Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it launched missiles and drones that struck the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Sea of Oman, asserting the vessel was damaged and forced to withdraw amid ongoing Middle East hostilities. Tehran framed the action as retaliation in the broader conflict. However, the United States military has strongly denied the claim, stating the carrier was not hit or harmed, and remains operational alongside its strike group, continuing regional missions. The conflicting narratives reflect rising U.S.–Iran tensions and the fog of war over military engagements at sea. (PC: AP)

China announced it will send US $200,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance to Iran to support victims of a deadly school attack, condemning the killing of at least 150 schoolgirls in Minab as a violation of international humanitarian law. Beijing’s gesture, channelled through the Red Cross Society of China to the Iranian Red Crescent, aims to comfort bereaved families and bolster relief efforts. China also urged all parties to halt military operations, return to dialogue, and avoid broader escalation. The comment comes amid intensifying US‑Israel strikes, Iranian retaliation, and regional tensions impacting global oil routes. (PC: AP)

Intelligence analysts suggest **Iran may be leveraging China’s highly accurate BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) to enhance the precision of its missile and drone strikes amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. BeiDou, China’s global rival to the U.S.‑controlled GPS, offers high‑precision geolocation and is harder to jam or spoof, potentially improving Iranian weapons guidance and resilience against electronic warfare. Tehran has not officially confirmed use, but experts note noticeable gains in targeting accuracy and speculate a phased integration of BeiDou into Iran’s military systems, reflecting deeper China‑Iran tech cooperation and a shift away from reliance on GPS. (PC: Reuters )

A U.S. military KC‑135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on 12 March 2026, killing four of the six crew members, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed. Rescue operations are ongoing for the two others. The crash occurred during Operation Epic Fury, part of U.S. military actions linked to the wider conflict involving Iran; CENTCOM said the loss was not due to hostile or friendly fire. Another KC‑135 involved in the incident landed safely. The identities of those killed are being withheld pending family notification, and an investigation into the circumstances is underway. (PC: EPA)

A new survey by India Karuna Collaborative and YouGov reveals that a significant portion of young Indians place high importance on animal welfare. The study found that 54% of respondents aged 18–30 consider animal welfare crucial, and more than half are willing to pay higher prices for ethically sourced meat, dairy, and eggs. While many youth recognise farmed animal sentience and demand greater transparency in farming conditions, misconceptions about industrial agriculture persist. The findings suggest a growing empathy-driven consumer mindset among India’s youth and point to potential support for welfare‑focused reforms in policy and business practices. 

After Pakistan’s recent air raids inside Afghanistan, Afghanistan’s **Taliban government claimed it retaliated with drone strikes on a Pakistani army camp in Kohat, marking a serious escalation in cross‑border tensions. Pakistan had conducted airstrikes in Kabul and Kandahar, targeting what it described as militant hideouts, which Kabul condemned as violations of sovereignty. The conflict is part of a broader surge in hostilities between the neighbours, with both sides exchanging strikes and blaming each other for harbouring militants, raising fears of a wider military confrontation.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that ballistic missiles and drones struck the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Sea of Oman, asserting severe damage and a forced withdrawal. Tehran’s statement said the attack occurred about 340 km from its maritime borders, with state media claiming U.S. vessels fled at high speed. Washington’s U.S. Central Command denied the claim, releasing photos and stating the carrier remains fully operational supporting Operation Epic Fury. Conflicting narratives reflect escalating tensions between Iran and U.S./Israeli forces in the broader Middle East conflict. (PC: X)

The Supreme Court of India rejected a plea seeking a law mandating menstrual leave for women workers and students, saying compulsory leave could harm women’s careers by making employers reluctant to hire them. The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, observed that mandatory provisions might reinforce gender stereotypes and negatively affect job opportunities. While acknowledging menstrual health issues, the court suggested interested authorities could consider policies after stakeholder consultation but declined the Public Interest Litigation (PIL). Judges stressed that voluntary practices are welcome, but legal compulsion may be counterproductive. (PC: X)

Two people were killed in Oman after debris from an intercepted drone fell in a populated area amid the intensifying US–Iran conflict. Authorities said the drone was part of the ongoing regional hostilities linked to the war. Meanwhile, Donald Trump issued a cryptic warning, telling reporters to “watch what happens today,” suggesting possible new military or strategic moves by the United States government. The remark comes as tensions surge across the Middle East, with missile strikes, drone attacks and threats to energy shipping routes continuing to destabilize the region. (PC: HT)

IT companies in Kerala’s Technopark are considering shifting to work‑from‑home as local food services struggle due to a commercial LPG shortage triggered by surging oil prices and supply disruptions. The lack of cooking gas has hit eateries and canteens relied upon by tech employees, prompting contingency planning. Internationally, the Trump administration has issued a temporary 30‑day waiver allowing the purchase of Russian oil stranded at sea to stabilize global energy markets amid the ongoing U.S.‑Iran war and rising crude costs. The move aims to ease supply tightness caused by conflict‑related disruptions at key shipping chokepoints. (PC: The Hindu)