi athlete Hema Devi Chakma from Tripura Central University has secured her place in the prestigious Khelo India Games. She achieved this milestone after reaching the quarterfinals in the 70 kg category at the All India Inter University Judo Championship held at Chandigarh University. Hema’s remarkable performance highlights the growing sporting talent emerging from the Northeast, especially in disciplines like judo. Her qualification for the Khelo India Games is expected to inspire many young athletes from the region to pursue excellence in sports. The achievement has been widely celebrated across the Chakma community and sports circles, marking another significant step for representation from the Northeast on the national stage. #Tripura #KheloIndia #HemaDeviChakma #Judo #NortheastIndia #ChakmaCommunity #UniversitySports #Chandigarh #IndianAthletes #Champions #northeast  #ChakmaCommunitty #kheloindia #chandigar...

Bhopal / Washington:   Dr. Sankar Chakma , Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal , has been recognised as one of the 2025 Rising Stars in Chemical Engineering by the prestigious journal ACS Engineering Au , published by the American Chemical Society . Facebook Source: Dr. Sankar Chakma The recognition is part of a special issue celebrating early-career researchers whose work has shown outstanding impact and strong potential to influence the future of chemical engineering. Dr. Chakma’s multidisciplinary research bridges chemical engineering, materials science, and environmental chemistry, with a focus on sustainable energy technologies, greener water purification methods, and advanced electrochemical processes. Reacting to the honour, Dr. Chakma shared on social media, “It is always special when your work is recognized, especially by the American Chemical Society. This recognition would not have be...

Pecharthal (Tripura):   A historically significant Buddha statue, associated with the displacement caused by the construction of the Kaptai Dam in 1960, continues to stand as a powerful symbol of faith, resilience, and cultural identity. Buddhist monk and scholar Suman Tilak Bhikkhu recently visited the sacred relic and offered prayers, describing the experience as deeply moving. "Today, I had the rare fortune of personally witnessing and paying reverence to this historic Buddha statue. After years of searching and deep curiosity, standing before the statue today filled my heart with an overwhelming sense of emotion', Bhikkhu said. According to Bhikkhu, the statue is a living witness to the suffering and sacrifices endured by displaced communities during the dam’s construction. Despite being forced to leave their ancestral lands, community members ensured the safety of the sacred image by carrying it on their backs using a  kallong  (traditional carrier), refusing to aba...

Diyun, March 22: The Office of the Assistant Commissioner, Diyun, has issued an order dated March 9, 2026, appointing Supervisors and Enumerators for the House Listing Operations (Phase-I) under the Census of India 2027. According to the official notification, designated officials have been assigned to carry out house-to-house data collection across various villages and enumeration blocks within the Diyun Circle. The exercise has come into immediate effect, with instructions to follow guidelines issued by the competent authority. However, concerns have surfaced regarding the exclusion of several Chakma-inhabited villages from the notified list. Villages such as Shillong Pahar, Aranyapur, Mudakkha Nalah, and Sukha Nalah reportedly do not feature in the enumeration plan, despite having established households. The omission has raised serious questions about how enumeration will be conducted in these areas and whether residents risk being left out of the Census process. Local r...

Agartala, March 22: A key organisational meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Tripura Pradesh, was held today at Bhagat Singh Yuva Awas in Agartala. The meeting was attended by Santana Chakma, prominent leader and Minister of Industries and Commerce in the Tripura Government. Her presence highlighted the party’s focus on strengthening organisational structure ahead of upcoming political activities. Party leaders and members discussed strategies, grassroots outreach, and future programmes aimed at boosting the party’s presence across the state. The meeting is seen as an important step in consolidating BJP’s organisational network in Tripura.

Pecharthal, March 22: Ahead of the upcoming TTAADC elections, a massive rally was organized by the Pecharthal Mandal of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at Pecharthal. The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from party workers, supporters, and local residents, reflecting strong momentum in the run-up to the elections. Slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Joy” and “BJP Zindabad” echoed throughout the area, showcasing the party’s growing grassroots support. Leaders and party members urged voters to support the BJP in the forthcoming elections, emphasizing development, good governance, and welfare initiatives for the region. The event marks a significant step in BJP’s campaign efforts as political activities intensify across the TTAADC areas.

Ghaziabad, March 22: Nirupam Chakma, Hon’ble Member of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), attended the One Day Buddha Dhamma Sanmilan as the Chief Guest at Hindi Bhawan in Ghaziabad. The event, organized by Progya Bhumi Trust, also featured a felicitation ceremony to honour donors who contributed towards the purchase of land at Buddha Gaya. Addressing the gathering, Chakma expressed his appreciation for the collective efforts aimed at promoting Buddhist heritage and community welfare. The programme witnessed participation from members of the Buddhist community, social workers, and distinguished guests, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural and spiritual traditions.

