Veteran singer Asha Bhosle dies at 92

Veteran Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle has passed away at the age of 92 following cardiac and respiratory complications. 

She was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in critical condition on Saturday and was in the ICU before her death.

Her son Anand Bhosle confirmed the news on Sunday, with last rites scheduled for the following day, Hindustan Times wrote.

One of the most iconic voices in Indian music, Asha’s career spanned decades, making her one of the most prolific singers in Hindi cinema. She was often compared to Lata Mangeshkar and carved her own legacy with versatility across genres.

A seven-time Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer winner, she also received two National Film Awards for songs like “Dil Cheez Kya Hai” from Umrao Jaan and “Mera Kuch Saamaan” from Ijaazat.

Born in 1933, she began singing at a young age and rose to prominence in the 1950s, remaining a dominant figure in the music industry for decades in India. Her contributions to Indian music have left an enduring legacy.

"Hundreds of thousands face hunger in Lebanon" WFP

The World Food Programme (WFP) has reported that around 874,000 people in Lebanon were already facing acute food insecurity before the recent escalation of violence, AP reported.

Despite ongoing risks and heavy bombing in southern border villages near Israel, the agency said it continues to deliver humanitarian convoys to affected areas.

According to its statement, the WFP has provided emergency food assistance to more than 440,000 people since March 2.

Melania Trump denies ties to Jeffrey Epstein and urges hearing for survivors

First Lady Melania Trump has denied connections to Jeffrey Epstein, telling reporters at the White House that any claims linking the two "need to end today". 

In a surprise announcement on Thursday, the first lady called for congressional hearings for survivors of Epstein's sex trafficking, BBC reported. 

She also denied online rumours that Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump, calling them "mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation". 

 

 

UK's Starmer says Iran conflict shows Britain must take a new path

Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday said the Iran war must become a turning point for Britain after two decades of crises, and he promised to strengthen the country's economy and military to cope with a more "volatile and dangerous" world, Reuters reported. 

On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire in the six-week-old Iran conflict, but there is no sign yet of Tehran lifting its near-total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has caused the worst disruption to energy supplies in history.

Starmer said the crisis, which has already pushed up fuel prices in Britain and is expected to drive further inflation and economic disruption, had to become "a line in the sand" for the country.