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We don’t trust nations without ties: Israeli envoy on Pakistan’s attempt to broker US-Iran talks

New Delhi, March 25, 2026

Israel does not place trust in countries with which it lacks diplomatic relations, Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said, responding to a question on whether Tel Aviv trusts Pakistan in the context of the ongoing Iran conflict and related diplomatic efforts.

In an exclusive interaction with IANS, Azar emphasised that Israel’s approach is guided by its own assessment and that of key allies.

“We are not going to engage in trusting a country that doesn’t have diplomatic relations with us. What we trust is our judgment and the judgment of the President of the United States,” the Israeli envoy told IANS.

His remarks come amid reports suggesting that Pakistan has engaged with the US on the West Asia conflict and has offered to host peace talks involving countries linked to the crisis.

Islamabad, which has its own conflict with Kabul, has projected itself as a potential venue for dialogue, citing its ties with both Washington and Tehran, even as it continues to strike civilians and civilian infrastructures in Afghanistan.

When asked about the United States’ reported plans to invest in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, and whether Israel sees any implications for India-Israel ties, Azar said the matter does not directly concern Israel, while reaffirming close cooperation with New Delhi.

“Israel is not connected to that. We have a very vast cooperation with India. Fortunately, thanks to the visit of Prime Minister Modi, we have been able to advance and sign major agreements, both in the defence sector and in other sectors,” he said.

“We will expand, quite substantially, our industrial defence cooperation, government-to-government ties in order to create technological solutions that give a good answer in the fight against terrorism,” he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel in February, during which both nations elevated their bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership. The visit saw the signing of more than 16 agreements across sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, defence, agriculture and space cooperation.

India and Israel also reiterated their commitment to strengthening the global fight against terrorism and expressed support for peace efforts in Gaza.

In the past, Israel has extended strong diplomatic backing to India following terror incidents. After the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 tourists were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists, Israel was among the first countries to express solidarity and support for India’s right to self-defence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally spoke to Prime Minister Modi to condemn the attack and conveyed solidarity, drawing parallels with the October 7 attacks in Israel. He also asserted that there should be no safe haven for terrorism.

Following the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Azar had also stated on X that Israel supports India’s right to self-defence, adding that “terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes.”

Netanyahu was among the first global leaders to publicly back India’s response, reiterating that every nation has the fundamental right to protect its citizens from cross-border threats.(Agency)

Delhi Police unearth arms trafficking module linked to Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh; 10 held

New Delhi, March 25, 2026

The Delhi Police Crime Branch on Wednesday busted a major international arms trafficking module with links to Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh, operating from the Walled City area of the national capital. Ten key operatives of the interstate network have been arrested, and a large cache of sophisticated foreign-made weapons has been recovered.

According to officials, a total of 21 high-end weapons, including a submachine gun and several semi-automatic pistols, along with around 200 live cartridges, were seized during the operation.

The recovered arms include advanced firearms such as the PX-5.7 pistol, Stoeger pistols (made in Türkiye), PX-3 pistols (made in China), Shadow CZ (made in the Czech Republic), Beretta (made in Italy), Taurus (made in Brazil), and Walther (made in Germany). Notably, the PX-5.7 pistol is typically used by Special Forces.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the weapons were smuggled into India from Pakistan through the India-Nepal border. From there, the arms were routed to Delhi and distributed to criminal gangs operating across Delhi-NCR and other states.

During interrogation, it emerged that the entire module was being operated from the Walled City area of Delhi. The accused allegedly coordinated the movement of arms from across international borders and facilitated their distribution to organised crime groups. Police officials are now probing whether the weapons were intended for use in major criminal activities or potential terror operations.

Investigators are also examining the financial transactions linked to the accused to identify the masterminds behind the network and trace the end-users of the smuggled weapons. Authorities have heightened surveillance to detect any possible sleeper cells connected to the module. The arrested individuals are being further interrogated to uncover the full extent of the racket.

Officials noted that in November 2025, the Delhi Police had similarly busted an international illegal arms racket that supplied China- and Turkey-made weapons to members of notorious gangs, including those linked to Lawrence Bishnoi, Bambiha, and Gogi Himanshu Bhai.

