Month: March 2026

Amid the escalating tensions in the West Asia region, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that it was “too late” for Iran to restart negotiations.

Trump said that Iran’s leadership, along with its air defence, Air Force, and Navy are “gone”.

“Their air defense, Air Force, Navy, and Leadership is gone. They want to talk. I said ‘Too Late’,” the US President posted on Truth Social.

This comes as Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, representative of the late Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in an interview with ANI, said, “Iran is ready for negotiations but with dignity”.

Meanwhile, Israel claimed that a senior commander was targeted through a strike in Iran, Al Jazeera reported. The Israeli Army didn’t provide further information on the outcome of the operation that was carried out recently.

Earlier, Fox News reported that Trump had sent an official letter to Congress about the US strikes against Iran, where he justified military action. In his letter, Trump said that the strikes were conducted at his direction on February 28 to protect US interests, ensuring free flow of maritime commerce via the Strait of Hormuz and for the collective self-defence of regional allies, including allies.

“At my direction, on February 28, 2026, United States forces conducted precision strikes against numerous targets within Iran including ballistic missile sites, maritime mining capabilities, air defenses, and command and control capabilities. These strikes were undertaken to protect United States forces in the region, protect the United States homeland, advance vital United States national interests, including ensuring the free flow of maritime commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, and in collective self-defense of our regional allies, including Israel,” Trump wrote.

He added that no United States ground forces were used in these strikes, and the mission was planned and executed in a manner designed to minimise civilian casualties, deter future attacks, and neutralise Iran’s malign activities.

Meanwhile, Iranian state media Press TV reported today that thousands of people took to the streets in a solemn funeral procession after over 150 schoolgirls were killed in Iran on Saturday following US-Israeli strikes in the country.

Visuals shared by Press TV showed a sea of people protesting against the killing of innocent young students who perished in the missile strike.

The conflict in West Asia has entered its fourth day following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, along with other key figures in the Persian Gulf country. In retaliation, Tehran has responded with counter-strikes targeting American military bases and other Israeli assets across the region. (ANI)

Amid turmoil in West Asia, government sources on Tuesday said that India has a total of eight weeks of crude oil and petroleum products inventory, that includes strategic reserves, and only about 40 per cent of India’s crude oil imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz, significantly limiting exposure to regional disruptions.

They asserted that the country remains in a comfortable position on energy security amid the evolving situation in the West Asian region.

Sources said India is closely monitoring developments in the region but is well-prepared to manage any potential supply-side challenges due to adequate inventory levels and diversified sourcing.

According to sources, India currently has around 25 days of crude oil inventory. Additionally, the country maintains about 25 days of petrol and diesel inventory.

Overall, India has a total inventory cover of nearly eight weeks of crude oil and petroleum products, ensuring energy security in the event of short-term disruptions.

Only 40 per cent of India’s crude moves through the Strait of Hormuz, and 60 per cent of the rest of the crude comes from other sources

India continues to import Russian crude as per previous contracts.

The sources further stated that India is in a comfortable position with respect to LPG and LNG supplies.

The government, according to sources, is keeping a close watch on the global energy market to ensure uninterrupted supplies for the country

Earlier in the day, sources indicated that India is scouting for alternative sources for importing crude oil, LPG and LNG.

The sources said that there are no immediate plans to raise the prices of petrol or diesel in the country amid tensions in West Asia.

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Puri, on Monday, reviewed the supply situation for crude oil, LPG, and other petroleum products with senior officials from the Ministry and PSUs, amid tensions in West Asia.

The Petroleum Ministry has said it is continuously monitoring the evolving situation, and all necessary steps will be taken in order to ensure the availability and affordability of major petroleum products in the country.

India is a major importer of crude oil and natural gas from West Asian countries.

“We are continuously monitoring the evolving situation, and all necessary steps will be taken in order to ensure availability and affordability of major petroleum products in the country,” the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said in a post on X.

Moreover, the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, held a stakeholder consultation with all stakeholder ministries, key logistics and trade facilitation partners to review the emerging geo-political situation in West Asia and its potential impact on India’s export-import cargo flows, including the export ecosystem.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the meeting was chaired by Special Secretary, Department of Commerce, Suchindra Misra and Lav Agarwal, Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

The meeting was attended by representatives from logistics operators and shipping lines/forwarders, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Reserve Bank of India, export promotion ecosystem and other concerned agencies.

