Popular Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee died on Sunday after a drowning incident at Talsari beach in Odisha. He was 43. Co-actor Diganta Bagchi said Banerjee went into the water alone after shooting. “He got entangled in something under the water. People were shouting that Rahul was drowning,” he said. Crew members pulled him out and rushed him to Digha hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Police have registered an unnatural death case and are checking details. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and called his death an “irreparable loss”. (PC: X)

A new study shows dogs lived closely with humans about 15,000 years ago, earlier than earlier estimates. The finding is based on DNA from a jawbone found in Gough's Cave. Scientists said the animal was a domesticated dog, not a wolf. This pushes back the timeline of dog domestication by around 5,000 years. Dr William Marsh said, “Dogs and humans already had an incredibly tight, close relationship.” Researchers found the dogs shared food with humans and travelled with them across regions. The study, published in Nature, also showed early dogs spread across Europe and parts of Asia with human groups. (PC: NDTV)

Iran said it struck Prince Sultan Air Base, targeting US forces and damaging a Boeing E-3 Sentry surveillance aircraft. State media claimed missiles and drones hit key assets, including refuelling planes. Officials said at least 15 US personnel were injured, with some in serious condition. The United States has not confirmed the damage. The strike comes as fighting spreads across the region. Marco Rubio said the US could meet goals without ground troops but must prepare for “multiple contingencies.” Donald Trump set an April 6 deadline for Iran on reopening shipping routes. (PC: X)

At least 250 students and teachers have been killed in US-Israeli attacks in Iran since the war began on February 28. Iran’s Education Ministry said 184 others were injured and over 600 schools and facilities were damaged. In Tehran alone, several students and teachers lost their lives. The strikes have raised concern over the impact of the war on civilians and education. Fighting continues across the region, with more attacks reported in Israel and Lebanon. Meanwhile, countries like Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are holding talks to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation in West Asia. (PC: AP)

The United States is preparing for possible ground operations in Iran as the war enters its fifth week. Reports say plans include raids near the Strait of Hormuz and on Kharg Island, a key oil hub. Officials said the operations may last weeks, but no final decision has been made. President Donald Trump has not yet approved the plan. The US has also sent 3,500 Marines to the region, marking a major military buildup. Officials said the aim is to target weapons and secure shipping routes. However, concerns remain about protecting troops if they seize and hold Iranian territory.

Israel carried out targeted airstrikes on Tehran’s military and strategic sites while regional diplomats—including representatives from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt—gathered in Islamabad to negotiate an end to the escalating month-long conflict with Iran. The strikes came amid Iran’s ongoing missile and drone retaliation across the Middle East, including attacks on US bases, Gulf infrastructure, and Israel. Diplomats emphasized urgent de-escalation, but rising tensions and military buildups risked further confrontation. Iran warned of strong responses if attacks continue, while Yemen’s Houthis also engaged in missile strikes, broadening regional instability. (PC: NYT)

Iran has intensified its month-long military campaign by targeting American AWACS surveillance planes and refueling tankers at bases in Saudi Arabia. Over the past month, Tehran has also struck US military installations, Gulf infrastructure, and strategic sites in the UAE and Bahrain. Missile and drone attacks have extended to Israel, shipping lanes, and energy facilities, heightening regional tensions. These operations appear designed to weaken US operational capabilities, disrupt logistics, and pressure global energy markets, signaling Iran’s growing reach and willingness to strike key assets across the Middle East. (PC: AFP)

Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has issued a stark warning that Iranian forces are prepared to attack any incoming US ground troops, saying they would be “set on fire.” The threat comes amid growing fears of a US ground invasion, with Tehran accusing Washington of hiding military intentions behind diplomatic messaging. The conflict has intensified with ongoing US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran and retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region. Rising casualties, regional spillover, and fragile diplomatic efforts highlight the risk of a wider Middle East war. (PC: Getty Images)

An Iranian missile and drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base has reportedly damaged a crucial US E-3 Sentry surveillance aircraft, a major asset for battlefield coordination. Tehran claimed the strike involved six ballistic missiles and 29 drones targeting US military infrastructure. Images released by Iranian media show the aircraft severely damaged, raising concerns over US airpower capabilities in the region. At least 10–12 American personnel were injured, with some seriously hurt, while multiple refuelling aircraft were also hit. The attack marks a significant escalation in the ongoing Iran-US conflict across West Asia. (PC: NDTV)

The death toll in Iran has crossed 2,000 amid ongoing US and Israeli strikes, the country’s health ministry said on Sunday. At least 2,076 people have died since February 28, including 216 children. Around 26,500 people have been injured, with 1,767 of them children. The situation remains tense as attacks continue across several regions. Pakistan is leading talks to reduce tensions and push for an end to the conflict. Fears of a wider war are growing, with possible ground operations being discussed. Countries in West Asia are on high alert, while global energy and trade routes remain under pressure. (PC: AP)