NEW DELHI: Nearly 7,000 Indians stranded in Dubai since February 28 have been flown back home in the past three days, with more flights scheduled from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Fujairah in the next 48 hours. Indian Ambassador to the UAE Deepak Mittal and Indian Consul General in Dubai Satish Sivan held a meeting with representatives of Indian and Emirates airlines on Thursday “to review efforts to address the concerns of Indians stranded in the UAE.”“Standard Indian nationals can rebook or book these flights directly with the airlines or through local agents… Airlines are working towards resuming limited non-scheduled flight operations. The travel of nearly 7,000 stranded Indians, especially those on transit and short-term visits, have been facilitated and returned to India in the past three days. The focus of airlines is to gradually increase these non-scheduled flights from different airports in the UAE in line with airspace security and operating permissions from the UAE,” the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi said on Thursday.
‘White skin confers immunity…’: James Talarico’s old post sparks controversy; MAGA calls him more evil than Jasmine Crockett
After celebrating Jasmine Crockett’s loss in the Texas Senate Democratic primary, Republicans woke up to James Talarico’s victory and considered him a greater evil than Crockett. Talarico’s old posts from the aftermath of Ahmaud Arbery’s murder in 2020 resurfaced, sparking MAGA backlash. “I know we all laugh at Jasmine Crockett, but this James Talarico guy is pure evil. She’s just ghetto. He on the other hand sounds super evil. He’s the definition of a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” one person wrote. “This guy James Talarico doesn’t make Jasmine Crocket look like a voice of reason (relatively) in the Texas Democratic Senate primary. But here we are…and he’s winning…a lot,” Donald Trump Jr. commented. Even President Donald Trump commented on Talarico’s victory in Truth Social: “We have an easy-to-beat radical left opponent, and we must be fully focused on getting rid of him quickly and decisively!” Trump said he would soon support John Cornyn or Ken Paxton in the Republican primary.
But what did Talarico release in 2020?
“#AhmaudArbery is the latest American to be killed by the virus of racism. This virus will kill our black neighbors if they jog, play music, sit in church, sell CDs or carry a bag of Skittles,” Talarico posted. “White skin makes me and every white American immune to this virus. But we spread it everywhere we go through our words, our actions, and our systems. We don’t have to show symptoms, like wearing a white hood or a Confederate flag, to be contagious,” he added, continuing to talk about the virus of racism. But this part went viral, making it appear as if Talarico was saying that his white skin made him immune to an actual virus. “The only cure is to diagnose the virus in our bodies and take significant action to curb the spread. The first small step is to declare #BlackLivesMatter loud and clear,” the post said. “If this is the real Talarico post, he’s screwed,” said Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. This is Tim Waltz clone territory. He can win in Minnesota, but not Texas. “The future of the Democratic Party,” Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., posted on X.Talarico’s campaign reacted to the new trolling and said Republicans feared Talarico. “John Cornyn, Ken Paxton, Greg Abbott and the billionaires who support them have good reason to fear James Talarico: Our campaign is building a movement ready to change the politics of this state and take back power for working people. While they launch stale attacks to mislead Texans, we are uniting Texans to win in November,” the campaign said in a statement to Newsweek.
Evening News Briefing: India mourns Khamenei’s death; Nitish Kumar files for House nomination and more
- India has formally expressed condolences on the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as New Delhi stepped up diplomatic outreach in the Gulf amid rising regional tensions.
- Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has filed his nomination in the Lok Sabha, marking his exit from state politics and opening the way for a leadership change in the NDA government in the state.
- Indian stocks rebounded sharply, with the Sensex rising 900 points and the Nifty closing above 24,750 points, as developments in the Middle East eased global sentiment and boosted investor confidence.
- The United States has confirmed the first use of its new precision strike missiles in Iran’s Operation Epic Fury, marking the first operational use of the long-range weapons system.
- A second Iranian warship has approached Sri Lanka after a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian frigate in the Indian Ocean, raising maritime tensions related to the widening Middle East conflict.
