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Ali Larijani Family: Amid mass deaths in Israel, everything hinges on Iran’s security chief’s wife, children and net worth

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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that an attack killed Iran’s security chief, Ali Larijani, “one of the most senior and senior figures in the Iranian regime’s leadership.”

While Iran has yet to confirm Ali Larijani’s death; curiosity is growing about his family and wealth. (Reuters archives)
While Iran has yet to confirm Ali Larijani’s death; curiosity is growing about his family and wealth. (Reuters archives)

According to the Israel Defense Forces, after the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Larijani “served as the leader of the Iranian regime,” taking the lead against Israel and neighboring countries.

Additionally, the Israeli military has linked Larijani to the crackdown on anti-establishment demonstrators in Iran, saying he “advanced” violent law enforcement tactics and crackdowns.

Iran has so far not confirmed Larijani’s death, with state media publishing a photo of a handwritten note purportedly signed by him that was also shared on his social media account.

The announcement of his death peaked global curiosity about not only his political power but also his wife, children and net worth. this is what we know Ali Larijani.

Also read: Is Ali Larijani still alive? Senior Iranian official’s X post sparks new speculation over Israeli death claim

Where was Larijani last seen?

Last Friday, Larijani It can be seen on Tehran’s bustling streets during the annual Quds Day rallies. He was appointed secretary of the Supreme National Security Council in August following the joint US-Iranian attack on Iran in June 2025. On Monday, he issued a statement aimed at Muslims around the world, urging them to support Iran’s struggle and asking Gulf leaders to justify their continued permission to allow the United States to establish military bases in their countries used to launch attacks against Iran.

Ali Larijani’s early life, family and political career

Ali Larijani was born in Najaf, Iraq, on September 3, 1958. His father was Grand Ayatollah Mirza Hashem Amoli, and he grew up in a prominent clergy family. The family moved to Iran after the 1979 revolution, which brought him into Qom’s religious circles.

He received a degree in Mathematics from Alia Meir University and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Tehran. His early career included serving as editor of the Tehran Times and as deputy culture minister during the administration of President Rafsanjani.

The Larijani brothers — Ali, Sadiq (former justice minister) and others — hold significant control in Iran. The five brothers hold important positions and have established “spheres of influence” in the judicial, legislative, security and other departments.

Before the war broke out, Larijani also played an important diplomatic role alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in trying to persuade Gulf states to avoid launching attacks on Iran. In addition, he also traveled to Muscat, the capital of Oman, to meet with mediators involved in the discussions.

Larijani issued a resolute statement after US and Israeli attacks killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warning Iran would ensure its opponents “regret” their actions and vowing to retaliate forcefully.

As chief nuclear negotiator, he played a major role in shaping Iran’s discussions with global powers and later supported the 2015 nuclear deal.

Although he is often seen as a pragmatist within the political framework, his stance has become more rigid in recent months as tensions with Israel and the United States escalate and diplomatic initiatives fail.

The United States has announced a reward of up to $10m (£7.5m) for information about senior Iranian military and intelligence officials, including Larijani, who is part of a list of 10 people linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

According to the Guardian, if Larijani’s death is confirmed, the total number of senior Iranian officials killed by Israel since the outbreak of the current conflict will increase to ten.

Among them were five other senior military leaders, including Ali Shamkhani, who served as a close adviser to the supreme leader.

Ali Larijani’s wife and children

At age 20, he married Farideh Motahari, the daughter of Morteza Motahari, a trusted associate of Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, Al Jazeera reported.

Although his family had a very conservative religious background, his children followed different paths. His daughter Fatemeh graduated from the University of Tehran in medicine and continued her studies at Cleveland State University in Ohio, USA.

Larijani and Farijani have four children: two sons, Moteza and Mohammad Reza, and two daughters, Fatmeh Ardashir Larijani and Sara.

The two sons keep a low profile in Iran and may be involved in business or religious activities. By contrast, the daughters are in the spotlight – Fatmeh has attracted attention for her career in the United States, while Sarah has been less in the public eye.

Follow Daughter: Fatemeh Ardashir Larijani

Fatemeh was a cancer specialist who trained at University Hospitals in Cleveland and worked at Emory University Winship Cancer Institute in Atlanta before he was fired in January 2026.

