Here are the top 5 news of the day:

Power shift? Iran military takes control of state functions, sidelines president Pezeshkian – report

The IRGC has reportedly assumed control over key state functions in Iran, blocking presidential appointments and decisions while tightening its grip on the country’s core centres of power, as cited by Iran International.The move has effectively sidelined the government and pushed President Masoud Pezeshkian into a “complete political deadlock”, amid rising tensions between his administration and Iran’s military leadership. Read full story

‘Double-ghulami govt’: Priyanka Gandhi calls PM ‘slave’ of US, Assam CM Himanta that of Modi

Congress leader Priyanka Vadra on Wednesday took a swipe on the BJP-led central and state government in Assam, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of running a “government of double-slavery.” Addressing a rally in Nazira, Priyanka targeted the BJP’s central campaign pitch, saying it had failed to deliver on its promises. Read full story

US to exit Nato? Trump slams alliance as ‘paper tiger’ as bloc dithers on joining Iran war

US president Donald Trump said on Wednesday he is strongly considering pulling the United States out of Nato, calling the transatlantic alliance a “paper tiger” amid growing differences with European partners over the ongoing Iran conflict. In an interview with The Telegraph, Trump said leaving Nato was now “beyond reconsideration,” adding, “I was never swayed by Nato. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and Putin knows that too, by the way.” Read full story

OTP can’t secure payments: RBI rolls out stricter digital payment rules from April 1 – what is changing

With the beginning of the new financial year, India’s digital payments landscape is poised for a major security overhaul as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) rolls out stricter authentication norms from April 1. The move comes in response to rising transaction volumes and increasing fraud risks. RBI aims to strengthen the country’s payment ecosystem with more robust and adaptive safeguards. Read full story

‘Ponting once again proved right’: Ashwin on Punjab Kings’ bold call vs Gujarat Titans

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin heaped praise on Ricky Ponting for a decisive team selection call after Punjab Kings edged past Gujarat Titans in a tense IPL 2026 clash, stating that the legendary Australian “once again proved right.” Punjab secured a narrow three-wicket win, but it was the impact of lesser-expected contributors that caught Ashwin’s attention. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin admitted he had initially questioned the decision to include Xavier Bartlett over Azmatullah Omarzai. Read full story