LIVE: Israel to intensify strikes on Iran over continued missile fire

TN polls: Vijay to introduce candidates on March 29, says TVK

TVK chief Vijay will introduce the party candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on March 29, the party announced on Friday.

Elections to 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu will be held on April 23. Elections to 30 seats in Puducherry will be held on April 9.

According to a release from TVK general secretary N Anand, the party's state level functionaries' meeting will be held at a Chennai hotel on Sunday.

Vijay will introduce the candidates for all 234 TN seats and the 30 constituencies in Puducherry in that meeting, he added.

The party has already named its candidates for Puducherry but not yet for Tamil Nadu. 

Israel to ‘intensify’ strikes on Iran to stop missile fire, warns defence minister

Israel will intensify its strikes on Iran in response to continued missile fire, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said, warning that the Islamic republic would pay a “heavy price.” 

“Despite repeated warnings, the missile fire continues. As a result, IDF strikes in Iran will increase and expand to additional targets in sectors that support the regime’s military capabilities against Israeli civilians. They will pay a heavy price, an increasingly heavy one, for this war crime,” Katz said in a video released by his office.

PM Modi chairs CMs' meeting on West Asia crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday chaired a video conference with Chief Ministers to take stock of preparedness as tensions in West Asia continue to disrupt energy flows. Chief Ministers from poll-bound states did not join, with the Model Code of Conduct in effect. The meeting is still going on. 

The Centre had earlier convened an all-party meeting, and Modi addressed both Houses of Parliament this week. The conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran, which began on February 28, has raised concerns over supplies.

The Petroleum Ministry said fuel availability remains stable nationwide and urged people not to be misled by "a deliberately mischievous, coordinated campaign of misinformation that is being carried out to spread unjustified panic'.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is working with partner countries to ensure safe passage for energy shipments.

"We have kept you informed about the Indian ships that have so far crossed the Strait of Hormuz. 4 ships laden with LPG have arrived in India after crossing the Strait safely... We continue to be in touch with all concerned countries for the safe transit of our ships to meet our energy requirements," Jaiswal said as quoted by ANI. 

"You are well aware of a broad approach to sourcing energy needs. It is based on our imperative to secure the needs of 1.4 billion people, the dynamics of the market and the global situation. These 3 issues are vital for our decision-making," he added.

G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting: Jaishankar flags West Asia risks

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in France, flagged rising uncertainty linked to the West Asia conflict and argued for sturdier trade routes and supply systems. He also pressed for long-pending reforms at the United Nations, including changes to the Security Council, more efficient peacekeeping, and stronger humanitarian logistics.

Briefing reporters, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Jaishankar held bilateral talks with counterparts from France, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Brazil, the UK, Germany, and Ukraine.

"Our conversations with global partners continue. The External Affairs Minister is currently in France for the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting on 26-27 March. On the sidelines, he met his counterparts from France, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Brazil, the UK, Germany, and Ukraine," Jaiswal said as quoted by ANI.

"Discussions covered bilateral ties as well as developments in West Asia. At the first session, he spoke on global governance reform, stressing the urgency of UN Security Council reforms, streamlining peacekeeping operations, and strengthening humanitarian supply chains. He also raised Global South concerns over energy, fertiliser, and food security. In the second session, he conveyed uncertainties arising from the conflict in West Asia and called for more resilient trade corridors and supply chains," he added.

Jaishankar later posted on X, emphasising supply chain resilience and support for IMEC.

Iran FM Araghchi condemns US-Israel strikes, vows defence

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi condemned U.S. and Israeli strikes during a virtual UN session, focusing on the Minab Elementary Girls’ School attack that reportedly killed over 160 people. He described the strike as deliberate and a war crime, urging global accountability while stressing Iran’s right to defend itself.

"Indifference and silence in the face of injustices would bring no security and peace. It would invite more insecurity and rights violations. The United Nations and the core values it embodies, as well as the overall human rights framework, are at serious stake. You all need to call out the aggressors and let them know that the community of states, the human collective conscience, holds them accountable for the abhorrent crimes they are committing against Iranians", Araghchi said, as quoted by ANI. 

"Iran has never sought war. Iranians are a peaceful, noble nation, inheriting one of the richest civilisations on Earth. Yet they have demonstrated absolute resolve and determination to defend themselves against the brutal perpetrators who know no boundary in perpetrating all sorts of crimes. The defence shall persist as long as it is needed."

White House posts cryptic videos, sparks speculation over Trump announcement

The White House has published a series of cryptic videos and pixelated images on its official social media accounts, prompting speculation about an imminent announcement from the Trump administration.

One video carries the 'shushing face' emoji, and when played in reverse, it contains audio that users have identified as saying "Exciting announcement tomorrow."

The posts, which began late on Wednesday, have generated millions of views and a range of theories online. They coincide with heightened tensions over the US role in the conflict with Iran, where President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that negotiations are underway while Iranian officials deny any such talks. 

The first video appeared on the official White House X account on Wednesday. The clip, which has since been deleted but continues to circulate, shows shaky footage filmed on a mobile phone pointed at the ground. It captures a woman wearing black boots and a dress. She asks: "It's so cool. It's launching soon, right?" The words "sound on" appear in text on the screen. An off-camera male voice replies in the affirmative, confirming that the subject of their conversation will arrive shortly. 

