The ongoing conflict involving Iran has caused major disruptions to Middle East airspace, leading to a sharp rise in international airfares from Hyderabad. Airlines are rerouting flights to avoid conflict zones, increasing travel time and fuel costs. As a result, ticket prices on key routes have surged significantly. Direct flights between Hyderabad and London have reportedly climbed to nearly ₹2.5 lakh. Travel to other international destinations has also become more expensive due to limited seat availability and longer routes. Aviation experts say fares may remain elevated until regional airspace stabilises and normal flight operations resume. (PC: X)

A 33-year-old Mumbai seafarer, Dixit Amritlal Solanki, was killed after a missile struck the oil tanker MT MKD Vyom in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions in West Asia. The tanker, carrying around 59,000 metric tonnes of gasoline, caught fire after the strike while sailing near the Oman coast. Solanki, who was working as an oiler and had joined the vessel in December 2025, went missing after the explosion and was later presumed dead. The remaining 21 crew members were safely rescued and taken to Muscat, Oman. The attack highlights growing security risks to commercial shipping routes in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. (PC: WION)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the rapidly worsening situation in West Asia amid the ongoing Iran-Israel-US conflict. During the call, both leaders expressed concern over rising hostilities and emphasized the urgent need for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions. Modi said India and France would remain in close contact and coordinate efforts to support the early restoration of peace and stability in the region. The discussion reflects growing international concern about the conflict’s potential to destabilize global security, disrupt energy supplies, and trigger a wider regional war. (PC: Reuters)

The Indian Navy launched a search and rescue mission after receiving a distress call from Iranian warship IRIS Dena, struck by a US torpedo on March 4 within Sri Lanka’s exclusive economic zone, about 19 nautical miles off Galle. The vessel, returning from the Milan 2026 naval exercise in Visakhapatnam, had at least 130 personnel aboard; over 80 were killed and 32 rescued by Sri Lanka. India deployed a long-range maritime patrol aircraft, kept another aircraft with air-droppable life rafts on standby, and sent INS Tarangini and INS Ikshak to augment efforts. The Navy said the ship had left Indian waters on February 25 and sought no assistance before the conflict began. (PC: AP)

India formally conveyed condolences on the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking a subtle shift from its earlier silence on the US-Israel airstrikes in Tehran. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Iran’s ambassador in New Delhi and signed the condolence book. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s call for dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes. The move follows domestic opposition criticism and comes amid escalating regional tensions, including Iran’s announcement restricting Strait of Hormuz access to US, Israeli and European vessels, raising implications for India’s energy and strategic interests.

The Embassy of India in Doha has issued a fresh advisory urging Indian nationals in Qatar to strictly follow safety instructions amid escalating Gulf tensions. Citizens have been advised to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary movement, stay away from windows and balconies, and rely only on official updates. The mission has added an additional 24x7 helpline and confirmed temporary suspension of flight operations at Hamad International Airport following Qatari airspace closure. Qatar Airways will issue its next update at 0900 hrs (Doha time) on March 6. Meanwhile, Kuwait announced automatic one-month visit visa extensions and three-month absence permits for residents abroad under exceptional circumstances, with full fee exemptions.

India on Thursday offered condolences over the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited the Iranian embassy and signed the book of condolence. Khamenei, 86, was killed in joint US and Israeli strikes in Iran earlier this week. His death was first announced by US President Donald Trump. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. He shared the update in a post on X. India had earlier not issued a statement on Khamenei’s death. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called for an early end to hostilities. (PC: India Today)

England captain Harry Brook won the toss and chose to bowl against India in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final in Mumbai on Thursday. The match is being played at the Wankhede Stadium.   India captain Suryakumar Yadav said the team was comfortable batting first despite losing the toss. “We were looking to bat first anyway,” he said at the toss.   India come into the match after beating West Indies in a key Super 8 game. Sanju Samson scored 97 in that win. England also arrive in strong form after winning their last five matches.   The winner of the semi-final will face New Zealand in the final on Sunday. (PC: BCCI)

India conveyed condolences over the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei amid escalating regional tensions. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi and signed the condolence book to express sympathy on behalf of the Indian government. He also met Iran’s ambassador and conveyed condolences to the Iranian leadership and citizens. The gesture reflects India’s diplomatic outreach to Tehran during a period of heightened conflict in West Asia involving Iran, Israel and the United States. The development highlights India’s careful diplomatic approach as tensions continue to escalate across the region.

A United States submarine sank an Iranian naval warship near Sri Lanka amid rising tensions in the Iran-US conflict. The ship, returning from naval exercises in the Indian Ocean, reportedly had dozens of sailors on board, with many feared dead and several rescued. The incident has drawn attention to India because the vessel had recently operated near Indian waters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi now faces growing diplomatic pressure to clarify India’s position as New Delhi maintains ties with both Washington and Tehran. The situation highlights India’s delicate balancing act in foreign policy while tensions in the Middle East and surrounding regions continue to escalate. (PC: AFP)