Page 8 – THE LOCAL REPORT ARTICLES

‘Expecting painful blows’: War enters seventh day, Iran hints at using ‘invisible’ weapons; US and Israel step up strikes – Highlights

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March 6, 2026

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‘Expecting painful blows’: War enters seventh day, Iran hints at using ‘invisible’ weapons; US and Israel step up strikes – Highlights

Iranian missiles force millions of Israelis to flee overnight to shelters in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem

(Press Trust photo)

The constant sound of explosions has become the default soundtrack in the game middle East as Donald TrumpThe mission-driven U.S. military, along with its “wonderful partner” Israel, continues its offensive against Iran. Tehran has been raging since the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reacting strongly to military campaigns begun by the United States’ Operation Epic Fury and Israel’s Operation Lion’s Roar.Fierce military operations in the Middle East have entered their seventh day.The U.S. military used all-out force to attack multiple defense facilities and key locations across Iran, including the capital Tehran. Tehran responded with a powerful retaliatory strike, launching multiple missile strikes targeting U.S. military bases and other locations in the Middle East, marking the start of the 19th wave of Operation Real Commitment 4 on Thursday morning.

Iranian missiles force millions of Israelis to flee overnight to shelters in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem

Donald Trump said of Iran’s combat operations: “The United States military, working with its excellent Israeli partners, continues to advance and completely destroy the enemy… We are destroying more Iranian missiles and drone capabilities every hour.”Trump has repeatedly called for the collapse of the Tehran regime and suggested that the United States help choose Iran’s next leader. Among those being considered after Ali Khamenei to become the next ayatollah, his son Mojtaba Khamenei has been described as an “unacceptable” option for Trump’s America.Even after the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, the intense military attacks that began last weekend show no signs of abating. Instead, skies across the Middle East continue to echo with the roar of escalating attacks.

Here are the most important developments

Iran: “Ready for a protracted war”

The Iranian military reflected on its preparedness amid the rapid escalation of the situation, saying: “We are ready for a protracted war. Our new inventions are under development. We have not used anything on a large scale yet. Let the enemy suffer painful blows with every attack.”

U.S. airstrikes Iran’s drone carrier

The U.S. military said it hit an Iranian ship it described as a “drone carrier” and said the vessel was “now on fire.”The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) posted onCentral Command described the drone carrier as “roughly the size of a World War II aircraft carrier.”The post did not say where the attack occurred.A video released by Central Command showed the purported Iranian ship surrounded by smoke after it was attacked by the United States.

Satellite images show scale of damage

New satellite images show the extent of damage across Iran after days of heavy military strikes.The images provide a clearer picture of the massive military operations taking place in multiple parts of the country.However, attacks are not limited to military sites.

School damaged in bombing campaign

Two schools in Iran appeared to have been damaged in a U.S. and Israeli bombing campaign on Thursday.Photos of two boys’ schools, a primary school and a secondary school southwest of the capital, Tehran, showed windows shattered and classroom walls damaged or collapsed.The images were released by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency. Photos of the exterior were later confirmed by The New York Times.Analysis of satellite imagery also showed several impact marks and burn scars around a school in southern Iran, suggesting the school may have been hit by more than one attack. Iranian authorities said Saturday’s attack killed 168 people.Two schools were damaged about a week after an attack on a girls’ school in the southern Iranian town of Minab reportedly killed dozens of people, many of them children.The two schools damaged on Thursday were located in the city of Paland, southwest of Tehran. Shortly after the attack, an image of a huge plume of gray smoke surfaced online. The New York Times later verified the image and confirmed that the smoke was coming from the area where the two schools are located.

Trump says U.S. should help choose Iran’s next leader

Donald Trump says the United States should be involved in choosing Iran’s next leader.In a telephone interview with Reuters, Trump said it would be “wonderful” if Iranian Kurdish forces based in Iraq crossed into Iran and attacked security forces.Trump said it was unlikely that Iran’s next leader would be the son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a military strike at the start of the war.“We’re going to have to choose that guy with Iran. We’re going to have to choose that guy,” Trump said.Speaking six days after the U.S. and Israeli attacks, Trump also backed the Kurdish militants’ actions.“I think it’s great that they want to do this, and I would fully support it,” the president said.The conflict has killed more than 1,000 people, including at least six U.S. service members, and caused widespread destruction and instability across the Middle East.

