Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:07pm on 15 Mar 2026,Sunday India Global
An Indian-flagged oil tanker escaped damage during a drone attack at Fujairah port in the United Arab Emirates. The government said the vessel, Jag Laadki, was loading crude oil when the port’s oil terminal was targeted. “The vessel sailed safely from Fujairah at 1030 hrs IST carrying about 80,800 MT of Murban crude oil and is bound for India,” the statement said. All Indian seafarers onboard were safe. The attack briefly disrupted oil-loading operations at the port. Iran has warned it may target key energy facilities in the region. Two Indian LPG carriers also crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are heading to Indian ports. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:01pm on 15 Mar 2026,Sunday International
The UK is examining “all options” to help secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said. Speaking to the BBC, Miliband said reopening the key oil route was “a priority for the world”. He said Britain was working with allies, including the US, on possible steps. Miliband did not confirm whether the UK would send ships or drones to the region. He said the government was looking at ways to help reopen the passage. Iran has effectively blocked the strait during its conflict with the US and Israel. Several ships have reportedly been attacked near the narrow waterway. Around 20% of global oil normally passes through the route. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:41pm on 15 Mar 2026,Sunday International
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video dismissing rumours that he had been killed in an Iranian strike. In the clip posted on X, Netanyahu is seen ordering coffee at a cafe and joking about the viral claims. Referring to the rumours, he said, “I am dead for coffee,” using a Hebrew phrase meaning he loves something very much. He also addressed online claims that a recent press conference video was created using artificial intelligence. Some posts alleged he appeared with six fingers. In response, Netanyahu briefly raised both hands toward the camera to show he had ten fingers. Earlier, his office said the viral reports about his death were “fake news” and confirmed he was safe. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:10pm on 15 Mar 2026,Sunday International
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has announced the release of emergency oil reserves to stabilise global markets amid the ongoing US-Iran war. Governments have agreed to make about 116.6 million barrels of oil available from industry stocks. The move aims to ease supply concerns as tensions rise in the Middle East. At the same time, Israel denied reports that it is running low on missile interceptors used in its air defence systems. Meanwhile, the conflict continues across the region with missile and drone attacks reported in several areas. Security concerns have also affected global events, including the cancellation of the Argentina-Spain Finalissima match in Qatar.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:58pm on 15 Mar 2026,Sunday International
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused some European Union allies of “blackmail” over a Russian oil pipeline dispute. The EU wants Ukraine to repair the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Ukraine says the pipeline was damaged by Russian air strikes in January. Zelensky argued that reopening the pipeline would weaken sanctions on Russia during the war. Hungary has blocked new EU sanctions on Moscow and a €90 billion loan for Ukraine until the pipeline is restored. Zelensky said Ukraine should not allow Russian oil transit while sanctions remain in place. The dispute highlights growing tensions within the EU. (PC: Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:46pm on 15 Mar 2026,Sunday International
Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani has claimed that members linked to Jeffrey Epstein’s network may be planning a 9/11-style attack to blame Iran. In a post on X, Larijani said he had heard of a conspiracy to stage a major terrorist incident and falsely accuse Tehran. His statement comes as tensions rise during the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel. Larijani said Iran strongly opposes terrorism and has no conflict with the American public. The September 11 attacks in 2001 killed nearly 3,000 people in the United States. The claim has not been independently verified and comes amid growing war tensions.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:39pm on 15 Mar 2026,Sunday International
Iran on Sunday launched the Sejjil-2 missile during the ongoing war with Israel and the United States. It is the first time the missile has been used since the conflict began on February 28. The Sejjil-2 is a solid-fuel ballistic missile with a range of about 2,000 kilometres. It can carry a payload of around 700 kilograms. The missile is nicknamed the “dancing missile” because it can move at high altitude and avoid defence systems. The war has now entered its 16th day. Reports say more than 2,000 people have died, most of them in Iran. Fighting continues as both sides launch strikes and increase military presence.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:36pm on 15 Mar 2026,Sunday Weather & Environment
Heavy rain and a sudden hailstorm damaged several houses and crops in parts of Manipur on Sunday. The storm began late Saturday night and affected districts such as Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal. Farmers reported that standing crops like cabbage, peas, and beans were destroyed. Many houses in Moirang Phiwangbam and Thanga-Ngaram near Loktak Lake were also damaged. In some areas, large hail covered roads and fields. Power supply was disrupted in several places. No human casualties were reported. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh directed officials to provide relief and help affected families. Authorities advised people to stay indoors during heavy rain and prepare emergency supplies.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:03pm on 15 Mar 2026,Sunday Politics
The BJP has offered actor-politician Vijay the post of Deputy Chief Minister if the NDA wins the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, sources said. As part of a possible alliance, the BJP has also offered around 80 seats to Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Talks between the two sides have reached the final stage ahead of the polls, sources added. Vijay is also said to be aiming for the Chief Minister’s post, which remains a key point in discussions. BJP leaders believe Vijay’s large fan base could help the alliance in closely fought constituencies. However, some of Vijay’s advisers have expressed concern about joining a national alliance so early. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:51pm on 15 Mar 2026,Sunday International
Loud blasts were reported in parts of Dubai after fresh Iranian missile and drone strikes during the ongoing Middle East conflict. Sounds were heard in the Marina and Al Sufouh areas, officials said. Iranian attacks also hit Kuwait’s international airport with drones, though authorities reported no injuries. Operations at the UAE’s Fujairah oil terminal stopped after a strike, with thick black smoke seen rising from the site. One Jordanian national was reported injured. Dubai’s media office said several threats were intercepted by air defence systems. Iran has launched more than 1,800 missiles and drones at the UAE since the war began on February 28. (PC: NDTV)