Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of conversations with global leaders, including France, Oman, and Malaysia, amid escalating tensions in West Asia. He emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy as the conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel intensifies. A key focus was ensuring safe and free navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which carries a significant share of global oil trade. Modi also condemned threats to sovereignty and highlighted the wider global economic impact of the crisis, reaffirming India’s commitment to regional stability and energy security. (PC: X)

Iran has said it is “not yet finished” after carrying out strikes on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The attacks followed Israeli strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field. Iranian forces warned that more action could follow if attacks continue. Saudi Arabia said it may consider military action. Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan said the kingdom “reserves the right” to respond. Fires were reported at key energy sites, though some were later controlled. Oil prices rose and supply concerns increased. Several countries called for restraint. The conflict has spread across the region, with strikes also reported in Israel, Iraq and Lebanon. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump said Israel will not attack Iran’s South Pars gas field unless Iran targets Qatar again. His remarks came after Iran struck Qatar’s LNG facilities, causing damage and fires. Trump said Israel acted “out of anger” and the US “knew nothing” about the earlier strike on Iran. He called Iran’s attack on Qatar “unjustified”. Trump added, “No more attacks will be made” unless Qatar is hit again. He warned the US would respond strongly if that happens. The strikes have raised tensions in the Gulf. Energy markets remain under pressure as supply risks increase across the region. (PC: NDTV)

Two Indian-origin men have been fined £1,391 each for spitting paan on streets in London’s Brent area. The fines increased after they failed to pay an initial £100 penalty and did not appear in court. Local authorities said the action is part of a “zero-tolerance” policy on public paan spitting. Officials say the stains damage public spaces and are costly to clean. Brent Council spends about £30,000 each year on removal. Councillor Krupa Sheth said, “If you mess up our streets, we will find you and you will pay.” Authorities have increased patrols and enforcement to stop such cases. (PC: India Today)

An Iranian missile strike on Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facility has disrupted global gas supply and raised concerns for India. The attack halted production at the world’s largest LNG plant. It came as part of Iran’s response to US-Israel strikes. Energy markets reacted with rising prices and supply fears. India depends on imports for about half of its gas needs. Nearly 20% comes from Qatar. Energy expert Kirit Parikh said, “India will need to curtail its gas consumption.” Some supplies have already been disrupted. The Strait of Hormuz also faces risks, slowing tanker movement. India is now looking for alternative LNG sources to manage the impact. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of strong action if it targets Qatar again. He said the US could “blow up the entirety” of Iran’s South Pars gas field. The warning came after Iran struck Qatar’s Ras Laffan energy site, causing “extensive damage”. The attack followed Israeli strikes on Iran’s South Pars field. Trump said Qatar was “in no way involved” and called Iran’s move “unjustified”. Qatar said the strike was a “direct threat” to its security. Energy markets reacted quickly, with gas prices rising sharply. The conflict has raised fears of more attacks across the region and further risks to global energy supply. (PC: BBC)

A rare western disturbance is affecting North India with an unusual straight rain band stretching nearly 1,000 km across Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Such systems usually form curved troughs, but this one has a straight low-pressure line. Experts say this shape can lead to strong thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds. Several regions are already seeing these conditions. The system has also brought relief from early heat. Temperatures in cities like Delhi have dropped by 3 to 7 degrees. The India Meteorological Department said “moderate to heavy rainfall with lightning and gusty winds” will continue till March 20. (PC: India Today)

Indian stock markets saw a sharp fall, with Sensex dropping over 2,400 points by close. Nifty also declined heavily after a weak opening. The total market value of BSE-listed firms fell by over Rs 12 trillion. The fall came after Iran struck key energy sites in the Gulf, pushing Brent crude above $110 per barrel. Shares of HDFC Bank also dropped after its chairman resigned suddenly. The US Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged, making US bonds more attractive. This led to continued foreign investor selling. GIFT Nifty had already signalled a negative start earlier in the day. (PC: NDTV)

The ongoing Middle East conflict could push the world towards a recession if it continues for four more weeks, Axis Bank economist Neelkanth Mishra said. He noted that about 7% of global energy supply is already disrupted. “If this lasts more than four weeks… there will be the risk of a significant global recession,” he said. Mishra added that even a 4–5% supply shock can put similar share of global GDP at risk. Markets have not reacted sharply yet due to existing inventories. But he warned supply chains may worsen soon, with impacts already seen in sectors like real estate, auto and textiles. (PC: India Today)

The FBI is probing former US counter-terror chief Joe Kent over an alleged leak of classified information, reports said. The inquiry began before his resignation this week. Kent stepped down after opposing US strikes on Iran. In a podcast, he claimed key officials were “not allowed to express their opinion” before the decision. He said there was “no robust debate” before the February 28 strikes. Kent also said there was no clear intelligence of an immediate threat from Iran. He alleged Israel influenced the US decision. US officials have not publicly responded to his claims. (PC: X)