The Indian Navy has deployed three warships, including INS Surat, to escort India-bound merchant vessels amid rising tensions and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Two ships were already stationed in the region under mission-based deployment, while a third was assigned specifically for escort operations in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. The move comes after several attacks on commercial shipping linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Recently, two India-flagged LPG carriers Shivalik LPG carrier and Nanda Devi LPG carrier safely crossed the strategic waterway after diplomatic engagement. (PC: PTI)

A new video of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walking outdoors has appeared on social media as rumours about his death continue online. The footage was posted on Netanyahu’s official X account. It appears aimed at countering claims that he had been killed or seriously injured. In the video, Netanyahu is seen strolling through a green outdoor area. Hills and trees are visible in the background. He wears a black coat and walks along a path. At one point, he stops and smiles while posing for photographs. Security personnel are seen nearby. Earlier, another clip of him sitting at a café sparked debate after some users claimed it looked like a “deepfake”. (PC: HT)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain will not be drawn into a wider war over Iran. He said the UK is working with allies on a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after Iran effectively shut the key oil route. Starmer said the recent US operation had “massively weakened” the military capability of the Iranian government. But he added that diplomacy will still be needed after the conflict. “There will need to be some sort of negotiated agreement,” he said, aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear programme and securing international shipping. Starmer said reopening the strait is important to “ensure stability in the markets”. He said Britain and its partners are preparing a “viable plan” to restore safe navigation in the region. (PC: BBC)

Saudi Arabia is offering some oil buyers an alternative export route as tensions affect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The kingdom has given long-term customers the option to receive April oil supplies from the Red Sea port of Yanbu instead of its usual Persian Gulf terminals. The move comes as the Strait of Hormuz faces disruption due to the ongoing conflict in the region. The strait handles a large share of global oil trade. By offering the Yanbu route, Saudi Arabia aims to keep supplies moving and reduce risks linked to the shipping crisis. (PC: India Today)

Thousands of people joined a shutdown and street protests in Ladakh on Monday. Markets remained closed in Leh and Kargil as people marched with banners. The protest was called by the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. Protesters demanded statehood for Ladakh and protection under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. ABL co-chairman Cherring Dorjay Lakrook said the protest remained peaceful. “We will not stop demanding what is rightfully ours,” he said. This was the first major protest since demonstrations in September last year linked to activist Sonam Wangchuk. (PC: The Indian Express)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday criticised the Election Commission of India after several senior officials in the state were removed ahead of the assembly elections. “Anti-Women, Anti-Bengali”: Mamata Banerjee Attacks Election Commission Over Removal of Top Bengal Officers The reshuffle included Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty. The poll body appointed IAS officer Dushyant Nariala as her replacement. Banerjee alleged the move was done at the request of the Bharatiya Janata Party. “A Bengali woman, Nandini Chakraborty, was serving as the chief secretary. You are not merely anti-Bengali; you are also anti-women,” Banerjee said at a rally in Kolkata. She also criticised the removal of the state police chief and other officials before the polls. (PC: NDTV)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday criticised the Election Commission of India after several senior officials in the state were removed ahead of the assembly elections. The reshuffle included Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty. The poll body appointed IAS officer Dushyant Nariala as her replacement. Banerjee alleged the move was done at the request of the Bharatiya Janata Party. “A Bengali woman, Nandini Chakraborty, was serving as the chief secretary. You are not merely anti-Bengali; you are also anti-women,” Banerjee said at a rally in Kolkata. She also criticised the removal of the state police chief and other officials before the polls.

US fighter jets have reportedly struck military facilities on a mountain near the Chabahar trade zone in Chabahar, according to Al Jazeera citing Voice of America. Loud explosions were heard behind the trade zone, the report said. More details about the strike are still awaited. Some unverified videos circulating online claimed to show a US jet flying over the area. The development comes as the conflict between the United States and Iran continues to escalate. The strike was reported near the Chabahar Free Trade Zone, a key regional transit hub. The port is also important for India’s trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia. (PC: HT)

An Indian-flagged LPG tanker has reached Gujarat after crossing the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz. The tanker, Shivalik, arrived at Mundra Port on Monday after receiving transit clearance from Iranian authorities. Shipping Ministry Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha said two Indian LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, were allowed to pass through the strait. The ships were carrying about 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG. “Both vessels safely transited the Strait of Hormuz and are now proceeding towards India,” Sinha said. While Shivalik has reached Mundra, the second tanker, Nanda Devi, is expected to arrive at Kandla on March 17. Officials said 22 Indian-flagged ships remain in the Persian Gulf. (PC: India Today)

The United Arab Emirates has ordered the arrest of 35 people, including 19 Indians, for posting misleading content on social media related to the Iran war. Authorities said the suspects shared manipulated videos, AI-generated clips and false information online. UAE Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the action followed strict monitoring of digital platforms. He said the content aimed to “mislead the public and undermine national security and stability.” Officials said some clips falsely showed explosions or missile strikes in the UAE. Others praised a hostile state and promoted propaganda. The accused will face legal action under UAE law. (PC: AFP)