The account later shared a further video that opens on a black screen before displaying a sketch of the White House with the words "President Donald J. Trump" underneath. An indecipherable voice is audible. Some viewers who reversed the audio reported hearing the phrase "exciting announcement tomorrow". 

Stock markets dive over 2 pc amid geopolitical uncertainties, rising crude prices

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled over 2 per cent on Friday after a two-day rally, in tandem with a global selloff, as investor sentiment weakened due to uncertainties over geopolitical tensions.

Crude oil prices staying above the USD 100 per barrel mark, the rupee's fall to record lows, and unabated foreign fund outflows also added to the gloom.

The 30-share BSE Sensex tanked 1,690.23 points, or 2.25 per cent, to settle at 73,583.22. During the day, it plunged 1,739.04 points, or 2.31 per cent, to 73,534.41.

A total of 3,544 stocks declined, while 822 advanced and 135 remained unchanged on the BSE.

The 50-share NSE Nifty dropped 486.85 points, or 2.09 per cent, to end at 22,819.60.

In a holiday-shortened week, the BSE benchmark lost 949.74 points or 1.27 per cent, and the Nifty tanked 294.9 points or 1.27 per cent.

"Investor sentiment remained fragile due to a lack of clarity surrounding geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran, which once again pushed crude oil prices above the USD 100 mark. In addition, persistent FII outflows and sharp weakness in the rupee further weighed on risk appetite," Ajit Mishra - SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd, said.

From the 30-Sensex firms, Reliance Industries dropped the most by 4.55 per cent, followed by InterGlobe Aviation, Bajaj Finance, State Bank of India, Eternal and HDFC Bank. In contrast, Tata Consultancy Services, Bharti Airtel and Power Grid were the gainers.

The BSE MidCap Select index dropped 2.12 per cent, and the SmallCap Select index declined 1.77 per cent.

Rubio tries to sell Iran war to sceptical G7 partners after Trump insults allies

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in France meeting foreign ministers of Group of Seven countries on Friday, hours after President Donald Trump slammed NATO countries over alleged reluctance or refusal to take part in the Iran conflict, which has been met with deep scepticism by some of US' closest allies.

Rubio may have to hard sell the US strategy for the Iran conflict to the top diplomats from G7 countries.

Trump's vitriolic comments about NATO during a cabinet meeting Thursday will likely make it an even tougher task. Besides the US — Britain, Canada, France, Germany and Italy are G7 nations also part of the trans-Atlantic military alliance. Japan is the only one that is not.

On his arrival at the meeting venue at a historic 12-century abbey in Vaux-de-Cerney outside Paris, Rubio posed for a group photo with his fellow foreign ministers.

Rubio left Washington for the G7 meeting just hours after Trump complained bitterly about NATO countries not stepping up to help the US and Israel in the Iran war. "We are very disappointed with NATO because NATO has done absolutely nothing," Trump said.

Rubio has work to do to smooth things with allies like those in Europe, who have faced criticism or outright threats from Trump and others in his administration. Europe is still smarting over Trump's earlier demands to take over Greenland from NATO-ally Denmark and are concerned over US support to Ukraine in its war with Russia. The conflict in the Middle East has added another point of tension.

"Frankly, I think countries around the world, even those that are out there complaining about this a little bit, should actually be grateful that the US has a president that's willing to confront a threat like this," Rubio said at the Cabinet meeting.

Religious leaders from Kashmir call upon Iranian envoy, condole Khamenei's killing

A delegation comprising several religious bodies in Kashmir on Friday called upon the Iranian ambassador in New Delhi to convey condolences over the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and to express solidarity with the people of the Islamic Republic.

The delegation of the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) was led by its patron and Kashmir's chief preacher Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

"A delegation of Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) met the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Mohammad Fathali, and other officials in New Delhi today," the office of the Mirwaiz said in a statement.

It said the delegation conveyed heartfelt condolences on the "martyrdom of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his family members and other leadership and expressed deep solidarity with the people of Iran in their hour of invasion and hardship".

"On behalf of the people of Kashmir, the delegation stated that the martyrdom of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the prominent and respected leader of the Muslim Ummah, has deeply saddened them," the statement said.

The delegation expressed serious concern and condemned the ongoing war imposed on Iran by Israel and the United States, and expressed hope that diplomatic efforts will prevail to bring "an end to this aggression, restoring peace and stability".

China opens investigations into US trade practices in response to Trump tariff moves

China launched two investigations into US trade practices on Friday, signalling its resolve to push back against President Donald Trump's tariffs ahead of his visit in May.

The Commerce Ministry said the new probes are a response to two investigations announced by Trump earlier this month against multiple countries, including China.

A ministry statement said the two Chinese investigations were launched to safeguard the interests of relevant Chinese industries and expressed “firm opposition” to the American probes.

One will examine US policies that restrict Chinese goods from entering the United States and that limit US export of advanced technology products to China. The other is focused on barriers to Chinese green energy exports.

The probes are expected to take six months and could be extended for another three months if necessary, the ministry said.

The Chinese investigations are the latest volley in a long-running trade war and could be bargaining chips to counter any possible new US tariffs.

The US Supreme Court struck down some of Trump's earlier tariffs, and he responded by launching what are known as Section 301 trade investigations.