Former cricketer Robin Uthappa said IPL 2026 could be MS Dhoni’s last season with Chennai Super Kings. He said, “It is likely to be his last year in the yellow jersey.” Uthappa added Dhoni may take a mentor role and bat lower in the order. “I see him playing more of a mentor-cum-player role,” he said. He backed Ruturaj Gaikwad to continue as captain and said he needs time to grow. Sanju Samson’s arrival may add strength but not change leadership. CSK will begin their season against Rajasthan Royals on March 30. (PC: PTI)

An Iranian missile struck near the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on Eid al-Fitr, Israeli officials said. The missile landed a few hundred metres from the holy site. Israel said, “This is the true face of the regime.” No casualties or major damage were reported. Debris and shrapnel fell near key religious places, including the Old City. Police recovered missile parts from nearby areas. The site is sacred to Muslims, Christians, and Jews. The incident has raised concerns over safety at religious sites. Tensions remain high as the conflict continues, with repeated missile attacks and air strikes reported.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi warned that India may face rising inflation due to a weak rupee and higher fuel costs. He said, “These are clear signals of the inflation to come.” The rupee recently fell to a record low against the US dollar. Gandhi said this could raise prices of daily goods and hurt small businesses. He added that production and transport costs will increase. He also claimed fuel prices may rise after elections. He criticised the government, saying it has “no strategy.” The concerns come as global tensions push up oil prices and affect India’s energy supply. (PC: AICC)

More than 20 countries pledged support to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. In a joint statement, 22 nations strongly condemned Iran’s actions in the Persian Gulf. The statement said, “We condemn attacks on commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure.” The countries also expressed readiness to help keep the route open. The strait carries about 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas. Recent attacks have sharply reduced ship movement and raised global energy prices. The conflict began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. Nations have called for an immediate halt to attacks. (PC: Reuters)

Police in Scotland charged an Iranian man and a Romanian woman after they allegedly tried to enter a UK nuclear submarine base. The pair, aged 34 and 31, were stopped at Faslane base on Thursday. Police said, “The suspects were arrested and later charged.” They are set to appear in court on Monday. The base houses the UK’s Trident nuclear submarines. Officials said the attempt was unsuccessful and investigations are ongoing. A Navy spokesperson confirmed the incident but gave no further details. Faslane is one of Britain’s most important military sites, with thousands of staff working there daily. (PC: PA)

K-pop group BTS performed their first live concert in four years in Seoul on Saturday. Around 104,000 fans gathered at Gwanghwamun Square to watch the show. The seven members reunited after completing military service. The band performed songs from their new album Arirang. A fan said, “BTS is the reason I came to Seoul.” Only a limited number of fans entered the main venue, while others watched on large screens. The concert was also streamed online. Authorities deployed thousands of police for safety. The event marks BTS’s return and the start of their upcoming world tour next month. (PC: Getty, EPA/Shutterstock)

The United States said it has hit over 8,000 Iranian military targets since the war began in late February. A US official said, “We have struck over 8,000 targets, including vessels and key sites.” The strikes include attacks on Iran’s navy and missile systems. The conflict shows no signs of slowing. Iran accused the US and Israel of targeting civilian and passenger ships. Fresh strikes also hit Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility. Several countries have urged Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Rising attacks have increased global concern over safety, oil supply, and stability in the region.

Indian refiners plan to buy Iranian oil after the US issued a 30-day sanctions waiver. The waiver allows purchase of oil already at sea. Sources said refiners are waiting for clear directions from the government. A source said, “We are awaiting clarity on payment and process.” The move comes as Asia faces energy pressure due to supply disruption. India depends heavily on imported crude. Around 130 to 170 million barrels of Iranian oil are currently at sea. Buyers are also checking risks linked to payments and transport. Talks are ongoing as companies try to secure supplies quickly and safely. (PC: Reuters)

The Iranian Navy guided an Indian LPG tanker through the Strait of Hormuz last week via a pre-approved route. The passage followed coordination between India and Iran. An officer said, “The ship remained in contact with the Iranian Navy during the journey.” The tanker was one of two Indian vessels allowed to cross. The route is risky due to attacks and conflict in the region. The ship had waited nearly ten days before getting clearance. It sailed with its tracking system off and faced GPS disruption. After exiting, Indian Navy ships escorted it further towards India safely.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday amid rising tensions in West Asia. He shared Eid and Nowruz greetings and hoped for peace. Modi said, “We expressed hope that this festive season brings peace, stability and prosperity.” He also condemned attacks on key infrastructure. “Such actions threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains,” he said. He stressed that “shipping lanes must remain open and secure.” The call comes as Strait of Hormuz traffic faces disruption. Over 20 Indian vessels remain stranded. India is in talks with Iran to ensure safe passage.