That racket, allegedly linked to Pakistan’s ISI, had used drones to transport consignments across the Punjab border, after which the weapons were distributed to gangsters in the national capital region and nearby states. Further investigation in the present case is underway.(Agency)

Sinner overcomes home hope Michelsen to enter Miami QF

Miami, March 25, 2026

World No. 2 Jannik Sinner beat home hope Alex Michelsen 7-5, 7-6(4) to enter Miami Open quarterfinal, keeping his mission to complete the coveted ‘Sunshine Double’ on track.

The 24-year-old Italian is just the third man to reach the quarterfinals on his first five appearances at the Miami Open, joining Yannick Noah and Stefan Edberg.

Indian Wells champion Sinner rallied from 2-5 in the second set to complete a one-hour, 42-minute triumph and improve his tally of consecutive sets won at Masters 1000 events to a record-extending 28.

“I felt like the serve helped me quite a lot today, especially in important moments and in the tie-break, so I’m happy about that. At the same time, I know that if I want to go far in this tournament, I have to improve from the back of the court.

“Tomorrow is a day off, which helps me and I will try to find good rhythm in the practice session. Then we’ll see how things go,” said Sinner.

“It’s completely different conditions to last night, so I’m happy how I fought. It was very close. A very close match against Alex. He’s a tough opponent, so I’m very happy,” he added.

He has now won his past 28 matches against American opponents dating back to his loss to Ben Shelton in Shanghai in 2023.

Earlier, Martin Landaluce has continued his dream run with another big win as the 20-year-old Spanish qualifier saved one match point in a dramatic 2-6, 7-6(6), 6-4 win over home favourite Sebastian Korda to reach the quarterfinal.

The World No. 151, who trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy, became the lowest-ranked quarter-finalist at the event since World No. 185 Jim Grabb in 1994. The Spaniard is also the first player born in 2006 or later to advance to the last eight at a Masters 1000 event.

Now up 48 places to No. 103 in the ATP Live Rankings, Landaluce will next face Jiri Lehecka, who upset World No. 7 Taylor Fritz.(Agency)

Two snatchers arrested after 15-day operation in Delhi; scooty, gold locket recovered

New Delhi, March 25, 2026

The Anti-Snatching Cell of the South-West District Police has arrested two alleged snatchers after a sustained operation lasting more than 15 days, officials said on Wednesday. The police also recovered a scooty used in the crime, clothes worn during the offence, and a stolen gold chain locket bearing the ‘Om’ symbol.

The accused have been identified as Akash Awasthi (27), a resident of D-Block near Gurudwara, East Vinod Nagar, and Kartik Arora (26), a resident of West Vinod Nagar, Delhi. According to police officials, both are habitual offenders and have been previously involved in multiple cases of snatching and theft.

The case dates back to February 23, when a 38-year-old woman, a resident of Nanakpura, Moti Bagh, was returning home with her two minor daughters. Around 2.30 p.m., two unidentified men on a black scooty approached from behind and snatched her gold chain near Subhash Park in the F Block area. The chain had a small heart-shaped pendant inscribed with “Om”. Both accused were wearing black helmets and fled towards Benito Juarez Marg after committing the crime.

During the investigation, police found that the same accused were involved in another similar snatching incident in the same area a week earlier. To crack the case, a special team comprising Head Constables Sumer, Anil, Narender, Mansingh, and Sunny was formed under the leadership of Inspector Hari Singh, in charge of the Anti-Snatching Cell, and under the supervision of ACP (Operations) Sanghmitra.

The team analysed CCTV footage and developed intelligence inputs, scrutinising over 500 cameras covering a stretch of approximately 90 kilometres. Based on technical surveillance, the registration number of the scooty was identified. On March 6, the team apprehended the two accused near Gurudwara, East Vinod Nagar, in the jurisdiction of Kalyanpuri Police Station while they were riding a scooty.

During sustained interrogation, both accused confessed to their involvement in two snatching incidents under the jurisdiction of the South Campus Police Station. It was also revealed that Akash Awasthi used his own scooty for committing the crimes and had covered its registration number with black tape to evade identification.

Police recovered the scooty, the clothes worn during the crime, and the stolen gold locket from their possession. The accused are reportedly involved in over 10 criminal cases each across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.

