The ceasefire is still technically holding, to the extent that no overt hostilities have been reported yet, but the rhetoric has hardened dangerously. The week ahead will also clarify whether the Islamabad failure was a negotiating tactic or whether Washington has genuinely locked itself into a position from which the only exits are climb-down, escalation, or the slow bleed of a new status quo that nobody chose and nobody controls. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.
By all available indications, the White House drafted a face-saving note and handed it, ready-made, to Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to then post it in the guise of a plea urging Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks 'to allow diplomacy to run its course'. Trump would then graciously accept Pakistan's 'request' and declare a ceasefire. Sharif dutifully posted the message on X. Except that he, or whoever was handling the account, forgot to delete the tell-tale first line visible in the edit history: 'Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X'. Prem Panicker's must read blog on the Iran War.
'In culture, patriotism and modernity, the dream of a developed India, you see the pulsating energy of a New India.'
'To suddenly give the impression of taking a position that is hostile to Iran, or, at least, not friendly to Iran, is not a good thing.'
The big question is whether Trump is any longer in command of the situation. For all practical purposes, the war seems set to cascade as the US is preparing for a potential ground operation in Iran and threatens to destroy 'bridges next, then electric power plants', points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
Indian boxers are set to compete at the Asian Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, aiming for medals and direct qualification for major multi-sport events later in the year, including the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
Indian compound archers achieved remarkable success at the Asia Cup-World Ranking Tournament Stage 1, securing gold in the mixed team event, silver in the women's team event, and a clean sweep in the men's individual category.
Indian archers delivered a strong performance at the Asia Cup-World Ranking Tournament Stage 1, securing gold in the mixed team compound event and silver in the women's team compound event, along with a clean sweep in the men's individual compound category.
Bhowneesh Mendiratta leads a 12-member Indian squad at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Tangier, Morocco, marking the start of the qualification cycle for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
A preview of the IPL match between Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans, focusing on key players like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the challenges both teams face.
Explore the enduring appeal of Akshaye Khanna, the actor who, despite a quiet persona and unconventional career choices, continues to captivate audiences and critics alike, recently gaining viral recognition for his role in Dhurandhar.
Jasprit Bumrah's impact, precision and big-match temperament in the T20 World Cup draw comparisons with Sachin Tendulkar, as India's pace spearhead continues to shape games with unmatched control and cricketing intelligence.
The purge in Washington does not pause the war. Strikes continue, Hormuz remains closed, and Brent crude is still dancing around $109 a barrel. For India, the command chaos in the Pentagon is another layer of uncertainty piled on five weeks of conflict that was already straining every buffer Delhi has.
Shaheed Diwas 2026: India observes Martyrs' Day on March 23, marking 95 years since Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged by the British in 1931. PM Modi leads tributes. History, significance, quotes and how the nation is remembering the martyrs today.
Devdutt Padikkal's explosive 61 off 26 balls in the IPL 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad showcased a significant transformation in his batting style, earning widespread praise and solidifying his position as a top white-ball talent.
The Congress party has criticised the Indian government's diplomatic strategy, claiming a 'severe setback' if reports of Pakistan mediating between the US-Israel and Iran are accurate. The party alleges Pakistan's diplomatic engagement has surpassed India's, despite military successes.
'There is no shortage of fuel whatsoever.' 'India is stock surplus as far as petrol and diesel are concerned.'
Indian boxers are set to compete at the Asian Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, aiming for medals and direct qualification for major multi-sport events later in the year.
India's foreign trap coach Peter Wilson explains Zoravar Singh Sandhu's absence from the ISSF Shotgun World Cup, citing workload management. The team aims to avoid burnout ahead of the 2028 Olympics qualification.
The Supreme Court of India has strongly condemned the disclosure of a rape victim's identity and directed all high courts to ensure the anonymity of survivors and their families in court orders, citing the deep stigma associated with such offences and existing legal provisions.
The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.
The LPG squeeze on India's restaurant sector is the quotidian face of a deeper crisis.
This weekend, Donald Trump has begun to say the quiet part out loud -- that he wants to take control of Iran's oil, a formulation more in line with his robber-baron style of international relations.
The family of Harish Rana, the first person in India permitted passive euthanasia, bid him farewell at his cremation in Delhi. Rana's organs were donated, and mourners gathered to pay their respects after a 13-year ordeal following a tragic accident.
Indian police have arrested three more individuals allegedly involved in a Pakistan-linked espionage racket, bringing the total number of arrests to 21. The suspects are accused of sending sensitive information to Pakistan.
Security agencies in Kerala have arrested a 25-year-old man from Assam on suspicion of using social media platforms to spread extremist ideology, raising concerns over online radicalisation and cross-border links.
Police have registered a case against a self-styled godman from Maharashtra's Palghar district for allegedly raping a 35-year-old Pune-based woman after claiming to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva, officials said on Friday.
Before playlists, podcasts, streaming apps, YouTube, television took over, radio was the centre of everyday life.
Indian police have arrested three more individuals allegedly involved in a Pakistan-linked espionage racket, bringing the total number of arrests to 21. The accused are suspected of sending sensitive information to Pakistan.
Trump repeated the assertion that Sharif had claimed he saved "25 million lives" when he stopped the war between India and Pakistan.
England's Jos Buttler discusses the challenges of balancing franchise cricket with international duties, the importance of saying 'no', and managing external pressures as a professional cricketer.
Mumbai Indians will begin their quest to end a five-year title drought in the Indian Premier League against a depleted Kolkata Knight Riders side.
Batting great Sunil Gavaskar hailed Sanju Samson after his match-winning knock powered India to a five-wicket victory in the must-win match against West Indies in the T20 World Cup.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru carried off from last season with dominating performances in their opening two games of IPL 2026.
India are looking to create history, as they aim to become the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup, while England will be aiming to reclaim the title they last won four years ago.
A newly married man in Uttar Pradesh, India, allegedly fled with a substantial dowry after deceiving the bride's family by posing as an IAS officer. Police are investigating the incident as a potential serial scam.
India defend the decision to drop Axar Patel for Washington Sundar against South Africa, calling it a tactical call based on powerplay match-ups.
The Supreme Court of India has ruled that individuals converting from Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism cannot retain Scheduled Caste status, reinforcing existing constitutional provisions.
Once operational, Ghatak could undertake deep-strike missions, penetrating heavily defended airspace to hit high-value targets without placing pilots at risk.
David Miller's explosive innings not only showcased his exceptional finishing skills but also equaled David Warner's record for the most runs scored against India in T20 World Cups.
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