Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru began their IPL 2026 campaign with a convincing six‑wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. After bowling first, RCB restricted SRH to a competitive 201/9, thanks to a strong middle‑order showing from Ishan Kishan (80) and contributions from Aniket Verma. In reply, RCB’s chase was powered by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten fifty and a rapid knock from Devdutt Padikkal; both helped guide the team home in emphatic fashion. Debutant bowler Jacob Duffy starred with 3/22, playing a key role in RCB’s early season success. (PC: PTI)

Iran Claims Major Strikes on Gulf Targets – Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it launched missiles, drones and hybrid strikes on U.S. and allied positions in Kuwait’s Port Shuwaikh and Dubai, claiming several U.S. landing craft were hit and some sunk with heavy U.S. casualties. Tehran also reported damaging refueling and logistics assets. Denials & Broader Conflict – U.S. Central Command rejects Iranian claims of U.S. casualties in Dubai, calling them false. The attacks come amid the wider U.S.–Iran war that has already seen multiple U.S. service members killed in drone strikes in Kuwait’s Port Shuaiba and significant disruption across Gulf airspace and infrastructure. (PC: Reuters)

Mahendra Singh Dhoni will miss the opening first two weeks of the Indian Premier League 2026 after suffering a calf strain, Chennai Super Kings confirmed in a statement. The 44‑year‑old veteran wicketkeeper‑batter is currently in rehabilitation and will likely miss CSK’s early matches, including their season opener against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. With Dhoni sidelined, Chennai are expected to reshuffle their lineup, with Sanju Samson taking on greater responsibility in batting and wicketkeeping roles. His absence is a major setback for CSK, given his experience and leadership influence on the team. (PC: The Hindu)

The United States has sent 3,500 additional troops to the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran, reinforcing its military presence in the region. Tehran had claimed that US forces suffered significant casualties in Dubai, but Washington categorically denied these reports, calling them false. The deployment includes troops stationed near critical sites such as Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base, which recently experienced Iranian missile and drone attacks. The situation has triggered concerns over regional security and oil supply, as both sides prepare for potential further escalation. (PC: X)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) paid emotional tribute to 11 fans who died in the tragic stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium last year during their title celebrations as the team hosted their IPL 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Before the match, a one‑minute silence was observed, and players from both teams wore black armbands and special jerseys with the number 11. Additionally, 11 seats at the stadium will remain empty throughout the season as a lasting mark of respect for the lost supporters, highlighting RCB’s commitment to honouring their fans’ memory. (PC: India Today)

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian urged neighbouring countries not to allow hostile forces to use their territory to conduct the ongoing war against Tehran, warning such actions would have serious consequences. The call comes amid heightened regional tensions as the US‑Israel‑Iran conflict escalates following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets that began on 28 February 2026. Iran has faced retaliatory actions and is concerned about foreign military activities from neighbouring soil. The president’s comments underscore Tehran’s demand for regional states to uphold sovereignty and not become bases for what it calls “enemy operations.” (PC: AP)

At least 22 migrants attempting to reach Europe from Libya died after spending six days stranded at sea in a rubber boat near Greece. Survivors told authorities the group ran out of food and water, leading to deaths from exhaustion. They also alleged that smugglers ordered bodies to be thrown overboard during the journey. The boat had departed from Tobruk, Libya, and lost its way in difficult conditions before being found south of Crete. Greek authorities rescued 26 survivors and arrested two suspected smugglers, who now face charges including negligent homicide. (PC: AP)

Reports allege that Israeli forces tortured an 18-month-old toddler in Gaza by burning him with cigarettes and inflicting severe injuries while detaining him with his father in central Gaza. The abuse was reportedly aimed at pressuring the father during interrogation. Medical assessments cited burns and physical trauma, including a wound caused by a sharp object. Israeli authorities have firmly denied the allegations, calling them false and accusing militant groups of spreading misinformation. They stated the child received medical treatment from Israeli personnel and was later safely transferred. The incident has intensified international concern over alleged human rights violations amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase I of the Noida International Airport at Jewar, marking Delhi-NCR’s second international airport and a major infrastructure milestone. The greenfield project aims to ease congestion at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport while enhancing regional and global connectivity. Built with modern, eco-friendly features, the airport initially has capacity for around 12 million passengers annually, expandable in future phases. Strategically located along the Yamuna Expressway, it will strengthen cargo logistics and trade. Though inaugurated, commercial flight operations are expected to begin later after regulatory approvals, positioning the airport as a key economic and aviation hub. 

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, discussing the ongoing regional conflict and its global implications. Modi strongly condemned attacks on critical energy infrastructure, emphasizing their threat to global supply chains and energy security. Both leaders agreed on the urgent need to ensure freedom of navigation and keep key shipping routes open and secure, especially amid concerns over disruptions in vital oil corridors. Modi also thanked Saudi Arabia for safeguarding the Indian community. The call reflects India’s active diplomatic engagement to promote stability and de-escalation in the conflict-hit region. (PC: X)