Low-cost carrier IndiGo announced on Tuesday that in view of the evolving situation in the Middle East and Persian Gulf, it has begun repatriation efforts aligned with the relevant authorities in India and the respective governments, reported IANS. Four such flights are now en route to Jeddah and one is expected to be operated to and from Muscat, later in the day. Airline plans phased restoration of flight operations "From Wednesday, more scheduled flights and seat capacity are expected to be offered. IndiGo will be reinstating select flights as part of a carefully planned restoration of its schedule, with safety as the topmost priority. Operations are expected to be resumed to the following destinations in line with prevailing airspace conditions and necessary approvals: Middle East: Muscat, Jeddah, Madinah; Europe: Athens. The total works out to 13 return flights (26 sectors)," according to an IndiGo statement, reported IANS. UAE repatriation flights under consideration "For March 4 , repatriation flights to stations in the UAE are being worked upon, however, it will depend on the local situation and required necessary approvals. Given the evolving situation this will be confirmed at a later stage," the airline carrier said, reported IANS. "For all other stations, IndiGo is closely monitoring the situation and working with the relevant authorities for local slots and permits to progressively restore its operational schedule. IndiGo continues to update its social media platforms and website with the latest status. Amid this highly volatile situation, safety and security of its customers, crew and aircraft continue to be of paramount importance to IndiGo," the statement added. Emirates, Etihad resume limited services in phases Meanwhile, the UAE-based airlines Emirates and Etihad Airways started operating a limited number of flights from the evening of March 2, after Dubai Airports confirmed a partial resumption of operations after the airport was closed due to the outbreak of hostilities between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, reported IANS. The Emirates said it will prioritise customers with earlier bookings as it restarts services in phases. The airline will contact passengers who have been rebooked onto these limited flights directly. "Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified," Emirates said in a statement. Airports reopen partially; full operations yet to resume The Dubai-based airline said that all other flights remain suspended until further notice, reported IANS. It added that it continues to monitor the situation and will adjust its operational schedule accordingly. "Updates will be published on emirates.com and its official social media channels." Etihad said it will conduct some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights "in coordination with UAE authorities and subject to strict operational and safety approvals", reported IANS. However, authorities have not provided a timeline for full restoration of normal operations. Dubai Airports said a small number of flights will be permitted to operate from Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) starting Sunday evening. However, the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority said, "Exceptional flights are now operating at UAE airports. Do not proceed to the airport until your airline contacts you with confirmed flight details to ensure a smooth process for all." (With inputs from IANS)
03 March,2026 07:10 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAs the war in the Middle East intensifies, US President Donald Trump said that the US has "the capability to go far longer" than its projected four-to-five-week time frame for its military operations against Iran. Across Tehran, the sound of explosions rang out through the night and into the early morning hours on Tuesday, as the US and Israel have continued to pound Iran since killing its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday. Tehran and its allies have hit back against Israel, neighbouring Gulf states, and targets critical to the world's production of oil and natural gas. The intensity of the attacks and the lack of any apparent exit plan set the stage for a prolonged conflict with far-reaching consequences. Israel and the US have given conflicting answers about what exactly the war's objectives are or what the endgame might be. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu late Monday defended the decision to go to war, contending in an interview on Fox News Channel's "Hannity" that Iran was rebuilding "new sites, new places" that would make "their ballistic missile program and their atomic bomb program immune within months," without providing evidence. Satellite photos analysed by The Associated Press showed limited activity at two nuclear sites in Iran before the war, with analysts saying it was likely Tehran was trying to assess damage from American strikes in June and possibly salvage what remained there. Here is the latest: Turkiye urges a halt to attacks and calls for diplomacy Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan renewed his call for an end to escalating violence and a return to diplomacy. "Our fundamental request and demand is clear: the mutual attacks must stop immediately, and diplomacy must resume," Fidan said, according to a transcript of his remarks to journalists late Monday. The minister said Turkiye consistently emphasises this message during talks with