She has been targeted by Iranian-American protests amid a crackdown in Iran, with U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter calling for her to be deported over her father’s role. After her firing, her biography was removed from Emory University’s website.

The petition, which has gathered more than 41,000 signatures, urges President Trump to revoke her medical license due to her family’s ties to violence. Fatmeh’s husband is an American who works in clinical consulting.

What is Ali Larijani’s net worth?

Ali Larijani’s net worth remains undisclosed to the public due to a lack of credible financial transparency.

Analysts and political observers reportedly estimate his wealth to be between $1 million and $5 million. However, these are unverified estimates.

India condemns Pakistan at UN for ‘fabricated’ Islamophobic rhetoric, points to Ahmadi crackdown and Afghanistan bombings

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印度在联合国谴责巴基斯坦“捏造”仇视伊斯兰教的言论,指出艾哈迈迪派镇压和阿富汗爆炸事件

India condemns Pakistan at UN for ‘fabricated’ Islamophobic rhetoric, points to Ahmadi crackdown and Afghanistan bombings

India on Monday strongly condemned Pakistan at the United Nations, saying it habitually “fabricated” Islamophobic rhetoric against its neighbor, while questioning Islamabad’s own record on its treatment of minorities during Ramzan and its actions against Afghanistan.Addressing the United Nations General Assembly to mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Parvatarani Harish issued a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation while urging the United Nations to avoid formulating a framework that focuses only on one faith rather than addressing all forms of religious discrimination.

‘India’s Western neighbors’ spin Islamophobic narratives

“India’s western neighbors are a perfect example of imaginative stories of Islamophobia being created in their neighbourhoods,” Harish said.In a stinging attack, he added: “One wonders what will be called the brutal crackdown on Ahmadiyya in this country, or the massive deportation of helpless Afghans or the airstrikes during this holy month of Ramadan?”Harish’s response comes against the backdrop of Pakistan’s repeated attempts to level accusations against India in multilateral forums under the banner of Islamophobia.He also said the OIC “is systematically attempted by our Western neighbors to weaponize it against India” and has repeatedly made “false and baseless accusations” against the country.

India warns against weaponizing religion at UN

Harish stressed that the United Nations must take note of “the growing trend and danger of state and non-state actors weaponizing and exploiting religious identities to serve narrow political ends.”He warned that politicizing religion would not resolve grievances but risk legitimizing “selective, polarizing narratives” that would deepen divisions, the Press Trust of India news agency reported.“The United Nations is considered an institution that transcends religion, culture and politics. Its credibility depends on universality and impartiality,” he said.He further urges “to be wary of frameworks that focus solely on one faith without addressing all manifestations of broader religious phobia.”India also stressed that the 1981 Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief remains a balanced and durable instrument as it protects followers of all faiths without privileging any one religion.

India highlights its Muslim population, Kashmiri representation

Emphasizing the diverse character of India, Harish said that India has more than 200 million Muslims and is one of the countries with the largest Muslim population in the world.He said Muslims in India, including those in Jammu and Kashmir, elect their own representatives to speak for them.“The only ‘phobia’ evident here seems to be against multiculturalism and peaceful coexistence enjoyed by all communities in India, including the Muslim community,” he said.He added that such claims were contrary to India’s “fundamental ethos” and instead reflected “the sectarian and terrorist mentality that has existed in this country since its inception.”

Afghan reference adds sharp edges

Harish’s reference to “air strikes in this holy month of Ramadan” comes amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.Afghanistan claimed that an airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul late Monday killed about 400 people and injured about 250 others, with a Taliban spokesman blaming Pakistan. However, Pakistani media Sama quoted security sources as denying the allegation and calling the suggestion that the drug treatment hospital was attacked “ridiculous.”Pakistani authorities insisted the attacks targeted Taliban-linked military infrastructure in Kabul and Nangarhar and caused “no collateral damage.”

