THUMB: Khamenei Missing Or Hiding?


Middle East In Chaos
Iran and Israel exchanged missiles after Tel Aviv, with US support, launched preemptive strikes on Tehran under “Operation Epic Fury”. Israel claimed IRGC commander Mohammad Pakpour was killed. Iran retaliated with missile barrages. Explosions were reported in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Doha; impact on US air bases was unclear.

40 Killed in Minab
At least 40 people, including students, were killed in Israeli-US airstrikes on a girls’ school in Minab, marking the first confirmed fatalities in Iran during the operation. The city hosts a Revolutionary Guard base. President Donald Trump urged Iranians to “seize control” of their future.

Strikes Target Leadership Sites
US-Israel strikes included missiles aimed at locations linked to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Assembly of Experts. Seven missiles were reportedly fired toward Khamenei’s office. There was no official statement on his whereabouts. Previous protests against the regime reportedly left over 2,500 people dead.

India Issues Advisory
India advised its nationals in Israel to remain vigilant following joint Israeli-US airstrikes on Iran. The Indian Embassy urged citizens to follow safety instructions issued by Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command amid the deteriorating regional security situation.

Naveen Picks RS Candidates
The Biju Janata Dal declared Santrupt Misra and Dr Datteswar Hota as its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Party president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced the names after internal deliberations.

Cracks In BJD Wide Open
The BJD faces internal strain after announcing Rajya Sabha nominees Santrupta Misra and Dr Datteswar Hota. Senior leader Prabhat Biswal questioned the selection process. Former leader Srimayee Mishra resurfaced social media posts criticising Mishra’s credentials, reflecting unease within sections of the party.

DRDO Tests VSHORADS
The Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully conducted three successive flight trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha, marking progress in indigenous defence capability development.

Holi Specials Announced
East Coast Railway will operate 132 Holi Special trains from its jurisdiction. Additionally, 150 special trains from cities including Delhi, Patna, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata will pass through ECoR stations to manage festive rush and enhance connectivity.

Deletions In Bengal SIR
The Election Commission may delete an additional eight lakh names beyond 58 lakh already removed from West Bengal’s draft rolls, taking total deletions to around 66 lakh. Final figures will be confirmed once the updated rolls are published online.

J&K Win Maiden Ranji
Jammu & Kashmir clinched their maiden Ranji Trophy title after securing a 291-run first-innings lead against Karnataka in the Hubli final. They declared at 342/4 before the match ended in a draw, sealing victory on first-innings advantage