Here are the top 5 stories of the day
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches out to Gulf leaders to express condolences over Khamenei’s death
India expressed its official condolences on the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri went to the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi to sign a book of condolences on behalf of the government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to leaders of several Gulf states and Israel as tensions between the US-Israeli bloc and Iran escalated, with discussions focusing on regional stability and the security of the large Indian diaspora in the region. Read more
Nitish Kumar files for Lok Sabha nomination, marking leadership shift in Bihar
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday submitted his nomination to the Lok Sabha in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah after he decided to resign from the state’s top post. The move, which comes months after the NDA’s electoral victory in Bihar, is widely seen as a transition that could see the BJP install its own chief minister in the state, marking a major shift in the alliance’s political set-up. Read more
Global sentiment improves, Sensex gains 900 points, Nifty ends above 24,750 points
Indian stocks recovered strongly on Thursday after falling for two consecutive sessions due to the Middle East crisis, with the Sensex rising 900 points and the Nifty closing above 24,750 points. Reports that Iran may consider abandoning its nuclear program under certain circumstances were supported by rising global markets, assurances about oil supply routes and strength in heavyweight stocks such as Reliance Industries. Read more
US confirms first use of precision strike missiles in Operation Epic Fury
The US military has confirmed the first use of Lockheed Martin’s precision strike missiles in Iran’s Operation Epic Fury. Central Command stated that this long-range missile launched from the HIMARS platform has deep strike capabilities and is representative of a new generation of surface-to-surface weapons. It is designed to replace the old ATACMS system and expand the US Army’s strike range to more than 499 kilometers.Read more
Second Iranian warship approaches Sri Lanka after US submarine sinks frigate
Sri Lanka is assessing Iran’s request to allow a second warship to enter its waters after a US submarine destroyed the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean near the island nation. More than 100 crew members were reportedly on board the approaching vessel, while Sri Lankan authorities continued to carry out rescue operations and treat injured sailors following the attack south of the Galle that killed at least 87 Iranian personnel. Read more
Miami Gardens Fire Latest: Fire at Global Warehouse Solutions, smoke billowing in Miramar, Pembroke Pines
A fire broke out at a warehouse in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Thursday morning. According to CBS News, the fire started at Global Warehouse Solutions.
Photos and videos from the scene showed large amounts of thick black smoke rising from the facility.
Smoke was reportedly visible from nearby cities, including Miramar, Florida, and Pembroke Pines, Florida.
Authorities urged residents and drivers to avoid the area around the warehouse while firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
Officials have not released details about possible injuries or the cause of the fire.
Residents’ reaction
Some witnesses and local residents reacted to the fire on social media.
One netizen wrote on Facebook: “Right next to the fire, there is a small house that looks like a small house. DCF uses them to house children who have been separated from their parents or family members. If they are still there, I hope they are safe.”
Another added, “County Line 42-47 Avenue Warehouse. Just got an alert call from the mayor of Miami Gardens about this fire. Stay away from the area.”
The top headphones I recommend right now for gaming, music, and calls
Work calls, online meetings, music, and gaming now all rely on one device, headphones. A good headset can help users hear clearly and speak without interruption, whether they are working from home, traveling, or playing games. From wired office models to wireless gaming options, there are many options available today. That’s why we’ve researched and compiled a range of top headphones designed for calls, entertainment and gaming across different platforms to help users choose the right device for their daily use. Please read on.
Iran’s Legendary King Cyrus the Great: The Man Who Conquered the World 2,500 Years Ago and Fulfilled Ancient Prophecies | World News
Cyrus the Great of Persia remains compelling today, more than 2,500 years after his death. Not just because of the vast lands he conquered, but because of the way he did it. He did not rely solely on bloodshed like other kings. His victory was huge, but humane. Somehow, he managed to win the loyalty of his ruler.According to the Armstrong Institute for Biblical Archeology, Cyrus II reigned from 559 to 530 BC. Ancient sources and archeology indicate that he created the largest empire the world has ever seen. Persia stretches from the Indus River in the east to the Aegean Sea in the west, from the Danube River in the north to Libya in the southwest. However, it wasn’t just the borders that mattered, it was the way he treated his people that was different from previous empires, and he ruled not just out of fear.Cyrus’s empire, his victories, and his respect for human rights resonate even today. He conquered nations but also respected people. He fulfilled a prophecy written long before he was born. He did all this without losing his humanity.
How Cyrus captured Babylon without a fight
Babylon is a legend. Walls hundreds of feet thick, hanging gardens, majestic palaces that seemed impenetrable. The Euphrates River runs like a silver ribbon through the city, adding to the challenge. However, in 539 B.C., Cyrus accomplished what seemed like a miracle.By diverting the Euphrates River, he created a shallow river bed. Persian soldiers waded in at night. Then the gates to the city opened. The Babylonians were celebrating, unaware of the coming conquest. Yes, luck plays a role, but planning and strategy are more important. Instead of the expected massacre, the city fell.King Nabonidus of Babylon and his son Belshazzar were stunned. Greek historians such as Herodotus and Xenophon recorded this event. To this day, the Fall of Babylon under Cyrus looks almost like a movie.