Changlang District: The District Administration successfully conducted the first day of the District Level Training Programme for Census 2027 (Phase-I: Houselisting & Housing Census – HLO) at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office on Thursday. The session was chaired by the Deputy Commissioner-cum-Principal Census Officer, who underscored the significance of Census 2027 as a vital national exercise. Emphasizing the need for accuracy, coordination, and timely execution, the officer called upon all participants to ensure meticulous implementation of the census process. The training programme featured comprehensive sessions conducted by designated resource persons, who provided in-depth insights along with practical demonstrations on various aspects of census operations. Senior district officials, including Additional Deputy Commissioners (ADCs), Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs), Assistant Commissioners (ACs), Circle Officers (COs), along with the Assistant ...

Jairampur, March 17: A comprehensive mock exercise on earthquake preparedness was successfully conducted in Jairampur Sub-Division of Changlang district, aimed at enhancing disaster response capabilities and public awareness. The initiative began with a table-top exercise held on March 16 at the Conference Hall of the ADC Office, Jairampur. The session served as a preparatory step for the full-scale mock drill conducted the following day. On March 17, the full-scale exercise took place at the ADC Office and UD Guest House, simulating emergency scenarios to assess real-time response mechanisms. The drill was organized by the District Disaster Management Authority in collaboration with National Disaster Response Force (12 NDRF Battalion, Hollongi). The exercise witnessed active participation from multiple stakeholders, including officials and staff of the ADC Office, Urban Development Department personnel, medical teams, police, and the Assam Rifles. Self Help Groups (SHGs), ...

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party leader Raghav Chadha has raised concerns over provisions in the Union Budget 2026 related to the taxation of disability pensions for armed forces personnel, calling the policy “unjust and discriminatory.”  In a strongly worded statement, Chadha highlighted the sacrifices made by soldiers, noting that they often spend major festivals like Diwali and Eid on the borders, away from their families, and sometimes suffer life-altering injuries in service to the nation. He argued that disability pensions should not be treated as taxable income, but rather as compensation for injuries sustained during duty. Criticizing the current provisions, Chadha pointed out what he described as an inconsistency: the tax treatment of disability pensions depends on whether a soldier retires immediately after injury or continues in service. “Two soldiers with the same injury and the same sacrifice are being treated differently,” he said. “One receives a tax-free disability pensio...

Agartala: Marking the anniversary of the Sainbari killings, Cabinet Minister Smt. Santana Chakma strongly criticized the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], alleging its role in one of the most brutal political incidents in West Bengal’s history. “Even after 56 years, the memories may have gathered dust, but the blood-soaked faces of Sai Bari are not forgotten,” she said. Referring to the incident of March 17, 1970, Chakma described it as a “heinous act carried out by leftist leaders,” and expressed anguish that justice remains elusive even today.  PC: Santana Chakma She further recounted the horror of that night, stating that assailants killed sons in front of their mother and allegedly forced her to consume rice soaked in their blood—an act she termed “inhuman and unforgivable.” Chakma reiterated her demand for accountability and justice for the victims, renewing political criticism of CPI(M) over the decades-old incident. The Sai Bari killings remain a deeply sensitive ...

Agartala, March 17 : Highlighting a strong push for inclusive growth, the Cabinet Minister Smt. Santana Chakma has welcomed key allocations in the Tripura Budget 2026–27 aimed at empowering indigenous communities. According to the budget, the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) has been allocated ₹914.82 crore. Additionally, a substantial ₹7,542.06 crore has been earmarked under the Tribal Sub-Plan, accounting for nearly 39.39% of the total development expenditure. Emphasising the vision of a “Developed Tribe, Developed Tripura,” Chakma stated that the budget reflects the government’s firm commitment to inclusive development and equal opportunities for all sections of society. The announcement underlines the state’s broader agenda of building a “New Tripura” with a focus on equitable growth, especially for tribal communities.   More Read:  Over 23 Lakh Beneficiaries Receive Free Foodgrains Under PMGKAY in Tripura: Minister Santana Chakma