AB de Villiers tells MS Dhoni ‘hit higher or will drop out of CSK team’

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IPL 2026: AB de Villiers tells MS Dhoni 'hit higher or will be out of CSK squad'

Former South Africa batsman AB de Villiers said MS Dhoni should be offered higher in the batting order for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming IPL, adding that his current lower position does not maximize his impact.Dhoni, 44, will play for CSK when the season begins on March 28. De Villiers said Dhoni’s recent tendency to bat at No. 8 or 9 has limited his impact.Talking about Dhoni’s role in CSK, De Villiers said: “It’s very tricky and not simple. Brands are built over the years and CSK built the empire with the image of MS Dhoni that has always been there. When you mention CSK, you immediately think of Dhoni.”“I feel like his role over the last few years has been purely to keep the brand as strong as possible. That’s why I don’t think he’s going to bat at eight or nine like he did last season and not do enough,” de Villiers said, according to news agency PTI.“We know his batting is impactful, but if he’s batting that low and not being captain, it feels like he’s almost just filling a spot for the wrong reasons. There’s still a place for him but he needs to bat higher, at least six and sometimes maybe five or four.” The former South Africa captain said that Dhoni should make way if he bats below number six. “I do think Rutaraj and Sanju are the perfect players to take over from MS (Dhoni). My only question is where does MS fit in, if he can’t make that big of an impact sometimes at No. 4, 5, 6, then would rather be left out of the lineup,” de Villiers said, adding, “Let someone else, maybe bowl and bat and have a bigger impact in the game.” De Villiers also said, “It’s a tricky situation but Sanju Samson is the right person to take over and the credit goes to Dhoni because he has been waiting for the right person. If MS comes on, I hope he can take more pressure and be the one to handle those big moments.”As part of their future plans, CSK traded Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

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Fact Check: Was IShowSpeed ​​invited to Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez’s wedding and planning to livestream it? The truth comes out

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Fact Check: Was IShowSpeed ​​invited to Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez's wedding and planning to livestream it? The truth comes out
A viral post claims that IShowSpeed ​​has been invited to the wedding of Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez and will be broadcasting it live. The offer went viral but lacked any official confirmation. The statement comes from a meme account using an old image. In fact, the couple plans to hold a private ceremony after the 2026 World Cup, which Speed ​​mentioned earlier as a joke.

Rumors spread fast and loud. A viral post claims a popular streamer has been invited to one of football’s most anticipated weddings and will even be broadcasting it live. The quote sparked off the buzz: “🚨 IShowSpeed ​​has confirmed he has been invited to participate cristiano ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez’s wedding, which will be broadcast live. ” It sounds believable at first glance. Big shot. Bigger hype. But this story simply doesn’t hold up. It has not yet been confirmed by anyone involved. There is no official statement. There are no reliable sources. Instead, what exists are familiar patterns from the social media age, with looped jokes and edited visuals dressed up as breaking news. This time, millions of people were caught off guard.

IShowSpeed ​​The truth behind wedding-attendance viral sensation ronaldowedding

This statement is false. It comes from a football meme account that is known for making fun of things rather than reporting on them. The photos in the post are old and not relevant to any upcoming ceremony. They are put back together in a way that is a believable but false story.Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez are actually engaged; they got engaged in August 2025. The viral post made their plans appear more public than they actually were.The couple plans to hold a private ceremony in Portugal after the 2026 World Cup. Ceremonies should be private, carefully planned, and free from the noise of constant media attention.IShowSpeed’s connection to this story comes from an interesting moment that happened a few months ago. During a live broadcast in November 2025, he jokingly asked for an invitation. The moment is funny rather than prophetic. There has been no news since he did not receive an invitation.The episode draws attention to a growing problem in digital culture. The lines between news and entertainment are becoming increasingly blurred. The key to viral posts is speed, not accuracy. Fans often share the content before viewing it, which helps such claims spread quickly.Readers can easily understand the main points. Stop and think before you believe. Look at the source code. If a story looks like this, it’s usually too perfect or too dramatic. There is no live broadcast, no confirmed guest list, and no public events planned for it. There’s a private party coming up that’s far beyond the imagination of the internet.

