Hard Rock International has announced the closure of 10 Hard Rock Cafe outlets across India after ending its agreement with operator JSM Corporation. The affected cities include Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune and Chandigarh. The company said India remains an important market and confirmed that the Hard Rock Hotel Goa will continue. JSM Corporation, however, said the outlets are still open. It called the move a “unilateral announcement” and said it is reviewing legal options. Many patrons reacted with shock online. Several said the cafes were key spaces for live music and carried strong memories. (PC: NDTV)

Israel has said it will continue strikes on Iran after the killing of Ali Larijani, a senior Iranian political and security figure. Israel’s envoy to India, Reuven Azhar, said there will be no de-escalation without “a change in Iran”. He said recent attacks have weakened Iran’s military strength. “Our penetration into Iran gets only deeper,” he said.  Azhar added that Israel aims to stop Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes. He called the threat “imminent”. He also said the campaign is a joint effort with the United States. On civilian deaths, he said Israel targets military sites but “tragic incidents” can happen. (PC: India Today)

Millions of people in Cuba lost power after the national grid collapsed. Large parts of the country, including Havana, went dark. The state power operator said electricity is being restored slowly. This is the latest in a series of major blackouts. Residents said the crisis is worsening daily life. “There is no electricity, no food, no fuel,” one person said. Another resident said people are now used to such outages. Cuba is facing fuel shortages and old infrastructure problems. The situation has led to protests in some areas, with people demanding better conditions. (PC: BBC)

Activist Sonam Wangchuk struck a conciliatory note on Ladakh demands after his release. He signalled openness to a “give and take” approach with the Centre. “Our main issue is Sixth Schedule and statehood. If not both, at least one,” he said. He added the outcome should be a “win-win”. Wangchuk said the government’s move made his “job easy”. He had prepared for a long legal fight. He denied any deal behind his release. He said his protest was for the people of Ladakh. He will return to Ladakh to consult local groups before next steps. (PC: The Indian Express)

Israel has shared a photo of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a command setting. It said he was ordering strikes on Iran’s leadership. The post came as rumours about his death spread online. Israeli officials said the claims are false. The image was shared on the Prime Minister’s official account. It said he was directing action against senior Iranian figures. Netanyahu also released videos to dismiss the rumours. In one clip, he joked, “I am dead for coffee.” Officials and fact-checkers said viral claims of AI videos are not true. They said he remains active and in charge. (PC: India Today)

India has denied reports claiming it seized Iranian vessels and discussed an exchange deal. The government called the claims “baseless”. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “There has been no discussion of this nature.” He added the vessels mentioned are not Iranian-owned. Reports had said India seized three tankers over illegal transfers at sea. Jaiswal said India is in talks with Iran and other countries to bring back ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. Several Indian vessels remain in the region with hundreds of crew onboard. The government said safe return of these ships is the priority. (PC: HT)

Emirates is flying near-empty planes to Dubai as travellers avoid the Gulf due to war fears. Flights from the US and Europe are the worst hit. Some planes are only 5% to 10% full. A few flights from New York and Paris carried very few passengers. One A380 had fewer than 35 people onboard. The airline said demand on inbound flights is “unsurprisingly light”. Flights leaving Dubai are more crowded as people try to leave. Emirates is offering refunds and flexible bookings. Despite low passengers, planes are carrying cargo. The airline said it will restore services when it is safe. (PC: NDTV)

More than 100 people were killed in an air strike on a drug rehab centre in Kabul, according to forensic sources. Some bodies were badly damaged, officials said. The UN condemned the strike and called for an investigation. It urged all sides to protect civilians and reduce tensions. Pakistan said it targeted “military installations and terrorist support infrastructure” and denied hitting civilians deliberately. Afghan officials said there were no military sites near the centre. The facility had around 2,000 people. Residents reported loud blasts across Kabul. Rescue teams are still searching for survivors. Casualty figures may rise. (PC: BBC)

The Centre has asked people to use LPG carefully amid shortage concerns. It is also pushing commercial users to shift to PNG. Sujata Sharma from the Petroleum Ministry said LPG supply for homes remains a priority. “It would be beneficial if all commercial LPG consumers shifted to PNG,” she said. Officials said hotels, restaurants and caterers moving to PNG can reduce pressure on LPG. The government has also asked states to speed up approvals for gas pipelines. It wants faster clearances and better coordination. PNG supply is stable in many areas. The Centre said demand management will help avoid disruptions. (PC: India Today)

Mamata Banerjee said her party Trinamool Congress will win over 226 seats in the 2026 West Bengal elections. She said, “We will win more than 226 seats.” The party will contest 291 of 294 seats. Three seats are left for ally BGPM. Banerjee will contest from Bhabanipur. She faces Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP. She said those not given tickets will get roles in the organisation. She also said the BJP’s tally will fall. Voting will take place in two phases in April. (PC: HT)