other leaders. Commenting on Iran's attacks on Gulf states' facilities, Fidan said Iran hopes these countries will pressure the United States to stop the war, while adding he believes that outcome "is not likely." Italy arranges flights to bring home stranded citizens The Italian government said Tuesday it is working "non-stop" to assist Italian citizens stranded in the Middle East. Italy scheduled two flights, including one from Muscat, Oman, to Rome's Fiumicino airport on Tuesday to carry around 300 people and another from Abu Dhabi to Milan to carry about 200 people, mostly young students. Another two flights are set to depart from Abu Dhabi to Milan and Rome in the early afternoon on Tuesday, while an additional flight from Muscat has been scheduled for Wednesday. Italy's Defence Minister Guido Crosetto sparked a political controversy at home after being stranded in Dubai with his family during the initial phase of the US-Israeli attack on Iran, returning to Rome on Sunday on a military aircraft. The left-wing opposition called for Crosetto's resignation, stressing that the minister travelled alone to an area of crisis without being informed of the deteriorating situation. Premier Giorgia Meloni defended the minister on Monday, saying he never stopped doing his job. Romanian pilgrims return to Bucharest from Israel Romanian tourists arrived in Bucharest early Tuesday after travelling from Israel to Cairo to escape the conflict. Hundreds of Romanian Orthodox Church pilgrims were stranded in Israel while visiting Bethlehem on a trip led by Romanian priests when the war broke out. The group was forced to cut their trip short to return to Romania. Romanian pilgrim Mariana Muicaru said she was terrified as rockets flew across the sky in Israel. "We called our children at 3 am to ask forgiveness because we might die and to tell them we love them and to let them know that it's over for us," she told The Associated Press. Kremlin says Putin will convey Gulf leaders' concern to Tehran The Kremlin said Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin will convey the Gulf leaders' concern over the Iranian strikes on their territory to Iran. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Putin will "make every effort to facilitate at least minor easing of tension." He noted that after Monday's calls with the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Putin will convey their "deep concern about the strikes on their infrastructure" to Tehran. Hezbollah official says group will fight open war with Israel A senior Hezbollah official says that after more than a year of abiding by the ceasefire as Israel's strikes continued on Lebanon, the group's patience has ended, leaving it with no option "but to return to resistance" and fight an open war with Israel. Mohamoud Komati said Tuesday that Hezbollah exercised patience since a ceasefire ended the Israel-Hezbollah war in November 2024, hoping the government's diplomatic efforts would yield positive results in ending Israeli strikes. In the comments released by Hezbollah's media office, Komati blasted the Lebanese government for calling Hezbollah's actions illegal and demanded it hand over its weapons, saying it did not act to stop Israel's airstrikes that continued on an almost daily basis for nearly 15 months. "The Zionist enemy wanted an open war, which it has not stopped since the ceasefire agreement," Komati said. "So let it be an open war." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
03 March,2026 05:41 PM IST | Washington | APPakistan security forces killed another 67 Afghan Taliban personnel in overnight operations, repulsing their attacks at 16 locations along the southwestern border early Tuesday, officials said. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar provided updates on the ongoing Operation Ghazab lil Haq, launched on Feb 26 in response to the Afghan Taliban raids. Tarar said that 40 Afghan Taliban personnel were killed in overnight operations in the border region along the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. "Physical attack was attempted at one place, while a fire raid was conducted on 12 locations, which were all repulsed without any loss of life," he said in an update posted on X. "At least 40 Afghan Taliban were killed in the overnight operations in KP," he said, adding that "follow-up" operations continued. Separately, the Afghan Taliban resorted to physical attack from across the border on 16 locations in Northern Balochistan in Qilla Saifullah, Noshki and Chaman districts while engaging Pakistan troops on 25 locations in a fire raid. "The attacks at all the locations were repulsed with Afghan Taliban suffering 27 killed and scores injured," he said. The minister also said that one soldier of the paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan North was killed while five soldiers were injured. On Monday, the minister said in a statement that Pakistani security forces killed 435 Afghan Taliban combatants and another 630 of them were injured. He said that 188 tanks and armoured vehicles were destroyed, 31 Afghan posts were captured and 51 locations across Afghanistan were successfully targeted in air strikes. Meanwhile, state-run PTV reported that the Pakistan armed forces successfully conducted an air operation in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, destroying the Khogani base. "Fitna al-Khawarij and Afghan Taliban face massive setbacks on every front after unprovoked aggression," PTV reported, citing sources. It further reported that security sources said Operation Ghadab-ul-Haq is still ongoing and will continue until its objectives are achieved. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
