Iran has claimed responsibility for a missile strike targeting Israel’s largest oil refinery in Haifa Bay, operated by the Bazan Group. According to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the facility was hit using Kheibar Shekan solid-fuel ballistic missiles as retaliation for recent U.S.–Israeli attacks on Iranian oil depots near Tehran. The refinery, a key energy hub supplying roughly half of Israel’s domestic fuel demand, has strategic economic and defence importance. The site was also struck during earlier hostilities in 2025. Videos of the alleged strike circulated on social media but remain unverified. Iranian officials said the attack signals a strong response to continued strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure amid the escalating confrontation with Israel.

Amid escalating tensions linked to the Israel–US–Iran conflict, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi has issued an advisory urging Indian nationals in the United Arab Emirates to strictly follow local laws on filming sensitive locations. Authorities warned that photographing or recording inside airports, government installations, security checkpoints, or other prohibited zones could lead to arrest, heavy fines, deportation, or imprisonment. The advisory echoes warnings from UAE authorities that sharing images of missile debris, defense operations, or incident sites may cause public panic and reveal intelligence to hostile actors. With emergency protocols active and air defenses on alert, residents are urged to seek shelter during incidents and rely only on official government updates.

Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah is set to become Nepal’s youngest prime minister after his party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), secured a sweeping victory in the 2026 Nepal General Election. The results mark a major political shift in the Himalayan nation, with traditional parties suffering heavy losses. Shah, popularly known as Balen, is also expected to become the first Madhesi leader to hold Nepal’s top executive office. His campaign, which focused on governance reforms, anti-corruption measures and youth engagement, resonated strongly with voters. The landmark result signals growing public demand for new political leadership and could reshape Nepal’s political landscape.

An Indian-origin man, Madhu Raju, may face deportation from the United States after a video showing him dancing at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. went viral online. The clip sparked criticism from social media users and veterans’ groups who called the act disrespectful to a site dedicated to the 16 million Americans who served in World War II. The controversy has drawn the attention of US authorities, who are reviewing whether the incident could affect Raju’s non-immigrant visa status. Following the backlash, he reportedly deleted several social media accounts while the matter remains under administrative review.

Israeli strikes overnight targeted oil depots and refineries in Tehran, triggering massive fires and thick plumes of smoke across the city. Residents said the explosions were so intense that the sky lit up “as if night had turned into day.” The flames reportedly spread toward Koohsar Boulevard, where witnesses said nearby homes and shops were also burning. Footage circulating online showed huge fireballs and smoke rising above the refinery complex. The strikes come amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, with both sides targeting strategic infrastructure. The attacks on energy facilities could further disrupt Iran’s fuel supply and intensify the widening regional conflict already affecting several Middle Eastern cities. 

A Pakistani driver was killed in Dubai after debris from an intercepted missile struck his vehicle in the Al Barsha area, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred amid escalating hostilities involving Iran, Israel and the United States, raising the civilian death toll in the United Arab Emirates to four. Officials said the casualties include two Pakistani nationals, a Nepali citizen and a Bangladeshi national. UAE air defence systems detected 16 ballistic missiles during the latest attack, intercepting 15 while one fell into the sea. In a separate incident, debris from another interception caused minor damage to a tower facade in the Dubai Marina area, highlighting the regional spillover of the conflict. (PC: AP)

US immigration authorities have arrested an Indian national, Jaskaran Singh, in San Diego over what officials described as a criminal history that includes a hit-and-run case. The arrest was announced by the local office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations on social media. Authorities said Singh has a final order of removal and will remain in ICE custody while deportation proceedings continue. The action follows another recent arrest of an Indian national in San Diego on separate criminal allegations. Removal proceedings will determine whether Singh will be deported from the United States under immigration enforcement rules.

India said it does not require permission from any country to import Russian oil after the United States issued a temporary waiver allowing such purchases during the Middle East crisis. The government said India buys crude from the most competitive sources to safeguard national energy security. Officials added that India has diversified its oil suppliers from 27 to 40 countries and currently holds over 250 million barrels of crude and petroleum products in reserves, enough for several weeks of consumption. Russia remains India’s largest supplier, with imports rising after discounted prices following the Ukraine war. Rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted global energy flows and pushed oil prices sharply higher. (PC: Reuters)

Bombs were hurled at a Hindu Puja gathering in Cumilla on March 7, leaving several people injured and seriously wounding chief priest Keshab Chakraborty. CCTV footage reportedly captured the moment explosives were thrown at devotees, triggering panic at the religious event. Chakraborty suffered severe injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment. The attack comes amid growing concern over violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh following the political upheaval after Sheikh Hasina was ousted in 2024. Minority groups say thousands of incidents targeting Hindus including killings, temple vandalism, and property seizures have been reported over the past year. (PC: News18)

US President Donald Trump intensified criticism of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over London’s stance on the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. Trump accused Starmer of blocking American forces from using British bases during the initial strikes and suggested the UK was now considering sending aircraft carriers only after the conflict had largely been decided. In a Truth Social post, Trump said the US did not need British support and warned that Washington would “remember” the lack of early backing from its ally. The remarks highlight growing tensions between the two traditional partners as Western governments respond differently to the escalating Middle East conflict. (PC: India Today)