How he respected conquered peoples and helped Jews return to Jerusalem
Cyrus was more than a conqueror. He is reported to be the first truly humanist ruler. The Cyrus cylinder discovered in Italy in 1879 illustrates his policy. He allowed conquered peoples to retain their customs, religion, and government. There were no mass executions. There was no forced assimilation.His most famous performance? Freed the Jews from Babylonian captivity. Not only did he allow them to return to Jerusalem, he funded their journey and the rebuilding of the temple. Experts say it is rare and almost unprecedented for a ruler with so much power to be so generous.
Isaiah’s words seem to foreshadow the reign of Cyrus
The Bible mentions Cyrus long before he was born. Isaiah 44:28 talks about a man who will rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. Isaiah was written about 150 years before the reign of Cyrus. Looks extraordinary. A king, centuries before his birth, fulfilled a prophecy. Some historians dispute the dating of Isaiah, but discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls confirm that the text existed long before Cyrus.Cyrus knew the prophet Daniel, who probably had mentored him in Babylon. Perhaps this connection helped him understand his role. This might explain why Cyrus acted so cautiously and fairly.
Su-30 MKI fighter jet missing: Plane loses radar contact in Assam, Indian Air Force deploys team
New Delhi: A Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet indian air force (IAF) Lost radar contact assamofficials said on Thursday, adding that the Indian Air Force has sent a team to ascertain the situation.“A Su-30 MKI of the Indian Air Force has been reported to be overdue. The aircraft took off from Jorhat, Assam and was last contacted at 7:42 pm. Further details are being finalized. A search and rescue mission has been initiated,” the Indian Air Force posted on X confirming the incident.(development story)
‘My fielding academy may have to reopen’: Michael Vaughan
In the T20 World Cup semi-finals at Wankhede, India defeated England with a score of 253/7, mainly due to Sanju Samson’s brilliant batting. The wicketkeeper-batsman struck 89 off just 42 balls, hitting 8 fours and 7 sixes, having scored an unbeaten 97 in the last game. He formed a strong partnership with Ishan Kishan (39 off 18) and Shivam Dube (43 off 25) to put England’s bowlers under pressure early in the innings.
England captain Harry Brooke won the toss and elected to bowl first, but India started aggressively. Samson attacked from the start; Jofra Archer and other bowlers, hitting the ground hard. He also got an early lifeline when Brooke picked up a simple pass at midfield. Thereafter, Samson continued his dominance, reaching his fifty in just 26 balls and joining Kishan for a 97-run stand for the second wicket.The momentum of the match slowed slightly towards the end as England picked up a few wickets. Samson fell while trying to reach his maiden T20 World Cup century and was caught by Phil Salt off Will Jacks. Suryakumar Yadav scored only 11 points and Dube was Hardik PandyaContributed 27 fastballs in 12 pitches. Tilak Varma also made a late cameo, knocking out 27 off just 7 balls.Former England captain on England’s defensive struggles Michael Vaughn Joking about their poor catching ability on social media. “My fielding academy may have to reopen,” Vaughan said on X.Despite India’s late goal, India’s huge total left England with a very challenging goal in this high-pressure semi-final.
Will Savannah Guthrie return to TODAY? NBC shares breaking news as search continues for missing mother Nancy Guthrie
Since her mother, Nancy Guthriedisappeared more than a month ago on February 1, 2026, and Savannah Guthrie has been absent from the “Today Show.” But on Thursday, she returned to the studio and briefly visited with her colleagues.
According to The Hollywood Reporter , an NBC News spokesperson told them, “Savannah Guthrie came to the studio this morning to join her colleagues at ‘Today’ to express her gratitude.”
“While she plans to return to the show, she is currently focused on supporting her family and working to help Nancy get home.”
However, there is no set date for when Savannah will return to the program.
Axis reading: Nancy Guthrie Update: DNA found on gloves leads to dead end; PCSD Sheriff shares key details
Who will take her place in her absence?
“Today” alums Hoda Kotb and Sheinelle Jones filled in for much of Savannah’s absence, along with co-host Craig Melvin.
Since then, the show has also dedicated one or two segments each day to updates on Nancy Guthrie and her family. her disappearanceshowing how much the situation affects the team.
Savannah Guthrie highlights $1 million award
February 27, Savannah Guthrie Information about the FBI tip hotline was shared on Instagram, along with a clip from “Today” explaining how it works.