03 March,2026 05:37 PM IST | Islamabad | PTIThe Indian Embassy in Tehran has shifted most of the Indian students out of the Iranian capital to safer locations inside the country, an official statement said on Tuesday. In a post on X, the embassy wrote, "Due to the heightened risk perception in Tehran city, the Embassy of India has relocated most Indian students who were in Tehran to safer locations outside Tehran. The Embassy has made arrangements for their transportation, food, and accommodation. Only a small number of students who declined the Embassy's offer remain in Tehran." It stated that for other Indian students and Indian nationals who still remain in Iran, the advisory issued earlier remains unchanged- - Stay where you are, remain indoors as far as possible, and stay away from windows. - Exercise due caution at all times. - Avoid areas of protests or demonstrations. - Remain in regular contact with the Embassy of India in Iran. The emergency contact helplines of the Embassy of India in Iran are as follows - Mobile Numbers: +989128109115; +989128109102; +989128109109; +989932179359 - Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in pic.twitter.com/4Tlu6E9fN7 — India in Iran (@India_in_Iran) March 3, 2026 Students shifted to safer places: JKSA According to the IANS, Indian students residing in Tehran have been relocated to the city of Qom as a precautionary step amid continued airstrikes and escalating tensions in Iran, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) said on Tuesday. Nasir Khuehami, national convenor of Jammu and Kashmir Students Association said, the Embassy of India in Tehran began a structured relocation process in view of the worsening security situation, the news agency reported. Tehran has been described as one of the worst-affected cities. Students were shifted in buses arranged by the Embassy and are currently en route to Qom under the supervision of Indian authorities. Khuehami said the Association has been in direct contact with the students and confirmed that all Indian students in Tehran, including those from Jammu and Kashmir, are safe. While parents remain anxious due to the volatile situation, the relocation has brought reassurance to families. MEA monitoring situation The Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of India in Tehran were closely monitoring developments and coordinating necessary arrangements to safeguard Indian nationals. Further steps, including a possible evacuation, may be considered depending on the reopening of airspace and the evolving security conditions. The JKSA expressed appreciation to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy for their prompt response and continuous engagement during the crisis. Khuehami urged parents to remain calm, assuring them that coordinated efforts are underway to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students, as per the IANS. (with IANS inputs)
03 March,2026 04:18 PM IST | Tehran | mid-day online correspondentUS President Donald Trump, on Monday in a telephonic interview with the British Newspaper The Sun, expressed his disappointment over the decision by the United Kingdom not to join the US in strikes against Iran, alleging that Starmer's decision comes so as to back the voters of Islamic faith in the country. The US President suggested to the Sun that Keir Starmer is pandering to Muslim voters by not backing the American strikes in Iran, adding that Britain is "not such a recognisable country" anymore. Referring to Starmer, Trump was quoted as saying, "He has not been helpful. I never thought I'd see that. I never thought I'd see that from the UK. We love the UK". As per The Sun, when asked about accusations that the UK PM was pandering to Muslim voters for political reasons, the President said "it could be". He added, "London is a very different place, with a terrible Mayor. You have a terrible Mayor there, some terrible people. But it's a very different place." The transatlantic fallout comes after UK PM Keir Starmer on Monday in an oral statement to the House of Commons on Iran said, "The United Kingdom was not involved in the initial US and Israeli strikes on Iran. That decision was deliberate. We believe that the best path for the region is through a negotiated settlement, one in which Iran agrees to abandon its aspiration to develop a nuclear weapon and ceases its destabilising activities across the Middle East. That has been the longstanding position of successive British governments." He added, "President Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision not to join the initial strikes. But it is my duty to judge what is in Britain's national interest, and that is the judgement I made. I stand by it." Starmer criticized the actions of Iran in his remarks, calling it a threat to UK's partners, interests and allies. He further told the house that US had requested for permission to use British bases and affirmed that the bases are limited to defensive purposes hence UK had joined American offensive operations. "The United States requested permission to use British bases for that specific, limited defensive purpose. They have the capabilities required to prevent Iranian missiles from killing civilians, British