Israel launches new attack on Tehran

Israel said it launched a new round of air strikes on Tehran early Friday.The Israeli military said it had carried out a massive strike against the Iranian terror regime’s infrastructure in Tehran.Iranian state television reported multiple explosions in different parts of the capital.

Hezbollah warns Israelis near Lebanese border

Lebanon-based Hezbollah said its fighters had returned to support Iran after an earlier attack killed a senior leader of the Shiite group.Hezbollah issued a warning in Hebrew, asking Israeli residents in northern Israel to evacuate settlements within 5 kilometers of the Lebanese border.The group said in a statement that the Israeli military’s actions against Lebanese sovereignty, civilians and infrastructure “will not go unanswered.”

Qatar intercepts drone targeting US air base

Qatar’s Defense Ministry said its air defense systems intercepted a drone targeting Doha’s al-Udeid air base.Authorities earlier raised the security alert level and asked residents to stay indoors and away from windows or exposed areas.

U.S. House of Representatives backs Trump’s military action

The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday rejected an attempt to block President Donald Trump from launching an air war against Iran and ask Congress to approve military action.Lawmakers voted 219 to 212, mostly along party lines. Republicans currently hold a slim majority in the House of Representatives.Two Republicans supported the resolution and four Democrats voted against it.Opponents accused Democrats of voting simply because they opposed Trump.“We all know that if the president’s name hadn’t been Donald Trump, we wouldn’t be here today,” said House Intelligence Committee Republican Chairman Rick Crawford.Supporters of the resolution said it was an effort to restore Congress’s constitutional authority to authorize war.The conflict, which began after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Saturday, has now killed more than 1,000 people and fueled instability across the Middle East.

Oklahoma tornado path: Cleo Springs, Goltry, Fairview, Enid on alert as large wedge causes damage

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March 6, 2026

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Oklahoma tornado path: Cleo Springs, Goltry, Fairview, Enid on alert as large wedge causes damage

Oklahoma Tornado Warning: As a dangerous storm moved across northwestern Oklahoma Thursday night, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Norman issued a tornado warning for Alpha County to the southeast and Major County to the northeast. The warning is in effect until 9:30 p.m. CST after radar detected strong rotation in a severe thunderstorm capable of producing tornadoes.

Tornado warning issued for Oklahoma Thursday (Unsplash)

Large wedge tornado confirmed near Cleo Springs

Storm spotters have confirmed a large wedge-shaped tornado on the ground near Cleo Springs, Oklahoma. News 9’s live storm watchers reported that the tornado was moving northeast toward Gortry, producing heavy hail.

The area also saw hail the size of ping pong balls as the storm continued to move through the region.

Storm movement and affected locations

At around 8:58 pm CST, the storm was located about 4 miles north of Cleo Springs and moving northeast at about 25 mph.

Communities in the possible path of the storm include Helena, Cleo Springs, Goltry and Aline, and residents are on alert as the system moves through the area. Neighboring areas, including Fairview and Enid, are also closely monitoring the storm’s movements.

Hazards reported by the National Weather Service

The National Weather Service warned that the storm posed a serious threat due to tornadoes and large hail.

Flying debris could pose a significant hazard to anyone outdoors, according to the agency. Mobile homes may be damaged or destroyed, while roofs, vehicles, and windows may also suffer damage. Trees may also be damaged.

Emergency safety guidance for residents

Officials urged residents in affected areas to seek shelter immediately.

People should move to a shelter, safe room, or indoor room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and away from windows. Anyone who is outdoors, in a vehicle or mobile home should seek the nearest sturdy shelter to avoid flying debris.

Authorities stressed that the situation remains active and dangerous as confirmed tornadoes continue to move through the area.

When seven rays of sunshine shine on the cinema in the Land of the Rising Sun

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March 6, 2026

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When seven rays of sunshine shine on the cinema in the Land of the Rising Sun

Rabindrasangeet performer Yuka Okuda gave a speech on Ray’s “Charulata”.

