PNS Taimur rescues 19 fishermen in Arabian Sea

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a fresh social media campaign aimed at winning over young voters, shifting to a more informal and relatable style on Instagram after recent student-led protests exposed growing frustration over jobs and education. The campaign features selfie-style videos, casual greetings and short clips with popular music, reflecting a departure from the highly polished political messaging traditionally associated with Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The strategy is designed to connect with India’s Generation Z audience, which is expected to play a decisive role in the 2029 general election. The renewed digital push follows nationwide protests by students and job seekers last month after an examination paper leak triggered widespread anger over the country’s education and employment system. The demonstrations eventually led to the resignation of India’s education minister. In response, BJP leaders and government ministries have increased their presence on youth-focused platforms by sharing short videos with minimal editing and a more spontaneous style. Officials believe authentic content is more likely to resonate with younger audiences than carefully scripted political messaging. Political observers say Instagram and similar platforms reward creativity, humour and genuine interaction, making them more challenging environments for traditional political campaigns. They note that recent protests gained significant momentum through viral reels and short videos that amplified public dissatisfaction. Beyond social media, the BJP and its ideological affiliate, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), have also expanded outreach efforts by organising events and discussions targeting students and first-time voters. With more than half of India’s 1.4 billion population under the age of 35, analysts say younger voters are expected to become one of the most influential electoral groups in the next general election.

A devastating missile strike on a primary school in the southern Iranian city of Minab has claimed the lives of 156 people, including 120 children, making it one of the deadliest civilian incidents of the recent conflict involving Iran. The attack took place on February 28 during the opening hours of the military confrontation. The school was operating normally when explosions struck the area, causing large sections of the building to collapse and trapping students and teachers beneath the rubble. According to survivors, children had gathered inside the school for morning prayers because it was the holy month of Ramadan. Shortly after classes began, school authorities decided to dismiss students as reports of nearby explosions emerged. Before many children could leave the premises, another powerful strike directly hit the school building. Teachers who survived the attack described scenes of panic and destruction. They said the explosion threw students and staff across classrooms while thick smoke quickly filled the building, making it difficult to breathe or see. Parts of the school collapsed within seconds, leaving many children trapped. Emergency rescue teams rushed to the scene soon after the explosions. Rescue workers spent hours searching through damaged classrooms and collapsed concrete in an attempt to find survivors. However, many victims had already lost their lives before rescuers arrived. Officials involved in the rescue operation said the destruction was so severe that several victims could only be identified through clothing, shoes, or personal belongings. Families gathered outside the school in desperate search of their children as rescue efforts continued. The tragedy has left the entire community in mourning. Parents and relatives continue visiting the cemetery where many of the students and teachers have been buried. Families say they are still struggling to cope with the loss of children who had simply gone to school for their education. The school was located next to a compound associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Satellite images and independent analysis indicate that military facilities in the neighbouring compound were also struck during the attack. Reports citing officials familiar with the investigation suggest the strike may have resulted from outdated intelligence that mistakenly identified the school area as part of a military target. However, no official conclusion has been released, and investigations into the incident are still ongoing. Iranian authorities insist the school had been operating as a civilian educational institution for years and reject suggestions that it was part of any military facility. They have repeatedly highlighted the attack as evidence of the heavy civilian toll caused by the conflict. The incident has intensified international concern over civilian protection during military operations. Human rights advocates and legal experts have called for a transparent and independent investigation to determine responsibility and examine whether international humanitarian law was violated. The strike has also renewed global debate over the accuracy of military intelligence, the protection of schools in conflict zones, and the need to safeguard civilians during armed confrontations.

The human rights situation in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) came under renewed scrutiny in the House of Lords on Thursday after Lord Qurban Hussain urged the British Government to clarify its position in light of a Genocide Watch report published earlier this year. During the debate, Lord Qurban Hussain said the report warned that the situation in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir had reached a critical stage and alleged that eight of the ten recognised stages associated with genocide had already been reached. He asked how seriously the British Government viewed the report and what action it was taking to help prevent further deterioration. The British peer, who said members of his family live on both sides of the Line of Control, urged the Government to explain its assessment of the report and its approach towards the human rights situation in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Responding for the Government, Lord Collins of Highbury, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), reiterated the UK’s longstanding position on human rights. He said the UK continues to express concern over violence and loss of life and supports full, transparent and impartial investigations into allegations of abuse by Indian police and security forces. He added that the British Government continues to raise human rights issues with India through diplomatic channels. Lord Qurban Hussain’s intervention highlights continuing concern among a number of British parliamentarians over the human rights situation in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, with renewed calls for accountability, respect for fundamental rights and a peaceful resolution of the longstanding dispute.