Stakeholders presented an assessment of the evolving operational environment, including routing and transit-time changes, vessel scheduling adjustments, container/equipment availability, freight and insurance cost trends, and implications for time-sensitive exports.

“The discussions covered the need to maintain predictability in cargo movement, minimise avoidable delays, and ensure seamless documentation and payment processes for exporters and importers,” the Commerce Ministry said in a statement. (ANI)

Over the last 48 hours, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to leaders of UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar.

This comes amid the fast-evolving conflict situation in the region, triggered by the joint US-Israeli military offensive against Iran and attacks from Iran and Iranian-backed groups on Israel and the Gulf states as well as US military targets in the region.

PM Modi spoke to Amir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He condemned the attacks on Qatar and thanked Amir of Qatar for support and care of the Indian community in Qatar.

“Spoke with my brother, H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar. We stand firmly in solidarity with Qatar and strongly condemn any violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We emphasized the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region through dialogue and diplomacy. I also conveyed my appreciation for his continued support and care for the Indian community in Qatar during this challenging time,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

PM Modi also spoke to two important leaders from the Gulf region this afternoon.

He had a phone call with Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik and also had a conversation with the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.

During both discussions, the Prime Minister expressed concern at the attacks in the respective countries and discussed the welfare and security of the Indian community residing there.

“Spoke with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia. Condemned the violation of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We agreed that sustained diplomatic engagement is essential for earliest restoration of regional peace and stability. Deeply appreciated Oman’s continued support to the Indian community,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

Yesterday PM Modi had spoken with the King of Jordan, King Abdullah II and affirmed India’s support for the “peace, security and the well-being” of Jordanians.

The Prime Minister expressed concerns over the “evolving situation” in West Asia, while thanking him for looking out for the Indian diaspora in Jordan during this “difficult hour.”

In a post on X, the PM wrote, “Spoke with His Majesty King Abdullah II, the King of Jordan. Conveyed our deep concern at the evolving situation in the region. We reaffirm our support for peace, security and the well-being of the people of Jordan. I thanked him for taking care of the Indian community in Jordan in this difficult hour.”

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in separate telephone conversations with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

During these discussions, the Prime Minister strongly condemned the recent attacks on both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. He also enquired about the safety and well-being of the large Indian community residing in these countries, reflecting India’s priority to safeguard its diaspora amid the regional turmoil.

These calls build on PM Modi’s ongoing diplomatic outreach since the conflict erupted involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. On Sunday, he held a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where he reiterated India’s call for an early cessation of all hostilities in the region to restore peace. (ANI)

Actor Tiger Shroff on Tuesday expressed his gratitude to fans, friends and well-wishers who extended birthday greetings on March 2, as he turned 36.

Taking to Instagram, Tiger shared a heartfelt message and wrote, “Another whirl around the sun thank you so much for all your love and wishes! Stay healthy stay blessed.”

Known for his flexibility and fitness, Tiger also shared his pictures in which he could be seen balancing his body in mid-air while supporting himself with just one hand on the edge of a concrete ledge.

Tiger turned 36 on Monday. On his birthday, he received heartfelt greetings not only from fans but also from his friends from the industry.

His ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ co-star Akshay Kumar wished him on Instagram and wrote, “Happy Birthday @tigerjackieshroff. More than a co-star, you’re like my younger brother. Keep smashing goals on volleyball courts and in life. Love & prayers.”

Kriti Sanon added, “Happy Birthday Tiger. Wishing you a year full of strength, success and new milestones! Lots of love and a bigggg hug.”

Son of veteran actor Jackie Shroff, Tiger made his acting debut with ‘Heropanti’ in 2014 and quickly became a favourite among young audiences for his action-oriented roles and charismatic screen presence. Over the years, he has starred in successful films like ‘Baaghi’, ‘Student of the Year 2’, ‘Singham Again’, ‘War’ and ‘Munna Michael’, cementing his position as one of Bollywood’s leading action stars. (ANI)

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to “speak up” on the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, saying that the silence diminishes India’s standing in the world.

