In Khamenei's Will, He Didn't Want Son To Be Iran's Supreme Leader: Report

Few people wanted Mojtaba Khamenei to become Iran's next supreme leader, not US President Donald Trump, and not even his own father.

The late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in airstrikes on February 28th, had made clear in his will that he did not want his son to succeed him, according to a report by the New York Post. However, the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) ultimately pushed Mojtaba into the position anyway.

According to experts, the elder Khamenei had serious reservations about his son's suitability for the role.

"In Khamenei's will, he explicitly asked Mojtaba not to be named as successor," said Khosro Isfahani, research director at the opposition group National Union for Democracy, which has ties to Iranian intelligence networks.

Read | When A Young Mojtaba Khamenei Was Witness To Father's Assault

Isfahani said the late leader believed Mojtaba lacked the experience and political stature needed to run the country.

"Mojtaba is an impotent young cleric who has achieved nothing in terms of political life," Isfahani said.

"All these years, he has been nothing without his father's name," he added.

Iran's leadership succession is typically determined by the Assembly of Experts, the clerical body responsible for selecting the supreme leader. But according to Isfahani, Mojtaba's appointment did not follow the normal process.

Instead, he said the IRGC pressured the Assembly while it was deliberating last week and ultimately forced the decision.

Read | Why US Sanctioned Iran's New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei In 2019

Isfahani, citing sources inside Iran, said Mojtaba did not even secure a majority of votes from the council. The pressure from the IRGC reportedly led several clerics to boycott the session where the successor was formally announced.

"The Assembly of Experts that was supposed to pick the replacement of Khamenei didn't vote for Mojtaba," Isfahani said.

"There was a lot of pushback against him, but under pressure from the IRGC, he was named as the successor."

According to Isfahani, the powerful military force sees Mojtaba as someone they can easily control.

"They see him as a puppet - a blank canvas that they can paint anything on," he said.

Trump On Mojtaba Khamenei

Trump said that Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei will not be able to "live in peace". He has expressed strong disapproval after Iran elected the second son of Ali Khamenei as the new leader.

Prior to Mojtaba Khamenei's appointment, Trump insisted that the US should have a say in selecting the next leader for Iran, similar to past US involvement in Venezuela.

In an interview with Axios, Trump said that Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of late Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, succeeding his father as the new head of the Islamic republic is "unacceptable" and that he wants someone who would "bring harmony and peace to Iran".

Read | "I Don't Believe He Can Live In Peace": Trump's Warning For Mojtaba Khamenei

Trump said that making someone a leader who would continue Khamenei's policies would force the US to be back to war "in five years".

On Sunday, Trump told ABC News, "He's going to have to get approval from us. If he doesn't get approval from us, he's not going to last long."

Mojtaba, 56, had never held an official government position before his appointment. Much of his influence came from operating behind the scenes within his father's inner circle as the Islamic Republic tightened its conservative grip on power.

Leaked US diplomatic cables from the 2000s described him as "the power behind the robes". Around the same time, he was accused of helping manipulate Iran's presidential elections to ensure victories for regime loyalists.

Meanwhile, Israel's military has previously warned that any Iranian leader who continues Tehran's campaign of terrorism would be considered an "unequivocal target for elimination".

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Gurugram Techie Reveals Rs 89,500 Monthly Expense Breakdown, Internet Reacts

The internet is filled with videos of professionals sharing details about their salaries, monthly expenses, and savings. Such posts often go viral because they offer a rare glimpse into the financial lives of working individuals. From tech employees and consultants to freelancers and entrepreneurs, many people are increasingly opening up about how much they earn and how they manage their money. These videos spark curiosity among viewers and trigger discussions about the cost of living, personal finance, and whether certain salaries are enough to sustain a comfortable life in major cities.

Recently, a software engineer and digital creator garnered attention after sharing a detailed breakdown of her Rs 89,500 monthly expenses while living in Gurugram. Her monthly budget is heavily weighted toward financial future-proofing, with the majority of her income going toward investments rather than daily living costs. 

The video begins with Nikkita Yadav introducing the topic and explaining that she will walk viewers through her monthly spending while living in Gurugram, often called India's Millennium City. She lists her key expenses, including Rs 16,000 for rent and electricity, Rs 3,000 for groceries, and around Rs 1,500 for transportation. She also sets aside Rs 5,000 for skincare and shopping, along with Rs 4,000 for leisure activities such as watching movies and dining out.

