Israel intensified its offensive with overnight strikes on central Beirut, reportedly killing at least 10 people and targeting Hezbollah-linked sites. Simultaneously, Israeli officials claimed that Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib was killed in a separate strike, marking one of the highest-level assassinations in the conflict so far. Iran has not confirmed the claim. The attacks follow earlier killings of senior Iranian leaders, including Ali Larijani, further escalating tensions. In response, Iran has launched missiles and drones across Israel and Gulf regions. The rapidly widening conflict is raising fears of a prolonged regional war and deepening humanitarian crisis. (PC: AP)

A devastating fire broke out in a multi-storey residential building in Palam, southwest Delhi, early Wednesday morning, killing at least nine people, including three children. The Delhi Fire Services received a distress call around 7 am and rushed nearly 30 fire tenders to control the blaze. Several residents were rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities have launched an investigation. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered a magisterial probe into the incident. The tragedy has raised serious concerns over fire safety measures in densely populated residential areas of the capital.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that the country’s power structure remains intact following the killing of senior leader Ali Larijani in a strike, emphasizing that governance is institution-driven rather than reliant on individuals. He stated that repeated losses of top officials have not weakened the system’s functioning. Amid escalating tensions, Iran has warned of retaliation, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) expected to respond. The incident is part of a broader escalation, raising concerns over further instability and intensification of conflict across the Middle East. (PC: PTI)

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has reignited debate by hinting that head coach Gautam Gambhir may have influenced a transition phase affecting Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Test cricket. Speaking publicly, Ashwin suggested that team management may have encouraged senior players to move on for long-term planning. Though he stopped short of confirming forced retirements, he stressed prioritizing team needs over individual ambitions. His remarks have intensified speculation about whether the senior stars’ exits were fully personal decisions or partly shaped by strategic changes within the Indian team setup. (PC: X)

At least seven Russian oil tankers, initially bound for China, have rerouted to India as global energy markets react to disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran war. The vessels, carrying Russian crude, changed course due to shifting demand dynamics and supply uncertainties linked to tensions in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. India has stepped up crude purchases to secure energy needs, aided by temporary flexibility from the United States on Russian imports. The sudden diversion highlights India’s growing role as a key buyer of discounted Russian oil, while China appears to be adjusting its procurement strategy amid volatile geopolitical conditions. (PC: India Today)

A family in Bengaluru tried to send an elderly man as a courier parcel to Mangaluru to protest high travel fares. The incident happened at a courier office where staff asked about the package. The family opened a gunny bag and the man came out alive, shocking workers. Staff refused the request. A woman later said it was a planned social media video to highlight rising ticket prices before Ugadi and Ramzan. Police traced the family and gave a warning. An officer said, “We made them understand that it was wrong.” No case was filed. (PC: The Indian Express)

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military has “eliminated” Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib in an overnight strike. Iran has not confirmed the claim. Katz said, “We will continue to thwart and hunt them all down.” He added that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has allowed forces to target more senior Iranian officials without extra approval. This comes after recent strikes that killed Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani. Israel said more actions are expected.

A Russian oil tanker has shifted its route from China to India as the global energy crisis deepens due to the US-Iran conflict. Ship-tracking data shows the Aframax tanker Aqua Titan is now heading to New Mangalore port and is expected to arrive on March 21. The vessel had earlier listed China’s Rizhao as its destination but turned around in Southeast Asian waters. The shift came as the US allowed India to raise imports of Russian crude. Iran’s move to block the Strait of Hormuz has hit global supplies. Reports say several tankers have made similar route changes to India in recent weeks. (PC: HT)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the country will keep fighting the US and Israel after the killing of Ali Larijani. He said, “The presence or absence of a single individual does not affect Iran’s structure.” Araghchi called the conflict “America’s war” and blamed Washington for losses in the region. He also referred to the killing of Ali Khamenei, saying the system continued after his death. Iran said it will review future nuclear policy. It also signalled changes to rules in the Strait of Hormuz after the war. (PC: India Today)

Israel said it carried out an overnight strike in Tehran targeting Iran’s intelligence minister Esmaeil Khatib, according to an Israeli official.   Iran warned of wider fallout. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the impact will hit all, “regardless of wealth, faith or race.” Military leaders also warned of a “decisive” and “more devastating” response.   Iran confirmed firing cluster missiles at Israel, including Khorramshahr-4 and Qadr missiles. The attack was described as revenge for the killing of Ali Larijani.   Meanwhile, the US said it struck Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz. Fresh missile attacks were also reported in Israel. (PC: The Indian Express)