The United States and Israel are engaged in a conflict with Iran that has continued for 17 days. The fighting has led to significant damage, including the closure of a key global oil route and over 2,300 deaths. The conflict involves missile and drone attacks and affects numerous countries, with heavy bombardments in Iran's capital, Tehran.
Key Facts
The conflict has continued for 17 days and involves the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Over 2,300 people have died as a result of the conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz, a major route for oil transport, is closed.
Iran's capital, Tehran, has seen the most intense attacks.
The US and Israel have targeted Iran's nuclear, military, and energy sites.
At least 18 hospitals and health facilities in Iran have been hit.
Iran's attacks have targeted sites in Israel and US interests in the Gulf region.
Advanced weaponry, including drones and missile systems, is being used by both sides.
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India is talking with Iran to ease the passage of its ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for oil and gas imports. The talks come after Iran nearly closed the route following a conflict in the Middle East that started when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran.
Key Facts
India's Foreign Minister, S Jaishankar, said discussions with Iran are ongoing.
Two Indian-flagged gas tankers recently passed through the Strait of Hormuz after diplomatic talks.
The Strait of Hormuz handles about one-fifth of the world's oil and gas shipping.
The conflict in the Middle East began after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28.
India relies on the strait for 40-50% of its crude oil imports and other gas supplies.
The recent tensions have affected cooking gas supplies in India, causing panic buying.
Jaishankar emphasized dialogue for resolving the crisis rather than escalating tensions.
President Trump has encouraged countries to send ships to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
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The US-Israel conflict with Iran has been ongoing for 17 days, with Israel launching new attacks on Tehran. Tensions are high in the Gulf region, with drone incidents causing disruptions, and the US and regional countries responding to the situation. President Donald Trump accused Iran of using AI to spread false information about the conflict.
Key Facts
Israel launched new strikes on Tehran, targeting Iranian positions.
A drone incident led to a temporary suspension of flights at Dubai airport.
Iran reported damage to a clinic and aid post from Israeli raids.
Trump claimed Iran is using AI for spreading disinformation.
Saudi Arabia intercepted 37 drones, and other Gulf countries also reported drone interceptions.
Iran arrested 18 people allegedly linked to a pro-Israel news channel.
As of the latest reports, 1,444 people have died, and 18,551 were injured in Iran.
US claimed it hit Iran's drone factories, with President Trump saying Iran's military capability is weakened.
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Several flights from Dubai International Airport were redirected after a drone attack caused a fire near the airport. Iran has been launching missile and drone attacks on Gulf countries, disrupting civilian infrastructure and travel. Gulf nations condemned Iran's actions and called for de-escalation while expressing their intent to defend their territories.
Key Facts
Dubai International Airport, a busy global transit hub, redirected flights due to a nearby drone attack.
The fire near the airport was contained without reports of injuries.
Abu Dhabi reported a missile hitting a civilian vehicle, resulting in one death.
A drone attack in Fujairah’s industrial zone led to another fire.
Iran has launched over 1,800 missiles and drones at the UAE amid regional conflict.
Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, reported numerous drone interceptions.
The recent tensions follow joint US-Israel airstrikes on Tehran.
Gulf leaders issued a joint statement condemning Iran's attacks and calling for peace.
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Oscar winner Pavel Talankin spoke out against wars during his award acceptance speech. He received an Oscar for the best documentary for "Mr Nobody Against Putin."
Key Facts
Pavel Talankin is an Oscar-winning filmmaker.
He won the best documentary award.
The documentary is titled "Mr Nobody Against Putin."
Talankin called for an end to all wars in his speech.
The statement was made during the Oscars event.
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An episode from the program "Witness History" discusses a 2006 nuclear deal between the United States and India which ended India's isolation due to its nuclear policies. Alongside the nuclear agreement, the deal included the import of Indian mangoes to the U.S. The conversation includes insights from Ronen Sen, a former Indian ambassador to the U.S.
Key Facts
The episode is part of the "Witness History" series by the World Service.
On 2 March 2006, the U.S. and India finalized a nuclear deal.
The deal ended India's three decades of international isolation over nuclear policy.
U.S. President at the time, George W. Bush, and India's Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, agreed on the terms.
The agreement included cooperative measures on nuclear power and importing Indian mangoes.
Ronen Sen, former Indian ambassador to the U.S., shares insights in the episode.
"Witness History" covers a wide range of historical events and aims to bring eyewitness experiences to life through archival material.
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Japan is releasing oil from its emergency reserves because of an energy crisis caused by Iran closing a key waterway in response to attacks. The Japanese government announced plans to release 80 million barrels of oil as the Strait of Hormuz remains a chokepoint for global oil supply. Despite efforts to stabilize the market, oil prices continue to be volatile due to ongoing disruptions.
Key Facts
Japan started using its oil reserves due to an energy crisis linked to issues in the Strait of Hormuz.
The announcement of the oil release was made on Monday through an official government notice.
Japan plans to release 80 million barrels of oil to help with supply concerns.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) plans to release 400 million barrels worldwide to stabilize markets.
Oil prices are fluctuating, with Brent crude reaching $104.85 a barrel on Monday.
