Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:09am on 02 Mar 2026,Monday India Global
India’s state-run refiners, led by Indian Oil, met government officials to plan for supply risks after fighting near the Strait of Hormuz slowed oil flows. The route carries nearly half of India’s daily crude imports. Officials said India has stocks that may last about two weeks, including reserves. One option is to buy more Russian crude. About 9.5 million barrels of Russian oil are in Asian waters, sources said. India had cut such imports under US pressure. Refiners are also seeking more supplies from Saudi Arabia and may adjust output to boost LPG for homes. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:16am on 02 Mar 2026,Monday India Global
The Indian rupee slipped past Rs 91 per US dollar marking its lowest level in approximately a month as escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions triggered sharp risk-off sentiment across markets. Rising global crude oil prices, surging safe-haven dollar demand, and broader market risk aversion are collectively weighing heavily on the currency. Analysts warn the rupee could slide further toward Rs 91.50, potentially testing fresh lows when markets open Monday. Traders are bracing for continued volatility should Middle East tensions persist, with higher crude import costs expected to compound pressure on India's current account and currency outlook in the near term. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:08am on 02 Mar 2026,Monday India Global
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired an emergency Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting to assess the escalating West Asia crisis following US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran. With an estimated 9.6 million Indian nationals across the region including 10,000 in Iran, the CCS expressed serious concern over their safety. The panel reviewed stranded travelers, students facing disrupted exams, and broader economic implications. All departments were directed to assist affected Indians. New Delhi is not immediately considering evacuations due to airspace closures. The MEA has issued advisories and activated embassy helplines across Tehran, Tel Aviv, Abu Dhabi, and Damascus, while EAM Jaishankar urged both Iran and Israel to exercise restraint. (PC: PMO)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:48am on 02 Mar 2026,Monday India Global
Protests erupted across Delhi following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in a joint Israel-US airstrike on his compound in Tehran at age 86. Members of the All India Shia Council gathered at Jantar Mantar, while crowds assembled outside the Iran Cultural House. Protesters condemned the strike as a violation of the UN charter, with Delhi's Jama Masjid Imam calling Trump "against humanity." Security was significantly heightened citywide as additional police, paramilitary personnel, and barricades deployed near diplomatic missions and Shia-majority localities. Authorities confirmed the situation remained peaceful while monitoring social media and coordinating with community leaders closely.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:38pm on 01 Mar 2026,Sunday India Global
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as tensions rose sharply in the Middle East. The call followed recent strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks across the region. In a post on X, Modi said, “Conveyed India’s concerns over recent developments and emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority. India reiterates the need for an early cessation of hostilities.” Earlier, Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security in New Delhi. Senior ministers and officials attended. The panel reviewed the regional situation and discussed safety steps for Indians living in Iran, Israel and Gulf countries. Indian missions have activated helplines and remain in contact with nationals. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:05pm on 01 Mar 2026,Sunday India Global
The Indian Army blocked several Pakistani drone attempts along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Sunday morning. Officials said 2-3 small quadcopters tried to enter Indian airspace between 5:45 am and 6:00 am. Troops on duty responded quickly. “Swift counter-drone actions by vigilant Indian Army personnel successfully thwarted the attempt, forcing the quadcopters to return,” officials said. They added that similar drone sightings have been reported along the LoC and the International Border in recent days. The Army has increased surveillance and monitoring to prevent further intrusions. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:18pm on 01 Mar 2026,Sunday India Global
India has enough oil to last 74 days if the Iran war disrupts supplies, officials said. Iran has shut the Strait of Hormuz after US-Israel strikes killed its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The strait handles a fifth of global oil trade. India’s oil minister Hardeep Singh Puri said reserves are stored in caverns and refineries across the country. Strategic reserves alone can last about 9.5 days. Oil companies hold stocks for around 67 days. Experts warned that higher global prices could raise India’s import bill. Economist Kirit Parekh suggested buying more oil from Russia if needed.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:04pm on 01 Mar 2026,Sunday India Global
At least 148 people were killed after a reported missile strike hit a girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran, officials said. Iran blamed the US and Israel for the attack. The school is near an IRGC base that was targeted before. The US Central Command said it is looking into the reports. Israel said it is not aware of any operation in the area. Iran’s Red Crescent said over 200 people have died in recent strikes. Rescue teams were sent to the site. The BBC verified videos of the damage but could not confirm the death toll independently. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:25pm on 01 Mar 2026,Sunday India Global
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting tonight after US-Israel strikes on Iran raised tensions in the Middle East. He will reach Delhi around 9:30 pm after a two-day visit to Tamil Nadu. The meeting will review the situation in Iran and the safety of Indians in the region. India has advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel and stay alert. Missions in Iran, Israel, the UAE and nearby countries are in touch with nationals. About 10,000 Indians live in Iran, and nearly 9.6 million live across West Asia. (PC: PMO via PTI)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:23am on 01 Mar 2026,Sunday India Global
Iran has struck an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz near Oman, with 15 Indian nationals among those on board. The Palau-flagged vessel Skylight was targeted five nautical miles north of Khasab Port in Oman’s Musandam region. Oman’s Maritime Security Centre said all 20 crew members, including 15 Indians and five Iranians, were evacuated. “The oil tanker was targeted… and all crew members… have been evacuated,” the centre said. Four crew members were injured and taken for treatment. The attack followed earlier drone strikes near Oman’s Duqm port. (PC: BBC)