Guwahati, March 17: In a significant political development, Hailakandi constituency MLA Zakir Hussain Laskar and former student leader Prakash Chandra Das formally joined the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) on Tuesday. The joining ceremony took place at Ambari in Guwahati in the presence of senior party leaders, including AGP Executive President and Assam Minister Keshav Mahanta. The event marked a notable boost for the regional party as it continues to expand its base ahead of upcoming political challenges. Welcoming the new entrants, Assam Agriculture Minister and senior AGP leader Atul Bora expressed confidence that their inclusion would further strengthen the party organization and grassroots connect. Several party workers and leaders were also present during the programme, underscoring the importance of the induction within AGP’s broader political strategy in the state. Assam Exports 25 MT of GI-Tagged Joha Rice to UK and Italy, Boosting Global Market for Aromatic Indigenous Rice

Agartala : In her social media posts, BJP leader and Cabinet Minister Santana Chakma  has expressed gratitude to Dr.Manik Saha, the Chief Minister of Tripura, for announcing a 5% Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees.  In a social media post, Chakma said she sincerely thanked the Chief Minister for granting the additional DA while continuing the state’s development momentum. She stated that the decision reflects the government’s commitment to the welfare of employees alongside ongoing development initiatives in the state. The announcement is expected to benefit thousands of government employees and pensioners across Tripura, providing financial relief amid rising living costs. “Along with continuing the state’s development momentum, I express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Hon’ble Chief Minister Professor Dr. Manik Saha for granting 5% Dearness Allowance to state government employees,” the Minister said.

Lawngtlai, Mizoram | March 16: Former Mizoram Minister and MLA of Tuichawng constituency, Buddha Dhan Chakma, has strongly objected to a meeting convened by Donny Lalruatsanga, Deputy Commissioner of Lawngtlai district, to address a boundary dispute reportedly involving the Young Lai Association and a group led by Durya Dhan Chakma, President of the Chakma District BJP. In a statement, Chakma questioned the legitimacy of the proposed meeting scheduled for March 16, alleging that it appears to be an attempt to resolve what he described as a “private property dispute” between parties that are not official authorities of either the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) or the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC). Chakma emphasized that any dispute concerning boundaries between a state, district, or autonomous district councils is a sensitive administrative matter that requires the involvement of political and civil authorities. According to him, key stakeholders—includin...

Guwahati /New Delhi | 15 March 2026:  The All India Chakma Students’ Union (AICSU) has welcomed a significant directive issued by the National Human Rights Commission recommending a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the death of a minor Chakma girl who was allegedly employed illegally as a live-in domestic worker in Roing. According to AICSU, the complaint was filed before the Commission highlighting serious concerns about illegal child labour, possible human rights violations, and lapses in the investigation conducted by local authorities. After examining findings from its Investigation Division, the NHRC observed that the girl, aged around 13, had been engaged as a live-in domestic worker in violation of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Taking note of alleged procedural lapses in the local investigation, the Commission recommended that the case b...

Agartala:  In a significant political development in Tripura, a total of 3,189 voters from 1,336 families joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after leaving the Tipra Motha Party and other political parties during a programme held in Agartala. The joining event took place at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan in the presence of Chief Minister Manik Saha. According to a post by Santana Chakma, several prominent leaders attended the programme, including Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, and former MP Rebati Tripura, along with other senior party leaders. Addressing the gathering, the leaders said that members of the tribal community are increasingly placing their trust in the developmental agenda of the BJP government. They noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the party’s progressive policies and people-centric programmes have strengthened public confidence. The leaders also expressed optimism...

Agartala:  Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, on Sunday launched 24 new ambulances equipped with Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) systems as part of the state government’s effort to strengthen emergency healthcare services. The Chief Minister said the government remains committed to building a stronger, more accessible and faster-response healthcare system for every citizen of Tripura. Out of the newly launched ambulances, 20 vehicles will be dedicated to trauma care services, while the remaining four will be integrated with the state’s 102 emergency helpline to support patient transport and medical assistance. According to the Chief Minister, the initiative is expected to significantly improve the state’s ability to respond quickly to medical emergencies, ensure timely trauma treatment, and enhance patient transportation across different parts of the state. He noted that the modern ambulances will play a crucial role ...

Siang : Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, on Sunday thanked residents of Pugging, Ramsing, and Janbo villages for their cooperation and active participation in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) held in Yingkiong. According to the Chief Minister, the MoU signed with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh will enable activities related to the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. Khandu said the agreement marks an important step toward advancing development initiatives in the region and will support initial technical assessments required for the project. Expressing gratitude to the local communities, the Chief Minister acknowledged the role of residents in facilitating the agreement and emphasised that their cooperation is crucial for ensuring progress and sustainable development in Upper Siang district. The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is considered a major proposed infrastruc...

