Downing Street said the United Kingdom will not be drawn into a wider war despite tensions with Iran. The statement followed warnings from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who told Yvette Cooper that allowing the United States to use UK bases would amount to “participation in aggression” and risk escalation. Responding, the UK clarified it did not take part in initial strikes and only authorised limited, defensive use of bases. Officials said the move aims to counter threats from Iran while maintaining a path toward diplomacy. (PC: X)

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)

Ali Mohammad Naini, spokesman of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was killed in strikes attributed to the United States and Israel, Iranian state media reported. His death came hours after he warned of “surprises” for adversaries and asserted Iran’s missile production remained strong during wartime. The killing marks another major blow to Iran’s leadership, following recent deaths of key figures including Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani. The escalating conflict has intensified missile exchanges and targeted strikes, raising fears of further instability and deepening the ongoing regional war. (PC: X/Erfan Kouchari via @clashreport)

Sri Lanka reaffirmed neutrality in the West Asia conflict as President Anura Kumara Dissanayake rejected a United States request to station missile-armed warplanes at Mattala International Airport. He also declined an Iran request for warships to dock, maintaining a balanced stance. The decision followed a US strike that sank Iranian frigate IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka, killing sailors, while Colombo rescued survivors and offered humanitarian aid. Sri Lanka abstained from a UN resolution condemning Iran, stressing fairness. The government emphasised it will not allow its territory for military use, balancing ties with both Washington and Tehran. (PC: ANI)

Premium petrol prices in India have been increased by Rs 2–2.3 per litre, while regular petrol and diesel rates remain unchanged. The hike affects high-octane variants like Indian Oil Corporation’s XP95 and Hindustan Petroleum’s Power petrol, with revised prices effective immediately in select cities. The rise is driven by global crude oil crossing $100 per barrel amid West Asia tensions and a weaker rupee, increasing import costs. Officials said pricing is deregulated and the move is a corporate decision. Stable regular fuel prices limit immediate public impact, though sustained crude price pressures could trigger broader fuel price revisions later. (PC: India Today)

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesperson Gen. Ali Mohammad Naini was killed in an airstrike, reportedly by US‑Israel forces, just hours after issuing a defiant warning about a “missile surprise” targeting Israel amid the ongoing Iran‑Israel‑US war, state media reported. Iranian authorities described his death as martyrdom and later released a statement in his name asserting that missile and rocket production would continue unabated. The incident underscores the volatile escalation of the conflict, with high‑ranking military figures being targeted and killed even as Tehran vows ongoing resistance and capability to strike back. (PC: NDTV)

State‑run oil marketing companies have raised premium petrol prices in India by up to ₹2.35 per litre, effective March 20, 2026, amid global energy supply disruptions linked to Middle East tensions. The hike affects high‑octane variants like BPCL’s Speed, HPCL’s Power and IOCL’s XP95, while the price of regular petrol and diesel remains unchanged for now. Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma noted petrol and diesel prices are deregulated and set by companies. The move comes as international crude and gas markets react to geopolitical conflicts around the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global fuel costs. (PC: AFP)

An Indian national was killed in a Saudi Arabia strike as the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States and Israel continues to escalate across the Middle East. The fatality occurred after a projectile struck a residential area in Al‑Kharj, near Riyadh, killing two people including the Indian citizen and injuring others, according to Saudi civil defence. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh extended condolences and is supporting the family. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reiterated that the conflict will go on, reaffirming ongoing missile production and attacks despite heavy strikes on Iranian forces and facilities. (PC: India Today)

For the first time since 1967, al‑Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem was closed to Muslim worshippers on Eid al‑Fitr, forcing thousands to pray outside its sealed gates amid heavy Israeli security measures. Israeli authorities cited security concerns linked to the US‑Israel‑Iran conflict, while Palestinians condemned it as a violation of religious freedom. The closure, affecting one of Islam’s holiest sites, has intensified tensions in Jerusalem and sparked outrage across the Muslim world. Critics warn the move could escalate unrest in the region during the holiday period, highlighting the fraught political and religious landscape of the city. (PC: Wikipedia)

The Ranveer Singh–led spy sequel Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge delivered a historic box office launch. Released on March 19, it grossed over ₹236 crore worldwide on opening day, surpassing many recent Indian releases and setting new benchmarks for advance sales and paid previews. Domestically, its first‑day net collection crossed around ₹145 crore, fueled by strong audience turnout and record‑setting advance bookings. The film’s remarkable momentum positions it as one of the biggest openers in Indian cinema history, reflecting massive anticipation for the high‑octane spy action sequel and strong audience demand across markets. (PC: ABP)