US Energy Secretary Chris Wright briefly claimed that the US Navy escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz during rising tensions with Iran. The statement was later deleted from social media. In the post, Wright said the Navy helped ensure oil supplies continued during military operations against Iran. “The US Navy successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz,” he wrote. The White House later rejected the claim. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the US had not escorted any ships through the waterway. Iran also denied the statement. A Revolutionary Guards spokesperson called the claim “a complete lie.” (PC: India Today)

Air India said it will introduce higher fuel surcharges in phases after aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices surged due to tensions in West Asia. The airline said ATF makes up about 40% of operating costs and prices have risen since early March due to supply disruptions. From March 12, a surcharge of ₹399 will apply on domestic and SAARC routes. International routes will see increases of $10 for West Asia, $20 for Southeast Asia and $30 for Africa. From March 18, long-haul routes will see higher charges. Europe flights will add $25, while North America and Australia routes will add $50. Air India said the revised surcharge will apply only to new bookings. (PC: News18)

IndiGo Managing Director Rahul Bhatia has written to employees after CEO Pieter Elbers resigned, assuring staff that he will lead the airline during the transition. In an internal mail, Bhatia said, “Main hoon na,” in a message seen as reassurance to employees. He also referred to the airline’s major disruption in December, when mass flight delays and cancellations affected thousands of passengers. “What happened last December should never have taken place,” Bhatia wrote. He thanked employees, especially frontline staff, for handling the crisis. “Our customers didn’t deserve it, nor did all of you,” he said. The aviation regulator had later fined IndiGo over ₹22 crore after an inquiry found problems in crew planning, software systems, and operational oversight. (PC: NDTV)

Women’s groups and several organisations staged a protest in Fatehabad, Haryana, demanding an immediate rollback of the recent increase in cooking gas prices. The demonstration was led by Jangir Kaur, district head of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA). Protesters submitted a 20-point memorandum to the Chief Minister through the Naib Tehsildar, raising concerns about the rising cost of LPG and its impact on household budgets. The memorandum also included broader demands related to women’s social, economic and political empowerment. Activists called for stronger implementation of women’s rights laws, reservation in local bodies, and stricter action against crimes committed against women. (PC: X)

During the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict, a Chinese intelligence analysis firm, MizarVision, has been monitoring U.S. military deployments in the Middle East using satellite imagery and artificial intelligence. The firm published detailed images showing U.S. fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, and military infrastructure at bases in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and Israel. It also tracked American aircraft carriers like the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln from space. The data combines commercial satellite images with aircraft and ship tracking systems, allowing near real-time monitoring of military assets. Although there is no proof Iran used the information for attacks, several locations previously highlighted were later targeted during strikes. (PC: NDTV)

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States is “winning” the war against Iran as Washington prepared for what he called the most intense day of strikes yet in the conflict. The Pentagon said the campaign aims to destroy Iran’s missile, drone and naval capabilities, with more than 5,000 targets already hit since operations began. Meanwhile, the war has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. Iraq is now exploring alternative export routes after tanker movement was affected by the conflict. The escalation has heightened global concerns about energy supply, regional stability and the risk of a wider Middle East war. (PC: AFP)

A growing shortage of commercial LPG cylinders is affecting hotels and restaurants in major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. The crisis is linked to disruptions in energy shipments caused by the ongoing Iran conflict, which has affected supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz—a key corridor for LPG imports to India. As a result, deliveries of 19-kg commercial cylinders used by eateries have slowed or stopped in several areas. Many restaurants are struggling to cook meals and some have temporarily shut down operations. Authorities have prioritised domestic LPG supply for households, while industry bodies have urged the government to intervene to prevent large-scale closures. (PC: Reuters)

India’s T20 World Cup 2026 victory celebrations sparked controversy after former cricketer and MP Kirti Azad criticised the team for taking the trophy to a Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad. Azad argued that the World Cup represents people of all religions and should not be linked to a single faith. Responding to questions about the remarks, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan dismissed the issue, calling it a “useless question” and urging reporters to focus on India’s historic triumph instead. Kishan said the team had achieved something special for the nation and that discussions should highlight their cricketing success rather than political or religious debates. (PC: PTI)

Tensions in the ongoing Iran–US conflict sharply escalated after a senior Iranian security official warned former US President Donald Trump to “be careful not to get eliminated,” responding to his threats of massive retaliation. Trump had warned Iran of “death, fire and fury” if it disrupts oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the day could see the most intense wave of American airstrikes yet, targeting Iranian weapons facilities and military infrastructure. The war, which has already hit thousands of targets and disrupted global oil shipments, continues to widen across the Middle East with both sides exchanging threats and attacks. (PC: X)

An IndiGo flight (6E002) travelling from London Heathrow to Mumbai was diverted to Cairo on March 8 after airspace restrictions linked to the escalating Middle East conflict disrupted its planned route. The aircraft had already flown for several hours before approval issues while entering Eritrean airspace forced the diversion. More than 300 passengers were stranded in Cairo for over eight hours. IndiGo arranged temporary accommodation, visas and hotel stays for affected travellers while the crew completed mandatory rest requirements. The airline said the flight would resume after the crew rest period. The incident highlights growing disruptions to international aviation due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. (PC: India Today)