
Flights Halted Across Middle East After Iran Strikes
Airlines across Europe, Asia and the Middle East cancelled or rerouted services on Sunday after the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran on Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Airspace over Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Syria and the UAE remained closed, disrupting long-haul travel. Emirates and Etihad suspended flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, while British Airways and Virgin Atlantic halted several regional routes. One person was killed and 11 injured at airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as tensions escalated.

Sridhar Vembu Lists Human-Centred Jobs
Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has outlined ten roles he believes will remain resilient in the AI era, arguing that societies must rethink work and purpose as machines take over productivity. In a detailed post on X, Vembu said jobs rooted in care, culture and community — such as caring for children and the elderly, teaching, farming, forest work, temple priesthood and classical music — are less vulnerable because they are driven by meaning rather than money. Responding to criticism from X user Vishnu Agarwal, Vembu maintained that the real challenge ahead is how societies distribute surplus created by AI.

England Makes T20 World Cup History With Fifth Consecutive Semifinal Berth
England secured a historic spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup semifinals after a narrow two-wicket victory over Pakistan in Pallekele. Bolstered by a remarkable century from Harry Brook, the English squad became the first team to reach the final four in five successive tournaments, spanning from 2016 to 2026. This achievement breaks the previous joint record held alongside Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Having already defeated Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the Super-8 stage, the two-time champions have officially qualified from Group 2. England will conclude their current round against New Zealand as they pursue a third world title following their previous successes in 2010 and 2022.
Experts Warn About Chemical Residues on Grapes
Scientists caution that grapes commonly sold during the summer may carry harmful pesticide residues. Chemicals used to protect crops from pests and boost agricultural yield can remain on the fruit even after reaching markets. Due to their thin skin and tightly packed clusters, these substances can accumulate in small gaps and are not fully removed by simple rinsing under tap water. Food safety studies highlight the need for proper cleaning. Experts recommend soaking grapes in salt water for 15 to 20 minutes before consumption to help reduce bacteria and minimize chemical residue exposure.

Gunfight Erupts in Jammu and Kashmir Forest
An armed clash occurred between security forces and suspected terrorists in a remote forested region of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Sunday. The encounter began after the army initiated a search operation in the Chatroo forests, acting on intelligence suggesting the presence of two terrorists. Additional security personnel were dispatched to the area as the situation unfolded. The Chatroo forest belt has seen multiple prior engagements between security forces and militants in the preceding month, including the death of a soldier and a terrorist. Further information regarding the current incident is pending.

Man Attempts to Set Woman on Fire in Gurugram
In Gurugram, a 19-year-old woman was allegedly attacked by her live-in partner, who poured sanitizer on her and attempted to set her ablaze. Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the accused, Shivam, under serious sections of the law. The incident occurred in the Badshahpur police station area. The victim, originally from Tripura, was studying biotechnology and met the accused through an online app. The FIR states that the accused had a physical relationship with the victim under the guise of marriage, and subjected her to physical violence. The victim reported the incident to her mother, who contacted the authorities. The police responded, and the victim was initially treated at a local hospital before being transferred to Delhi, where she provided a detailed statement to the police.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to Inaugurate Flyover and Attend Party Meeting
Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M. K. Stalin is scheduled to inaugurate the Netaji Subash Chandra Bose flyover in Madurai on Saturday, a project costing ₹213 crore. While the main section is finished, the arm towards Palam Station Road is anticipated to be done by April. The Chief Minister's itinerary includes opening a skill development center and a computer lab, as well as the renovated Vandiyur tank. Following these events, he will preside over a meeting with DMK party members from ten southern districts, with over one lakh participants expected. Access to the meeting will be restricted to those with QR-code identity cards. The Chief Minister will conclude his visit by chairing a meeting at the Gandhi Memorial Museum before departing for Chennai.
Sandeep Shrivastava Appointed Vice-Chancellor of KAHER
Sandeep Shrivastava has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor of the KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER) Deemed-to-be-University, assuming his role on February 20th in Belagavi. He was welcomed by Chancellor Prabhakar Kore and other KAHER officials. Dr. Shrivastava, an orthopedic surgeon with a doctorate in Health Professional Education, brings over thirty years of experience in academic leadership, research, and clinical practice. Previously, he held positions at Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DMIHER), where he oversaw international collaborations. His new responsibilities at KAHER include strengthening academic excellence, research, and institutional development, according to an official statement.
Tiruchi District Suspends Panchayat Secretaries
In Tiruchi district, 158 panchayat secretaries have been suspended for not fulfilling their duties. These individuals were absent from work for over a month without providing a valid explanation or requesting leave. The suspended secretaries had previously participated in protests, beginning in January, to address various demands. Acting on instructions from Collector V. Saravanan, the Block Development Officers of the panchayat unions initiated the suspensions. The total number of panchayat secretaries in the district is 404. The news source also provides information on accessing comments and community guidelines.