Rahul Gandhi said that India must be “morally clear” on the conflict and should have “courage to defend” international law and human lives.

“India must be morally clear. We should have the courage to speak plainly in defence of international law and human lives. Our foreign policy is rooted in sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes – and it must remain consistent,” he said in a post on X.

“PM Modi must speak up. Does he support the assassination of a head of state as a way to define the world order? Silence now diminishes India’s standing in the world,” he added.

Expressing concern about the escalating hostilities in the West Asia region, he also encouraged dialogue and restraint to restore peace.

“Escalating hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran are pushing a fragile region toward wider conflict. Crores of people, including nearly a crore Indians, face uncertainty. While security concerns are real, attacks that violate sovereignty will only worsen the crisis. The unilateral attacks on Iran, as well as Iran’s attacks on other Middle Eastern nations, must be condemned. Violence begets violence – dialogue and restraint remain the only path to peace,” he said.

Meanwhile, Israel conducted strikes in both Iran and Beirut on Tuesday, escalating the tensions even further, while Iran, in retaliation, struck the US Embassy in Riyadh.

The Jerusalem Post reported, citing Reuters, that the US Embassy in Riyadh was struck by a drone attack. It also shared that two more US soldiers were killed in Operation Epic Fury, bringing the American toll to six.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Tuesday that the US forces carried out sustained operations targeting key Iranian military infrastructure, including facilities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Separately, Al Jazeera reported that Iran claimed to have launched a “massive missile and drone” attack on the US air base in Bahrain. Iran’s IRGC said it destroyed the main command building of a US air base in Bahrain during a drone and missile attack early Tuesday. It said that 20 drones and 3 missiles struck the Sheikh Isa base, also setting fuel tanks on fire.

In response to the joint American-Israeli strikes in which Ayatollah Khamenei was killed, Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region, including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, further widening the conflict and heightening risks for civilians and expatriates alike.

World leaders and international bodies are currently urging de-escalation as the risk of a wider regional conflict grows, though fighting continues without a clear end in sight. (ANI)

Actor Esha Gupta, who was stranded in the United Arab Emirates amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, has safely returned to India.

Sharing her ordeal on social media on Tuesday, Esha expressed gratitude to both the Indian government and the UAE authorities for their support during the tense situation.

She penned a note which read, “Back home. Thank you all for your prayers and wishes. It was very tough to be in the situation that we all were. Truly God’s blessing to safe! It started when I was at the airport on the 28th(Sunday). By 1pm, the airport was closed, chaos all around as none of us knew what happened. Then the news started coming of the missile attack and no one knew what the next minute held for us. Strangers consoling each other, all calling their families back home (sic).”

“Here, I would like to mention that what I saw was strength of a country which is the UAE. We were at the Abu Dhabi airport. The ground staff and airport security immediately lunged to action and stayed calm throughout even though we were all in this situation together. I hadn’t checked in myself by then so I took a turn and left back to my hotel in Abu Dhabi. Following are the stories that we heard first hand from the people we met later in our hotel that night,” she shared.

The full post can be read on her Instagram account.

Meanwhile, several westbound international flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi were delayed due to the ongoing tensions in West Asia, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) said in an official statement.

Delhi Airport issued an update on social media platform X, stating, “Due to the ongoing political situation in the Middle East, several westbound international flights are causing delays or schedule adjustments. Passengers are advised to check the latest flight updates with their respective airlines before travelling to the airport.”

India is closely monitoring the evolving airspace situation in parts of the Middle East and its impact on international flight operations.

According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Indian carriers have undertaken calibrated adjustments to their schedules, with long-haul and ultra-long-haul operations being progressively resumed through alternative routings that avoid restricted airspace.

Special arrangements are being made to facilitate the movement of stranded passengers.

The US and Israeli strikes resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and four senior military and security officials, with large explosions reported in Tehran and other major cities.

In response, Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region, including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, further widening the conflict in West Asia and heightening risks for civilians and expatriates alike. (ANI)

A strong earthquake of magnitude 6.2 struck Indonesia on Tuesday, as reported by the National Center for Seismology (NCS).