One evening in August during the Japanese summer, all the seats in a mid-sized theater in Tokyo looked occupied. The audience listened with rapt attention to a woman sitting on the stage, with a movie screen behind her. Obviously, this isn’t just another screening, but the topic can’t be called common in this part of the world either. The woman on stage is discussing “Rabindrasangeet,” set against the backdrop of master-director Satyajit Ray’s 1964 masterpiece “Charulata,” one of seven films screened in Japan last year as part of a retrospective of his work.The line-up included “Jalsaghar” (1958), “Mahanagar” (1963), “Charulata” (1964), “Kapurush”, “Mahaprush” (both 1965), “Nayak” (1966) and “Jai Baba Felunath” (1979) – first released in Japan and spanning two decades of some of Ray’s most memorable films. The films are also available on video on demand and home video with Japanese subtitles. Demand continues to grow and the films are set to be released on Blu-ray in March.However, to filmmaker and Ray’s son Sandeep Ray, none of this comes as a surprise. After all, Japanese film master Akira Kurosawa once said: “Having not seen the films of Satyajit Ray is equivalent to living in a world without seeing the sun and the moon.” Sitting in his residence on Lake Temple Road in Kolkata, he recalls the role of Japanese distributor Toho-Towa Co. Ltd, founded in 1928 by film pioneer Nagamasa Kawakita, and says that Kawakita’s wife, Koshiko Kawakita, was an admirer of Ray.

“She was very close to our family and was a die-hard follower of Satyajit from the beginning,” he said. When Ray first visited Japan in 1966, it was Kenko who arranged the meeting between Ray and Kurosawa. “I think they distributed all of my dad’s movies in Japan up until the eighties. They must have done very well. Otherwise, why would she be asking about new movies every year?” said Sandeep Rai.The seven restored films began showing at Le Cinema Bunkamura in Tokyo on July 25. The retrospective was originally scheduled to last three weeks, but an additional week was added due to demand. “These films are being shown not only in Tokyo but also in cities like Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, etc., covering 15-20 cinemas across the country,” said Varsha Bansal, who is in charge of restoring Ray’s classics produced by her grandfather RD Bansal.Screenings are combined with discussions and lectures. If film researcher and producer Eri Morinaga spoke after “Mahanagar,” then Asian film researcher Tamaki Matsuoka spoke after the screening of “Jalsaghar.” “Rabindrasangeet” performer and Bengali lecturer Yuka Okuda moderated a session after the screening of “Charulata”. “I have some thoughts on the impact of Rabindranath Sangeet in the film...Some viewers expressed a desire to watch the film again. This makes us realize that Ray’s film is a profound and magnificent creation. ” Okuda told TOI.

Why Iran’s global partners are standing idly by

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March 6, 2026

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Why Iran’s global partners are standing idly by

Mourners gathered in the city of Qom on Thursday for the funerals of war victims

Ben HubbardDespite long being considered a pariah by the West and isolated by U.S. sanctions, Iran’s revolutionary Islamic government maintains diplomatic, commercial and military relations with many countries.Türkiye and India have engaged on trade and security issues. China looks to it for cheap oil. North Korea, Venezuela and Russia view it as an ally against the West and plot with it to develop military technology and subvert sanctions. Now, Iran finds itself under attack from friends, neighbors and partners who have nothing to offer the Islamic Republic but words. In turn, they may become targets. Experts say this is a product of Iranian foreign policy, which has shunned commitments to other countries but invested in militias that share religious hatred with the United States and Israel. These militias cannot help Iran now. The most powerful of them, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, have been defeated by their war with Israel. Houthi militias in Yemen and Iranian-backed Iraqi militant groups could target ships in the Red Sea or U.S. troops in Iraq. But such attacks are unlikely to change the course of the war inside Iran. Experts say most countries that maintain relations with Iran do so out of strategic, geographical or economic necessity, so they have no reason to make sacrifices when Iran is attacked.

Iran’s largest Arab ally declares war on Israel; fires missiles, rockets and drones at Israel

Kabir Taneja, executive director of the Middle East Observer Research Foundation, said India is approaching Iran as an important player in the region and seeking economic advantage. “In terms of worldviews, there’s absolutely no overlap,” he said. “This is always a transactional relationship, but a functional and useful relationship for New Delhi.”Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute shows that relations with Iran have not prevented India from becoming Israel’s largest arms customer, with purchases from India accounting for 34% of Israel’s total sales between 2020 and 2024. Taneja said India’s balancing act between Israel, Iran and other countries meant it would steer clear of a war with Iran. “India’s foreign policy in this regard is very clear and it does not interfere in other people’s affairs,” he said.North Korea has condemned the war but has taken no other action, and Venezuela’s attitude has changed since the United States ousted President Nicolas Maduro in January. China remains Iran’s largest trading partner, mainly because it buys more than three-quarters of Iran’s oil. China called for restraint, criticized the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei as “unacceptable” and appointed a special envoy to mediate. Analysts say it is unlikely to challenge the United States directly so as not to interfere with Trump’s expected visit to China in April.Russia has been Iran’s closest ally against the West. “There is growing disapproval and dissatisfaction with the global order and the U.S. alliance system,” said Hannah Knott, director of the Eurasia Program at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies. Military cooperation between Russia and Iran has intensified during the Syrian conflict, with both countries supporting President Bashar al-Assad before he was ousted from power in 2024. Russia’s conflict with Ukraine has further cemented ties, as Russia needs Iranian drone technology and deploys it against Ukraine. In January 2025, Russia and Iran signed a major cooperation treaty that deepened their defense ties but did not require mutual defense in the event of attack.Nott said Russia has provided some military equipment to Iran but its support has been limited, in part because it does not want to complicate relations with Israel. Nott said Russia is likely to stick to its policy of avoiding direct military conflict with Israel and the United States.