nationals, or our allies in countries that played no part in the initial strike. To be clear: the use of British bases is strictly limited to agreed defensive purposes. The UK has not joined US offensive operations. Our action is rooted in the principle of collective self-defence of longstanding friends and in the protection of British lives. We have published a summary of our legal position, which sets this out clearly. We will keep this decision under review." The developments come as a full-scale conflict erupted in West Asia involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, following a major "military offensive" launched on February 28. In a coordinated operation known as Operation Epic Fury/Roaring Lion, US and Israeli forces carried out large-scale air and missile strikes across Iran, targeting key military sites, nuclear-related infrastructure, and leadership compounds. In response, Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region, including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, further widening the conflict and heightening risks for civilians and expatriates alike. World leaders and international bodies are currently urging de-escalation as the risk of a wider regional conflict grows, though fighting continues without a clear end in sight. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
03 March,2026 04:16 PM IST | Washington DC | ANIIn a notable public outing, the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was seen visiting Dubai Mall on Monday evening alongside Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai. The appearance, which took place in one of the region’s busiest public spaces, quickly drew attention both on the ground and across social media platforms. Leaders Interact Freely With Public Eyewitnesses said the two leaders moved through the mall without heavy restrictions, engaging with visitors and exchanging greetings. Shoppers appeared pleasantly surprised as the leaders paused for brief interactions, including photographs. Their relaxed demeanour stood out, especially given the tense geopolitical climate prevailing in the region. رئيس الدولة يرافقه حمدان بن محمد في دبي مول مساء اليوم. لا تشلّون هم، فالإمارات آمنة ومطمئنة، وقيادتها بين أهلها وقريبة من شعبها. pic.twitter.com/gfgiIe5Bsu — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 2, 2026 Videos that later surfaced online showed Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan seated at a dining venue inside the mall, accompanied by senior officials. The informal setting and their calm presence became a focal point of discussion, with many interpreting the visit as a symbolic gesture. Visit Coincides With Ongoing Regional Escalation The high-profile outing comes at a time when the UAE remains on heightened alert due to ongoing military developments in the Gulf. Over the past few days, the country’s air defence systems have been actively intercepting drones and missiles launched by Iran, following military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel. By Monday, the situation had entered its fourth consecutive day, with continued exchanges raising concerns about further escalation. Despite successful interceptions, debris from neutralised projectiles has reportedly caused fires and structural damage in certain areas. Impact of Aerial Threats Across UAE Authorities have confirmed that falling debris from intercepted threats has affected multiple locations. Incidents have been reported at a luxury property in Palm Jumeirah, while other prominent landmarks such as the Burj Al Arab and Jebel Ali Port have also experienced disruptions or damage. While emergency response teams have managed to contain most incidents, the developments have underscored the seriousness of the security situation. Public Appearance Seen as Message of Stability Against this backdrop, the decision by the UAE President and Dubai Crown Prince to appear in a crowded public space has been widely interpreted as an effort to reassure residents and visitors. Observers noted that such visibility during a period of regional uncertainty sends a strong signal about stability and confidence within the country. A regional media outlet described the moment as “unprecedented,” highlighting that it is uncommon for top leadership figures to engage so openly with the public during times of heightened military tension. Social Media Reactions Highlight Public Confidence Clips from the visit quickly gained traction online, with many users praising the leadership’s approach. One widely shared video showed the leaders having coffee with officials, accompanied by captions emphasising calmness amid tension. Look at this footage from Dubai... senior Emirati figures sitting down for a relaxed meal in the mall like any other day. when the top guys are out in public without rushing to private jets, it sends a pretty clear message that things are stable on the ground. compared to how… pic.twitter.com/5iwze74j9e — Fahad Naim (@Fahadnaimb) March 2, 2026 Users on social media platforms described the gesture as reassuring, with some noting that such public appearances reflect confidence in the country’s security measures. Others expressed appreciation for the leadership, stating that the move fostered a sense of safety and normalcy. Overall, the visit has been seen not merely as a routine outing but as a calculated and symbolic act aimed at reinforcing public confidence during a period of regional uncertainty.