Sharing the details in a post on X, the NCS said that the earthquake occurred at depth of 20 kilometres at 10:26 AM IST.

“EQ of M: 6.2, On: 03/03/2026 10:26:47 IST, Lat: 2.06 N, Long: 96.73 E, Depth: 20 Km, Location: Indonesia”, NCS wrote on X.

Earlier in February, an earthquake of magnitude 4.4 struck Indonesia.

In a post on X, the NCS said, “EQ of M: 4.4, On: 12/02/2026 18:44:18 IST, Lat: 4.07 N, Long: 96.15 E, Depth: 115 Km, Location: Indonesia.”

Indonesia is exposed to multiple natural hazards including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, cyclones, floods, landslides, and drought. (As seen in Figure below and on pg. 3) Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, and at the intersection of three active tectonic plates, the country is exposed to significant seismic and volcanic activity. Indonesia is vulnerable to extreme weather events, and the risk, impact and occurrence of natural hazards is expected to increase.

Indonesia is at risk of megathrust earthquakes, which are among the most powerful and can generate destructive tsunamis, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, where a magnitude (M) 9.0 earthquake originating from the Sunda megathrust off the coast of Aceh province triggered a massive tsunami and affected over a dozen countries in the region, leaving over 230,000 dead. More than 167,000 lost their lives in Indonesia.

Seismic risks in the country stem from the interaction of the Pacific, Eurasian and Australian plates, which produce frequent and sometimes destructive quakes, including powerful megathrust earthquakes. Areas likely to be affected by megathrust earthquakes include: Western coast of Sumatra, Southern coast of Java, West and East Nusa Tenggara, North Sulawesi, West Papua, and Maluku.

Indonesia experiences an average of 20 earthquakes a day, although most are too weak to be felt.16 Recent earthquakes, such as the M5.6 temblor which struck Cianjur district in West Java province in November 2022, leaving 338 dead and affecting over 117,000 people,17 and in January 2021, when a M6.2 quake struck West Sulawesi, leaving 107 dead and displacing 71,000 people,18 remain a constant threat. (ANI)

The Delhi Police conducted “Operation Aaghat 4.0” on March 1 and 2 as a pre-Holi crackdown targeting bootleggers, drug peddlers, and repeat offenders to prevent illegal activities during the festival.

Speaking to ANI, Joint Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Jain said the operation was highly successful. Around 4,000 individuals were rounded up, with over 975 taken into preventive custody and charged.

“Operation Aaghat 4.0 was launched and conducted on March 1 and 2 to crack down on criminal elements, especially bootleggers, drug peddlers, and habitual criminals, ahead of the Holi festival, to prevent them from committing any illegal activities under the guise of Holi… The operation was a major success, with approximately 4,000 people rounded up, over 975 taken into preventive custody, and charges filed against them,” said Joint Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Jain.

Jain stated that more than 220 people were arrested under the Substances Act, along with action taken under the Arms Act, the Delhi Excise Act, the BNS Act, and the Gambling Act. Over 550 individuals were prosecuted for public drinking, and more than 475 vehicles were seized under the DP Act. Police also apprehended six property offenders, recovering nine motorcycles and 20 stolen mobile phones.

“We arrested more than 220 people under the Substances Act, including legal action under the Arms Act, the Delhi Excise Act, the BNS Act, and the Gambling Act. Over 550 people were prosecuted for public drinking, and more than 475 vehicles were seized under the DP Act. We also apprehended six property offenders, recovering nine motorcycles and 20 stolen mobile phones,” said Jain.

The police official said that additionally, 33 cases were registered under the Arms Act, leading to the seizure of 35 firearms and 23 knives. He added that approximately 60 cases of bootlegging were filed, including five under the Delhi Act, and over 19,000 quarters of illicit liquor were confiscated to curb illegal sales ahead of Holi.

“We have registered 33 cases under the Arms Act, recovering 35 firearms and 23 knives… We have filed approximately 60 cases of bootlegging, including five under the Delhi Act… Approximately 60 bootlegging cases were filed, with over 19,000 quarters seized to prevent illegal liquor sales during Holi,” Jain said.