Itanagar : Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, on Sunday evening attended a post-festival gathering celebrating Nyokum Yullo at Jullang. The event was hosted by the Nyishi Elite Society and brought together members of the Nyishi community to celebrate their rich traditions and cultural heritage. Addressing the gathering, Khandu described the event as a warm and meaningful occasion that highlighted the importance of community bonding and the collective commitment to preserving the customs and traditions of the Nyishi people. He also expressed gratitude to the Nyishi Elite Society for the hospitality extended during the celebration and lauded the organisation’s efforts in promoting and safeguarding indigenous culture in the state. Nyokum Yullo is one of the most significant festivals of the Nyishi community in Arunachal Pradesh, symbolising prayers for prosperity, harmony, and the well-being of society. Community leaders and r...

Kolkata: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has described the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal as more than just a political contest, calling it a decisive battle for the state’s “existence and civilisation.” In a political message shared ahead of the polls, BJP leaders said the election will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, during which the people of West Bengal will “vote to reclaim their future.” The party alleged that the state has been suffering from corruption, violence and what it termed a “jungle raj,” asserting that public frustration against the current governance has triggered a strong demand for change. According to the BJP, the countdown for political transformation in the state has already begun, with only 50 days remaining until May 4, when the party claims “a new sun of change will rise in Bengal.” The statement forms part of the BJP’s campaign messaging ahead of the polls, where the party is positioning the election as a crucial turni...

Kamalanagar, Lawngtlai:  The Art & Culture Department of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) took part in the grand celebrations of Chapchar Kut 2026, one of the biggest and most vibrant festivals of Mizoram. The festival was held at Kamalanagar in Lawngtlai district and witnessed participation from a wide range of cultural groups, NGOs, delegates and government officials. The event was attended by several distinguished personalities including the MCS, the SDO (Civil) of Chawngte, and the MLA of South Lunglei. Popular artistes and celebrities such as Young Fella also graced the occasion, adding to the festive atmosphere. The CADC Art & Culture team was led by its Head of Department, Renu Chakma, who attended the festival along with her team members. The department expressed that it was a great honour and privilege to be invited to take part in the celebration and to share in the vibrant cultural traditions of the Mizo community. ...

Tura : A powerful hailstorm hit Tura and surrounding areas around 3 a.m. on Sunday, causing widespread damage to houses, vehicles and agricultural fields. The storm was reportedly the third spell of intense weather during the night , bringing unusually large hailstones, with some residents claiming they were as big as golf balls . The heavy hail lashed the town for nearly 20 minutes , damaging tin roofs and denting several vehicles that were parked along roadsides or in open compounds without any shelter. Strong winds and thunder accompanied the storm, worsening the destruction. Vegetable gardens and flower nurseries in different parts of the region suffered significant losses, while in some places the force of the hailstones was strong enough to pierce CGI roofing sheets of homes . Authorities are likely to start assessing the scale of the damage after daybreak .

Author says Iran’s decentralised military structure could prolong the conflict and raise the cost of victory for Washington and Tel Aviv. Washington DC: Investor and author Robert Kiyosaki has highlighted what he believes is a crucial factor behind Iran’s ability to withstand a major military strike by the United States and Israel, pointing to Tehran’s decentralised “Mosaic Defence” strategy. In a social media post analysing the February 28 air strikes on Iran, Kiyosaki said the attack appeared to follow a familiar Western military strategy: eliminate top leadership, dismantle the command structure and trigger the collapse of the regime. According to him, similar tactics had previously been used during conflicts involving leaders such as Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gaddafi, where removing central authority contributed to regime collapse. However, Kiyosaki argued that Iran had spent nearly two decades studying those wars and adapting its military structure to avoid a similar ...

Guwahati:  Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that the state government is making sincere efforts to ensure balanced development across all districts of Assam, highlighting the transformation of Biswanath Chariali as a clear example.  In a post shared on social media, Sarma stated that during the tenure of the Indian National Congress government, development across Assam was not evenly distributed. He alleged that despite ruling the state for decades, the Congress failed to build adequate infrastructure in Biswanath Chariali. The Chief Minister said the situation has changed significantly under the present administration. According to him, the town has witnessed visible progress with improved road connectivity, better public infrastructure and renewed momentum for growth. Sarma further said that the Assam government is working with a commitment to bring equitable development to every district so that no region is left behind. He credited the pr...

Caracas/Washington: The United States has officially reopened its embassy in Caracas, marking the restoration of diplomatic presence in Venezuela for the first time since 2019. The move comes as the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump seeks deeper engagement with the resource-rich South American nation amid shifting geopolitical and economic priorities. The U.S. embassy had been closed in March 2019 during the height of political tensions between Washington and the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Diplomatic relations had deteriorated after the United States withdrew its diplomats following a dispute over the legitimacy of Venezuela’s leadership and escalating internal unrest. The raising of the American flag once again at the embassy compound in Caracas symbolizes a significant step toward restoring diplomatic relations between United States and Venezuela after years of hostility and sanctions. Diplomatic reset U.S. officials said the reopening...

