Kashmir shuts schools, restricts internet amid protests over Ayatollah Khamenei's assassination

All schools and colleges in the Kashmir Valley will remain closed until next Sunday. The Jammu and Kashmir government decided following protests over the reported assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Tension spread across several districts after news emerged last Saturday that Khamenei had been killed in a joint American and Israeli attack. Protests were reported in different parts of the valley. Authorities said the closure of educational institutions is a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.

Internet services have also been restricted. Officials said...Click here to read the full story

World champion D Gukesh drops to No. 20 after defeat to Aravindh Chithambaram in Prague

India’s reigning world champion D Gukesh has slipped to world No. 20 in the live chess rankings following a defeat to fellow Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram at the Prague International Chess Festival. Since winning the world title in December 2024, Gukesh has faced intense competition and mounting pressure, and his recent form has reflected that challenge. In the sixth round, the 19-year-old resigned after making a costly mistake late in the game while running short on time. The loss pushed him to the bottom of the tournament standings after six rounds, with three defeats and three draws, costing him 19 rating points. Despite holding a rook and pawn advantage at one stage, Gukesh’s position collapsed after a blunder on move 40, allowing Aravindh to capitalise and secure the win.

Yash’s Toxic postponed amid Middle East tensions

The much-anticipated box-office clash between Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups and Dhurandhar 2, originally scheduled for March 19, will no longer take place. The makers of Toxic, starring Yash, announced on Wednesday that the film’s release has been postponed in light of the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. "Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups is a film we conceptualised with the vision of creating cinema for a global audience. Filmed in Kannada and English, it is built on the conviction of connecting with viewers both at home and across the world. After years of dedicated labour, we were excited to share our film with you on March 19. However, the current uncertainty, especially in the Middle East, has created a situation that impacts our goal of reaching and connecting with the widest possible audience. Therefore, in the interest of our partners and our audience, we have made the difficult but carefully considered decision to reschedule our release. We thank you for your understanding and patience and look forward to your continued love and support.” The film is now slated to hit theatres worldwide on June 4, 2026, releasing in English along with multiple Indian languages.

Sensex plunges over 1,700 points, Nifty alls 2%

Domestic benchmark indices opened sharply lower on Wednesday after the brief Holi break, mirroring weak global cues amid rising tensions in the Middle East involving the US, Israel and Iran. At 9:17 am, the BSE Sensex dropped 1,741.71 points, or 2.17%, to 78,497.14, while the NSE Nifty fell 519.50 points, or 2.09%, to 24,346.20.

No ‘dry day’ on Holi in Delhi: Liquor shops to stay open on March 4

As Holi approaches on March 4, 2026, residents of the national capital are being greeted with a change in tradition: liquor shops will remain open throughout the festival. The Delhi government has removed Holi from its list of official “dry days”, occasions when the sale of alcohol is prohibited, in its latest excise department order. The move ends a recent practice of shutting down licensed alcohol outlets during Holi celebrations and is set to affect thousands of revellers across the city. According to a government order issued in January 2026, only a select set of occasions will now be observed as dry days in Delhi until the month’s end. These include Republic Day, Maha Shivratri, Id-ul-Fitr, Ram Navami and Mahavir Jayanti but not Holi. The excise department’s revision means roughly 750 liquor shops across the capital will stay open on the day of the festival, selling alcohol during normal operating hours. Read full story

Four arrested in Delhi after a man was robbed in an alleged crypto scam

The Delhi Police on Thursday arrested four men in connection with a robbery tied to a cryptocurrency scam that left a city resident cheated and dispossessed. Officials said the suspects allegedly lured the victim with promises of high returns through crypto investments before allegedly taking cash and mobile phones by force. The arrests follow a detailed investigation by the city’s crime branch, showcasing the police’s growing focus on tackling tech-enabled financial frauds that often spill into violent encounters. According to police, the victim was approached by...Click here to read the story

Ramadan 2026: Sehri and Iftaar timings for March 4

As Ramadan 2026 progresses, millions of Muslims across India will prepare to observe a day of fasting on Wednesday, March 4. Devotees will begin their fast after Sehri, the pre-dawn meal, and break it at sunset during Iftaar. These timings will differ across cities due to geographical variations in sunrise and sunset. Accurate schedules help ensure that observers fast in accordance with local solar times. Read full story

Horoscope today, March 4

Aries: Workplace hurdles, relationship tensions and rising stress may trouble you today, though a new job opportunity could appear. Taurus: Career news may lift your mood, but financial caution is needed as spending and risks from friends could increase.Gemini: Health needs attention today, but a new business initiative and possible marriage proposal may bring positive developments.Cancer: Romantic tensions may rise, though business opportunities through old contacts could offer gains.Leo: Health concerns and government-related complications may arise, while expenses and work pressure could increase.Virgo: Positive job news and sudden financial gains are possible, though family health expenses may rise.Libra: A stalled task may restart, and a foreign job offer may come, but family concerns and health issues could surface.Scorpio: Emotional disappointment and minor marital disagreements may occur, though financial recovery and better family ties are likely.Sagittarius: Higher education plans may face obstacles, but unfinished work could finally be completed, and financial luck may appear.Capricorn: Family tensions and health concerns may arise, though new business plans and supportive friends could help avoid losses.Aquarius: Injury risks and family disputes may create challenges, while travel, career changes, and a new romance are possible.Pisces: Work pressure and partnership tensions may grow, but foreign opportunities and property dispute resolutions could bring relief.