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Highlights of the day: Iran risks 'uncontrollable regional escalation', warns G7

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Iranian demonstrators chant slogans during an anti-Israeli gathering in front of the British Embassy in Tehran, Iran

Iranian demonstrators chant slogans during an anti-Israeli gathering in front of the British Embassy in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP/PTI)

Leaders of the G7 nations condemned Iran's attack on Israel and said on Sunday that they would work to try to stabilise the situation in the Middle East. "With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided," a statement issued by G7 president Italy said after a video conference involving the group's leaders.

Political activist Kanhaiya Kumar will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections against BJP MP against Manoj Tiwari from the North East Delhi constituency. The Congress released a fresh list of candidates on Sunday, naming 10 candidates from Punjab, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. 

Amid escalated tensions in the region, the Indian Embassy in Iran issued additional helpline numbers for the assistance of Indian citizens after Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones on Israel. In a post on social media platform X, the Indian Embassy in Iran wrote, "Embassy of India in Tehran has activated additional helpline numbers. For any assistance, please contact the Embassy at: +989128109115; +989128109109; +989932179567; +989932179359; +98-21-88755103-5; cons.tehran@mea.gov.in"

IMD has issued a rainfall and thunderstorm alert for Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, MP, and Rajasthan. The Indian Meteorological Department warns of moderate thunderstorms and rain over various areas in these regions on April 14, including Delhi and its adjoining areas.

Iran notified its neighbours of its retaliatory strikes on Israel 72 hours in advance, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Sunday. "About 72 hours prior to our operations, we informed our friends and neighbours in the region that Iran's response against Israel was certain, legitimate, and irrevocable," Amirabdollahian said at a press conference.

During a public rally in Hoshangabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated the birth anniversary of Constitution maker Babasaheb Ambedkar. In his address, PM Modi highlighted the significance of Mhow, the birthplace of Babasaheb Ambedkar, located nearby. He underscored the importance of honouring Babasaheb's legacy, particularly in contrast to the alleged neglect he faced from the Congress party. PM Modi also drew attention to the naming of BHIM UPI in tribute to Babasaheb Ambedkar, emphasising the government's acknowledgment of his contributions to India's development. "BHIM UPI which you use for digital payments, we've named it after Babasaheb Ambedkar," he said.

Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, Indian airline companies are likely to announce the suspension of flight operations to and from Tel Aviv, Israel. The heightened conflict saw Iran and its proxies launching over 300 projectiles, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, at Israel from various locations such as Yemen, Syria, and Iraq on Saturday night. Following the unfolding situation, an official announcement regarding the suspension of flight operations to and from Israel will be made.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold public rallies in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka today to garner support for the BJP ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In Madhya Pradesh, PM Modi will address a rally in Pipariya town located in the Narmadapuram district, which was formerly known as Hoshangabad. This district falls within the Hoshangabad Lok Sabha constituency. The public gathering in Narmadapuram district is slated to begin around 12:45 pm and will focus on four parliamentary seats in the state: Hoshangabad, Betul, Chhindwara, and Mandla. Moving to Karnataka, a public meeting is scheduled in Mysuru at approximately 5:00 pm, followed by a roadshow Mangaluru.

The BJP today unveiled its manifesto, titled "Sankalp Patra," for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior party leaders. The manifesto emphasises welfare and development initiatives, along with outlining a roadmap for "viksit Bharat" (developed India) as a key component of its election agenda. Notably, the event coincides with the birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar, a prominent leader from the Dalit community and a key architect of the Indian Constitution.

BJP in its manifesto promised to strengthen the social, physical and digital Infrastructure in the country. 'In Bharat, the unprecedented SPEED and SCALE of our work will increase the scope for development like never before,' said PM Modi.

The White House confirmed reports of an airborne attack by Iran on Israel and reaffirmed the United States' unwavering support for Israel's security. Israeli aviation authorities announced the closure of the country's airspace to all flights in anticipation of a potential Iranian drone assault. In response, the US National Security Council's spokesperson, Adrienne Watson, stated that the US stands firmly with the people of Israel and supports their defense against this threat from Iran.

Following Iran's retaliation with drones launched into Israel after the air strike on its embassy in Syria, the UK has deployed additional Royal Air Force jets and air refueling tankers to the region, as confirmed by the country's Ministry of Defence in a statement today.

10:34 PM

Iran risks 'uncontrollable regional escalation', warns G7

Leaders of the G7 nations condemned Iran's attack on Israel and said on Sunday that they would work to try to stabilise the situation in the Middle East.
"With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided," a statement issued by G7 president Italy said after a video conference involving the group's leaders.
9:58 PM

G7 leaders condemn Iran's attack against Israel, reaffirm commitment to Israel's security

G7 leaders condemned Iran's attack against Israel and reaffirmed the Group of Seven's commitment to Israel's security during a meeting on Sunday regarding the development, the White House said in a post on X.
9:51 PM

Lebanese Hezbollah praises Iranian attack on Israel as a 'brave' decision

Lebanese group Hezbollah on Sunday praised Iran's attack on Israel, describing it as a "brave" decision.
 