The strait usually handles about 20% of the world's oil transportation.
Japan relies on overseas fossil fuels for approximately 80% of its energy needs and has large oil reserves for emergencies.
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Madagascar's President, Michael Randrianirina, appointed Mamitiana Rajaonarison, the country's anticorruption chief, as the new Prime Minister. This change follows the recent dismissal of the previous Prime Minister and the entire cabinet. The new government's goal is to restore integrity and address issues such as corruption and public trust.
Key Facts
President Michael Randrianirina of Madagascar took power in October.
Mamitiana Rajaonarison, the anticorruption chief, is now the Prime Minister.
The previous Prime Minister, Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, and the cabinet were dismissed last week.
Rajaonarison led Madagascar's Financial Intelligence Unit since 2021.
Recent protests in Madagascar led to political changes, with Randrianirina's army unit supporting demonstrators.
President Randrianirina denies accusations of a coup, claiming the Constitutional Court transferred power to him.
Randrianirina plans a two-year transition, aiming for presidential elections in 2027.
Key goals include drafting a new constitution and combating corruption.
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School holiday supermarket vouchers for families getting free school meals will no longer be automatically given out due to changes in government funding. The British government replaced the Household Support Fund with a new Crisis Resilience Fund, which offers similar overall funding but differently distributed. Bracknell Forest Council and other local councils are adjusting to the funding change by offering different support, like low-cost activities, though some councils are still deciding on future steps.
Key Facts
The Household Support Fund (HSF) has been replaced by the Crisis Resilience Fund (CRF).
Bracknell Forest Council's funding decreased slightly from £979,000 to just under £907,000.
CRF funding is used for emergencies like sudden expenses or income drops.
The new distribution method means some councils get less funding.
School holiday supermarket vouchers will not be automatically provided anymore for eligible families.
Some councils will offer low-cost activities through the Holiday Activities and Food programme.
Decisions on voucher schemes are pending for some councils like Reading, Slough, and Wokingham.
A government spokesperson said the CRF aims to prevent families from falling into long-term financial troubles.
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People in Wales are frustrated with the rising number of potholes on the roads. Sharon Williams, who was injured after falling into a pothole, and other residents are expressing safety concerns. The Welsh government has spent money to fix the roads, but many believe the problem persists.
Key Facts
Sharon Williams was injured after tripping on a pothole in Carmarthenshire, Wales.
The RAC reported an increase in potholes due to frequent rain.
A tyre-fitting business in South Wales noticed more customers with pothole-related damage.
The Welsh government allocated an extra £120 million for road repairs in recent years.
Statistics show 11,250 potholes were fixed in Wales from April 2025 to January 2026.
Over 185,935 potholes were prevented by resurfacing nearly 400 miles of roads in Wales.
Some Welsh councils reportedly reject most compensation claims for pothole damages.
Residents like Julian Morgan express concerns about road safety due to potholes.
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In Gaza, a critical border crossing called Rafah was closed, leaving patients needing urgent medical care unable to travel. The closure was due to security concerns related to a military action by Israel and the US against Iran, affecting many, including a baby named Alma who needs surgery not available in Gaza.
Key Facts
The Rafah crossing is Gaza's main link to the outside and was recently closed by Israel over security concerns.
The closure stopped medical evacuations and prevented patients from leaving Gaza for treatment.
A military operation between Israel and the US against Iran was given as the reason for the closure.
Alma, a baby with a serious lung condition, was scheduled for surgery in Jordan but couldn't travel after the closure.
The crossing was briefly opened on February 1 but closed again on February 28 after the ceasefire with Hamas.
Alma's family is waiting in Gaza with hopes that the crossing will soon reopen.
Other families like Hadeel Zorob's have suffered losses because they couldn't get medical care abroad due to the border closure.
Officials announced that the Rafah crossing will open for limited movement in the upcoming days.
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More than 100 Labour MPs have urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to prioritize passing the assisted dying bill currently stalled in the House of Lords. The bill, which aims to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales, has faced numerous amendments and opposition, making its passage within the current parliamentary session unlikely. Labour MPs emphasize the importance of allowing Parliament to decide on the bill to maintain public trust in politics.
Key Facts
Over 100 Labour MPs have sent letters asking for more time to debate the assisted dying bill.
The assisted dying bill passed the House of Commons in June last year but is stalled in the House of Lords.
There are more than 1,200 amendments to the bill, mainly from those against it.
Only three of the 14 debate days in the Lords remain, with many amendments still not discussed.
Labour MP Jess Asato opposes the bill, pointing out flaws in the proposed law.
The bill must pass before the current session ends, likely by May, or it will fail.
Around 150 total MPs across parties have expressed support for the bill to receive more attention.
The UK government remains neutral on the bill, leaving the decision to Parliament.
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Ten patients died in a fire at the trauma center of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, India. The fire is thought to have started due to an electrical short circuit, and 11 hospital staff members were injured while trying to rescue patients. The Odisha government has promised financial help to the families affected by the incident and announced an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Key Facts
The fire occurred in the trauma care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha.
Ten patients lost their lives in the incident.
Eleven hospital staff members were injured while attempting to rescue patients.