Amit Shah unveils mascots ‘Pragati’ and ‘Vikas’ for India’s first digital census

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March 6, 2026

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Amit Shah unveils mascots ‘Pragati’ and ‘Vikas’ for India’s first digital census

New Delhi: Ahead of the 2027 Census starting on April 1, Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched four digital tools for the country’s first digital census and unveiled two census mascots – female enumerator ‘Pragati’ and male enumerator ‘Vikas’. The four digital platforms include a self-enumeration portal that will allow respondents to submit household information online within 15 days before field operations begin in their respective states/UTs, another first. They can enumerate themselves in 16 languages. The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement that the mascots “Pragati” and “Vikas” will become the friendly images of the 2027 census and also symbolize the equal participation of men and women in achieving the determination to make India a developed country by 2047. Through these mascots, messages, objectives and key messages related to the 2027 Census will be disseminated to all levels of society in an effective and citizen-friendly way.The four advanced digital platforms soft-launched by Shah on Thursday were developed by the Center for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). These include the House List Block Creator (HLBC) app, the House List Operations (HLO) mobile app, the Self-Enumeration Portal, and the Census Management and Monitoring System Portal (CMMS).A Home Office spokesperson said this calibrated adoption of technology combines innovation with inclusivity to ensure the 2027 Census remains accurate, secure and comprehensive.HLBC is a web mapping application that enables supervisors to digitally create blocks of housing listings using satellite imagery to ensure standardized geographic coverage across the country. HLO is a secure, offline mobile application for enumerators to collect and upload house listing data. It enables direct data transfer from site to server, eliminating traditional paperwork. All house listing data will be collected through this app, which can only operate using registered mobile numbers. The app is compatible with Android and iOS platforms and can be operated in 16 regional languages.The Self-Enumeration Portal is a secure, web-based facility that allows eligible respondents within households to submit their household information online up to 15 days prior to the start of field operations. After successful submission, a unique self-enumeration ID (SE ID) will be generated. The SE ID will be shared with enumerators, who can verify the information against the ID. CMMS The portal is a A centralized web-based digital platform designed to plan, manage, execute and monitor all census-related activities across administrative levels. Officials at divisional, district and state levels can track enumeration progress, field performance and operational readiness in real-time through integrated dashboards.Census data will be collected door-to-door via a secure mobile app. The participation of 3 million enumerators, supervisors and other census officials across the country will ensure comprehensive coverage.The launch of the Census 2027 mascot and digital platform was attended by several senior officials, including the Union Home Secretary, Registrar General of India and Census Commissioner.The Center had notified its intention to conduct the 2027 census on June 16, 2025, more than five years after the decennial census was suspended in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 2027 Census will be conducted in two phases and is the largest census exercise in the world. While the first phase of census, housing and house registration will take place between April 1 and September 30, 2026, with states being free to choose a period of 45 days during this six-month period, the census phase is likely to take place in February 2027. In the first phase, data on housing conditions and household amenities will be collected, while in the second phase demographic, social and economic details of every person in the country will be recorded.The reference date for Census 2027 will be 00:00 on March 1, 2027, for all states and Union Territories, except for Ladakh UT and snow-bound non-synchronous areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where the reference date will be 00:00 on October 1, 2026.