The largest share of her income, however, goes toward financial commitments and investments, which together amount to Rs 60,000. She spends that amount on EMIs and systematic investment plans (SIPs). With these commitments included, her total monthly expenditure comes to about Rs 89,500, offering viewers insight into the spending and saving habits of a young professional working in the tech industry.

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This breakdown has sparked online discussion, particularly as it contrasts with other recent viral posts from techies whose "regular" lifestyle expenses often exceed Rs 1.4 lakh due to higher rent and frequent socialising. 

One person was surprised by her low travel costs and asked how her spending on transportation was so minimal, noting that services like Uber and Ola are usually the main options for commuting. In reply, Yadav explained that her office provides a cab service, which she uses for most of her work travel. She also mentioned that she only has to go to the office about 10 days a month, so most of her transport spending happens during outings outside work.

Another viewer congratulated her on her progress and asked about her cost-to-company (CTC) and work experience. Yadav said she could not publicly reveal her exact salary but shared that it is more than Rs 15 lakh per annum, with 2.9 years of work experience. 

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Fuel Prices Up, Salaries Cut: Energy Shock To Pakistan Amid Iran War

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced a sweeping austerity and energy-saving plan, saying the steps were necessary as the country confronts a global fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Pakistan, like several other economies, is facing fuel supply disruptions following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global energy supplies.

The disruption began after Iran retaliated against US bases in the Middle East following joint strikes by the United States and Israel, complicating oil shipments across the region.

Amid tightening supplies, Pakistan increased petrol and diesel prices by 20 per cent and rolled out nationwide austerity measures aimed at cutting fuel consumption and government spending.

Region "In A State Of War"

In a televised address to the nation, Sharif said the wider region had been engulfed in conflict and stressed that Pakistan was working through diplomatic channels to help ease tensions.

"The entire region is currently in a state of war," the PM said, adding that Pakistan was making every effort through diplomatic channels to help resolve the situation.

Sharif also condemned the attacks on Iran that resulted in the killing of Ali Khamenei, while also criticising retaliatory strikes targeting friendly Gulf countries.

Oil Prices Surge

Sharif said global energy markets had already reacted sharply to the conflict.

"The price of crude oil in the international market has suddenly jumped from around $60 to more than $100 per barrel," he said, adding that Pakistan's daily economic activity depended heavily on oil and gas imports from Gulf countries.

He said the government had been forced to take difficult economic and administrative decisions to manage the situation.

"We have taken difficult decisions to reduce the energy crisis and stabilise the economy despite challenging circumstances," he said.

Sharif acknowledged that the recent fuel price increase was a painful decision.

"The increase in petroleum prices was a difficult decision taken with a heavy heart," he said.

"My mind told me that there was no option but to increase fuel prices, while my heart worried that it could place a burden on the poor," he added.

He warned that prices could rise further as the global crisis continues but assured the public that the government would try to limit the burden.

"I assure the nation that we will make every possible effort to ensure that the burden on the public is kept to a minimum," he said.

Government Announces Austerity Measures

Sharif said both federal and provincial governments had agreed to implement austerity and simplicity measures to conserve energy and reduce expenditure.

Under the new plan, fuel allocations for vehicles used by government departments will be cut by half for two months.

"For the next two months, the fuel provided to vehicles of government departments will be reduced by 50%," he said.

The prime minister added that 60 per cent of vehicles across government departments would remain off the roads during the same period.

Members of the federal cabinet, advisers and special assistants will not draw salaries for two months, while members of parliament will face a 25 per cent pay cut.

"All government departments will reduce their expenditures by 20%," he said.

Travel Ban And Work-From-Home Policy

Sharif also announced a ban on foreign travel by ministers, advisers, special assistants and government officials unless the visit is deemed essential.

"Only extremely necessary visits for national interest will be allowed," he said, adding that teleconferencing and online meetings would be prioritised.

The austerity measures also include a deduction of two days' salary from Grade-20 and above officers earning more than 300,000 Pakistani rupees per month.

The government will also impose a complete ban on official dinners and iftar parties, while seminars and official events will be held only at government venues to reduce costs.

Sharif said 50 per cent of staff in both the public and private sectors would work from home, except for essential services.

Government offices will operate four days a week, though the policy will not apply to banks.

Schools across the country will also be closed for two weeks starting at the end of the current week as part of the energy conservation drive.