03 March,2026 01:18 PM IST | Dubai | mid-day online correspondentFormer President Bill Clinton distanced himself themselves from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in closed-door depositions with lawmakers, according to videos that were released Monday by a House committee. The recordings of the depositions, which spanned hours over two days last week, show how Bill Clinton told the committee that he had ended his relationship with Epstein years before the financier entered a 2008 guilty plea to soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. Hillary Clinton told the committee she never even recalled meeting Epstein. Both closed-door interviews before the House Oversight Committee were taken under oath Thursday and Friday. The Clintons' testimony came as lawmakers are trying to meet demands for a reckoning over Epstein, who killed himself in 2019 in New York while facing charges for sex trafficking and abusing underage girls. High-status men around the world have been forced into resignations because of revelations about their relationships with Epstein, but so far there are few signs in the US of serious legal consequences coming. The former Democratic president said he first remembered meeting Epstein when he flew aboard the financier's private jet in 2002 for the Clintons' humanitarian work, and they parted ways the year after. "There's nothing that I saw when I was around him that made me realize he was trafficking women," he told the committee. Epstein visited the White House numerous times during Clinton's presidency and there are photos of them shaking hands. Clinton told lawmakers he did not recall those interactions. Democrats and Republicans question Bill Clinton Bill Clinton faced searching questions both from Republicans and Democrats about photos of the former president that have been released as part of the case files on Epstein. In response to a Democratic lawmakers' questions about a photo that showed him in a pool with a woman whose face was redacted, the former president said he did not know the woman and did not engage in sexual activity with her. He said the photo was from a trip to Brunei for charitable work and a number of people in their travel party were swimming. Whether the subject was a note Clinton wrote for Epstein's 50th birthday or their travel together for the Clinton Foundation, he described their relationship as little more than "cordial." "We were friendly, but I didn't know him well enough to say we were friends," he said.Asked by Republicans whether they had talked about young women or girls together, Clinton responded emphatically: "No." What Bill Clinton said about Trump One line of questioning stirred up curiosity from lawmakers, and that was what Clinton had to say about President Donald Trump. He made clear he believed it was important for anyone, including presidents, to come forward and testify to their knowledge of Epstein. Clinton also shared how he and Trump had briefly discussed Epstein at a charity golf tournament more than 20 years ago. He said Trump had never "said anything to me to make me think he was involved in anything improper with regard to Epstein," but also remarked that those two men had a falling-out over a real estate deal. Republican lawmakers left the deposition pointing to Clinton's words and arguing that it showed there is no evidence that Trump ever did anything wrong in his own relationship with Epstein. Democrats, meanwhile, said Clinton's testimony counters what Trump has said more recently about why he and Epstein had a falling-out. Trump has told reporters they had a disagreement because Epstein had hired people away from Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
03 March,2026 12:47 PM IST | Washington DC (US) | APIsrael launched new waves of strikes on Iran's Tehran on Monday, less than an hour after issuing an evacuation warning to nearby residents, according to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). This came after a coordinated US and Israeli airstrikes across multiple Iranian cities on February 28, which targeted military command centres, air-defence systems, missile sites, and key regime infrastructure resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and four senior military and security officials. The IDF confirmed an attack on a studio complex of the official Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), saying it had "dismantled the Iranian terrorist regime's communications center." Iran's state-affiliated Press TV posted on Telegram that the broadcaster's headquarters "has been targeted by US-Israeli airstrikes." The media company, however, insisted that "there has been no disruption and the IRIB channels are functioning without problem," CNN reported. Israel said the center struck was "recently used by the Iranian regime's forces to advance military activities under the guise of civilian activity and assets, in addition to the propaganda activities that emanate from the communications center," IAF said in its post on X. The strikes followed an unprecedented evacuation notice from the IDF to residents of Tehran's Evin neighbourhood, where state media and other targets are based. An IDF spokesperson warned that Israeli forces would target Iranian military infrastructure "in the coming hours" and urged civilians to leave, saying, "For your safety and well-being, we request that you immediately evacuate the designated area..." and warned that not evacuating "puts your lives at risk," CNN reported. The targeted area is the same site hit in a previous strike in June, when a loud explosion was heard during a live broadcast, and Iran's state media later reported that one of its workers was killed. In coordination with its operations in Iran, the IDF issued warnings to civilians in parts of