Senior BJP leader Kavinder Gupta has resigned as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh after serving for around nine months. Soon after, he was appointed the new Governor of Himachal Pradesh, replacing Shiv Pratap Shukla in the latest central government reshuffle.

Gupta had assumed office in Ladakh in July 2025, becoming the third person to hold the post since the Union Territory was created in 2019 following the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir. His tenure saw ongoing debates over political representation, demands for statehood, and calls for constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.

Following Gupta’s resignation, Vinai Kumar Saxena, former Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, has been named as the new Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. The appointments are part of a larger reshuffle of governors and lieutenant governors across states and Union Territories.

A seasoned BJP leader, Gupta has held several important positions, including Deputy Chief Minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. Observers say such administrative changes are often made to streamline governance and adjust leadership in strategically significant regions.

The leadership change in Ladakh comes at a crucial time, as the Union Territory continues to navigate local political challenges while managing central policies and development projects. With Gupta now moving to Himachal Pradesh, the central government aims to bring his administrative experience to another key northern state, while Saxena takes over governance in Ladakh with the task of maintaining stability and overseeing development initiatives.

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India’s basmati rice exporters are facing rising distress as more than 60,000 tonnes of shipments remain stuck at ports amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia, particularly tensions involving Iran and neighbouring countries. The situation has disrupted trade flows and caused basmati rice prices to fall sharply, prompting industry bodies to appeal to the government for urgent relief measures.

Exporters say that the conflict in the Middle East has slowed cargo movement and reduced demand in key markets, especially in Iran, which is one of India’s most important buyers of basmati rice. With freight rates rising and uncertainty increasing among buyers, many consignments are delayed or cancelled, leaving exporters with stockpiles at Indian seaports.

Industry associations have warned that the disruption has already led to a drop in basmati rice prices by about 5–6%, affecting the competitiveness and profitability of traders. The decline comes as export orders are postponed and global buyers remain cautious due to geopolitical risks in the region.

According to exporter groups, the total value of basmati shipments affected by delays and cancellations could run into hundreds of millions of dollars. A large portion of the stuck rice, estimated at around 40,000 tonnes, was destined for Iran, reflecting the strength of the bilateral rice trade prior to the crisis.

Trade bodies have urged the central government to step in with immediate support to help exporters cope with the fallout. Proposed measures include financial aid, credit support, duty drawbacks, and steps to ease logistics bottlenecks at ports. They have also asked for promotional efforts in alternative markets to offset weakened demand from the Middle East.

Exporters say that without swift government action, many small and medium‑sized rice traders could face severe cash flow problems and mounting losses, which may also impact farmers who supply paddy.

The Ministry of Commerce has acknowledged the concerns and is reportedly reviewing the situation to determine appropriate interventions. Officials said they are monitoring global developments closely and are in touch with exporter associations to frame possible relief packages.

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Former Indian ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has been appointed Lieutenant Governor of Delhi by the Centre. A 1988-batch IFS officer, Sandhu replaces V.K. Saxena. His appointment comes amid key administrative and political developments in the national capital.

Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots lost their lives after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district during a routine training mission.

The pilots have been identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. The Indian Air Force confirmed their deaths and expressed deep condolences to their families.

The fighter aircraft had taken off from Jorhat Air Force Station on Thursday evening for a training sortie. However, the jet lost radar contact shortly after take-off at around 7:42 pm, raising concerns among air force authorities.

Later, the aircraft was found to have crashed in a remote hilly area in Karbi Anglong, about 60 kilometres from Jorhat. Rescue teams were immediately sent to the location to search for the aircraft and the pilots.

Officials later confirmed that both pilots had died in the accident.

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is one of the most important fighter jets in the Indian Air Force and plays a major role in India’s air defence and combat operations.

Following the crash, the Air Force has ordered an investigation to determine what caused the accident. A court of inquiry will examine technical and operational factors to understand the circumstances that led to the crash.

More details are expected on this once investigators complete their initial assessment of the crash site.

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US President Donald Trump has said the United States could shift its focus to Cuba after dealing with the ongoing conflict involving Iran, raising the possibility of efforts aimed at political change in the Caribbean nation.

Speaking about US foreign policy priorities, Trump said that once the situation with Iran is addressed, attention may turn to Cuba. He suggested that developments there could become the next major issue for Washington.

The remarks come at a time when tensions remain high in the Middle East following US military actions against Iran. Trump has repeatedly argued that Iran needs new leadership that is more willing to cooperate with the international community and reduce regional tensions.

While discussing future priorities, Trump said Cuba could also face pressure from the United States. However, he did not provide specific details about what steps Washington might take.

The US government has long criticised Cuba’s communist leadership and has maintained strict economic sanctions on the country for decades. In recent years, Washington has increased pressure on Havana through financial restrictions and diplomatic measures.

Cuba is currently facing a deep economic crisis marked by fuel shortages, power outages and declining economic activity. Analysts say these challenges have increased pressure on the country’s government.

