Despite President Trump's optimistic prediction of a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict with Iran, Tehran dismisses any possibility of diplomatic breakthroughs, citing deep distrust and highlighting the complexities of US-Iran relations.
The clock on the ceasefire is running out. But everyone's already whispering about round two, possibly as soon as this weekend.
Both sides have now revealed a preference for escalation over strategic defeat, and each new provocation narrows the space for the next pause. The Touska seizure, Iran's refusal to negotiate under blockade, Israel's strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure -- all of these add up to an increasingly untenable situation. This makes the wild card -- Trump and his motormouth -- more consequential than ever, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.
The BJP has released its election manifesto for West Bengal, promising a hardline stance on infiltration, financial assistance for women and unemployed youth, and the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission for state employees.
The delegations from the US and Iran head to Islamabad on Friday, carrying a ceasefire that is already fraying, a Strait that is technically open and practically closed, and a negotiating agenda that would challenge even parties actually negotiating in good faith, which these groups are not. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.
Athletes and officials adjusted to the unfamiliar setting at the inaugural National Indoor Championships in Bhubaneswar, with shot putters modifying their techniques and runners adapting to a curvy track.
Trump may strike. He may announce productive talks and extend again. He may do both at the same time. Iran will not open the Strait on someone else's terms, so no matter what happens, that problem will remain unsolved. And the IRGC will still be collecting its $2 million toll from every ship bold enough to ask permission to pass.
Mahindra pushes premium EV strategy with XEV 9e Cineluxe, blending luxury design, immersive technology and over 500 km range capability.
Indian cricketer Prithvi Shaw recently got engaged to social media influencer Akriti Agarwal and if her Instagram is anything to go by, she's very much a full-time diva.
A Mumbai sessions court has directed a magistrate to issue summonses to former Maharashtra DGP Satish Mathur and other senior officers for allegedly not registering an FIR in a MHADA fraud case.
'The White House lunch that Trump hosted for Munir last year came just after Munir returned from a visit to Iran, at a moment when Israel and Iran were at war.' 'Trump said after that lunch that the Pakistanis know Iran very well. He likely views Munir as a useful interlocutor that can give helpful insights on Iran.'
'India cannot speak of a demographic dividend if half its young women are unable to participate in paid work.'
Cristiano Ronaldo has expanded his footprint in football, securing a 25 percent stake in Spanish second-tier side UD Almeria, representatives confirmed on Thursday.
Guess who has been cheering cricketer Ishan Kishan from the stands during the India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup final? His girlfriend, Aditi Hundia.
Southampton upset Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-finals, while Manchester City and Chelsea secured comfortable victories to advance to the semi-finals.
Team India Men's head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed his enthusiasm for the possibility of leading the team at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will make its return to the Games.
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.
She loves a little drama, a lot of shine and outfits that aren't afraid to stand out.
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.
Ranveer Singh electrified fans at the Dhurandhar: The Revenge music launch in Mumbai, building anticipation for the action film.
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 next two to three weeks will not be decided in Washington.' 'They will be decided in Tehran, in whatever calculation Iran makes about the costs of continued resistance against the costs of appearing to have yielded.'
Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi scored half-centuries as Kolkata Knight Riders posted a total of 220 for 4 against Mumbai Indians in their IPL match.
World Champion D Gukesh lost to Nodirbek Abdusattorov at the Prague International Chess Festival after blundering from a strong position.
'We were in a heavily nuclearised environment. China had tested for Pakistan in the 1980s and helped their missile programme stay just one step behind us.'
Pakistani national selectors are reportedly unhappy with the level of authority given to white-ball head coach Mike Hesson in player selection, prompting calls for a review of the current selection structure.
Monalisa Bhonsle, who gained fame during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, sought police protection in Thiruvananthapuram to stay with her boyfriend and marry him, alleging her father was trying to forcibly take her back home.
Monalisa Bhonsle, who gained fame at the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, married her Muslim friend in Kerala after seeking police protection from family pressure. The couple cited Kerala's support for interfaith relationships as their reason for choosing the state.
Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that T20I vice-captain Shubman Gill is "ready to start" ahead of the first T20I against South Africa of the five-match series, which will take place on December 9.
The LPG squeeze on India's restaurant sector is the quotidian face of a deeper crisis.
There is record underperformance and under-ownership. Some of this is cyclical and will turn on its own. However, we also need to regain our growth credentials. For this, both the government and companies have a role to play, as do investors, points out Akash Prakash.
Not every fashion girl wants sequins, cutouts and thigh-high slits. Some of us just want clothes that feel like us. And that's exactly why Divya Pillai's style is such a breath of fresh air.
Indian women aren't just attending global fashion weeks; they're owning them and representing our country on the biggest platforms.
The pause gives the US time to breathe, to regroup, to move its expeditionary force into position without risk of interception along the way. It gives Iran nothing -- on the ground, attacks against its infrastructure continue apace. Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.
Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey met in Islamabad in what analysts say is the formal opening of a new diplomatic formation that could reshape the post-war regional order. Their immediate goal is a ceasefire; their larger ambition is to ensure that neither Iran nor Israel emerges from this war in a dominant position. Pakistan's foreign minister then flew directly to Beijing and mooted a Chinese role as guarantor of any eventual agreement. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.
Arsenal seized control of the Premier League title race as Bukayo Saka's goal secured a priceless 1-0 win at Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester City could only draw 2-2 at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest.
The United States, which entered this war in expectation of a short, sharp win along the Venezuela model, is now preparing for deeper involvement in a conflict it does not fully control, without the allies it typically relies on, against an adversary that is not behaving as expected, in a global environment that is already absorbing economic shock. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.
Suryakumar Yadav discusses his desire to play Test cricket, his challenges with the ODI format, and his comfort and mastery in T20 cricket in an exclusive interview.
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.
To be sure, Trump is furious, as the trajectory of the war is in a state of Zugzwang, as chess players call it. Trump and Netanyahu stare at two choices -- retreat in humiliation and concede Tehran's demands -- recognition of its rights, reparations, and binding security guarantees -- or perish in a quagmire, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