IPL 2026: KL Rahul to lead Delhi Capitals’ attack from the top

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IPL 2026: KL Rahul to lead Delhi Capitals' attack from the top
Delhi Capitals’ KL Rahul celebrates his half-century during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 T20 cricket match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Karnataka. (PTI file photo)

New Delhi: KL Rahul is ready to opener for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The 33-year-old will also don the gloves for the Delhi-based franchise. The veteran batsman was initially ranked in the middle order last season, but poor returns from big-name buyer Jack Fraser McGurk forced the brain trust to elevate him to the top in search of a more consistent opening.Rahul batted at No. 4 for most of last season, a position that was settled before the start of the season but underwent a course correction after 11 league games. The change of position paid immediate dividends as Rahul smashed an unbeaten 65-ball 112 against the Gujarat Titans. However, it failed as the Shubman Gill-led team overhauled the 200-run target with 10 wickets and a ball to spare.Rahul was the leading scorer for Delhi Capitals last year, scoring 539 points in 13 games. Rahul’s strike rate of 149.72 is his best since 2018. Delhi Capitals have already started preparations for the next season and several preparatory camps involving Indian players have been held in Delhi and Hyderabad. The coaching staff, led by head coach Hemang Badani and director of cricket Venugopal Rao, has turned its focus to the IPL after fulfilling its commitment to The Hundred. The role will become clearer when captain Axar Patel is contacted by the team.Delhi Capitals made some smart purchases in the auction. They managed to acquire David Miller and Ben Duckett at rock-bottom prices. They also strengthened their bowling attack with the additions of Ochibu Nabi, Lungi Ngidi and Kyle Jamieson.The Axar Patel-led side started strongly last season but ran out of steam after losing to Mumbai Indians at home. The loss derailed their momentum and some mediocre back-to-back performances knocked them out of the playoff picture. At the end of the league stage, the Capitals were in fifth place.A strong Indian core, quality overseas picks and two world-class spinners in Axar and Kuldeep Yadav make Delhi a team to watch this season. They hope their strong performance will end their long wait for a maiden IPL title.

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Is Ali Larijani still alive? Senior Iranian official’s X post sparks new speculation over Israeli death claim

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Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Defense Minister Ali Larijani Iranian National Security Council member killed in IDF attack.

Ali Larijani was last seen in public during Friday's Quds Day parade in Tehran. (Reuters)
Ali Larijani was last seen in public during Friday’s Quds Day parade in Tehran. (Reuters)

Katz said in a statement that he had recently learned that a senior Iranian security official had died following an overnight Israeli airstrike.

Larijani appeared in public last Friday during a rally for Al-Quds Day.

He served as Iran’s nuclear negotiator and was a close associate of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneihe was killed on the first day of the war.

Iran has not officially confirmed his death.

Also read: Who is Ali Larijani, the man at the center of Israel’s big claims? Iran’s supreme leader vows to make Trump sorry

Ali Larijani’s social media posts spark new speculation

While Iran has yet to officially respond to these claims, posts from Ali Larijani’s X account have further complicated matters. Shortly after the news was announced, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also released a photo of him, declaring that he had directed the removal of senior officials within the Iranian regime amid speculation about his death.

What did Larijani post on X?

In a Persian post, Ali Larijani paid tribute to the naval personnel killed in recent US-Israeli attacks and claimed that their sacrifices were a source of strength for the Iranian military. The message was accompanied by an image of a personal note written by Larijani in Farsi. He wrote the letter at a funeral for more than 80 Navy casualties from the IRIS Dena, which sank in a US torpedo attack in the Indian Ocean last week.

Larijani said in the note: “The martyrdom of the brave members of the Army and Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dena is part of the proud national sacrifice that has emerged in this period of struggle against international oppressors. Their memory will always remain in the hearts of the Iranian nation, and these martyrs will consolidate the foundation of the Army of the Islamic Republic in the structure of the armed forces in the years to come.”

As of now, Iran has not officially confirmed Larijani’s life or death.

Meanwhile, several netizens reacted to reports of his death, with one commenting on his post, “Oh you’re tweeting Mr. Ali Larijani!”

“@grok is he dead? can you translate?” another asked.

“Are you still alive?” another wanted to know.

Who is Ali Larijani?

Ali Larijani serves as the distinguished secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).