Trump’s comments have sparked debate among observers about whether the US administration may pursue stronger political or economic actions against Cuba in the future.

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Indian actress Priyanka Chopra is set to present at the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15, 2026, at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a star-studded lineup of presenters, which includes Chopra, Robert Downey Jr., Anne Hathaway, Gwyneth Paltrow, Paul Mescal, and Will Arnett.

Chopra shared the news on social media, expressing her excitement at returning to the Oscars stage. This will mark her second time presenting at the ceremony; she first appeared on the Oscars stage in 2016. Fans around the world celebrated the announcement, highlighting her growing presence in Hollywood and international cinema.

Alongside Chopra, the Academy confirmed other presenters for various award categories, including Adrien Brody, Zoe Saldaña, Chris Evans, and Maya Rudolph. The ceremony will be hosted by Conan O’Brien and broadcast live on ABC and Hulu in the United States, with coverage available in over 200 countries.

The Oscars remain one of the most prestigious events in the global film calendar, recognizing excellence in cinema worldwide. Chopra’s inclusion reflects her crossover appeal and growing influence in both Bollywood and Hollywood. Her international projects, red-carpet appearances, and previous award show roles have helped cement her status as a global entertainment icon.

This year’s Oscars are expected to attract significant attention from viewers in India, where Chopra enjoys a massive fan following. Her participation is likely to increase global viewership and highlight the continued collaboration between Indian talent and Hollywood.

Chopra’s career trajectory has made her a household name internationally, with acting credits spanning major films and streaming series. Her return to the Oscars as a presenter underscores her position as one of the few Indian actors with consistent recognition in Hollywood award shows, alongside her role as a producer and global influencer.

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The United States and Venezuela have agreed to re‑establish diplomatic and consular relations, ending years of severed ties following political tensions. The announcement came from the US State Department, with Caracas confirming the move as a step toward renewed cooperation.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were broken in 2019 when then-President Nicolás Maduro cut ties with Washington after the US recognised opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president. Since then, both nations operated from embassies in neighbouring countries, and direct diplomatic channels were largely inactive.

The decision follows months of political change in Venezuela. Maduro was removed from power in a January military-backed transition, and acting President Delcy Rodríguez assumed office. In the months since, officials from both countries have held talks to restore dialogue, rebuild trust, and work on shared priorities.

The US State Department stated that reopening embassies is intended to “promote stability, support economic recovery, and advance political reconciliation” in Venezuela. Officials added that direct diplomatic engagement will also help lay the groundwork for a peaceful transition to a democratically elected government.

Venezuelan authorities welcomed the development, highlighting their commitment to constructive dialogue and cooperation with the United States. Both governments emphasised mutual respect and expressed hope that the move will strengthen economic and security ties.

Recent high-level visits, including US officials visiting Caracas, have signalled a willingness to improve relations after years of estrangement. Analysts suggest that renewed ties could help attract foreign investment, bolster Venezuela’s economy, and support democratic reforms.

While the agreement marks a major step forward, challenges remain. Questions persist about the timeline for reopening embassies and how quickly the country can transition to a fully elected government.

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A Pakistani national, Asif Merchant (47), accused of plotting to assassinate US political figures, told a federal jury in Brooklyn that he was coerced by Iranian operatives into the alleged plan. Merchant said he agreed to participate only because his family was threatened, and he feared for their safety if he refused.

Merchant faces charges including terrorism and murder-for-hire in connection with a 2024 plot. Prosecutors allege he attempted to recruit individuals in the US to carry out the attacks, offering $5,000 to people he believed were hitmen. In reality, the supposed recruits were undercover FBI agents, who monitored his actions closely.

According to Merchant, he was first contacted by Iranian operatives in late 2022 or early 2023, initially for money laundering and sanction-evasion tasks. Later, his handler, identified as Mehrdad Yousef, associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), instructed him to find someone capable of committing violent acts in the US, including assassination.

Merchant said the alleged targets were Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Nikki Haley. At the time, Trump and Biden were central figures in the 2024 presidential race, and Haley had recently ended her campaign. Merchant testified that he never expected the plan to succeed and believed he would be arrested before any attack could occur.

Authorities captured Merchant in July 2024, after surveillance revealed discussions about the plot. While he claims coercion, prosecutors argue there is insufficient evidence to prove he acted under duress. If convicted, Merchant could face life imprisonment.

The case has drawn attention amid rising tensions between the US and Iran, with Tehran denying any involvement in assassination schemes against American officials. Legal experts say the trial raises complex questions about coercion, intent, and international influence in criminal plots.

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China has directed its leading oil refiners to suspend diesel and gasoline exports, including cancelling new deals, to safeguard domestic supply amid Middle East crude disruptions. The order excludes jet fuel and bunker fuel, prioritizing local energy security.

The US Congress has blocked attempts to limit President Donald Trump’s authority over military action in Iran. Resolutions requiring him to seek approval before further operations were rejected in both the House and Senate, leaving his powers largely unchecked.