The fire is suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit.
Hospital fires are common in India and are often caused by electrical faults.
SCB Medical College and Hospital is a major government hospital in Odisha.
The Odisha government has announced financial compensation for the victims' families.
A judicial inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the fire.
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A journalist named Emma Palmer donated her kidney to a 16-year-old girl named Maya after being contacted to write about a donor appeal. Maya, who had kidney damage due to an infection, received her transplant on January 6. Emma hopes her story will inspire others to consider organ donation.
Key Facts
Emma Palmer is a journalist who donated her kidney to Maya, a 16-year-old girl.
Maya had kidney damage from an E. coli infection two years prior.
The kidney transplant surgery took place on January 6.
Emma was originally contacted to write an article about a kidney donor appeal before she became a donor herself.
Nine weeks after the surgery, Emma reported feeling completely normal.
Maya and her mother, Maria, are grateful for Emma's kidney donation.
According to the NHS, the average waiting time for a kidney transplant is three to six months.
Wait times for transplants depend on blood type, tissue match, and are often longer for people from certain ethnic communities.
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At the 2026 Oscars, the film "One Battle After Another" won six awards, standing out among its 13 nominations. Despite some surprises during the ceremony, like a rare tie in the Best Live Action Short category, the night was marked by notable wins and subtle political jabs aimed at President Donald Trump's policies. The competition between notable films and actors also brought attention to the event.
Key Facts
"One Battle After Another" won six Oscars from 13 nominations.
There was a tie for Best Live Action Short, shared by "Two People Exchanging Saliva" and "The Singers."
Host Conan O’Brien made indirect remarks on President Trump's policies during the ceremony.
Michael B Jordan won Best Actor for his role in "Sinners."
"Sinners" director Ryan Coogler won Best Original Screenplay, and Paul Thomas Anderson won Best Adapted Screenplay.
Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman to win Best Cinematography.
The Oscars night included a competition between "Sinners" and "One Battle After Another," both vying for several top awards.
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The article discusses how Doha's market is getting busier again, two weeks after the start of a conflict between Iran, Israel, and the US. Qatar has remained relatively undamaged by the conflict, despite nearby attacks in the Gulf region. No deaths have been reported in Qatar so far, and air defenses have intercepted strikes.
Key Facts
The conflict began on February 28 between Iran, Israel, and the US.
Doha's Souq Waqif market was initially nearly empty due to the conflict.
At least 18 people have died across Gulf states because of retaliatory strikes from Iran.
Most missile attacks on Qatar, including those targeting US bases there, were intercepted.
No deaths have occurred in Qatar due to the conflict.
The BBC's Barbara Plett Usher visited the Doha market to capture people's feelings about the situation.
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Iran is taking measures to stop protests against the government, including setting up checkpoints in Tehran and restricting internet access. Authorities have increased security and are searching people at these checkpoints, while also limiting the ability of residents to communicate and organize through encrypted messaging apps.
Key Facts
Iran has set up new security checkpoints throughout Tehran.
Internet access in Iran has been restricted, affecting communication.
Checkpoints are positioned in various locations like footbridges and tunnels.
Israeli strikes reportedly targeted and killed several Iranian security personnel.
Residents are changing their behavior to avoid attracting attention from security forces.
Some tech-savvy locals are using tools like SpaceX's Starlink to bypass internet restrictions.
A person was arrested for allegedly selling unfiltered internet access via Starlink.
Selling unfiltered internet in Iran is illegal and can result in a prison sentence.
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At the 98th Academy Awards, women from the films "Sinners" and "K-Pop Demon Hunters" made history. Autumn Durald Arkapaw won Best Cinematography, becoming the first woman of color and first woman to win this Oscar, while Maggie Kang and Michelle Wong became the first South Korean descent individuals to win for animated feature.
Key Facts
Autumn Durald Arkapaw won the Best Cinematography Oscar for "Sinners."
She is the first woman of color and the first woman to win Best Cinematography at the Oscars.
"K-Pop Demon Hunters" co-director Maggie Kang and producer Michelle Wong won for animated feature.
They are the first individuals of South Korean descent to win this category.
The song "Golden" from "K-Pop Demon Hunters" is the first K-pop song to win an Oscar.
"Sinners" broke the record for Oscar nominations and won four Oscars.
Michael B. Jordan became the sixth Black man to win Best Actor.
Ryan Coogler won Best Original Screenplay and is the second Black man to do so after Jordan Peele.
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The 2026 Oscars saw the film "One Battle After Another" win six awards, including best picture and best director for Paul Thomas Anderson. Michael B Jordan won best actor, and Jessie Buckley received the best actress award. Anderson's film also secured wins for best adapted screenplay and other categories.
Key Facts
"One Battle After Another" won six Oscars, including best picture.
Paul Thomas Anderson won his first Oscars for best picture and best director.
Michael B Jordan won the best actor award for his role in "Sinners."
Jessie Buckley won best actress for her role in "Hamnet."
Sean Penn won best supporting actor for his role in "One Battle After Another."
The film also won best adapted screenplay.
The Oscars introduced a new category for best casting, which "One Battle After Another" won.
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