India has welcomed the decision by the International Energy Agency (IEA) to release emergency oil reserves to stabilise global markets amid supply disruptions linked to the escalating Middle East conflict. The government said it is closely monitoring developments in global energy markets and remains prepared to take necessary measures if required. As an associate member of the IEA, India emphasised its commitment to global energy cooperation and supporting efforts to maintain stability in international oil supplies. (PC: X)

Two oil tankers carrying crude from Iraq caught fire after being targeted in an attack linked to Iran near key shipping routes in the Middle East. The vessels Zefyros and Safesea Vishnu were anchored close to each other when the strike caused a massive explosion and blaze, killing one person. Videos circulating online show flames spreading across the water, suggesting oil leakage from the damaged tankers. The incident comes amid escalating conflict involving United States, Israel and Iran, with multiple ships recently targeted in the strategic Strait of Hormuz shipping corridor. 

Iran has announced it will not participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during strikes carried out by the United States and Israel. Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said the national team cannot compete in a tournament hosted partly in the United States under the current circumstances. The decision comes as tensions escalate in the Middle East, with Iran launching retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region. The United States, Canada and Mexico are scheduled to co-host the 2026 tournament. (PC: AP)  

Eight seafarers from India who survived a missile attack on the oil tanker Sky Light near Oman’s Khasab port are stranded abroad after a fire destroyed their passports, phones and personal belongings. The attack on March 1 occurred amid escalating tensions in the Middle East near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The vessel’s captain, Ashish Kumar from Bihar, was killed, while another crew member, Dalip Singh from Rajasthan, remains missing. The surviving sailors are currently staying at Khasab Airport and waiting for emergency travel documents from authorities so they can return home. (PC: The Indian Express)

A complaint has been filed against Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya at a police station in Pune over allegations of insulting the national flag during celebrations after India won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad. Advocate Wajid Khan requested that police register an FIR, claiming Pandya wrapped the Indian tricolour around his body and behaved inappropriately during the celebrations. Police confirmed receiving the complaint but have not yet provided further details. Pandya, who played a key role in India’s title win, finished the tournament with strong performances with both bat and ball. (PC: X)

Several state governments in India have launched crackdowns on hoarding and black-marketing of LPG cylinders after fears of shortages triggered panic buying. Long queues and clashes were reported outside gas agencies in states such as Uttar Pradesh, where authorities conducted raids and sealed agencies accused of irregularities. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered strict action against hoarders. The concerns come amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States, which has disrupted energy supply routes and raised fears of shortages. Some states have allowed restaurants, schools and caterers to temporarily switch to traditional cooking methods such as wood or charcoal to cope with limited commercial LPG supplies. (PC: ANI)

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned police agencies in California about a potential drone attack allegedly linked to Iran. According to intelligence alerts, Iran may attempt a “surprise attack” using unmanned aerial vehicles launched from a vessel off the coast of the United States. The warning comes after joint military strikes by the US and Israel against Iran earlier in 2026. Officials say there is no confirmed timeline or target yet, but security agencies are monitoring the threat closely as concerns grow over the increasing use of drones in modern warfare. (PC: AFP)

The administration of Donald Trump has launched a new trade investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, targeting 16 major trading partners including China, European Union, India, Japan and South Korea. The probe, announced by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, focuses on countries suspected of having excess manufacturing capacity that could distort global markets. The move comes after the Supreme Court of the United States struck down a key part of Trump’s tariff policy, prompting the administration to explore new legal tools to maintain trade pressure. Officials say the investigation could result in fresh tariffs by summer, as Washington seeks to reduce trade deficits and protect domestic manufacturing. (PC: X/@News18)

A US Tomahawk missile strike that hit an elementary school in Iran’s Minab happened due to a targeting error, according to a report citing an ongoing military investigation. The February 28 strike destroyed the Shajarah Tayyebeh school building and reportedly killed more than 175 people, most of them children. US officials said the target coordinates were created using outdated data by the US Central Command. The information had been provided by the Defence Intelligence Agency. Investigators are examining why the data was not double-checked. Officials said the mistake was likely human. The school stands near a base of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy, which had been the intended military target. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump said he is “not worried” about possible Iran-backed attacks on the United States, even as tensions rise in the ongoing war with Tehran. Iran warned that ports could become targets after the US said Iranian civilian ports used for military purposes would be considered legitimate targets. The conflict has entered its 12th day. Israel said it launched a new “wide-scale wave of strikes” across Iran and also hit Hezbollah targets in Beirut. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they launched new missile attacks under “Operation True Promise 4”. The group claimed the strikes targeted US and Israeli sites in the region. Iran has also said it will not seek a ceasefire and warned of a long conflict. (PC: HT)