Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, a key military facility that hosts U.S. warplanes and personnel, amid the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict. Reports indicate that several U.S. aerial refuelling aircraft were damaged in the strike, though no fatalities were reported. Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also warned residents across Gulf countries to stay away from oil ports and strategic facilities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cautioned that U.S. companies in the Middle East could be targeted if Iran’s energy infrastructure is attacked. The attacks mark a major escalation, raising fears of a wider regional war and threatening global oil supplies. (PC: X)

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iran is reportedly considering allowing a limited number of oil tankers to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, but only if the oil transactions are conducted in Chinese yuan instead of U.S. dollars. According to reports citing a senior Iranian official, the move would be part of a controlled reopening of the waterway after disruptions caused by ongoing conflict and attacks on ships. The condition aims to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar and strengthen economic ties with China. Analysts say such a policy could challenge the dominance of the petrodollar system and reshape global oil trade dynamics. (PC: X)

A senior Iranian security official has claimed that members of Jeffrey Epstein’s network are planning a major attack and may try to blame Iran for it. Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, made the allegation in a post on X. “I’ve heard that the remaining members of Epstein’s network have devised a conspiracy to create an incident similar to 9/11 and blame Iran for it,” Larijani wrote. He did not provide evidence to support the claim. Larijani also said Iran opposes terrorism and does not see the American public as its enemy. The statement comes as tensions remain high during the ongoing Middle East conflict. (PC: India Today)

The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the 2026 Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. Voting will begin on April 9 in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry, while Tamil Nadu will vote on April 23. West Bengal will hold elections in two phases on April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes for all states and the union territory will take place on May 4. The elections will cover more than 800 assembly seats, and political parties are expected to intensify campaigning as the race for power begins across these key states. (PC: India Today)

Iran has vowed to “pursue and kill” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the war between Iran, Israel and the United States entered its 16th day. In a statement, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said, “If this child-killing criminal is alive, we will continue to pursue and kill him with full force.” The remarks came as social media posts questioned Netanyahu’s whereabouts. Some users claimed a recent video of him appeared edited using artificial intelligence. Netanyahu’s office denied rumours of his death. “These are fake news; the Prime Minister is fine,” his office said. The conflict began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran last month triggered a wider regional war. (PC: NDTV)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has increased the monthly honorarium for purohits and muezzins by ₹500. The decision was announced hours before the Election Commission was set to declare the Assembly poll dates. With the hike, Hindu priests and Muslim clerics will now receive ₹2,000 every month. Banerjee also said the state government has approved all new applications submitted by purohits and muezzins under the scheme. “We take pride in nurturing an environment where every community and tradition is valued and strengthened,” she said. The honorarium schemes were introduced earlier to support people involved in religious and community services across the state. (PC: HT)

Israeli forces shot dead a Palestinian couple and two of their children in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian officials said. The family was travelling in a car in the town of Tammoun when troops opened fire. The victims were identified as parents Ali and Waad Bani Odeh and their sons Mohammed, five, and Othman, seven. The Palestinian health ministry said they arrived at hospital with gunshot wounds to the head and face. Two other children in the car, aged eight and 11, survived with minor shrapnel injuries. Israeli authorities said troops fired after the vehicle “accelerated towards Israeli forces”. The military said the incident is under investigation. (PC: India Today)

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) will contest 86 of the 140 seats in the upcoming Kerala Assembly election. The party has decided to give tickets again to 56 sitting MLAs. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will contest from the Dharmadom constituency in Kannur district. Former health minister K. K. Shailaja will contest from the Peravoor seat in Kannur district. She had earlier won from Mattannur with a record margin in the previous election. Peravoor is currently represented by Sunny Joseph. He is also the president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). The CPM announcement sets the stage for key contests in Kannur district ahead of the state election. (PC: India Today)

The Election Commission has announced that the West Bengal Assembly election will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Votes will be counted on May 4. In the 2021 election, the state voted in eight phases over more than a month. This time, polling will be shorter while other states — Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry — will vote in a single phase. The 294-seat Assembly will see a contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is seeking a fourth term. The BJP is aiming to expand its presence after winning 77 seats in the 2021 polls. (PC: NDTV)

The Election Commission on Sunday announced the schedule for assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and the Union Territory of Puducherry.   Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will vote in a single phase on April 9. Tamil Nadu will hold polling on April 23. West Bengal will vote in two phases on April 23 and April 29.   The commission said counting of votes for all states and the Union Territory will take place on May 4.   Nomination filing for Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will begin with a gazette notification on March 16. For Tamil Nadu and West Bengal Phase-1, the notification will be issued on March 30.