He was appointed to the position by President Masoud Pezeshkian in August 2025 and also served as the representative of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the committee.

In Iranian media, he is known as an adviser to the late supreme leader. Larijani served as the Speaker of Iran from May 2008 to May 2020, with a term of 12 years.

Although he led the principled wing of parliament from 2008 to 2012, he has more recently been described as a “moderate conservative”.

Before serving as speaker, Larijani served as Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator from 2005 to 2007.

His brother Sadegh Larijani is also a key figure in the Islamic Republic, serving as chairman of the Facilitation Council, an important arbitration body that is the final decision-maker between parliament and the Guardian Council, the constitutional watchdog body.

How to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in the shadow of war in the Middle East | World News

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How to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in the shadow of war in the Middle East

eid al-fitr In 2026, it is expected to be around March 19-20, depending on lunar observation conditions, and is currently being observed in some areas middle East in regional conflicts, security alerts and humanitarian crises. The holiday is usually associated with collective prayers, family gatherings and public celebrations, but in some countries it is celebrated amid heightened security, displacement and ongoing violence.Across the region, authorities issued security warnings and humanitarian groups warned of worsening conditions, and communities in conflict zones celebrated the holiday in a low-key manner.

Saudi Arabia: Enhanced security during Eid prayers

In Saudi Arabia, authorities stepped up security precautions during the Eid al-Fitr holiday amid concerns about missile and drone threats linked to wider regional tensions. During the festival, worshipers are advised to exercise caution in crowded public places and markets, Arab News reported.Despite the heightened security environment, Mecca’s Grand Mosque continued to receive large numbers of worshipers during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, with authorities imposing extensive security and surveillance measures around key locations. The Saudi royal family said air defense systems in strategic locations remained on alert amid a wider regional confrontation.Saudi officials have stressed maintaining normal religious rituals while ensuring security at major gathering points, especially during large Eid prayers at mosques across the country.

United Arab Emirates: Reduce celebrations and disrupt travel

Public celebrations in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have been affected by regional instability. Some major Eid-related entertainment events have been scaled back, including fireworks displays at Dubai’s Global Village, The Nation and Khaleej Times reported.Air travel disruptions related to regional tensions are also complicating holiday travel plans. Flight instability and airspace issues have affected some travelers passing through Gulf hubs, and authorities are assisting travelers facing delays and disruptions, The National reported.The UAE government declared March 19 to 22 a public holiday, but security agencies stepped up surveillance of public places during Eid al-Fitr, Khaleej Times reported.

Gulf States: Caution required for gatherings across the region

Eid celebrations in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman come amid regional tensions. Security authorities across the GCC countries have taken precautionary measures in major public gathering areas and transport hubs.Travel disruptions and heightened security checks affected travel in some areas during the holidays, Travel World reported.Oman continues diplomatic outreach aimed at easing tensions in the region, according to the kingdom, while humanitarian coordination efforts are also reportedly underway among Gulf states as the conflict affects several neighboring countries.

Lebanon: Eid faces displacement and humanitarian crisis

In Lebanon, Eid al-Fitr coincides with one of the region’s worst humanitarian crises. The WHO Relief Network reports that more than 820 people have died and about 1 million people have been displaced, accounting for nearly a fifth of the country’s population.The WHO Relief Network reported that at least 25 attacks on medical facilities have resulted in 16 deaths, 29 injuries, and the closure of 48 clinics and 5 hospitals. Therefore, for many families, Eid is celebrated in displaced persons shelters or damaged neighborhoods rather than in traditional homes.

Iran: A celebration of casualties and restraint

As regional tensions continue to escalate, Iran has also faced heavy casualties. WHO ReliefWeb reports that the strikes have killed more than 1,200 people, injured more than 15,000 people, and displaced about 100,000 people.Health care facilities are directly affected by the conflict. WHO monitoring records show that there have been at least 18 attacks on health facilities, resulting in eight deaths, and medical services have been further strained during the crisis.Fearing further escalation, many families are choosing to celebrate Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr in more private settings rather than large public gatherings. According to the Saudi royal family, Iran’s leadership has rejected negotiations as tensions continue to escalate.

