Veteran human rights activist and Kathak dancer Sheema Kermani was detained by Pakistani police outside Karachi Press Club ahead of the Aurat March. The visuals of the 75-year-old activist being physically restrained sparked outrage online.
In this exclusive interview with India Today’s Bhavna Agarwal (@filmybugB), bestselling author Shelby Van Pelt opens up about writing her debut novel Remarkably Bright Creatures, the inspiration behind Marcellus the octopus, and how her Swedish grandmother inspired the beloved character Tova.
The UK Defence Ministry released dramatic footage of a British paratrooper dropping onto the remote South Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha to aid a man suspected of contracting hantavirus after leaving the cruise ship MV Hondius.
In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran, discussed Tehran's response to US President Donald Trump's threats. He detailed the history of Tehran's diplomatic engagement with Washington, highlighting the US withdrawal from the JCPOA and the assassination of IRGC Commander Qassem Soleimani. He explained Iran's recent proposal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which the US rejected. Baghaei stated, "Blockade itself is a declaration of an act of war," attributing the current international maritime and energy crises, including those affecting India, to actions by the US and Israel. He also questioned why the disarmament of Israel's nuclear weapons is not part of global demands, noting Iran's compliance with the NPT. Addressing the possibility of a ground invasion by the US, Baghaei affirmed Iran's military readiness, warning, "We have no other choice other than fighting back ferociously." He emphasised that Iran is defending its homeland and international law against aggression.
The Prime Minister has urged citizens to adopt austerity measures, including reducing fuel consumption and limiting gold purchases, as escalating West Asia tensions drive global crude oil prices higher. State-owned oil firms face significant financial losses while the national currency weakens against the dollar. During a televised debate, the ruling party defended these measures as necessary for economic stability, while the opposition criticised the government for placing the burden on citizens. In Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK faces a potential split as thirty rebel lawmakers met the pro-tem speaker ahead of a crucial floor test. Meanwhile, in Telangana, a Union Minister's son has been booked under the POCSO Act for alleged sexual harassment, leading to accusations of delayed investigations. In Kerala, the national leadership has yet to finalise a Chief Minister candidate a week after election victory. Additionally, a film producer addressed censor board delays and a lead actor's political transition. These developments highlight significant political and economic shifts across India, from energy policy to regional leadership transitions.