Superman Axar Patel comes to the rescue: rewards that have never been achieved…efforts that will always be available

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March 6, 2026

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Superman Axar Patel comes to the rescue: rewards that have never been achieved…efforts that will always be available

India’s Axar Patel throws a catch to Shivam Dube of England’s Will Jacks during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2nd cricket semi-final match between India and England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Maharashtra. (Ministry of Public Transport)

TimesofIndia.com in Mumbai: will jacks c Dubey b Arshdeep Singh. That’s the record for Will Jacks being fired. But what happened next was even more dramatic. It’s that kind of athleticism and awareness that turns catches into big moments.Rarely do you get blindsided and give your team a much-needed breakthrough, but it’s not mentioned on the scoreboard. Despite the tough progress, Shivam Dube will always be mentioned on the scorecards, but Axar Patel’s never-taken catch could go down as one of the most iconic defensive efforts in the history of Indian cricket.

‘Holi ki double khushi ho gayi’ Indian fans explode after win over England | T20 World Cup

He trotted to his left, hands outstretched, nearly tripping but holding on, and then deftly relayed Shivam Dubey through deep. The two players then hugged each other and the team rushed toward Al-Aqsa a second time, letting out celebratory grunts.The fifth-wicket partnership of 77 off 39 balls between Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks started to look threatening.However, this is not the first time that Axar has produced a stunning performance in England’s run-chase. Earlier, he turned from the circle and sprinted at full speed to evade Harry Brooke’s errant drive over cover. Despite the distance, the ball seemed to escape his hands, but he fully stretched himself in the dive and managed to make a stunning catch.For Axar, the two catches took on a different meaning when he felt the ball was following him down the field when he got another chance in the final over of Hardik Pandya’s over. While the Jacks’ catch was more important in the game, Brook’s catch was the more difficult of the two.“Both of them are different. When I caught Harry Brooke, I thought it was a very good catch for me. I thought it was tough. But if you look at the situation and the way the batsmen were batting, Will Jacks’ catch was very important to break the partnership at that time. So it was very difficult for me if you ask me. But defensively, I think Harry Brooke’s catch was tougher. I thought the ball was behind me today,” Axar said during a media interaction after Team India. Seven consecutive wins against England.In a high-scoring game, those defensive efforts made the most sense. England paid the price for Sanju Samson’s early reprieve and India took their chances. In a game with 499 runs scored and a seven-run win, the scorecards would mention Al-Aqsa only once. But the nation will remember him for his double effort that helped the Men in Blue secure a narrow victory and set up a clash with New Zealand in Sunday’s championship clash.It will also be another homecoming for local boy Aqsa. After missing both the group stage games against the Netherlands and the Super Eights against South Africa, the all-rounder from Nadiad is now in high spirits and eager to play in front of his hometown fans.

ICC Men's T20 WC Semi-Finals_ IND vs ENG (1).

India’s Axar Patel attempts a catch at the boundary during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup second cricket semi-final match between India and England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Maharashtra. (Ministry of Public Transport)

Before the 2023 World Cup, fate is cruel. He missed the tournament due to injury and did not feature in the two matches in Ahmedabad, the nail-biting match against Pakistan and the final against Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium on November 19. He has waited for over two years to play for India at home and missed out on a bilateral T20I match against South Africa due to illness.“Yeah, that’s why he won’t be playing in these games. (laugh) [Maybe I didn’t play those matches for this, the World Cup final]. This is very important to me. I’ve been waiting for this for so many years. Playing a game on your home court in front of your family is a very proud moment. I think in two years I will be playing at my home stadium. This is also the final of the ICC T20 World Cup. My son will also be in the stands watching the games live. That’s what I’m very proud of,” Aqsa said.Ahmedabad and the World Cup final do not bring happy memories as fans still carry the scars of heartbreak from November 19, 2023. March 8 now offers the city the chance to write a new chapter, with local heroes determined to erase the memory of a night that broke the hearts of a billion people.

polling

Which catch from Axar Patel was more impressive in your opinion?

“Interior design hand-drawn renderings Interior design hand-drawn renderings… (Home players did not participate in that game [laughs]),” Aksa replied crisply when asked about India, Ahmedabad and the World Cup final.After two sleeps, he has the opportunity to change the narrative around the venue, in front of his people and on his grounds.

Best portable speakers for compact size and powerful sound

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March 6, 2026

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Best portable speakers for compact size and powerful sound

Portable speakers are no longer the compact travel gadgets they once were. Today, a good speaker can easily replace a small home speaker while still being light enough to carry around. That’s why models like the JBL Flip 6 and Sony ULT Field 1 remain popular. They’re compact, sturdy enough for outdoor use, and the sound they make feels much louder than their size.