Two cases under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita have been worked out, and further investigation is underway, said DCP South-West District Amit Goel.(Agency)

Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Na’s Imran Khan says stories & characters in today’s movies lack empathy & kindness

Mumbai, March 25, 2026

Bollywood actor Imran Khan, popularly remembered as Jai in the superhit movie Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Na, believes that stories and characters in today’s films are missing empathy, kindness and emotional depth.

During an AMA (Ask Me Anything) session on Reddit, the actor shared his thoughts and feelings while interacting with fans and reflecting on the current state of cinema in Bollywood.

A fan wrote, “Nowadays it’s just cash-grab sequels with little to none relevance from its predecessor and actioners almost every other week, missing the good old genre. You used to be the king of this feel good genre, really need more of this now. I was super thrilled to hear, when you would be making a comeback with Danish Aslam’s ‘adhure hum adhure tum’.”

“Had been waiting for Netflix to announce their 2026 slate and got badly disappointed not getting to see a glimpse/teaser of your upcoming film.”

Responding to the comment, Imran said, “Thank you! I agree, I do feel like there are certain emotional notes that are largely unrepresented in movies nowadays; there’s a distinct lack of empathy, kindness and responsibility in our stories and characters.”

Talking about his movie, he further added, “We consciously crafted Adhure Hum Adhure Tum to cater to these under-represented ideas. The film is in post production right now, we hope to release it in the later part of this year, but that decision rests with Netflix.”

Talking about Imran Khan, the actor made his Bollywood debut with Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na in 2008, where his portrayal of Jai became one of the most loved and relatable characters among audiences.

The film also starred Genelia D’Souza and Prateik Babbar, among others, and continues to enjoy a cult following even after 18 years of its release.

Imran went on to feature in films like I Hate Luv Storys, Delhi Belly, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu.

Imran, who is also the nephew of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, was last seen in Katti Batti (2015).

Since then, the actor has stayed away from films for nearly a decade.

He is now all set to make his comeback with his upcoming project Adhure Hum Adhure Tum.(Agency)

Mumbai man conspires for wife’s murder, stages suicide; four arrested

Mumbai, March 25, 2026

A sensational and chilling case has come to light in Mumbai’s Sakinaka area, where a man allegedly conspired to murder his wife to continue a relationship with his girlfriend. The accused reportedly paid Rs 6.70 lakh to have his wife killed and attempted to pass off the crime as a suicide.

The case, initially treated as an accidental death, was on the verge of closure but for the victim’s father, whose persistent suspicion led to a dramatic breakthrough.

According to the Sakinaka Police, four accused have been arrested in connection with the case, including the husband, identified as Sakaram Chaudhary (36), along with Shankar Dangi (36), Babu alias Raghav alias Amarchand Gayri (22), and Dinesh Gayri (20).

The incident dates back to October 14, 2024, when the police received information about the body of 34-year-old Narangi alias Geeta Chaudhary, found hanging from a ceiling fan in the kitchen of her residence in Sangharsh Nagar, Sakinaka. Based on the initial assessment of the scene, the police registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and began an inquiry, suspecting suicide. The body was sent for post-mortem examination; however, doctors could not conclusively determine the exact cause of death.

Following the initial procedures, the body was taken to Rajasthan for the last rites and buried. However, the victim’s father, Bhanaram Chaudhary (66), suspected foul play and maintained that his daughter had not died by suicide. Acting on his complaint, a case was registered in Rajasthan, giving a new direction to the investigation.

Subsequently, the body was exhumed, and a second post-mortem was conducted. The findings revealed that the woman had been murdered by strangulation using an orange-colored rope. Based on this revelation, the Rajasthan Police registered a Zero FIR and transferred the case to the Sakinaka Police in Mumbai for further investigation.

Upon taking over the case, the Mumbai Police formed a special team and initiated a detailed probe. DCP Datta Nalawade of Zone 10 revealed that the accused husband had made two prior attempts to kill his wife before the fatal incident. The first attempt involved staging a road accident in Powai, while the second involved a physical assault, both of which failed.

Determined to succeed, the accused then hatched a third and final plan. He allegedly hired his associate, Shankar Dangi, for Rs 6.70 lakh to execute the murder, who in turn involved Babu and Dinesh. On October 14, 2024, the trio, along with Sakaram, strangled the victim and later hung her body from a ceiling fan to make it appear as a suicide.

