In Quetta, police reportedly blocked families of detained Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders from speaking to the media at the Quetta Press Club, drawing criticism from activists and legal experts. Relatives, including Mahrang Baloch’s sister, were stopped from entering after authorities sealed the area early in the morning, according to The Balochistan Post.
Family members had planned to brief journalists on the prolonged detention of BYC leaders, ongoing legal proceedings, and growing concerns about Mahrang Baloch’s health. Police reportedly told them they needed a no-objection certificate from the deputy commissioner to hold a press conference, while other groups were allegedly allowed to use the venue without such clearance. When relatives tried to speak outside the press club, security personnel reportedly set up barriers and restricted access. Nadia Baloch, Mahrang’s sister, stated that officers cited “orders from above” and claimed that families of political activists and missing persons were deliberately barred from addressing the media.
Health concerns for the detained leaders have also intensified. BYC representatives allege that Mahrang Baloch’s condition has worsened in custody due to delays in diagnostic tests and specialist consultations. Reports suggest spinal complications that could result in severe neurological damage if not treated promptly, according to The Balochistan Post.
Human rights groups and legal experts have echoed these concerns, urging authorities to provide proper medical care. Political parties, lawyers’ associations, and rights organisations have called for urgent attention to the detainees’ health and questioned the restrictions on their families’ ability to communicate with the press.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
On Tuesday, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak out on the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, warning that India’s silence harms its global standing. Gandhi emphasized that India must be “morally clear” and have the courage to defend international law and human lives. In a post on X, he said, “Our foreign policy is rooted in sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes, and it must remain consistent.” He added that PM Modi’s silence raises questions about India’s stance on the assassination of a head of state.
Expressing concern over rising tensions in West Asia, Gandhi called for dialogue and restraint, noting that escalating hostilities between the US, Israel, and Iran threaten the region and create uncertainty for millions, including nearly a crore Indians. He condemned attacks that violate sovereignty and stressed that violence only worsens crises.
Israel carried out strikes in Iran and Beirut, prompting Iran to retaliate with attacks on US assets, including the embassy in Riyadh. Iran also claimed a large-scale missile and drone strike on a US air base in Bahrain, reportedly destroying the main command building and setting fuel tanks on fire. These events have further widened the conflict, with civilians and expatriates at risk. World leaders and international bodies are urging de-escalation, though fighting continues with no clear resolution in sight.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
The Nothing Phone 4a is set to launch globally on March 5. Ahead of this release, the device was previewed at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona, Spain, showcasing four color options: White, Black, Pink, and Blue. In India, Nothing will host an exclusive first sale at its newly opened store in Bengaluru on March 7, offering early buyers a chance to purchase the phone before it becomes available in other markets. The company has announced special perks for the first 100 customers, including an engraved edition of the Phone 4a and Ear (a) earphones at no extra cost, with the option to add CMF Buds 2 Plus for Rs 999.
Alongside the Phone 4a series, Nothing will also launch the Nothing Headphone (a), although details about the Phone 4a Pro remain undisclosed. The company had earlier released a teaser video titled “Phone (4a): A New Chapter”, where CEO Carl Pei mentioned the use of more premium materials and new color options for the refreshed design. The Phone 4a retains Nothing’s signature transparent aesthetic and features a horizontal triple-camera module. A new “Glyph Bar” has been added to the right of the cameras, consisting of nine individually controlled mini LED lights. This system is designed to deliver notifications clearly while reducing distractions and is said to be 40% brighter than the previous A-series.
The Phone 4a series will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, though the exact model has not been revealed. Reports indicate that at least one variant will include UFS 3.1 storage and a slightly larger battery of around 5,000mAh, without adopting the newer silicon-carbon battery technology. Overall, the Phone 4a combines Nothing’s distinctive design with upgraded features, offering early buyers in India a unique opportunity to experience the device before its wider release.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Nothing.
As airspace in Dubai partially reopened amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, Indian citizens arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday, sharing the panic and financial impact caused by widespread flight cancellations. Air India welcomed passengers and crew from flight AI916D at Indira Gandhi International Airport, marking the first international arrival by an Indian carrier that day. The flight carried 149 passengers and eight crew members.
Several travelers reported having to bear extra expenses due to extended stays in Dubai. A tourist from Noida said their return was scheduled for February 28, but the flight was cancelled. They requested government support for Indians stranded abroad and expressed gratitude to Air India for guidance. Another passenger mentioned that while the situation in Dubai was largely calm, the high cost of living and flight disruptions had imposed financial burdens. Security measures were described as strict but reassuring.
Dubai Airports announced a limited resumption of operations from March 2, allowing a small number of flights from Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. With flights gradually resuming, normalcy is slowly returning, and thousands of Indians are finally able to return home, though authorities urge caution. Passengers returning from Muscat, Oman, described a harmonious environment with supportive administration. Flights there had briefly been halted due to regional tensions but resumed within 24 hours.
The disruptions followed US-Israel strikes against Iran on February 28, which prompted Iranian retaliatory drone and missile attacks on multiple US bases in Arab countries. These actions led to widespread flight cancellations, creating challenges for Indian travelers and prompting governments and airlines to coordinate safe returns.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
US-Israeli strikes on March 2 hit Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, severely damaging at least three buildings, according to the Institute for the Study of War. The attacks targeted Iranian air defenses, internal security sites, and militias in Iraq, while Israel also struck Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. Iran has retaliated with missiles and drones, raising tensions across the region as calls for de-escalation grow.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@CENTCOM.
The Middle East conflict is intensifying rapidly, with reports of casualties and damage in at least nine countries within just 10 hours. Israeli and US aircraft have carried out new strikes across Iran, while Iranian missiles and drones target US-allied Gulf states. Nosheen Iqbal talks with Jamie Wilson, the Guardian’s head of international news – watch the discussion on YouTube.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
The Middle East is at a pivotal moment after the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in strikes by the U.S. and Israel. Retaliatory attacks have followed on both sides, sparking concerns about wider regional instability. Nations across the globe are urging calm, dialogue, and diplomatic efforts as tensions escalate. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the latest updates with Dr. Peter Layton, Visiting Fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address showcased America’s economic successes and ambitious promises, projecting a confident vision for the nation’s future. But how accurate are these claims, and what issues still linger? Hairianto Diman and Elakeyaa Selvaraji analyze the main themes and their potential implications for the country’s future, with insights from Steven Okun, CEO of APAC Advisors.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Under President Lee Jae Myung’s guidance, investor confidence in South Korea has surged, fueled by ambitious reforms—from proposed corporate governance improvements and regulatory adjustments to efforts aimed at revitalizing the stock market. His pro-market policies have shifted sentiment positively, attracting both domestic and international investors and pushing the Kospi to new highs. But is this surge sustainable, or merely a short-term spike? Hairianto Diman and Elakeyaa Selvaraji explore the outlook with Betty Wang, Head of Northeast Asia Research at Oxford Economics.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
