Young people in Tehran say daily life continues despite air strikes and fear during the Iran war. Residents told BBC Persian they spend most of their time indoors as bombings shake the city. Streets and metro stations are mostly empty, and many families have left for safer areas. Some residents said their sleep schedules now depend on the timing of attacks. With internet access heavily restricted, many people are secretly using Starlink to contact relatives abroad. Despite the danger, people say they are trying to keep hope alive. “Even under missiles, we carry on living,” one resident said, as Iranians prepare for Nowruz.

Flight prices from Abu Dhabi to Delhi have sharply increased due to the ongoing Iran-US war. Limited flights and rising jet fuel costs have pushed ticket prices as high as Rs 70,000 this week. Only one to two direct flights are operating daily between the two cities. Airlines such as Etihad and Air India Express are running the limited services. On March 12, a direct Etihad flight was priced at about Rs 54,166. On March 14, fares reached nearly Rs 69,678. Normally, tickets on this route cost between Rs 10,000 and Rs 21,500. Many Indian travellers in the UAE are struggling to return home due to high prices.

A new proposal in the United States, called the Welcoming International Success Act (WISA), could ease strict rules in the H-1B visa programme. The bill was introduced in the US House of Representatives by lawmaker Bonnie Watson Coleman. It aims to reverse tough rules introduced in 2025, including a $100,000 employer fee and stricter wage conditions. These rules made it harder for companies to hire foreign workers. Indians receive over 70% of H-1B visas, so the change could benefit many professionals and students. However, the proposal is still at an early stage and must pass the House, Senate, and receive presidential approval before becoming law.

India on Wednesday condemned the attack on a Thai-flagged cargo ship, Mayuree Naree, which was sailing to Gujarat’s Kandla port through the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of External Affairs said, “India deplores the fact that commercial shipping is being targeted in the West Asia conflict.” The ship was reportedly hit by two projectiles, causing a fire and damage to the engine room. Twenty crew members were rescued, while three remain missing. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards later claimed responsibility for the strike. India urged all sides to avoid targeting commercial vessels and endangering civilian crew members during the ongoing conflict in the region. (PC: AP)

Induction cooktops are going out of stock in many Indian cities as people look for alternatives during the LPG crisis. Quick commerce apps and retail stores in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata reported shortages. Many households are buying electric cooktops due to rising gas prices and refill delays. Retailers said they are selling 50 to 70 units a day because of panic buying. Even induction-compatible utensils are running out in some areas. The government said there is no major shortage of LPG and domestic production has increased. However, fear of supply disruptions linked to the Iran war has pushed many families to switch to electric cooking options.

In an emotional ruling, the Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed passive euthanasia for 32-year-old Harish Rana from Ghaziabad, who has been in a vegetative state since a tragic accident in 2013. For more than a decade, his parents cared for him at home, hoping for a miracle that never came. The court permitted doctors to withdraw life-sustaining treatment, including artificial nutrition given through a feeding tube. Rana will be shifted to AIIMS for palliative care, where the process will take place. The bench said the decision aims to protect the patient’s dignity. The ruling marks a significant step in recognising passive euthanasia in India. (PC: X)

The central government on Wednesday assured that India will maintain 100% domestic LPG supply despite the ongoing West Asia crisis. Officials asked people not to panic or hoard cooking gas cylinders. The government has increased the minimum gap for booking LPG cylinders from 21 to 25 days to prevent panic buying. An inter-ministerial panel said energy imports are continuing from different sources. Natural gas is being redirected to increase LPG production. Refineries have also been asked to boost LPG output. A three-member committee will review the demands of restaurants and hotels facing supply concerns. The government said it is closely monitoring the situation to ensure steady fuel supply. (PC: PTI)

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves. The decision was taken by all 32 member countries. The move comes as the Iran war raises fears of global oil supply disruptions. The IEA said the oil will be released based on each country’s national situation. Strategic reserves are usually used during major supply crises or when oil prices rise sharply. The step aims to stabilise global energy markets and ensure steady supply. Officials said the release will help reduce pressure on oil prices and support countries facing shortages during the ongoing Middle East tensions.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the prize money for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday. India received about Rs 24.25 crore after winning the tournament. New Zealand, the runners-up, earned around Rs 13.08 crore. South Africa and England, who lost in the semi-finals, received about Rs 9 crore each. Pakistan earned about Rs 4.80 crore from the prize pool. The total prize money for the tournament was $11.25 million (around Rs 103 crore). The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also announced a reward of Rs 131 crore for the Indian team and support staff after their title win. (PC: AFP)

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the ongoing war with Iran could end soon. He claimed the conflict would stop “anytime I want.” Trump did not explain how the war would end or give a timeline. His remarks came during a public statement while speaking about tensions in the Middle East. The conflict between the United States and Iran has raised global concern in recent weeks. Many countries have called for calm and dialogue. Analysts say it is still unclear how or when the fighting will stop. Trump’s latest comments suggest he believes the situation could change quickly in the coming days. (PC: AFP)