During the investigation, Sakaram initially misled the police through multiple rounds of questioning. However, during the fourth round of sustained interrogation, he broke down and confessed to the crime. The motive was found to be his relationship with another woman, Dimple Chaudhary, as he wanted to eliminate his wife, whom he saw as an obstacle.

Police officials stated that had it not been for the father’s unwavering suspicion and insistence on a second post-mortem, the case would have remained closed as a suicide. The investigation ultimately exposed a meticulously planned and horrifying conspiracy.(Agency)

NHRC issues notices over alleged DPDP Act violations by AI, social media, EdTech platforms

New Delhi, March 25, 2026

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of alleged violations of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, particularly regarding the absence of mechanisms to track children’s data transfers and inadequate grievance redressal systems across major digital platforms.

A bench led by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo initiated action following a complaint based on a report by think tank ASIA.

The Commission has issued notices to key government bodies, including the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Communications. Copies of the notices have also been forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Commission has sought clarification from the Ministry of Communications on the process of providing SIM connections to children for Internet and mobile usage. Officials noted that there is a lack of clear information regarding the registration of SIM cards in the names of minors in India, raising concerns about regulatory gaps.

The DPDP Act, enacted in 2023 and operationalised through rules notified in late 2025, is regarded as a significant step in strengthening India’s data protection framework. The law aims to safeguard vulnerable groups, including children, women, and the elderly, from potential cyber risks and misuse of personal data.

While certain provisions, such as obtaining verifiable parental consent, have been given an 18-month compliance window, several key requirements, including data tracking systems, server security, and effective grievance redressal mechanisms, are mandated for immediate implementation.

According to the report, several major platforms, including Meta Platforms, Khan Academy, WhatsApp, Grok, Gemini, Perplexity AI, and Microsoft Math Solver, have not yet fully complied with these provisions.

Expressing serious concern, the Commission stated that such lapses could pose significant risks to children’s digital safety. It has directed all concerned entities to submit detailed compliance reports within 15 days.

The NHRC, a statutory and independent body tasked with protecting human rights in India, has powers comparable to those of a civil court, and its members enjoy a status equivalent to that of a Supreme Court judge.

The Commission also indicated that similar action may be taken in the future to ensure the protection of other vulnerable groups, including senior citizens.(Agency)

‘Owaisi has two faces’: Giriraj Singh attacks AIMIM chief

New Delhi, March 25, 2026

Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on AIMIM chief, Asaduddin Owaisi, accusing him of speaking differently inside and outside Parliament.

Speaking to IANS, Singh said, “Owaisi has two faces. One face is that he speaks in Parliament with the Constitution and the law. Outside, his agenda is focused on figures like Akbar and Babur, with the aim of questioning when Sharia laws will be implemented in India.”

The remarks come amid fresh political developments involving the AIMIM. Owaisi recently announced that his party will contest the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections in alliance with Humayun Kabir’s Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP).

The move is being seen as a significant attempt to consolidate minority political forces in the state. Kabir, a former Trinamool Congress MLA, has emerged as a notable figure in central Bengal, particularly in Murshidabad district. He had floated the AJUP in December 2025 after being expelled from the Trinamool Congress.

At a gathering held at his party headquarters, Darussalam, in Hyderabad, Owaisi also targeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging “injustice against Bengali Muslims”. He claimed that at least five lakh OBC certificates had been cancelled under her government.

The AIMIM chief’s announcement signals a potential shift in West Bengal’s political landscape ahead of the Assembly polls, with new alliances likely to influence electoral dynamics in minority-dominated regions.

Meanwhile, Giriraj Singh also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “The Prime Minister tweeted that the world is looking towards India with hope, as many global leaders are facing challenges. The world’s trust rests on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and he is fulfilling his duties with dedication, taking both the nation and the situation seriously. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), who is only spreading confusion.”(Agency)

Gold, silver surge up to 6 pc amid fresh West Asia developments

Mumbai, March 25, 2026

Gold and silver prices witnessed a strong surge on Wednesday amid easing tensions in the West Asia conflict.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures (April 2) advanced as much as Rs 5,658 or about 4 per cent to an intraday high of Rs 1,44,570 per 10 grams by 10:26 am. The yellow metal was later trading at Rs 1,44,410, up Rs 5,498 or 3.96 per cent.