Gaza and the West Bank: Eid al-Fitr during the ongoing war

In the Palestinian territories, Eid al-Fitr comes amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, where the humanitarian situation remains dire. Access restrictions, ongoing fighting and damaged infrastructure complicate aid delivery and emergency services.The WHO Relief Network reports that ambulance movements and medical services are disrupted, while the risk of famine and mass displacement continue to affect many communities.Instead of holding holiday gatherings, many families celebrate the holiday by praying and remembering loved ones lost in the conflict. Wartime celebrations in Gaza have previously been described as a “sad Eid”, with people praying amid the sound of bombings, Al Jazeera reported.

Regional solidarity beyond conflict zones

The impact of the conflict is also evident in Eid celebrations outside the immediate war zone. In Türkiye, mosques in Istanbul displayed Palestinian flags and messages of unity during Eid prayers, The Times of Israel reported.Religious leaders in Nairobi, Kenya, also used Eid sermons to call for solidarity and humanitarian support for civilians affected by the war in Gaza, The Times of Israel reported.Meanwhile, Iraq’s emergency services are facing operational challenges, including the blockade of ambulance routes amid escalating tensions in the region. The WHO Relief Network reports that wider regional attacks have also worsened humanitarian conditions in countries such as Yemen and Syria, although detailed reporting on Eid al-Fitr from these countries remains limited.As a result, Eid al-Fitr 2026 is taking place in a very different context than traditional celebrations across much of the Middle East. Security warnings, travel disruptions, displacement and ongoing fighting have changed the way the holiday is celebrated.

Green Card Alert: DV lottery faces tougher rules and changes to passport requirements; will Indians be affected?

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The United States has implemented stricter rules for the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, commonly known as green card The lottery requires applicants to provide comprehensive passport information during the application process. The change is part of a larger effort by U.S. officials to strengthen identity verification and reduce fraud within the immigration system.

Green Card Alert: New U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery regulations require applicants to provide comprehensive passport information to strengthen identity verification and reduce fraud. The changes will come into effect from April 10, 2026, but Indian nationals will still be ineligible due to immigration restrictions.
Green Card Alert: New U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery regulations require applicants to provide comprehensive passport information to strengthen identity verification and reduce fraud. The changes will come into effect from April 10, 2026, but Indian nationals will still be ineligible due to immigration restrictions.

The Diversity Visa Program allocates up to 55,000 immigrant visas each year to applicants from countries with relatively low U.S. immigration rates.

To participate in the DV lottery, you must upload your passport

According to new U.S. regulations State Councilthose taking part in the Diversity Visa Lottery must provide details of a valid and unexpired passport when submitting their application.

In addition, applicants must upload digital scans of their passport’s personal data page and signature page as part of the electronic registration form.

Officials stressed that applications lacking passport information or valid passport scans will automatically be disqualified from the lottery.

Also read: Indians are not ‘stuck’ on H-1B by choice, immigration advocates warn ‘more than 400,000 Indian applicants will die before…’

The new rules will be implemented from April 2026

The revised regulations will come into effect on April 10, 2026 and are expected to be relevant to the DV-2027 lottery cycle, which is expected to begin later in 2026.

The Diversity Visa Program attracts millions of applicants from around the world each year, making it one of the most competitive immigration options in the United States.

Why did the United States introduce new regulations?

this us government Points out that the passport requirement is intended to address fraud and prevent duplicate entry into the program.

Authorities found that there were more than 2.5 million duplicate applications for the DV-2025 lottery, many of which were submitted by third-party agents without the knowledge of the applicants.

Mandating passport documentation early in the application process helps officials verify the identity of applicants and prevents widespread abuse of the system.

Will the new rules affect Indian applicants?

Despite the new rules, the change will not affect Indian applicants as India is not eligible for the diversity visa lottery.

The program only allows countries that have sent fewer than 50,000 immigrants to the United States in the past five years to participate. Since India has exceeded this limit, Indian nationals cannot apply for the DV lottery.

Therefore, Indians seeking permanent residency in the United States must rely on other avenues such as employment visas, family sponsorship, or investment programs.

Why have DV programs come under scrutiny lately?

The DV program has been criticized recently for linking several lottery winners to acts of terrorism and mass shootings.