Jain described the drive as a strong preemptive measure aimed at sending a clear message to criminals before the festival. He assured that the police remain vigilant and fully prepared to ensure peaceful Holi celebrations in Delhi.

“This major action had only one objective: to send a strong message to criminals before Holi. The police are alert and well-prepared, ensuring that no major incidents occur in Delhi during Holi,” said Jain. (ANI)

Iranian state media Press TV reported on Tuesday that thousands of people took to streets in a solemn funeral procession after over 150 schoolgirls were killed in Iran on Saturday following US-Israeli strikes in the country.

Visuals shared by Press TV showed a sea of people, protesting against the killing of innocent young students who perished in the missile strike.

In a post on X, Press TV said, “Another perspective of the funeral procession for the martyrs of the US and Israeli regime’s terrorist attack on Minab Elementary School.”

In another post it added, “A huge crowd of people is attending the funeral procession for over 165 innocent Iranian schoolgirls who were killed by the US and Israel on Saturday.”

As per UN News, the death toll now stands at around 150, with almost 100 wounded after the US-Israeli strikes in Iran hit Minab Girls Primary School in the country’s Hormozgan province.

In a statement released on social media, UNESCO expressed deep alarm at the impact of the military attacks, which continued into Sunday, and noted that pupils in a place dedicated to learning are protected under international humanitarian law, and that “attacks against educational institutions endanger students and teachers and undermine the right to education.”

The wide scale protests comes as a full-scale conflict erupted in West Asia involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, following a major “military offensive” launched on February 28. In a coordinated operation known as Operation Epic Fury/Roaring Lion, US and Israeli forces carried out large-scale air and missile strikes across Iran, targeting key military sites, nuclear-related infrastructure, and leadership compounds.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) sent an official letter to Congress about the U.S. strikes against Iran, where he justified military action, reported Fox News.

In his letter, Trump said that the strikes were conducted at his direction on February 28 to protect US interests, ensuring free flow of maritime commerce via Strait of Hormuz and for the collective self-defence of regional allies, including allies.

“At my direction, on February 28, 2026, United States forces conducted precision strikes against numerous targets within Iran including ballistic missile sites, maritime mining capabilities, air defenses, and command and control capabilities. These strikes were undertaken to protect United States forces in the region, protect the United States homeland, advance vital United States national interests, including ensuring the free flow of maritime commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, and in collective self-defense of our regional allies, including Israel,” Trump wrote.

Trump added that no United States ground forces were used in these strikes, and the mission was planned and executed in a manner designed to minimize civilian casualties, deter future attacks, and neutralize Iran’s malign activities.

In response, Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region, including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, further widening the conflict and heightening risks for civilians and expatriates alike.

World leaders and international bodies are currently urging de-escalation as the risk of a wider regional conflict grows, though fighting continues without a clear end in sight. (ANI)

Bollywood celebrities, including Ranbir Kapoor, Soha Ali Khan and Neha Dhupia, celebrated Holi with great enthusiasm on Tuesday with boundless energy, revelling in the vibrant festival of colours with their children.

Neha Dhupia and Soha Ali Khan, who share a close bond, marked the occasion by playing with colours in a cheerful and intimate gathering. Their faces were smeared with gulaal as they played Holi with kids in full josh. The festivities were attended by their husbands, Angad Bedi and Kunal Kemmu, who also took part in the joyous occasion.

The celebrations were not limited to just gulaal. Water fights, balloons and pichkaris added to the lively atmosphere as the group unleashed their inner child.

Earlier in the day, Ranbir Kapoor also stepped out on Tuesday to introduce his daughter Raha to the vibrant festival of colours. The actor was accompanied by his close friend and filmmaker Ayan Mukerji.

Holi marks the arrival of spring and the harvest season. The celebration is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. The festival of Holi begins with the ritual of lighting a bonfire, known as Holika Dahan. The following day marks the more widely celebrated aspect of Holi, when people immerse themselves in joy and togetherness by playing with colours.

This year, the celebration of the ‘Festival of Colours’ is being observed on two separate days. While several states in Western India, including Mumbai and Gujarat, have already begun the festivities today, Tuesday, March 3. North India is set to mark its main celebrations tomorrow, Wednesday, March 4. (ANI)