Similarly, silver futures (May 5) jumped around 6 per cent or Rs 13,228, hitting an intraday high of Rs 2,14,500 per kg during the session.

In the international market, COMEX gold was trading at $4,633.17, up 4.48 per cent, while COMEX silver rose 7.5 per cent to $74.8.

According to analysts, MCX gold is hovering in the Rs 1,43,000–Rs 1,45,000 band, indicating underlying strength. They see immediate resistance at Rs 1,48,000, with potential upside towards Rs 1,55,000–Rs 1,57,000, while support is placed at Rs 1,37,000–Rs 1,40,000.

Silver too, remains firm across markets. MCX silver faces resistance at Rs 2,40,000, while key support lies near Rs 2,27,000, they said.

Overall, analysts maintain a cautiously positive outlook on precious metals, suggesting a ‘buy-on-dips’ strategy as long as key support levels hold, with geopolitical developments expected to continue driving volatility.

Precious metals have witnessed such gains as several reports claimed that the US administration has offered a 15-point ceasefire plan to Iran, while the US military prepared to send at least 1,000 more troops to supplement some 50,000 troops already in the Middle East.

The reports also said that the plan was submitted to Iran by intermediaries from Pakistan, who have offered to host renewed negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

Earlier, the US President Donald Trump said Washington and Tehran had held “very good and productive conversations” in recent days, adding that any military action targeting Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure would be deferred for five days, pending further discussions. However, Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed reports of talks.(Agency)

Harish Rana, first Indian allowed passive euthanasia, cremated in Delhi

SC allows passive euthanasia for Ghaziabad man Harish Rana

New Delhi, March 25, 2026

The final rites of Harish Rana, the first person in India to be granted permission for passive euthanasia, were conducted on Wednesday at New Delhi’s Green Park cremation ground.

Rana passed away on Tuesday at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, after remaining in a vegetative state for more than 13 years.

His brother, Ashish Rana, and sister Bhavna performed the final rites.

Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai was also present to offer support to the family.

“The family is certainly in a very sad and serious situation, and today, after 13 years, they were unable to save their child. Harish Rana also donated five organs as he left the world. He became an inspiration to the world. I thank his family, they did a great job,” Rai told IANS.

“The entire Congress party stands with the family in this difficult time,” he added.

The 31-year-old, who had been in a permanent vegetative state since 2013 following a severe head injury, was shifted from his Ghaziabad residence to the palliative care unit at the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital at AIIMS on March 14, where the process of withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment was being carried out in accordance with court guidelines.

Earlier this month, on March 11, the Supreme Court allowed passive euthanasia for Rana, permitting the withdrawal of life support under strict medical supervision. A Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan had ruled that the medical board could exercise its clinical judgment in line with the principles laid down in the landmark 2018 judgment in Common Cause vs Union of India, which recognised the legality of passive euthanasia and living wills.

Allowing the plea filed by Rana’s family, the apex court had directed that he be admitted to AIIMS for end-of-life care, noting that he was suffering from 100 per cent disability, quadriplegia, and required continuous assistance for breathing and feeding through medical tubes.

Medical assessments conducted by expert boards concluded that Rana’s condition was irreversible, with negligible chances of recovery. He had been dependent on a tracheostomy tube for respiration and a gastrostomy tube for nutrition.

The case had its origins in a petition filed by Rana’s parents before the Delhi High Court, seeking permission for passive euthanasia. The High Court had earlier declined relief, prompting the family to move to the Supreme Court.

During earlier hearings, the apex court had explored alternatives, including home-based medical care, after the Union government proposed assistance such as nursing support, physiotherapy, and free medicines. However, the family later approached the Supreme Court again, citing deterioration in his condition and lack of improvement despite prolonged treatment.

After reserving its verdict in January, the top court delivered its judgment allowing passive euthanasia, marking a significant moment in India’s evolving legal and ethical discourse on end-of-life care.

This brings closure to a long legal and medical struggle endured by his family, while also highlighting the complexities surrounding passive euthanasia in India.(Agency)

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