A range of portable speakers designed to deliver powerful sound in a compact body, bringing powerful audio performance to travel, outdoor gatherings and everyday listening at home. (generated by artificial intelligence)

It’s an exciting time to fall in love with technology – whether it’s artificial intelligence solutions, the pace of gadget development, or other related technologies. As a tech journalist, I believe it has the potential to solve all of the world’s problems if used holistically, and it’s my job to make it more relevant and understandable.

Take a step forward and the speaker’s character starts to matter. The Marshall Emberton II, for example, has its signature sound and excellent battery life, making it ideal for extended listening sessions. The JBL Charge 6 takes a more practical route, combining powerful output with a built-in power bank to keep your phone juiced up during long days out.

There are also speakers designed to provide a more immersive experience in the home. The soundcore Motion X600 focuses on room-filling audio with a wider soundstage. From affordable options like Xiaomi Audio Outdoor Speakers to premium portable audio, today’s portable speakers offer more than just convenience. The trick is to choose one that suits the way you actually listen.

The JBL Flip 6 remains a solid portable Bluetooth speaker for those who want powerful sound without lugging around bulky gear. It delivers powerful bass and clear vocals that stay clear in open spaces, making it perfect for small gatherings, travel, or everyday listening at home. The rugged IP67 body is dust and splash resistant and comfortable for outdoor use. With up to 12 hours of playtime and PartyBoost support, let the music keep you going through long afternoons.

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers praise the sound clarity, bass performance, and durability. Many consider it to provide reliable portable audio for travel and parties.

Why choose this product?

A well-balanced portable speaker that combines reliable sound quality, rugged design, and long battery life for everyday music listening.

Xiaomi Audio outdoor speakers focus on practicality and are affordable. With a 30W driver setup and woofer boost mode, it delivers vibrant sound that spreads well in open spaces, making it perfect for casual gatherings, balcony listening, or traveling. The IP67-rated body is confidently protected against dust and splashes, while the built-in microphone supports hands-free calling. With up to 12 hours of playtime and stereo pairing support, it offers reliable everyday portability.

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers emphasize loud sound and great value pricing. Many people appreciate its sturdy construction and reliable battery life for outdoor listening.

Why choose this product?

An affordable portable speaker that delivers powerful sound quality, waterproof durability and practical features for everyday music and travel.

The Sony ULT Field 1 portable Bluetooth speaker features a compact, travel-friendly design focused on bass-driven listening. A dedicated ULT button boosts low frequencies, giving music more punch for outdoor meetings and small gatherings. The rugged IP67 body resists dust, water and everyday knocks, while the detachable shoulder strap makes it easy to carry. It has up to 12 hours of playtime and a built-in call microphone for music and casual hands-free use.

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers praise the powerful bass and solid construction. Many people find it perfect for travel, picnics, and everyday listening to music.

Why choose this product?

This portable speaker is designed for bass enthusiasts who want long-lasting outdoor performance and reliable battery life in a compact body.

The Marshall Emberton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker combines classic design with sound quality that far exceeds its compact size. Its 360-degree audio dispersion evenly fills a room, making it perfect for gatherings where people are moving around. With over 30 hours of battery life, you can listen to music on long weekends or while traveling. The rugged IP67 construction confidently handles dust, splash and outdoor use, while the accompanying app allows for simple sound adjustments.

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers appreciate the rich sound signature and rugged design. Many highlight long battery life as a major advantage.

Why choose this product?

A stylish portable speaker that delivers balanced sound, great battery life and reliable outdoor durability for everyday listening.

The JBL Charge 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is built for those who want powerful sound quality and long battery life in a single travel-friendly unit. JBL Pro Sound combined with AI Sound Boost maintains bass control and vocal clarity even at higher volumes. With up to 28 hours of playback time, it can easily handle a whole day of partying. The built-in power bank can charge your phone while playing music, adding practical value, and the rugged IP68 body can withstand rain, dust and outdoor use.

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers emphasize powerful bass, long battery life and sturdy construction. Many people say it’s perfect for outdoor gatherings.

Why choose this product?

Powerful portable speaker designed for long playback times, outdoor durability, and mobile device charging convenience.

The soundcore Motion X600 portable Bluetooth speaker focuses on depth and spatial sound rather than pure loudness. Its five-driver setup spreads audio throughout the room, creating a more comprehensive listening experience for music, movies, or podcasts. It has a 50W output and can easily fill a medium space such as a living room or balcony. The IPX7 waterproof construction allows for easy use near the pool or bathroom, while the companion app offers EQ controls to customize the sound.

