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WorldMar 24, 2026

American academic released by Taliban authorities in Afghanistan, officials say

Afghanistan’s Taliban government says it has released American academic Dennis Coyle, who had been held in the country since January 2025. According to a statement issued Tuesday by Afghanistan’s foreign ministry, Coyle was released in Kabul on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan. The ministry said the decision followed an appeal from Coyle’s family and came after the country’s Supreme Court determined that his time in custody was sufficient. Afghan authorities had previously detained Coyle on allegations of violating local laws, but did not publicly spe
WorldMar 24, 2026

Iran launches new missile strikes on Israel as cross-border attacks continue into day 25

Iran launched a series of missile strikes targeting Israel from Monday night into Tuesday, marking the 25th day of ongoing hostilities involving Iran, Israel and the United States. According to statements attributed to Israeli authorities, Iran carried out seven missile attacks during that period. Israeli officials did not immediately release independent verification of damage or casualties from the latest strikes. In response, Israel continued its counter-offensive operations. The Israeli Air Force said it struck more than 50 Iranian-linked targets overnight, including missile launch sites an
modi-trump-discuss-middle-east-tensions-stress-importance-of-hormuz-shipping-route
WorldMar 24, 2026

Modi, Trump discuss Middle East tensions, stress importance of Hormuz shipping route

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the evolving security situation in the Middle East, according to a statement shared by the U.S. envoy in India. Sergio Gor said in a social media post that both leaders focused on regional stability and emphasized the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for global shipping. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime corridor through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes. Ongoing tensions involving Iran have raised concerns about potential disruptions to the ro
WorldMar 20, 2026

Iran warns U.K. over potential use of military bases in U.S. operations

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned United Kingdom that it could be considered a party to any military action against Iran if it allows the United States to use British bases for such operations. According to statements attributed to Araghchi, he said any cooperation enabling U.S. strikes would be viewed by Tehran as direct involvement. He also accused the United States and Israel of violating international laws and principles in carrying out attacks against Iran. The claims have not been independently verified. Araghchi described the United Kingdom and some European countries
WorldMar 20, 2026

Premium petrol, industrial diesel prices rise in Delhi amid Middle East tensions

Premium petrol and bulk diesel prices have increased in New Delhi, with officials linking the change to rising global oil and gas costs amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. According to information from India’s Petroleum Ministry, the price of premium petrol rose by ₹2 per litre on Friday. The revised rate brings premium petrol in the capital to ₹101.89 per litre, up from ₹99.89. The price of diesel sold in bulk to industrial users has also seen a sharp increase of about ₹22 per litre. Industrial diesel is now priced at ₹109.59 per litre in Delhi, reflecting higher input costs
pentagon-submits-request-for-additional-200-billion-tied-to-iran-conflict-official-says
WorldMar 19, 2026

Pentagon submits request for additional $200 billion tied to Iran conflict, official says

The U.S. Department of Defense has submitted a request to the White House seeking an additional $200 billion in funding tied to the ongoing Iran conflict, according to a senior administration official. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss internal deliberations, said the request has not yet been formally transmitted to Congress for consideration. It remains unclear whether the White House will advance the proposal. According to the official, the funding request would come on top of supplemental defence spending approved last year as part
WorldMar 19, 2026

Saudi Arabia warns Iran after reported drone strike on Yanbu oil facility

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister has issued a warning to Iran following reports of a drone strike targeting a major oil refining facility in Yanbu amid escalating regional tensions. According to regional media reports, the Samref oil refinery in Yanbu, a key Red Sea export hub, was hit in an aerial attack during ongoing hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The extent of damage and any disruptions to production have not been independently confirmed. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said the kingdom has the capability to respond, cautioning Iran against test
WorldMar 18, 2026

Israel claims senior Iranian intelligence officials killed in overnight strikes

Israeli authorities say a series of overnight airstrikes on Iran targeted senior intelligence leadership and key energy infrastructure, as hostilities continue between Israel and Iran. According to a statement from Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, the strikes killed Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, along with several senior officials from the ministry. The claim has not been independently verified, and Iranian authorities have not confirmed any casualties as of publication time. Israeli officials also said their aircraft struck gas infrastructure in southern Iran. The re
WorldMar 16, 2026

Lebanon says Israeli attacks have killed nearly 900 people since March 2

Lebanon’s Health Ministry says the death toll from Israeli air and ground attacks since March 2 has risen to nearly 900 as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, at least 886 people have been killed and 2,141 others injured during Israeli strikes across parts of Lebanon over the past two weeks. The ministry said the attacks have also affected the country’s health-care system. Medical teams responding to emergencies were among those hit during the strikes. At least 38 health workers have been killed and another 69 injured w

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IndiaApr 23, 2026

Amritpal Singh formally arrested in Ajnala violence case after NSA detention ends

Amritsar Rural Police have formally arrested Khadoor Sahib MP and ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief Amritpal Singh in connection with the Ajnala violence case, following the expiry of his detention under the National Security Act. According to a police statement, the arrest was carried out immediately after the NSA detention period lapsed. Singh was produced before a sub-divisional court in Ajnala via video conferencing from Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam, where he remains lodged. Police told the court they require extended custody to continue their investigation, including recovery of weapons and
three-arrested-after-alleged-14-000-pokémon-card-robbery-in-vancouver
BCApr 23, 2026

Three arrested after alleged $14,000 Pokémon card robbery in Vancouver

Vancouver police say three teenagers have been arrested following an alleged robbery involving high-value Pokémon cards arranged through an online marketplace. According to a Vancouver Police Department release, officers responded shortly after 8:00 p.m. Tuesday to a robbery in progress near East King Edward Avenue and Ontario Street. Investigators say a man attempting to sell two Pokémon cards, each valued at $7,000, was bear-sprayed during the transaction. Police allege the suspects fled the scene in a vehicle with the cards but were intercepted a short time later in Burnaby near Macpherso
westjet-raises-checked-baggage-fees-following-air-canada-citing-industry-pressures
CanadaApr 23, 2026

WestJet raises checked baggage fees following Air Canada, citing industry pressures

WestJet says it will increase checked baggage fees starting Thursday, adding new costs for air travellers across its network. The change follows a similar move by Air Canada announced last week. According to a WestJet statement, passengers checking bags at the airport will pay an additional $10 for each of the first two checked bags. Fees for overweight baggage will also rise, with increases of up to $50 depending on weight. The airline attributed the decision to “global conditions” and shifting trends in the aviation sector, but did not provide a detailed cost breakdown in its announcemen
alberta-introduces-bill-to-end-seasonal-clock-changes-stay-on-daylight-time
AlbertaApr 23, 2026

Alberta introduces bill to end seasonal clock changes, stay on daylight time

Alberta’s government has introduced legislation that would end twice-yearly clock changes and keep the province on daylight time year-round. The proposal was tabled by Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative government, according to a provincial announcement. If passed, the bill would eliminate the need to switch between standard time and daylight saving time each spring and fall. The government has said the change is intended to provide consistency for businesses and residents, though details on when the change would take effect have not yet been confirmed. The move would require coo
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AlbertaApr 23, 2026

Alberta premier to provide update on fall referendum questions

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is expected to provide an update today on a planned provincewide referendum set for October, including previously announced questions tied to social policy and governance. According to a February announcement from the Alberta government, the referendum is to include up to nine questions. Among them are proposals that would restrict access to certain social services for some immigrants, though full wording of the questions has not yet been finalized. The update comes as debate continues in Alberta over the prospect of separation from Canada. A citizen-led initiati