State‑run oil marketing companies have raised premium petrol prices in India by up to ₹2.35 per litre, effective March 20, 2026, amid global energy supply disruptions linked to Middle East tensions. The hike affects high‑octane variants like BPCL’s Speed, HPCL’s Power and IOCL’s XP95, while the price of regular petrol and diesel remains unchanged for now. Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma noted petrol and diesel prices are deregulated and set by companies. The move comes as international crude and gas markets react to geopolitical conflicts around the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global fuel costs. (PC: AFP)

An Indian national was killed in a Saudi Arabia strike as the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States and Israel continues to escalate across the Middle East. The fatality occurred after a projectile struck a residential area in Al‑Kharj, near Riyadh, killing two people including the Indian citizen and injuring others, according to Saudi civil defence. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh extended condolences and is supporting the family. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reiterated that the conflict will go on, reaffirming ongoing missile production and attacks despite heavy strikes on Iranian forces and facilities. (PC: India Today)

For the first time since 1967, al‑Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem was closed to Muslim worshippers on Eid al‑Fitr, forcing thousands to pray outside its sealed gates amid heavy Israeli security measures. Israeli authorities cited security concerns linked to the US‑Israel‑Iran conflict, while Palestinians condemned it as a violation of religious freedom. The closure, affecting one of Islam’s holiest sites, has intensified tensions in Jerusalem and sparked outrage across the Muslim world. Critics warn the move could escalate unrest in the region during the holiday period, highlighting the fraught political and religious landscape of the city. (PC: Wikipedia)

The Ranveer Singh–led spy sequel Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge delivered a historic box office launch. Released on March 19, it grossed over ₹236 crore worldwide on opening day, surpassing many recent Indian releases and setting new benchmarks for advance sales and paid previews. Domestically, its first‑day net collection crossed around ₹145 crore, fueled by strong audience turnout and record‑setting advance bookings. The film’s remarkable momentum positions it as one of the biggest openers in Indian cinema history, reflecting massive anticipation for the high‑octane spy action sequel and strong audience demand across markets. (PC: ABP)

A 9-year-old girl from Stephenville, Texas, tragically died after trying the lethal “blackout challenge” trending on social media, which involves restricting oxygen to the brain. JackLynn Blackwell was found unconscious with a cord around her neck on February 3, and despite her father’s resuscitation efforts, she could not be saved. Her parents are urging families to monitor children’s online activity and cautioning against viral internet challenges that appear harmless but can be deadly. They call for increased adult supervision and awareness about the risks posed by dangerous social media trends. (PC: NDTV)

The US Navy’s amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, carrying about 2,000 Marines and advanced aircraft such as F‑35s, is sailing toward the Arabian Sea to reinforce American forces amid escalating tensions with Iran. Positioned south of Sri Lanka, the vessel is set to join the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group in the Gulf of Oman during the broader US–Iran war. The deployment enhances America’s military posture, potentially preparing for amphibious or crisis‑response operations. Its arrival could shape the conflict’s next phase, reflecting deepening involvement in the region and ongoing fears of wider escalation. (PC: US NAVY)

U.S. and Israeli forces have carried out airstrikes that killed Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naini, the spokesperson and deputy public relations chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to Iranian state media. The strike marks a significant escalation in the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States and Israel, coming shortly after Naini issued a defiant warning to opposing forces. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have framed his death as martyrdom, further raising tensions across the region and risking wider confrontation as global energy and security dynamics remain volatile. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump sparked discomfort during a White House meeting with Sanae Takaichi by jokingly referencing the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack while answering why Japan and other allies were not informed before recent US strikes on Iran. Trump praised Takaichi’s English, but his remark — “Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?” — drew an uneasy reaction from the Japanese leader and observers. The comment overshadowed discussions on diplomatic cooperation and regional security amid ongoing Middle East tensions. (PC: India Today)

India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the country is sourcing crude oil from multiple nations, including Russia, to ensure stable domestic energy supplies amid rising global market disruptions. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the government’s focus on diversifying import sources and reducing reliance on any single supplier. This strategy aims to maintain steady availability of crude and LPG for Indian consumers despite tensions in West Asia affecting shipping and fuel flows. The approach underscores India’s pragmatic energy security measures and readiness to navigate geopolitical uncertainties while safeguarding national energy needs. (PC: X)

Iran has issued a stark warning that it will show “zero restraint” if its energy infrastructure faces further attacks, escalating tensions in the Middle East conflict. This declaration follows an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field—one of the world’s largest energy sites—and Iran’s subsequent retaliatory attacks on Gulf energy facilities, including Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG hub, which knocked out a significant portion of its export capacity and disrupted global markets. The warning underscores Tehran’s readiness to expand its retaliation and adds to mounting concerns over regional conflict spreading and further destabilising global energy supplies. (PC: The Guardian)