According to the New York Times, Saifulo SaipovThe man accused of the 2017 New York terror attacks that killed at least eight people drove a truck through a crowded bike lane in Manhattan. He is an Uzbek immigrant who arrived in the United States in 2010 after being selected for the DV program and eventually obtained permanent residency.

Likewise, the suspect in the December 2025 shooting at Brown University that left four people dead was identified as Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, a Portuguese immigrant who entered the United States in 2017 after being selected for the DV program.

These events prompted calls for an end to the DV program altogether. In the wake of the Brown University tragedy, the Trump administration halted the issuance of all diversity immigrant visas, delayed the DV-2027 registration period, and put pending applications on hold.

‘For free and fair polls’: Puducherry govt bans ‘defacement’ of properties during assembly elections

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New Delhi: The Puducherry government has banned defacement of public and private properties ahead of the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections. According to a notification issued by the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management on behalf of the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, no political party, candidate or supporter shall put up posters, write slogans, paint symbols or erect banners, hoardings or arches in public places or private properties visible to the public.The Lieutenant Governor is the constitutional head of the federal territory. The order follows the directives of the Election Commission and aims to ensure free and fair elections while maintaining law and order. These restrictions will remain in place until the end of the election, with the exception of voter awareness programs under the SVEEP initiative. Polling for all 30 Puducherry Assembly seats is scheduled to take place on April 9 and counting of votes will be on May 4.

‘Cuba is coming to an end’: Trump declares he would be ‘honored to occupy’ island nation

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president Donald Trump He said on Monday he expected to have the “honor” of “occupying Cuba” just days after Cuba’s communist government acknowledged discussions with the United States.

President Trump has hinted that he might occupy Cuba, describing it as a weakened country. He hinted at a potential intervention strategy, while Cuban President Diaz-Canel emphasized continued dialogue with the United States based on equality and respect. (Bloomberg)
President Trump has hinted that he might occupy Cuba, describing it as a weakened country. He hinted at a potential intervention strategy, while Cuban President Diaz-Canel emphasized continued dialogue with the United States based on equality and respect. (Bloomberg)

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump declined to specify whether any potential U.S. intervention in Cuba would be similar to that in Venezuela or Iran, while confidently asserting that he could “do whatever I want” to the island.

“I think Cuba has seen the end,” President of the United States warn. “You know, I’ve been hearing about the United States and Cuba my whole life. When is the United States going to do this?

“I do believe I will have the honor of occupying Cuba…it is a great honor.”

Also read: Netanyahu drops coffee shop video amid death rumors, quips ‘It seems very dangerous to me’

Trump says: ‘I can do whatever I want’

Calling Cuba a “very weak country right now,” he added, “I mean, whether I free it or take it, I think I can do whatever I want with it.”

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said on Friday his government was in discussions with the United States after Trump proposed a “friendly takeover” last week.

Díaz-Canel described the discussions as an effort to find solutions to bilateral problems existing between the two countries through dialogue.

Trump halts discounted Venezuelan oil supplies to Cuba

Trump halted the supply of discounted Venezuelan oil to the island following an attack on Caracas on January 3 that led to the overthrow of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

Additionally, the U.S. president warned of the possibility of imposing tariffs on any country that exports oil to Cuba. These actions resulted in fuel shortages on the island, leading to widespread power outages.

He went on a tirade against Cuba, calling it a “failed state” with “no money, no oil.” He mentioned that they just had a “nice piece of land.”

Trump praised the high “entrepreneurial spirit” of the Cuban people he met, who expressed a desire to reconnect with their homeland.

Cuba opposes external interference

However, Cuba has always opposed any external interference in its domestic affairs and believes that any suggestions in this regard will undermine any potential agreement.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, has long expressed a desire for regime change in Havana.

Following Maduro’s ouster in January and military action against Iran in collaboration with Israel, Trump publicly speculated that Cuba could be the “next” target.

Díaz-Canel, 65, who succeeded the late Fidel Castro and his brother Raul Castro as president in 2018, said on Friday he expected discussions with the United States to be conducted “on the basis of equality and respect for the two countries’ political systems, sovereignty and self-determination.”