Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:22am on 21 Mar 2026,Saturday International
Iranian strikes on bases used by US forces in the Middle East have caused about $800 million in damage in the first two weeks of the war, a new analysis shows. The study by CSIS said much of the damage came in early retaliatory attacks. Key targets included radar and air-defence systems in Jordan, UAE and Kuwait. A THAAD radar system alone is estimated at $485 million. “The damage… has been underreported,” said analyst Mark Cancian. Satellite images show repeated strikes on some bases. The full scale of losses remains unclear as the conflict continues. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:14am on 21 Mar 2026,Saturday International
Iran has fired over 3,000 missiles and drones at Gulf Cooperation Council countries during the ongoing war. The strikes, especially on the UAE, have raised tensions between Shia Iran and Sunni Gulf states. Iran also disrupted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global oil flows. Saudi Arabia has flagged loss of trust, while other Gulf nations are angered by damage to energy assets. Iran said it has no plans to stop attacks. The US and allies are now working to restore shipping routes. The conflict has widened regional divisions and added pressure on the global economy. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:10am on 21 Mar 2026,Saturday India Global
India may resume buying Iranian crude after a US waiver allowed sales of oil stuck at sea. The move comes as prices stay above $100 amid the Iran conflict. Indian refiners, already lifting Russian oil under a similar waiver, are exploring Iranian supplies. However, Iran has said it has “no floating crude or surplus available” for export, raising doubts. The government is seeking clarity from Washington on payment rules. Iran has also slowed tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz. India, which imports most of its oil, sees Iranian crude as a good fit for its refineries. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:46am on 21 Mar 2026,Saturday International
A huge fire broke out at a US diplomatic facility in Baghdad after a reported strike, according to BBC. The complex is believed to house US military personnel. No official casualty figures have been released yet. Several US facilities in the Gulf have been targeted during the conflict. Embassies in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have suspended operations. The US consulate in Dubai was also hit earlier. So far, 13 US personnel have been killed in the war. Meanwhile, Israel said it carried out fresh strikes in Tehran. Explosions were also reported in Isfahan and Karaj, as fighting continued across the region. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:19am on 21 Mar 2026,Saturday Weather & Environment
Delhi-NCR saw dense fog and cloud cover early Saturday, a day after recording its coldest March day in six years. At 7.20 am, the Safdarjung observatory reported 14°C with 100 per cent humidity. No weather alert has been issued for the day. The India Meteorological Department said recent rain was caused by an active western disturbance. It brought thunderstorms and gusty winds across Delhi and parts of Uttar Pradesh. The rainfall also improved air quality. AQI stood at 93, in the “satisfactory” range. Officials said this was the first such reading in about five months.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:16am on 21 Mar 2026,Saturday International
Israeli forces said more than 20 Hezbollah fighters were killed in the past 24 hours during operations in southern Lebanon. The military said it also struck dozens of sites linked to the group. Troops seized weapons, including RPGs, anti-tank missiles and ammunition. The army said it will continue targeting Hezbollah positions. It accused the group of acting with support from Iran and posing a threat to Israeli civilians. In separate incidents, Israeli troops identified armed cells. One group was preparing to fire an anti-tank missile, the military said. At least seven fighters were killed in quick strikes and an air attack. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:07am on 21 Mar 2026,Saturday India Global
An Air India flight to Vancouver returned to Delhi after the airline used an aircraft not cleared for Canada operations. Flight AI185, operated with a Boeing 777-200LR, turned back after about four hours over Chinese airspace. Officials said the route requires a Boeing 777-300ER with specific approvals. “You can’t just send a different aircraft without clearance,” an official said. The airline called it an “operational issue” and said passengers were assisted. The flight later departed again. The incident may lead to financial losses due to fuel use and delays. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:01am on 21 Mar 2026,Saturday Entertainment
Chuck Norris, a martial artist and Hollywood action star, has died at the age of 86. His family announced his death, saying he “lived his life with faith, purpose, and love.” Norris was known for Walker, Texas Ranger and the film The Way of the Dragon, where he fought Bruce Lee. Tributes came from actors including Sylvester Stallone, who called him “All American in every way.” US President Donald Trump said he had “the highest respect” for him. Norris inspired millions through films, martial arts, and public life. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:54am on 21 Mar 2026,Saturday International
Iran fired two ballistic missiles at a joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, marking a possible expansion of the war into the Indian Ocean. US officials told The Wall Street Journal that neither missile hit the target. One failed mid-air. The other was intercepted by a US warship. The base is about 4,000 km from Iran, showing extended strike range. Congress MP Manish Tewari said, “Iran has just widened the war.” The Pentagon has not confirmed the report. The base is a key hub for US-UK operations. (PC: NDTV)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:47am on 21 Mar 2026,Saturday International
Donald Trump said the US may “wind down” its military action against Iran as key goals are nearing completion. His remarks follow rising tensions after a strike on the South Pars gas field. Israel hit the site earlier this week, and Iran responded by targeting a major LNG plant in Qatar linked to the same field. Trump said, “We are getting very close to meeting our objectives.” The White House said the mission may take four to six weeks. Officials added progress is steady. The fallout has pushed oil and gas prices higher and raised concerns over global supply. (PC: HT)