Guwahati/Morigaon: Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday stated that the Assam government has successfully carried out a strict eviction drive against illegal encroachment in Morigaon district, reclaiming protected land in the Palahguri Tribal Belt. According to the Chief Minister, the eviction operation conducted last Thursday at Amchait cleared 2 bighas, 2 kathas, and 10 lechas of land that had been illegally occupied. The land has now been fully freed from encroachment and restored to its original status. Sarma said the reclaimed land falls under the Palahguri Tribal Belt , a protected area meant for safeguarding indigenous tribal communities. He emphasized that the government’s action sends a clear message that illegal occupation of land will not be tolerated under any circumstances. “By recovering this protected land, we have sent a strong signal — illegal encroachment will not be tolerated. There is no place for illegal occupation on Assam’s land,” the Chief Minister said...

Changlang : The annual swelling of the Buri Dehing River and the Nao Dehing River continues to cause severe damage and disrupt transportation across several areas of eastern Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in Diyun, Miao, and Bordumsa of Changlang district, as well as parts of Namsai.  Every monsoon season, heavy rainfall in the upstream hills causes both rivers to overflow, leading to flooding, riverbank erosion leading to loss cultivable & horticultural land of Chakmas, and the washing away of roads and temporary crossings. The situation often cuts off villages and disrupts daily commuting, affecting students, farmers, and workers who depend on these routes to reach markets, schools, and health facilities. Among the worst affected are members of the Chakma community living in the riverine areas. Locals say that due to the absence of permanent bridges and flood-control structures, residents are forced to construct makeshift bamboo bridges during the dry winter mont...

Jerusalem : Israel’s military has accused Iran of deploying missiles equipped with cluster bomb warheads in recent attacks, marking a dangerous escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), these weapons are capable of causing widespread damage and civilian casualties, intensifying international alarm over the conflict’s trajectory. Experts warn that the use of cluster munitions, which scatter multiple explosive bomblets over a wide area, could prompt increased pressure on global powers to intervene or impose stricter sanctions. The report has reignited discussions on the legality and humanitarian impact of such weapons under international law, with human rights groups urging immediate investigation and accountability. As tensions rise, the world watches closely to see if diplomatic or military measures will be taken to prevent further escalation. #IranIsraelWar #MiddleEastConflict #ClusterMunitions #GlobalSecurity #IDF #Inte...

Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia – In a significant escalation of regional tensions, reports indicate that Iran struck and damaged at least five United States Air Force refuelling planes stationed at Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base. The strike, if confirmed, marks a serious development in the ongoing Middle East conflict involving the United States, Israel, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to multiple media reports citing US officials, the aircraft were hit while on the ground at the strategic base, which plays a key role in supporting US military operations across the region. The damaged aircraft are reportedly aerial refuelling tankers , critical for extending the range and operational endurance of fighter jets and bombers. “The refuelling aircraft are currently undergoing repairs,” a source familiar with the matter told reporters, adding that no casualties have been reported so far . Analysts warn that the attack could disrupt US milita...

Washington DC:  The United States Department of State has drawn sharp criticism after announcing a reward of up to $10 million for information about Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s newly installed Supreme Leader and son of the late Ali Khamenei. The announcement was made through the government’s Rewards for Justice programme, which typically targets individuals accused of terrorism or posing security threats to the United States. In a banner posted on social media platform X, the State Department appealed for information on what it described as “Iranian terrorist leaders,” including Mojtaba Khamenei and other senior officials. The poster stated that individuals who provide credible intelligence could receive a reward of up to $10 million and may also qualify for relocation assistance . However, the move has triggered criticism from international observers and analysts who say the public bounty on a sitting leader of a sovereign nation could further escalate tensions between...

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday criticized the Opposition for questioning the integrity of the Lok Sabha Speaker during the ongoing #BudgetSession2026 , saying such actions create an “unusual and contradictory situation” in Parliament. Responding to the Opposition’s proposal brought against the Speaker in the House, Shah said that raising doubts about the Speaker’s commitment undermines the very authority responsible for maintaining order and fairness in the Lok Sabha. “When you question the integrity of the Chair, you create a strange situation. The very person who must mediate and whose protection you require until the end of the Lok Sabha’s term is the one you are questioning,” Shah said while addressing the House. The remarks came during a discussion on the Opposition’s proposal concerning the Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, in the presence of officials from the Lok Sabha Secretariat. Shah emphasized the importance of respecting the authority of the S...