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers praise its spacious sound and clarity. Many consider it ideal for family listening and casual gatherings.

Why choose this product?

A portable speaker designed for fuller room sound, delivering powerful output and spatial audio for room music sessions.

Which portable speaker offers the best balance between sound quality and portability?

For everyday listening, models like the JBL Flip 6 and Sony ULT Field 1 strike a strong balance. They’re compact enough for travel, yet deliver confident bass and clear mids. The Flip 6 is particularly suitable for outdoor use with its rugged construction, while Sony’s ULT Field 1 will appeal to listeners who prefer bass-heavy playlists and simple portability.

Which portable speakers are best for outdoor gatherings or small get-togethers?

Speakers with stronger output and longer battery life perform better in open spaces. The JBL Charge 6 stands out for its powerful sound quality and long playtime, while the Xiaomi Audio Outdoor Speaker delivers impressive volume for its price. Both models are also waterproof, which is important during poolside parties or unpredictable weather.

Which portable speaker is better for home listening and detailed sound?

If sonic depth is more important than portability, the Soundcore Motion X600 and Marshall Emberton II are worthy of your attention. The Motion X600 spreads sound widely through multiple drivers, making music feel fuller in the room. Emberton II brings Marshall’s signature tuning and 360-degree sound, perfect for easy listening in a living room or small apartment.

Which portable speaker has the best battery life for traveling?

Battery life can determine the usefulness of a portable speaker. The Marshall Emberton II gets here easily, with over 30 hours of playtime, making it perfect for travel. The JBL Charge 6 also delivers strong performance while also adding a built-in power bank to keep your phone charged during long listening sessions.

Things to consider when buying a portable speaker

Sound output and tuning
Battery life and charging time
Waterproof and dustproof grade
Speaker size and portability
Connectivity options like Bluetooth or AUX
Multi-speaker pairing function
Extra features such as power bank or app control

Three major features of portable speakers

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay updated with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has affiliate partnerships, so we may get a share of the revenue when you make a purchase. We are not responsible for any claims relating to the products under applicable law (including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act 2019). The products listed in this article are in no particular order of preference.

Oprah and Gayle King video sparks weight loss concerns; ‘Is it the ozone?’

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March 6, 2026

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Oprah and Gayle King video sparks weight loss concerns; ‘Is it the ozone?’

Talk show host Oprah Winfrey has sparked concerns about her health and weight loss after appearing at the Chloé show at Paris Fashion Week with long-time friend Gayle King.

American stylist Mel Ottenberg (left) and American media boss Oprah Winfrey (center) attend the Chloe 2026-2027 autumn and winter women's ready-to-wear collection fashion show held during Paris Women's Fashion Week in Paris. (AFP) — American stylist Mel Ottenberg (left) and American media boss Oprah Winfrey (center) attend the Chloe 2026-2027 autumn and winter women’s ready-to-wear collection fashion show held during Paris Women’s Fashion Week in Paris. (AFP)

The video of the two quickly went viral. Oprah Wearing jeans and a jacket. She tied her hair into a ponytail and wore sunglasses. Some people shared the video and expressed concerns about the 72-year-old’s health.

One person who shared the video asked: “What’s in this?” ozone Is Oprah here?

“I’m worried Oprah might OD on Ozempic. Welfare check, please!” another additional. Another one commented “Her head looks too big for her body. Ozpik or Oprah.”

ALSO READ | Oprah Winfrey, 72, says as she nails planks with ease during strength training: ‘If you want to age healthily…’

King’s appearance also drew commentary. “Gail King is still hanging on…” one person said of the TV personality. Another claimed that while Oprah seemed healthy, Kim did not.

Does Oprah Winfrey take Ozempic?

Winfrey confirmed she takes a weight loss pill but never specified whether it was Ozempic, which is a specific brand.

In a January 2025 podcast, she said she took GLP-1 agonists, which may include brand names such as Ozempic. At the time, Oprah said: “One of the things I realized when I first ran for office was GLP-1 For years I thought thin people just had more willpower, they ate better food, they were able to last longer, they never ate potato chips, and then I realized, when I first took GLP-1, ‘Oh, they’re not even thinking about that. They only eat when they are hungry and stop when they are full. “

GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone released by the body after eating. As a result, people feel full and gastric emptying also slows down.