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First-Time Father Holding Newborn Melts Hearts, Video Hits 207 Million Views

A heartwarming video of a first-time father's nervous and emotional reaction to holding his newborn has captivated millions after being shared by Dr. Suganya Saravanakumar on Instagram. The clip, filmed at Sugan Multispecialty Hospital in Chennai, shows the doctor gently guiding the trembling father as he experiences a mix of awe, fear, and joy. In the video, the father's hands are visibly shaking as he prepares to touch the infant. He appears stiff and unsure, prompting the doctor to calmly coach him on how to position his hands safely.

"The strongest person has trembling hands to hold the tiny joy. Moments are lived. Memories are cherished every day, every minute, every second; the new joy joins the family," the video was captioned on Instagram.

Watch the video here:

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Shared on March 7, the video has already garnered over 207 million views and 9.9 million likes on Instagram. Netizens have praised the doctor's patience and the father's raw, authentic vulnerability, with many commenting that it perfectly captures the "real father's fear" of holding something so precious and fragile. 

One user wrote, "The weight on his shoulders, he felt like lifting a whole world." Another commented, "The purest form of love, fear of hurting unknowingly, to stay away to keep it protected."

A third said, "He must have lifted so much weight in the gym, but he is scared of holding his baby." Think how sensitive and caring a man can be when he loves someone.

"Those whose first baby is a girl can truly understand this feeling," a fourth stated, while a fifth appreciated the doctor saying, "Such a beautiful moment." I love the way you comfort him."

"The way he was getting scared to hold the baby for the first time and then held his breath while carrying the baby very carefully so that the baby doesn't wake up. Best moment ever," added a sixth. 

Tips for New Fathers Holding a Newborn

• Support the head: Always support the baby's head and neck, as their muscles are still weak.
• Keep the baby close: Holding the infant firmly against your chest makes them feel secure and safe.
• Move slowly: Avoid any sudden or jerky movements. Moving with quiet confidence helps both you and the baby stay calm.
• Involvement: Bonding often takes time. Starting with daily care activities like bathing or skin-to-skin contact from day one can help build your confidence. 

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IPL 2026: Starting Date Announced By BCCI - Everything You Need To Know

The upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season will officially kick off on March 28, broadcaster Star Sports confirmed on Sunday. The official announcement came ahead of the India vs New Zealand ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. It is to be noted that the fixtures of the IPL 2026 edition are yet to be announced by the IPL. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the defending champions. The Bengaluru-based franchise defeated Punjab Kings in the 2025 edition summit clash by six runs in Ahmedabad.

Earlier this month, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Secretary, Santosh Menon, confirmed that the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will host five of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 home games. He also confirmed that the venue will host the IPL 2026 final, along with one of the play-off matches in the tournament.

Notably, RCB's remaining two home matches of their IPL 2026 campaign will be held at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

RCB, in a statement on Tuesday, said, "RCB extends its sincere gratitude to the Government of Karnataka, the Karnataka State Cricket Association and the Karnataka Police for their unwavering guidance, cooperation and support in facilitating the hosting of matches in Bengaluru. The collective efforts to ramp up infrastructure and safety measures in time for the IPL season have ensured that the defending champions will play the majority of their home games in their home ground," a statement stated.

Rajesh Menon, CEO, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, said, "The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is more than just our home ground; it is where our identity as a team truly comes alive. The energy our fans bring to Bengaluru has always been a driving force for our players, inspiring them through every phase of the game. Our fans have stood by us unconditionally, and they deserve the opportunity to watch their team compete at home."

"After detailed discussions and completing the necessary due process around permissions, we are pleased to confirm that RCB will play five matches in Bengaluru. We sincerely thank the Government of Karnataka, the KSCA, and the Karnataka Police for their support in making this possible," Menon said.

Cricket at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium has been suspended since June last year after 11 people died and several were injured in a stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL 2025 title celebration.

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Hungary Seizes Millions In Cash And Gold From Ukrainian Convoy, Seven Detained

A diplomatic dispute between Hungary and Ukraine has intensified after Hungarian authorities seized armoured bank vehicles carrying large quantities of cash and gold reportedly linked to a Ukrainian state bank.

Officials in Hungary said the convoy was transporting $40 million and 35 million Euro in cash along with about 9 kilograms of gold when it was stopped by customs authorities. Seven Ukrainian citizens travelling with the vehicles were detained.

