India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill is set to be honoured with the Cricketer of the Year award at the annual BCCI Naman Awards later this month. The recognition comes despite Gill being dropped from India’s squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Gill earned the honour after an outstanding 2025 season, finishing as one of the top run-scorers in international cricket across formats. His consistent performances in Tests and ODIs and growing leadership role helped him edge past several senior players for the prestigious award. The ceremony, organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, will take place in New Delhi. (PC: X)

An Indian national was killed after a suspected Iranian explosive-laden “suicide boat” attacked the US-owned oil tanker Safesea Vishnu in Iraqi waters near Basra on March 11. The vessel, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, was struck near the Khor Al Zubair Port, triggering explosions and fire on board. The Embassy of India in Iraq confirmed the death and said the remaining 15 Indian crew members were evacuated safely. Another tanker was also damaged in the incident. The attack comes amid escalating regional tensions and growing threats to commercial shipping routes in West Asia. 

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Iran has reportedly assured India that oil tankers flying the Indian flag will be allowed safe passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. An Indian source said the understanding came after diplomatic discussions between S. Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart to safeguard Indian shipping. The route carries nearly 40% of India’s crude oil imports, making it critical for the country’s energy security. However, an Iranian source outside the country denied that any formal agreement exists. The development comes amid attacks on merchant vessels and rising regional conflict, raising concerns over global oil supplies and maritime safety. (PC: Reuters)

  Iran warned that global oil prices could surge as attacks on ships disrupt energy routes in the Gulf. An Iranian military spokesperson said the world should “get ready for oil to be $200 a barrel.” Three vessels were reported hit in Gulf waters on Wednesday. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they fired on ships that ignored their orders. Since the war began, at least 14 merchant ships have been damaged in the region. The conflict started nearly two weeks ago after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Oil prices have already risen sharply, briefly nearing $120 a barrel earlier this week. The International Energy Agency has suggested releasing strategic reserves to calm markets. (PC: NDTV)

Union Energy Minister Hardeep Puri said there is no shortage of fuel in India despite disruption in the Strait of Hormuz due to the West Asia conflict. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, he said, “There is no shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene, ATF or fuel oil. The availability is fully assured.” Puri said India must deal with the effects of the conflict even though it has no role in it. He added that the country’s crude oil and LPG supplies remain protected. The minister said India has diversified LPG imports. Cargoes are coming from the United States, Norway, Canada, Algeria and Russia. Domestic LPG production has also increased by 28%. (PC: HT)

India’s retail inflation rose to 3.21% in February from 2.75% in January, according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The increase was mainly driven by food prices. Food inflation stood at 3.75% in February. Prices changed across vegetables, cereals and pulses. Food items have a large weight in the Consumer Price Index. Urban inflation was recorded at 3.32%. Rural inflation stood at 3.07%. Despite the rise, inflation remains within the Reserve Bank of India’s target band of 2–6%. The central bank aims to keep inflation near 4%. Economists say global oil prices and supply disruptions could affect inflation trends in the coming months. (PC: India Today)

US intelligence agencies say Iran’s leadership is not at risk of collapse despite nearly two weeks of US and Israeli strikes. Officials said several intelligence reports show the government still controls the country. “A multitude of intelligence reports provide consistent analysis that the regime is not in danger and retains control of the Iranian public,” one source said. The strikes began on February 28 and targeted air defences, nuclear sites and senior leaders. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day. Still, officials say security forces and interim leaders remain in control. Sources added the situation on the ground is fluid and could change. (PC: NDTV)

An oil tanker bound for India reached Mumbai after briefly going “dark” while crossing the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz. The Liberia-flagged Shenlong Suezmax tanker, carrying Saudi crude, docked at Mumbai Port on Wednesday evening. The ship loaded oil at Ras Tanura Port on March 1 and sailed two days later. Tracking data showed its last signal inside the strait on March 8 before it disappeared from monitoring systems. The signal returned the next day after the vessel cleared the waterway. “Going dark” means switching off the Automatic Identification System that shares a ship’s identity and location. Officials said the tanker is carrying 1,35,335 metric tonnes of crude and unloading has started. (PC: NDTV)

An Indian sailor was killed after a US-owned oil tanker was attacked near Iraq’s Basra port on March 11 amid the Iran–Israel war. The vessel, MT Safesea Vishnu, was carrying about 48,000 metric tonnes of naphtha during ship-to-ship cargo loading operations. The Directorate General of Shipping said the tanker was struck by an explosive unmanned speedboat around 9 PM UTC. A total of 16 Indian crew members were on board. The Indian Embassy in Iraq said the remaining 15 sailors were evacuated safely. “One Indian crew member unfortunately lost his life. The remaining 15 Indian crew have since been evacuated to a safe place,” the embassy said. The death takes the number of Indian sailors killed in the conflict to three. (PC: The Indian Express)

Explosions were heard in downtown Dubai on Thursday as Iran continued attacks across the Gulf region. An AFP correspondent reported hearing one very loud blast. Small clouds of smoke were seen rising above a residential area. Earlier, a container ship near Dubai was hit by a projectile in the Persian Gulf. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre said the strike caused a small fire but the crew were safe. In Bahrain, an Iranian attack triggered a major fire on Muharraq Island near the international airport. Kuwait said an Iranian drone hit a residential building and wounded two people. Saudi Arabia also said it shot down drones targeting Riyadh and an oil facility in the kingdom’s east. (PC: NDTV)