Oprah originally confirmed in 2023 that she took weight loss drugs. She was speaking to People magazine at the time but did not specify which medication she was taking.

“I use it now because I feel like I need it, as a tool to manage rather than yo-yo. It quiets the noise of food,” she told the publication. She also highlighted the challenges in her weight loss journey, sharing: “Part of me feels like… I have to do this the hard way. I have to keep climbing. I have to keep suffering. I have to do it because otherwise I’m cheating myself in some way.”

She also shared the struggles she initially faced – “I couldn’t exercise anymore. I couldn’t climb faster or run faster. I only ate one meal a day. There was nothing I could do,” Oprah said when explaining why she turned to diet pills.

Iran using cluster bomb warheads in ongoing conflict: Israeli military

WORLD

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March 6, 2026

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Iran's ballistic retaliation shocks Israel, deadly Khorramshahr missile targets Tel Aviv airport

Iran using cluster bomb warheads in ongoing conflict: Israeli military

New Delhi: The Israeli military has revealed that Iran has recently launched multiple ballistic missiles carrying cluster bomb warheads towards Israel, scattering small bombs indiscriminately across large areas of the country.Cluster bombs, or cluster munitions, are weapons that release large numbers of small explosive submunitions over a wide area and are designed to target people and vehicles. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the warheads of such missiles open upon descent and disperse approximately 20 smaller munitions containing approximately 2.5 kilograms of explosives within a radius of approximately 8 kilometers.

Iran’s ballistic retaliation shocks Israel, deadly Khorramshahr missile targets Tel Aviv airport

Military analysts have warned that the introduction of these weapons would change the dynamics of the conflict. Instead of a single explosion at one location, cluster warheads can spread many smaller bombs over a large area, increasing civilian casualties and causing greater infrastructure damage.The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that during the current conflict and the war in June 2025, Iran repeatedly launched ballistic missiles carrying cluster bomb warheads at Israel. Last year, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen also launched multiple missiles with cluster bomb warheads at Israel.Submunitions from cluster bomb warheads hit multiple locations in central Israel last Tuesday, wounding 12 people, Israeli medics said. Video on Sunday also showed two dozen fragments streaking across the sky after a cluster bomb warhead dropped bombs in central Israel.Israeli experts say Iran may have received help from outside sources for the deadly missiles. There is speculation that Russia or China may transfer military technology.Some submunitions do not explode when they hit the ground, but can still be dangerous to people. The IDF Home Front Command therefore warns people not to approach any missile debris that may be found on the ground, which can actually act as landmines.To date, a total of 123 countries have committed to achieving the goals of the 2008 Convention banning cluster munitions. Countries including the United States, Russia, China, India, Israel, Pakistan and North Korea have not signed the convention. The text of the 2008 convention says cluster bombs “kill or maim civilians, including women and children, impede economic and social development… hinder post-conflict recovery and reconstruction (and) delay or prevent the return of refugees and internally displaced persons… for many years after use”.“

‘Not a day off in 25 years’: Mark Carney praises PM Modi’s work ethic

INDIA

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March 6, 2026

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Mark Carney praises PM Modi’s work ethic

New Delhi: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has praised Narendra Modi’s approach to governance and work ethic, saying the Indian Prime Minister remains strongly committed to delivering welfare schemes directly to ordinary citizens despite facing policy and administrative challenges.Speaking at an interactive event hosted by Sydney’s Lowy Institute on Thursday, Carney recalled his recent meeting with Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi and called him a leader who is deeply committed to implementing reforms that benefit people at the grassroots.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney hails PM Modi as a highly focused leader, praises UPI’s success and digital economy

“He is a person who is very focused on delivering services to rural households, to people on the streets,” said Kani, explaining how India’s financial and digital reforms are designed to ensure benefits flow directly to citizens.Talking about India’s digital payments transformation, Kani highlighted the role of the Unified Payments Interface in expanding financial inclusion and reducing leakage in welfare distribution. “A huge motivation for payments system transformation, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and other things, is to get money flowing directly to individuals without leakage and bring hundreds of millions of people into the formal economy,” he said.Kani also commented on Prime Minister Modi’s political work ethic. “He has never had a day off in the last 25 years, whether as chief minister or prime minister of Gujarat,” he said, days after he embarked on a four-day visit to India aimed at rebuilding relations after diplomatic tensions in 2023.