Lawmakers in Iran are preparing to vote on a bill that would offer a "$58 million bounty" for the killing of Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu and Admiral Brad Cooper. Iranian officials say the proposal is a response to recent attacks on the country. The debate comes as indirect talks between Iran and the United States continue through Pakistan. The proposal has raised fears of further escalation in the Middle East. (PC: Reuters)

India and the Nordic countries launched a Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership at the India-Nordic Summit 2026 in Oslo. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The countries agreed to work together on 6G, climate action, digital technology and Arctic research. They also decided to allow up to 100% foreign direct investment by Nordic defence companies in India’s defence corridors. (PC: Reuters)

Officials in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said they were unaware of a planned United States attack on Iran. This came after Donald Trump said Gulf leaders had asked him to delay military action. Trump later warned that the US could still strike Iran within days if nuclear talks fail. Iran has sent a new proposal through Pakistan. The growing tensions have raised concerns about a wider conflict in the Middle East.

A cartoon in Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten has sparked controversy during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway. The illustration showed Modi as a "snake charmer" with a fuel hose shaped like a snake. Many social media users called the image racist and said it repeated an old stereotype about India. The cartoon surfaced after a separate debate over press freedom, triggered by journalist Helle Lyng asking Modi why he does not take questions from the media.

The Election Commission of India has released booth-wise data for the 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election, showing that Mamata Banerjee trailed in 207 of 267 booths in Bhabanipur. In 28 booths, she received 50 votes or fewer, including just 12 votes in Booth 227. Suvendu Adhikari led in most booths and won the constituency by 15,105 votes. Mamata secured 58,812 votes, while Suvendu polled 73,917, according to the Commission’s figures. (PC: Anandabazar)

Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng became the focus of international attention after questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi over press freedom during a joint appearance in Norway. Lyng later attended a tense MEA briefing where Secretary (West) Sibi George defended India’s democratic record, media scale and global contributions. The confrontation triggered intense online reactions, with critics accusing Lyng of being a “spy” or “Chinese proxy” due to her earlier articles praising China and criticising Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Lyng denied the allegations, stating her work was purely journalism. The controversy later spilled into Indian politics, drawing reactions from Rahul Gandhi and BJP leaders.

A media interaction during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Norway visit escalated after Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng questioned why Modi avoids taking press questions during official appearances. The issue resurfaced during a later MEA briefing where Secretary (West) Sibi George defended India’s democratic institutions, constitutional rights and global contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic and G20 presidency. George rejected criticism on human rights and press freedom, criticising reports by “godforsaken, ignorant NGOs”. The exchange became tense after interruptions during questioning on trust, media freedom and rights concerns in India. Lyng later claimed Indian officials avoided giving direct answers regarding alleged human rights violations and press freedom issues.

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly trailed in 207 out of 267 booths in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, according to Election Commission booth-wise data. Several booths recorded fewer than 50 votes for her, with Booth No. 227 showing only 12 votes in her favour. Bhabanipur, once considered Mamata Banerjee’s political stronghold, saw a dramatic reversal in 2026. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari defeated her by 15,105 votes. The report states that Mamata received 50 or fewer votes in 28 booths, while Suvendu recorded 50 or fewer votes in 39 booths. Overall, Suvendu led in 207 booths, whereas Mamata led in only 60 booths. The article also contrasts the result with the 2021 Bhabanipur bypoll, where Mamata had won by over 58,000 votes. In 2026, she secured 58,812 votes, while Suvendu received 73,917 votes. (PC: X)

Tensions across the Middle East have intensified after reports claimed Iranian lawmakers are drafting legislation proposing a €50 million reward linked to the assassination of former US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to reports, the proposed bill emerged following the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in military strikes on February 28. Iranian officials accused Israel and US Central Command figures of involvement. Iranian parliament members described the draft as a major shift in Tehran’s retaliation strategy, warning that future attacks on Iran could trigger responses not only against the US and Israel but also regional allies aligned with them amid fragile diplomatic negotiations. (PC: X)

Pakistan’s Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has approved a major heritage restoration initiative under the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival to revive Lahore’s pre-Partition place names. Areas like Krishan Nagar, Dharampura and Lakshmi Chowk have officially replaced later Islamic-era names. Analysts view the campaign as a soft-power strategy by the ruling PML-N to project cultural inclusivity, reconnect with shared Punjabi heritage and appeal to Indian audiences and the global diaspora. However, critics argue the symbolic renaming cannot overcome Pakistan’s structural realities, including demographic decline of minorities, blasphemy laws, destroyed religious sites, systemic discrimination and heavily restricted India-Pakistan border and visa regimes limiting meaningful cultural reconciliation efforts. (PC: X)