World

The fading threat of a US strike on Iran signals a fragmented, deterrence-driven regional order where crises simmer rather than explode

Iran has sentenced Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi to over seven additional years in prison, alongside a two-year travel ban and internal exile, amid her ongoing hunger strike. The Revolutionary Court in Mashhad delivered the verdict.

Sri Lanka began their T20 World Cup campaign with a 20-run win over Ireland in Colombo. Kusal Mendis scored 56, Kamindu Mendis added 44, while Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga took three wickets each to seal the victory

India won both men’s and women’s titles at the Asian Lacrosse Games in Riyadh, defeating Iraq and Pakistan respectively. Led by T Anudeep Reddy and Sunita Meena, the teams showcased dominance as India’s community in Saudi Arabia celebrated the double triumph

Tejaswin Shankar won gold in men’s heptathlon at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in Tianjin, setting a new national indoor record with 5993 points. India finished sixth overall with five medals, including silvers for Pooja and Tajinderpal Singh Toor

England survived a spirited challenge from Nepal to win their T20 World Cup opener in Mumbai by four runs. Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook struck fifties, while Lokesh Bam’s late assault nearly pulled off a historic upset for Nepal

Yuki Bhambri and Dhakshineswar Suresh won a thrilling doubles rubber against David Pel and Sander Arends to give India a 2-1 lead in their Davis Cup Qualifiers tie against the Netherlands in Bengaluru, setting up crucial reverse singles matches

Tim Seifert’s aggressive fifty and Glenn Phillips’ quick knock powered New Zealand to a five-wicket win over Afghanistan in a Group D T20 World Cup clash in Chennai. Gulbadin Naib’s fluent fifty lifted Afghanistan to 182, but it was not enough

Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi is poised for a landslide victory in Sunday’s snap lower house election. Exit polls suggest her LDP-led coalition could secure a majority, allowing her to advance right-wing policies on defense, economy, and immigration.

A Russian airstrike in Kramatorsk kills one and injures two. Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says the US has set a June deadline for a peace deal, with the next round of trilateral talks likely to be held in Miami amid ongoing Donbas fighting.

Hundreds of traders protested in Baghdad against new customs tariffs of up to 30%, citing rising costs and corruption. The fees have caused port backlogs and nationwide strikes, while Iraq’s Supreme Court is set to rule on a related lawsuit.

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu will make a state visit to the UK on March 18 and 19. It will be the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to Britain in nearly 40 years.

Former French culture minister Jack Lang has resigned as head of the Arab World Institute after alleged financial links to Jeffrey Epstein triggered a tax investigation. Prosecutors are also examining the role of Lang’s daughter.

Pakistan has delayed granting Starlink a licence due to data security concerns, geopolitical sensitivities and competition from Chinese firms. Officials fear satellite internet services could bypass monitoring systems, prompting caution despite growing interest in expanding connectivity.

Palestinians gathered at the Rafah crossing hoping to travel after its limited reopening under a ceasefire. Despite high medical demand, only a small number have crossed, with many reporting delays and mistreatment.

Iran’s Foreign Minister said the country’s strength comes from resisting global powers, even as talks with the US continue. While Iran insists it will enrich uranium, Washington has increased military pressure in the region.

The Dalai Lama’s office has firmly denied any association with convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein, following media reports citing US Department of Justice documents. The statement rejects claims of meetings or donations, clarifying the spiritual leader’s complete lack of involvement.

Former editor Martin Baron slams Bezos for attempting to curry favour with President Donald Trump, calling the turmoil at the Post “near-instant, self-inflicted brand destruction”

At least four Indian students were injured in an attack in Ufa, Russia, leading to swift intervention by the Indian Embassy in Moscow. Officials confirmed the incident late on Saturday and assured that the injured are receiving medical care.

The PCB will consult its government on Sri Lanka Cricket’s request to reconsider boycotting the India match in the T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka warned of financial losses and image damage if the marquee clash on February 15 in Colombo is cancelled

The ICC has asked the PCB to explain invoking force majeure to boycott the India match in the T20 World Cup. Citing government instructions, PCB faces scrutiny as ICC stresses selective participation undermines the tournament and may trigger disciplinary action

Netherlands pacer Paul van Meekeren said his team lost to Pakistan in their T20 World Cup clash due to poor execution in the final overs. Faheem Ashraf’s unbeaten 29 off 11 balls sealed Pakistan’s three-wicket win in Colombo

West Indies defeated Scotland by 35 runs in their T20 World Cup opener at Kolkata. Shimron Hetmyer’s 64 lifted the Windies to 182/5, while Romario Shepherd’s 5/20, including a hat-trick, bowled out Scotland for 147 in 18.5 overs

Pakistan defeated Netherlands by three wickets in their T20 World Cup opener at Colombo. Faheem Ashraf’s unbeaten 29 off 11 balls rescued Pakistan after a collapse, while Salman Mirza’s 3/24 restricted Netherlands to 147 in 19.5 overs