Iran-backed Hezbollah added in a statement that Iran had exercised its legal rights despite "threats, intimidation and pressure".
9:38 PM

Congress Lok Sabha polls list: Kanhaiya Kumar to contest against Manoj Tiwari in North East Delhi

Political activist Kanhaiya Kumar will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections against BJP MP against Manoj Tiwari from the North East Delhi constituency. The Congress released a fresh list of candidates on Sunday, naming 10 candidates from Punjab, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. 
8:25 PM

Iran's attack on Israel stirs admiration among Gaza Palestinians

Iran's attack on Israel drew applause from many Palestinians in Gaza on Sunday as rare payback for the Israeli offensive on their enclave, although some said they suspected Tehran had staged the assault more for show than to inflict real damage.
8:25 PM

Syria says Iran exercised 'right to self-defence' in attack on Israel

Syria on Sunday said Iran acted in self-defence with a massive overnight attack on Israel that Tehran said was in retaliation for a deadly Israeli strike on Tehran's consulate in Damascus. "Iran's response... is a legitimate right to self-defence" against Israel, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad told his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian by phone, according to a report carried by state news agency SANA.
8:25 PM

Raj Thackeray visits Salman Khan at Galaxy Apartment

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Raj Thackeray arrives at Galaxy Apartment in Mumbai to meet actor Salman Khan
8:25 PM

Today people are getting houses and there is no discrimination, says Praful Patel

On BJP poll manifesto, NCP leader Praful Patel says, "...There is no discrimination, today people are getting houses and there is no discrimination...I don't think that BJP's key policy is against any religion or community."
8:24 PM

SAD(Amritsar) names gangster-turned-activist Lakha Sidhana as candidate from Bathinda LS seat

The Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) on Sunday named gangster-turned-social activist Lakha Sidhana as its candidate from the Bathinda Lok Sabha seat.SAD (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann, who is the sitting MP from Sangrur, made the announcement here. Sidhana, who hails from Sidhana village in Bathinda district, thanked the party leadership for naming as the candidate from the Bathinda seat, currently represented by SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal.
7:38 PM

Rahul Gandhi, T'gana CM have no moral right to comment on BJP manifesto: Kishan Reddy

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy saying that they had no moral right to talk about BJP's manifesto. Addressing a press conference here, Reddy, also Telangana BJP president, said unlike other parties, the party (BJP) delivers what it promises, with a strong resolve."I am asking Rahul Gandhi and Revanth Reddy whether they have any moral right to talk about the Sakalp patra released by the BJP. Before criticising BJP, they will have to review what "guarantees" they promised during the Assembly polls and the status of their implementation in 100 days," Reddy attacked.
7:38 PM

Israel-Iran war LIVE updates: New helpline numbers started by Indian Embassy

Amid escalated tensions in the region, the Indian Embassy in Iran issued additional helpline numbers for the assistance of Indian citizens after Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones on Israel.
 
In a post on social media platform X, the Indian Embassy in Iran wrote, "Embassy of India in Tehran has activated additional helpline numbers. For any assistance, please contact the Embassy at: +989128109115; +989128109109; +989932179567; +989932179359; +98-21-88755103-5; cons.tehran@mea.gov.in"
7:36 PM

"Press lotus symbol so hard that tremors are felt in Italy": Amit Shah in Chhattisgarh

Referring to the multi-crore Mahadev betting app scam, Union Home Minister Amit Shah attacked former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Congress, saying that the country witnessed several scams committed by the Congress but none of them had been named after a god adding that keep the anger of Mahadev betting app in mind and press the lotus (BJP symbol) button with such a force that the tremors are felt till Italy.
7:29 PM

IMD alerts for rain & thunderstorms in North India

IMD has issued a rainfall and thunderstorm alert for Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, MP, and Rajasthan. The Indian Meteorological Department warns of moderate thunderstorms and rain over various areas in these regions on April 14, including Delhi and its adjoining areas.
5:30 PM

Iran says neighbours notified of attacks on Israel 72 hours in advance

Iran notified its neighbours of its retaliatory strikes on Israel 72 hours in advance, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Sunday.
"About 72 hours prior to our operations, we informed our friends and neighbours in the region that Iran's response against Israel was certain, legitimate, and irrevocable," Amirabdollahian said at a press conference.
5:27 PM

Ukraine's Zelenskiy condemns Iranian attack on Israel KYIV

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Sunday condemned Iran's drone and missile attack on Israel, calling for efforts to prevent a further escalation in Middle East conflict.
"Iran's actions threaten the entire region and the world, just as Russia's actions threaten a larger conflict, and the obvious collaboration between the two regimes in spreading terror must face a resolute and united response from the world," he wrote on social media platform X.

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First Published: Apr 14 2024 | 7:58 AM IST

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