The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has withdrawn its Class 8 Social Science textbook “Exploring Society: India and Beyond” (Part II) after controversy over a chapter discussing challenges in the judiciary. The chapter titled “The Role of Judiciary in Our Society” mentioned issues such as corruption, case backlogs, and shortage of judges, which sparked criticism and legal scrutiny. Following concerns raised in the Supreme Court, NCERT issued an “unconditional and unqualified apology” and halted the book’s distribution. Authorities ordered a complete ban on further printing and dissemination, and the council asked that all copies be withdrawn. NCERT said the inclusion of the content was an “error of judgement” and reaffirmed respect for constitutional institutions. 

Residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi received emergency alerts warning of potential missile threats as the UAE’s air-defence systems intercepted incoming drones and missiles linked to the ongoing Iran-Israel-US conflict. Authorities urged people to seek shelter while security forces responded to the aerial threats. The regional war has severely disrupted aviation, with more than 40,000 flights cancelled across the Middle East between February 28 and March 9. Airports in the Gulf, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, faced temporary closures and operational disruptions due to safety concerns. Governments across the region remain on high alert as the conflict spreads, raising fears of further attacks and prolonged travel and economic disruptions. (PC: AP)

Iran launched multiple drones toward Saudi Arabia and Kuwait amid the escalating Middle East conflict, expanding the war beyond Iran and Israel. Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said two drones were intercepted over its oil-rich eastern region, while Kuwait’s National Guard shot down six drones targeting northern and southern areas. The attacks come as U.S. President Donald Trump sends conflicting messages about the war’s duration—calling it a “short excursion” but warning Iran of a massive response if oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted. The uncertainty has caused volatility in global markets and oil prices as fears grow of wider regional escalation. (PC: AFP)

Hussain Hassan Mirza, the first United Arab Emirates envoy to India, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi could play a key role in ending the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. In an interview, Mirza stated that a single phone call from Modi to the leaders of Iran and Israel could help resolve the crisis due to his strong credibility and diplomatic influence in the region. He also emphasized that the UAE does not want to be dragged into the war and will not allow its territory to be used for military operations by either side. According to Mirza, India’s balanced relations with both nations could help promote dialogue and de-escalation in the Middle East. (PC: NDTV)

The United States reportedly reacted with shock after Israel carried out massive strikes on 30 Iranian fuel depots, an operation that went far beyond what Washington expected. According to reports, Israel had informed the US before launching the attacks, but the scale of the strikes surprised American officials. One US official reportedly responded with “WTF?” after learning about the extensive damage caused to Iran’s oil infrastructure. The incident marks the first major disagreement between the two allies since the war began on February 28. The strikes triggered huge fires and intensified tensions in the Middle East as the Iran-Israel conflict continues to escalate. (PC: X)

Mojtaba Khamenei has taken over as Iran’s Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the ongoing Iran-US-Israel conflict. His rise to power reportedly came at a heavy personal cost, with several close family members killed in strikes during the war. Reports suggest that his wife, a son, and other relatives were among those who died in the attacks. Despite these losses, Iran’s powerful Assembly of Experts selected Mojtaba to lead the country at a time of intense regional tension. His appointment marks the first time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that Iran’s top leadership has effectively passed from father to son. (PC: NDTV)

U.S. President Donald Trump said the ongoing war with Iran could end soon, claiming American and allied military objectives are largely achieved. Speaking in a media interview, Trump described the conflict as a “short-term excursion” and suggested U.S. forces are ahead of their planned timeline. However, he issued a strong warning to Tehran, urging Iranian leaders not to “try anything cute” or provoke further escalation. Trump cautioned that any hostile action by Iran would trigger a severe response from the United States. The conflict began after U.S.–Israel strikes on Iranian targets, followed by retaliatory attacks that have heightened tensions across the Middle East. (PC: Reuters)

France will deploy nearly a dozen naval vessels, including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, to the Mediterranean and Red Sea as tensions escalate in the Middle East. President Emmanuel Macron said the move aims to support allies and ensure maritime security as the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran disrupts shipping routes and pushes oil prices higher. France is also considering a defensive escort mission for commercial ships through the strategic Strait of Hormuz once the most intense phase of the conflict subsides. The deployment includes warships, an aircraft carrier strike group and helicopter carriers to protect navigation and reinforce European security efforts in the region. (PC: Reuters)

Former United Arab Emirates ambassador to India, Hussain Hassan Mirza, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi could play a key diplomatic role in easing tensions between Israel and Iran. In an interview, Mirza suggested that Modi’s strong relations with both countries might allow him to help de-escalate the conflict through direct communication. He also highlighted India’s significant presence in the UAE, where more than 3.5 million Indians live and contribute to the country’s economy. Mirza added that Gulf countries, including the UAE, are trying to prevent the conflict from spreading across the region while strengthening their defence against missile and drone threats. (PC: X)

The government of India has decided not to increase retail petrol prices even as global crude oil prices crossed $100 per barrel amid geopolitical tensions. According to official sources, the move aims to shield consumers from rising fuel costs during the ongoing global energy uncertainty. At the same time, authorities have tightened LPG distribution rules by increasing the minimum gap for booking a domestic refill from 21 days to 25 days. The measure is intended to prevent hoarding and ensure fair supply of cooking gas cylinders across the country. (PC: X)