“Please be the one to take her home,” Savannah wrote in the caption. “Tip can be anonymous and reward can be paid in cash as described here.”
“Please call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) NOTE: A reward of up to $1 million will be paid to the family only if Nancy Guthrie recovers, which meets the FBI’s criteria for paying a reward in this case.”
Additionally, in an emotional video she posted on February 24, she said her family believes in “miracles,” saying:
“If you hear this news, if you’ve been waiting but not sure, please let this be your sign to step up, tell us what you know, and help us bring our dear mom home so we can celebrate a glorious, miraculous return, or we can celebrate the beautiful, brave, courageous and noble life she lived,”
“Please be the light in the darkness,” she added.
End of Lalu-Nitish era in Bihar: BJP poised to conquer final frontier in Hindi heartland
New Delhi: The BJP is on the verge of achieving a historic first in Bihar. After a long wait – first in the Lalu era and then in the Nitish era in Bihar – the saffron party is all set to get the state’s first chief minister. This is the person in charge of JD(U) Nitish KumarThe “voluntary decision” to return to state politics marks the biggest political transition in the state in recent years. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who led the NDA alliance to a resounding victory in the assembly elections four months ago, today filed his nomination papers for the Lok Sabha, paving the way for a changing of the guard in the state.Announcing his decision on“Nitish Kumar’s move marks the end of an era in Bihar politics. But is this surprising? The answer is “no”. The transition was widely anticipated, especially after the Bharatiya Janata Party overtook the United Democratic Party to become the largest party in the ruling coalition for the second consecutive time.In the 2025 Assembly elections, the BJP emerged as the single largest party by winning 89 seats with 20.45% of the vote, while the JD(U) won 85 seats with 19.61% of the vote. The BJP, however, made no offer for the top job and Nitish Kumar was sworn in as chief minister for a record tenth time. But with the saffron party gaining a majority of seats in the new council of ministers, Nitish Kumar has for the first time been forced to abandon the most important domestic matters and the dominance of the BJP in decision-making has become apparent. The swearing-in ceremony of Nitish Kumar was more like a display of the strength of the BJP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister attended Amit Shah Apart from the chief ministers of several states ruled by the BJP, there are also some of their cabinet colleagues.In fact, six years ago in 2020, the BJP could have captured the top job in Bihar. At that time, the BJP won 74 seats with a vote share of 19.46%. That’s almost double what Nitish Kumar’s party won: 43 parliamentary seats with 15.39% of the vote. However, the BJP decided to fulfill its pre-poll promise to appoint Nitish Kumar as chief minister if the alliance wins the election. The BJP may have had no choice then as the Lalu Prasad-led RJD had already won 75 seats and was happy to support Nitish Kumar keeping the BJP out of the equation. Therefore, Nitish Kumar continues to be the chief minister. However, the power dynamics within the NDA in Bihar have changed as the BJP emerged as a senior ally in the alliance for the first time. It has been a long wait for the BJP to land its first chief minister in Bihar. This is the only Hindi heartland state where the party does not have a top post so far. The BJP and JD(U) first came together in the state in 2005. From 2005 to 2015, the JD(U), under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, was the dominant partner in the alliance. Even in terms of numbers, the UDP has always been ahead of the BJP – forcing the saffron party to take second place in the state coalition government. Nitish Kumar’s dominance in national politics is so great that the BJP was forced to welcome him back with open arms twice after the JD(U) quit the NDA and joined hands with the rival Mahagathbandhan. It is against this backdrop that the turn of events in Bihar is significant for the BJP. Its rivals were quick to compare Maharashtra to the saffron party, attacking it for forcing Nitish Kumar into submission. Leader of Opposition in the state assembly and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav claimed that the BJP has always been against Dalits and OBCs and with Kumar leaving the chief minister’s post, the party will try to implement its agenda in the socialist stronghold.“BJP has done Maharashtra in Bihar. We have said from the beginning that the BJP will not let Nitish Kumar continue as chief minister after the elections. This is exactly what has happened. This development goes against the people’s mandate and amounts to a betrayal of the people,” he said.“What the Indian National Congress often said during its campaign in Bihar has now become a reality,” said Jairam Ramesh, the Congress general secretary for communications.Ramesh said onThe next big challenge for the BJP will be keeping caste in mind while deciding the next state chief minister. The names of some serious contenders – Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Union Minister Nityanand Rai – are already doing the rounds. But given the track record of the BJP, these biggies will be keeping their fingers crossed. It rarely chooses well-known figures to lead the government, instead always surprisingly choosing unknown leaders as chief ministers.