southern Lebanon, urging people in multiple villages to evacuate ahead of strikes on Hezbollah-linked targets. In a video posted in Arabic, an IDF spokesperson said Hezbollah's activities were prompting Israeli action, and that civilians should move north of a designated line for their safety. Separately, the Israeli military also issued guidance for residents of buildings in Beirut's southern suburb of Haret Hreik to leave, stating, "You are in close proximity to Hezbollah facilities... For your safety and the safety of your families, you must evacuate these buildings immediately and remain at a distance of at least 300 meters." In addition to the broadcast studio complex, the IDF said its strikes hit "headquarters, bases, and regional command centers of the Iranian terrorist regime's internal security bodies," as well as "more than 10 sites belonging to the regime's main intelligence services" under Iran's Ministry of Intelligence. It also said multiple missile launchers and ballistic missile arrays were targeted, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and the Israeli Air Force (IAF) have confirmed that missiles were launched from Iran toward the territory of Israel. Israeli defence systems have been activated to intercept the incoming threat, and air-raid warnings were issued to civilians in various regions. "The Air Force has identified that a short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defence systems are operating to intercept the threat. In the last few minutes, the Home Front Command has issued a preliminary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas. The public is requested to exercise responsibility and act in accordance with the directives, they save lives," the post read. "One must enter protected spaces upon receiving the alert and remain in them until a new announcement. Exit from the protected space will be permitted only after receiving an explicit directive; continue to act in accordance with Home Front Command directives," the post further added. On February 28, the US and Israel conducted coordinated airstrikes across multiple Iranian cities, targeting military command centres, air-defence systems, missile sites, and key regime infrastructure. These strikes resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and four senior military and security officials, with large explosions reported in Tehran and other major cities. In response, Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region, including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, further widening the conflict in the Middle East and heightening risks for civilians and expatriates alike. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
03 March,2026 12:47 PM IST | Jerusalem, Israel | ANIA group of senior US lawmakers has urged the Trump Administration to push for the elimination of India’s 11 per cent tariff on American cotton, calling it a “critical moment” for US farmers as Washington and New Delhi negotiate an interim trade agreement. House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington led the letter to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, saying the ongoing talks present a major opening for American agriculture. “As you finalize the details of this Interim Agreement and any subsequent agreements with India, we urge you to negotiate a permanent reduction or elimination of India’s trade barriers to American cotton exports,” the lawmakers wrote. “This is a critical moment for American cotton farmers.” The letter, dated February 25 and released on Monday, highlights that India maintains an 11 per cent tariff on raw cotton imports, which lawmakers describe as a significant barrier for US producers. The lawmakers noted that the US cotton industry exports 85 per cent of its production and that India is currently the fourth largest global textile exporter. They said temporary suspensions of India’s import duties in the past have been “short-lived and do not represent reliable market access”. “Increasing market access to one of the world’s largest economies would provide a much-needed market-driven boost to our cotton farmers who have suffered several years of historic losses resulting from inflation, low demand, and inclement weather,” the letter said. The lawmakers added that increased US exports to India would be “mutually beneficial by helping support India’s growing textile industry with reliable and high-quality US inputs”. They also thanked Greer for his “successful efforts to negotiate new trade agreements that reduce foreign barriers to American agricultural exports” and said recent deals had been “critical to boosting demand for US commodities”. The appeal comes as Washington and New Delhi work through the framework of a recently announced Interim Agreement. Lawmakers described the joint statement outlining the deal as providing “monumental opportunities for American agriculture”. Industry groups swiftly backed the congressional push. “The American Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA) strongly supports Chairman Arrington’s leadership in urging USTR to eliminate India’s 11 per cent tariff on US cotton, which impedes access for US cotton into this critical market,” said Buddy Allen, President & CEO of the American Cotton Shippers Association. “ACSA appreciates USTR’s continued efforts to expand market access for our industry and looks forward to working together to strengthen the US cotton industry at this critical time,” he added. Gary Adams, President and CEO of the National Cotton Council, said: “At a time when producers are facing enormous financial strains, expanded export opportunities are more important than ever.” “The National Cotton Council welcomes this congressional effort to ensure that continued trade negotiations with India result in real and lasting gains for American cotton,” he said. Congressmen who signed the letter are Gregory F. Murphy, Rick Crawford, Austin Scott, Pat Harrigan, Michael McCaul, Michael Cloud, Earl L. “Buddy” Carter, Julia Letlow, Ronny Jackson, Vince Fong and August Pfluger. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 March,2026 11:28 AM IST | Washington | IANSThe US' B-1 bombers struck deep inside Iran overnight, targeting what American officials described as the country's ballistic missile capabilities, as tensions escalated sharply in the region. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Monday that the strikes were aimed at degrading Tehran's missile arsenal. "Last night, US' B-1 bombers, struck deep inside Iran to degrade Iranian ballistic missile capabilities," CENTCOM said in a statement on social media platform X. The operation comes amid an expanding US military campaign branded Operation 'Epic Fury'. The White House signalled the strikes were part of a broader effort to cripple Iran's weapons infrastructure. As the US President Donald Trump said, "we're going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground," CENTCOM quoted Trump as saying. The CENTCOM also pushed back against what it described as Iranian misinformation about battlefield losses. "The Iranian regime's false messaging machine continues to falsely claim that it has sunk a US aircraft carrier," CENTCOM said. It added: "The TRUTH: The only carrier that has been hit is the Shahid Bagheri, an Iranian drone carrier. The US forces struck the ship within hours of launching Operation Epic Fury." CENTCOM did not provide immediate details on the specific sites targeted by the B-1 bombers or the extent of damage inflicted. The B-1 is a long-range strategic bomber capable of carrying large payloads of conventional weapons and operating deep inside hostile territory. The strikes follow continued missile launches by Iran across the region. "Iran continues to maliciously launch ballistic missiles, indiscriminately targeting military and civilian locations throughout the region," CENTCOM said. The Command added that US forces are actively pursuing Iranian missile units. "US forces remain on the hunt to eliminate this threat. As the President has said, our resolve has never been stronger." The latest developments mark a significant escalation in direct US military action inside Iranian territory. While previous exchanges largely involved proxy forces or strikes in third countries, the use of B-1 bombers deep inside Iran signals a more overt phase of confrontation. The Persian Gulf and surrounding waterways are critical to global energy supplies, including shipments bound for Asian markets such as India. Any sustained conflict risks disruption to oil flows and regional security architecture. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 March,2026 11:23 AM IST | Washington | IANSThe fallout from the distant Iran war has claimed the life of a student of Indian descent in Texas, who was killed along with another student by a man wearing a symbol of Iran who opened fire outside a popular venue. Officials identified Savitha Shan on Monday as one of the two dead in the shooting early Sunday morning in Austin that also injured 14 others. The shooter was identified as an immigrant from Senegal, who was wearing a T-shirt with the Iranian flag and a shirt with “Property of Allah” written on it, officials said. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Acting Special Agent Alex Doran said there were signs that the 53-year-old shooter, Ndiaga Diagne, had a "nexus to terrorism”, which they were following up on. Law enforcement across the US has been put on high alert because of fears of terrorism after the US and Israel began bombing Iran on Saturday. FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X that he had "instructed our Counter-terrorism and intelligence teams to be on high alert". University of Texas President Jim Davis confirmed Shan’s death in an email to the campus community, saying that she was a student “preparing to change the world”. He described her as “a child of loving parents” and “a loyal friend to many”. "All of us are grieved by this horrible news, and we will remember her”, he said. The university’s radio station, KUT, said that according to a friend, she was 21 years old and had grown up in Austin. On LinkedIn, Shan posted that she is pursuing a dual bachelor’s degree in economics and management information systems at the University of Texas at Austin, with graduation expected this year. She wrote that she was a volunteer with the Austin Tamil Sangam. She had also started Sunflakestickers, an e-commerce business selling stickers. She said she had been an intern with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Staples, a giant office supplies retailer. Describing the shooting, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said early Sunday morning, Diagne parked his car outside a beer garden and shot at people on its patio with a pistol. He then got out of the car and began firing a rifle at people walking by before he was killed by police, she said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
03 March,2026 10:35 AM IST | New York | IANSADVERTISEMENT
-1772539442493_d.png "Benjamin Netanyahu. File Photo")
-1772537430567_d.png "A Taliban security personnel stands guard while keeping watch for Pakistani airstrikes in the Tere Zayi district of Khost province. Pic/AFP")
-1772533543426_d.png "Donald Trump. File Pic")
-1772518755984_d.png "Bill Clinton. File Pic")
-1772521151122_d.png "Firefighters extinguish fires at the site of an Israeli airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon. Pic/AFP")
-1772512096473_d.png "Indian-American student Savitha Shan killed in Austin shooting. Pic/IANS")