Indian refiners plan to buy Iranian oil after the US issued a 30-day sanctions waiver. The waiver allows purchase of oil already at sea. Sources said refiners are waiting for clear directions from the government. A source said, “We are awaiting clarity on payment and process.” The move comes as Asia faces energy pressure due to supply disruption. India depends heavily on imported crude. Around 130 to 170 million barrels of Iranian oil are currently at sea. Buyers are also checking risks linked to payments and transport. Talks are ongoing as companies try to secure supplies quickly and safely. (PC: Reuters)

The Iranian Navy guided an Indian LPG tanker through the Strait of Hormuz last week via a pre-approved route. The passage followed coordination between India and Iran. An officer said, “The ship remained in contact with the Iranian Navy during the journey.” The tanker was one of two Indian vessels allowed to cross. The route is risky due to attacks and conflict in the region. The ship had waited nearly ten days before getting clearance. It sailed with its tracking system off and faced GPS disruption. After exiting, Indian Navy ships escorted it further towards India safely.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday amid rising tensions in West Asia. He shared Eid and Nowruz greetings and hoped for peace. Modi said, “We expressed hope that this festive season brings peace, stability and prosperity.” He also condemned attacks on key infrastructure. “Such actions threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains,” he said. He stressed that “shipping lanes must remain open and secure.” The call comes as Strait of Hormuz traffic faces disruption. Over 20 Indian vessels remain stranded. India is in talks with Iran to ensure safe passage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian and stressed the need to keep shipping routes open. This was their second call since tensions rose in West Asia.   Modi conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings and expressed hope for peace. He also raised concern over recent attacks on key infrastructure.   He said he “condemned attacks on critical infrastructure” that disrupt supply chains.   The Prime Minister also said “shipping lanes must remain open and secure”.   India remains concerned as several Indian vessels are still stranded in the region. (PC: X)

Two Indian-origin men have been fined about Rs 1.7 lakh each for spitting paan on London streets. The cases were reported in Brent, where authorities are tightening rules on public cleanliness.   Akshitkumar Bhadre Patel, 31, was fined £1,391 after failing to pay an earlier £100 penalty. He was found guilty of spitting paan in Kingsbury in June 2025.   In a similar case, Hitesh Patel, 32, was fined the same amount for an incident in Wembley Hill.   Officials said cleaning paan stains costs over £30,000 a year. “The initial fine was £100… it rose to £1,391,” authorities noted. (PC: X)

India may resume buying Iranian crude after a US waiver allowed sales of oil stuck at sea. The move comes as prices stay above $100 amid the Iran conflict. Indian refiners, already lifting Russian oil under a similar waiver, are exploring Iranian supplies. However, Iran has said it has “no floating crude or surplus available” for export, raising doubts. The government is seeking clarity from Washington on payment rules. Iran has also slowed tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz. India, which imports most of its oil, sees Iranian crude as a good fit for its refineries. (PC: India Today)

An Air India flight to Vancouver returned to Delhi after the airline used an aircraft not cleared for Canada operations. Flight AI185, operated with a Boeing 777-200LR, turned back after about four hours over Chinese airspace. Officials said the route requires a Boeing 777-300ER with specific approvals. “You can’t just send a different aircraft without clearance,” an official said. The airline called it an “operational issue” and said passengers were assisted. The flight later departed again. The incident may lead to financial losses due to fuel use and delays. (PC: HT)

An Indian national was killed in Riyadh amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran and regional powers, taking the death toll of Indians to six. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia cited “recent developments” on March 18, when Saudi Arabia intercepted four ballistic missiles targeting the capital. Debris reportedly fell near a refinery, likely causing the fatality. Earlier incidents include deaths in Sohar and Al Kharj. One Indian remains missing. Since the conflict began on February 28, repeated missile and drone attacks have targeted Gulf infrastructure, impacting expatriates and escalating regional risks. (PC: X)

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Commissioner Mike Duheme said there is currently no evidence linking India to covert operations or transnational repression in Canada, easing tensions between the two nations. His remarks, shared with Ottawa, may shape future diplomatic engagement. However, Duheme clarified this reflects the present situation and does not address past allegations made during Justin Trudeau’s tenure, when Indian agents were accused of involvement in intimidation and killings. India has consistently denied these claims, accusing Canada of politicising intelligence. The development signals a potential reset in strained bilateral relations. (PC: Times Now)

Bhupathiraju Anmish Varma set a world record by climbing the Seven Volcanic Summits in 92 days, 4 hours and 45 minutes, the fastest in the male category. His journey began at Mount Elbrus on October 23, 2024, and concluded at Mount Sidley on January 23, 2025. The challenge spans volcanic peaks across continents, including Ojos del Salado and Mount Damavand. The feat was officially recognised by Guinness World Records in February 2026, highlighting endurance, speed and determination in extreme mountaineering conditions. (PC: X)