Hungary's National Tax and Customs Administration said it had opened a money-laundering investigation into the shipment. Authorities also claimed that one of the detainees was a former general from Ukraine's intelligence services, raising further suspicions about the origins of the funds.

However, Ukraine rejected the accusations. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Budapest of "taking hostages and stealing money." Ukraine's state savings bank, Oschadbank, said the convoy was on a routine transfer of cash and gold between Austria and Ukraine, carried out by road due to restrictions on air travel during the war.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's political director, Balazs Orban, questioned the legitimacy of the shipment. In a post on social media, he said armoured vehicles carrying large quantities of cash and gold across Hungary was not typical of normal financial transactions.

The incident comes amid wider tensions between the two countries over energy supplies and Hungary's opposition to additional European Union support for Ukraine. Recently, Orban blocked new EU sanctions against Russia and vetoed a proposed 90 billion Euro loan package for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also sparked controversy after warning that one EU leader should not obstruct the financial package, remarks that were widely interpreted in Hungary as directed at Orban.

Hungarian officials later said the detained Ukrainians would be expelled from the country, though it remains unclear what will happen to the seized money and gold.

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Quinton De Kock Blasts ICC Over Travel 'Bias' After Delays In Departure

Following disruption in commercial air travel due to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, three teams - England, South Africa and West Indies - are yet to depart India. A report by news agency PTI said the three sides are set to depart over the weekend on chartered flights arranged by the ICC. A source told PTI that England, who went down to India in the second semifinal on Thursday, are expected to leave from Mumbai on Saturday evening on a direct flight to London.

West Indies and South Africa are the other two teams still in the country despite their campaigns having ended. While the Windies were knocked out of the T20 World Cup after India defeated them by five wickets at the Eden Gardens on Sunday, South Africa's campaign ended after their defeat to New Zealand here in the first semifinal on Wednesday. Both South Africa and West Indies will travel together from Kolkata on another charter flight.

The two sides are likely to fly first to Johannesburg before the West Indies contingent continues onward to Antigua.

The exact departure time is yet to be confirmed, but the flight is expected to leave on Sunday.

South Africa star Quinton de Kock is, however, amused that England were departing before them, despite being knocked out earlier.

"Funny @icc, we have heard nothing! Meanwhile, England are leaving before us somehow? @westindies and @proteasmencsa are just in the dark! Strange how different teams have more pull than others," wrote Quinton de Kock on Instagram Stories.

A section of the South African group, including members of the team management along with players Keshav Maharaj, Jason Smith and George Linde, will head to New Zealand on Sunday for a limited-overs tour beginning on March 15.

Cricket West Indies had on Thursday confirmed that arrangements were being made for a charter flight to take the team back home after they remained stuck in the city for more than four days due to international airspace restrictions in the Gulf region.

"During a high-level call earlier today involving CWI, ICC officials, a representative of team management, and a representative of the players, it was confirmed that a charter flight is currently being arranged for the team's departure from India, with the expected departure scheduled within the next 24 hours," CWI had said in a statement.

"The departure time remains subject to final air traffic approvals. The team remains safe and well as arrangements continue to be finalised," the governing body added.

The CWI said it had been in constant touch with the players, team management and the International Cricket Council while working on travel arrangements.

"While the situation remains complex and fluid due to international airspace restrictions arising from security concerns in the Gulf region, CWI assures the public that every precaution is being taken to ensure the safe return of the team to the Caribbean," the board said.

The development came hours after West Indies head coach Daren Sammy voiced his frustration over the delay on social media in a post saying he "just wanna go home".

Following the update, he posted: "Got an update. That's all WI wanted."

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Abhishek Sent Brutal 'Headless Batting' Message After Flop Show vs England

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed concern regarding batter Abhishek Sharma's recent form following India's T20 World Cup semi-final against England. Abhishek made just nine runs off seven balls before losing his wicket to Will Jacks in the second over. This latest performance extended a difficult run for the 25-year-old left-hander, who has managed scores of 0, 0, 0, 15, 55, 10, and 9 - a total of 89 runs at an average of 12.71. Speaking on his YouTube channel, "Ash Ki Baat," Ashwin said that while he doesn't want Abhishek to be dropped for the final, he wants the team management to instill sense into him on how to play according to the situation.

