A new study shows dogs lived closely with humans about 15,000 years ago, earlier than earlier estimates. The finding is based on DNA from a jawbone found in Gough's Cave. Scientists said the animal was a domesticated dog, not a wolf. This pushes back the timeline of dog domestication by around 5,000 years. Dr William Marsh said, “Dogs and humans already had an incredibly tight, close relationship.” Researchers found the dogs shared food with humans and travelled with them across regions. The study, published in Nature, also showed early dogs spread across Europe and parts of Asia with human groups. (PC: NDTV)

Mumbai Indians beat Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets to end a 14-year wait for a winning start in the Indian Premier League. Rohit Sharma scored 78 off 38 and went past Virat Kohli for a key record. Ryan Rickelton added 81 off 43 as MI chased 221 in 19.1 overs. Earlier, Ajinkya Rahane hit a half-century for KKR. Debutant Angkrish Raghuvanshi scored 51 off 29. KKR finished at 220 for four after batting first. The match was played at Wankhede Stadium. (PC; X)

Iran said it struck Prince Sultan Air Base, targeting US forces and damaging a Boeing E-3 Sentry surveillance aircraft. State media claimed missiles and drones hit key assets, including refuelling planes. Officials said at least 15 US personnel were injured, with some in serious condition. The United States has not confirmed the damage. The strike comes as fighting spreads across the region. Marco Rubio said the US could meet goals without ground troops but must prepare for “multiple contingencies.” Donald Trump set an April 6 deadline for Iran on reopening shipping routes. (PC: X)

Rohit Sharma scored a quick 78 runs to lead Mumbai Indians in a big chase against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026. He broke Virat Kohli’s record for most runs against a single team in IPL history. Rohit and Ryan Rickelton added 148 runs for the first wicket, putting MI in control of the 221-run target. Earlier, KKR scored 220 for four, with Ajinkya Rahane making 67 and Angkrish Raghuvanshi hitting 51. Shardul Thakur took three wickets for MI. Rohit had dropped Raghuvanshi earlier, which helped KKR reach a strong total. The match remained high scoring and intense.

At least 250 students and teachers have been killed in US-Israeli attacks in Iran since the war began on February 28. Iran’s Education Ministry said 184 others were injured and over 600 schools and facilities were damaged. In Tehran alone, several students and teachers lost their lives. The strikes have raised concern over the impact of the war on civilians and education. Fighting continues across the region, with more attacks reported in Israel and Lebanon. Meanwhile, countries like Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are holding talks to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation in West Asia. (PC: AP)

Two India-bound LPG tankers have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing war in West Asia. The vessels, BW TYR and BW ELM, are carrying about 94,000 tonnes of cooking gas. BW TYR is expected to reach Mumbai on March 31, while BW ELM will arrive in New Mangalore on April 1. Officials said several other Indian ships have also crossed safely in recent days. India depends on imports for about 60 per cent of its LPG needs. The safe transit of these tankers is expected to ease supply pressure as authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

The United States is preparing for possible ground operations in Iran as the war enters its fifth week. Reports say plans include raids near the Strait of Hormuz and on Kharg Island, a key oil hub. Officials said the operations may last weeks, but no final decision has been made. President Donald Trump has not yet approved the plan. The US has also sent 3,500 Marines to the region, marking a major military buildup. Officials said the aim is to target weapons and secure shipping routes. However, concerns remain about protecting troops if they seize and hold Iranian territory.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will resign from the state Legislative Council on March 30, days after being elected to the Rajya Sabha. The move is expected to lead to his resignation as Chief Minister. Party leaders confirmed the decision, though some members were not in favour of it. Nitish Kumar said earlier he wished to serve in both state and national legislatures. Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav claimed he was forced into the Rajya Sabha by allies. Nitish Kumar, Bihar’s longest-serving Chief Minister, was elected to the Upper House on March 9 and is now set for a political shift. (PC: PTI)

Members of the queer community and civil groups held a protest march in Lucknow against the Transgender Amendment Bill, 2026. The march began at Begum Hazrat Mahal Park and ended near KD Singh Babu Stadium Metro Station. Protesters said the Bill allows too much state control over identity. They raised slogans for equality and freedom. Many students, youth and women joined the march. Groups like AISA, SFI and others supported the protest. A memorandum was sent to President Droupadi Murmu. Protesters said the Bill goes against the Supreme Court’s NALSA judgment and threatens the rights and dignity of transgender people.

Israel carried out targeted airstrikes on Tehran’s military and strategic sites while regional diplomats—including representatives from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt—gathered in Islamabad to negotiate an end to the escalating month-long conflict with Iran. The strikes came amid Iran’s ongoing missile and drone retaliation across the Middle East, including attacks on US bases, Gulf infrastructure, and Israel. Diplomats emphasized urgent de-escalation, but rising tensions and military buildups risked further confrontation. Iran warned of strong responses if attacks continue, while Yemen’s Houthis also engaged in missile strikes, broadening regional instability. (PC: NYT)