"Abhishek Sharma has that factor. In the series against New Zealand, he was in top form. He has batted well against Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry in the past. So I wouldn't be too fussed about Abhishek. But I would like to have a conversation with him. I would tell him, 'Listen, there's a plan against you.' So don't try hard to hit the ball," said Ashwin.

Speaking on Abhishek's dismissal against England, Ashwin noted that there was no need for him to go after Jacks, especially after having already hit him for two boundaries earlier in the over. Ashwin argued that he should have instead taken a single to rotate the strike to the in-form Sanju Samson.

"In the semi-final against England, I think it was headless batting from him. I am a big fan of his gameplay. He scored eight runs against Jacks, but he intended to score 30 runs against him. Sometimes, you have to leave the ball. Sanju Samson is going so well at the other end, so you just need to take the single and get to the other end. You will get your tee time," he added.

The veteran all-rounder also urged head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav not to put undue pressure on Abhishek.

"Abhishek is a damn good talent, but I just want to know what sort of conversations are being had with him. Is he coming under too much pressure? If you give him more pressure, then he will look to hit the ball harder. He is a fluent player who relies on timing. You have to keep him in good space, and I will continue with him," Ashwin noted.

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'No Deal With Iran Except Unconditional Surrender': Trump

US President Donald Trump on Friday demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender" as the only acceptable outcome to end hostilities, while promising to help rebuild the country's economy if Tehran complied and installed new leadership.

"There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

The post came as Israel bombarded regime targets in Tehran and Hezbollah positions in Beirut, and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said US strikes against Iran were "about to surge dramatically."

Trump said that following any capitulation by the Islamic Republic, the United States and its allies would work to bring Iran "back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before."

This would be contingent on the installation of what he called "a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s)."

He closed with a new slogan — "MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!)" — a riff on his "Make America Great Again" political brand.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Mohammad Amir Predicts India's Defeat Against England. Gives Big Reason

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir did not hesitate to make another bold prediction about India's T20 World Cup campaign, despite seeing his earlier semi-final calls fall flat. Amir, who had backed West Indies to beat India in the Super 8 match, has now given England the upper hand against Suryakumar Yadav's men in the semi-final on Thursday. Sharing his analysis of India's performances so far, Amir feels the team has not been able to deliver as a unit. Hence, he believes England are likely to get the better of them in the semi-final.

The two teams will face off at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, a venue expected to produce a high-scoring contest. Amir feels England will have a greater chance of winning if they bat second.

"It's a match on a good wicket. Like Rashid Bhai said, if England bat second, there will be more chances. Because it's a high-scoring game in Mumbai," the former Pakistan pacer said on the Haarna Mana Hai show.

Mohammad Amir said, "India are relying on just one or two players. Most of their batting is out of form. Right now, only a one or two players are carrying the team. When you depend on one or two players, you can't dominate, that's why England are favourites against India." pic.twitter.com/obJEjPWYAq

— Salman. (@TsMeSalman) March 5, 2026

With the likes of Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson performing only in isolated instances, Amir does not feel the Indian team is ready to sail into the final yet. The form of Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav is also a concern for the veteran left-arm pacer.

"But if you talk about India, only one or two of their batters are performing. That batter often takes it all the way, but only one or two are able to perform. If you look at their overall batting, it is not in form.

"Ishan Kishan only performed against us. Abhishek Sharma is out of form. Tilak Verma did not make an impact. Suryakumar Yadav has done nothing since he came into the Super 8s. Sanju has done it. Bumrah is doing it," he said.

"You cannot be sure that this team will dominate. I think England will be the favourites," Amir concluded.

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Nagpur Woman Pours Hot Water On Grandson, 4, For Spraying Colour On Her

Enraged over her four-year-old grandson spraying paint on her while playing, his grandmother allegedly poured boiling water on the child, resulting in scalding injuries, in Koradi area of Nagpur district, police said on Wednesday.

The incident, which occurred on March 3 in Ward No. 2 of the Aramshin area, was captured on a CCTV camera.

According to police, Om Harish Wange (4) was playing outside his house with a spray bottle filled with paint.

He accidentally sprayed paint on his grandmother, Sindhu Thackeray, who was filling a bucket with water heated on Holi wood. Enraged, she allegedly poured the boiling water on the boy," a police official said.

Om suffered severe burns below the waist and was admitted to a private hospital in Nagpur. Doctors estimate 45 per cent burns.

Police have initiated the process to register an offence against the woman. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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