An Indian Air Force Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district shortly after taking off from the Jorhat airbase during a routine training sortie. The aircraft reportedly lost radar contact minutes after departure on Thursday evening. Rescue teams from the Indian Air Force, police, and local authorities rushed to the remote hilly area where the crash occurred and launched search operations for the two pilots on board. Local villagers reported hearing a loud blast before spotting smoke rising from the forested region. Officials said investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. (PC: X)

Indian women’s cricket star Smriti Mandhana has created history by becoming the first cricketer to receive a personalised Barbie doll. The honour comes as part of Mattel’s “Barbie Dream Team” initiative ahead of International Women’s Day 2026. The campaign celebrates women worldwide who have broken barriers and inspired future generations. Mandhana joins a global lineup of influential women from sports, science and entertainment, including tennis legend Serena Williams. The special Barbie recognises Mandhana’s achievements and impact on women’s cricket in India. The initiative aims to encourage young girls to pursue their dreams and celebrate female role models across different fields. (PC: Instagram)

A coalition of 24 U.S. states has filed a lawsuit to block new global tariffs introduced by Donald Trump, marking the first major legal challenge to the policy. The states argue the administration illegally imposed 10–15% tariffs on imports worldwide using the Trade Act of 1974, just weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down earlier tariffs enacted under emergency powers. Led by states such as New York, California and Oregon, the lawsuit claims the president exceeded his authority and bypassed Congress. Filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, the case seeks to halt the tariffs and potentially force refunds for businesses already affected. (PC: Reuters)

The United States has granted India a temporary 30-day waiver allowing it to continue purchasing Russian crude oil as the escalating Iran war threatens global energy supplies. The move aims to prevent major disruptions in the oil market after tensions in the Middle East disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global crude trade. India, one of the world’s largest refiners and exporters of petroleum products, plays a crucial role in stabilizing energy markets. Washington said the short-term waiver will ensure oil flows continue while easing supply pressures caused by the conflict, but expects India to gradually increase imports of U.S. crude after the waiver period ends. (PC: ET Now)

Ukraine’s £750 “Sting” interceptor drones are proposed as a low‑cost solution against Iranian Shahed attack drones, which have targeted U.S. and Gulf military bases. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is offering these drones, along with Ukrainian expertise, to allies in exchange for American Patriot missile systems, highlighting the economic advantage of using inexpensive interceptors against swarms of cheap UAVs rather than relying solely on costly Patriot missiles. The plan underscores Ukraine’s role in regional drone defence while maintaining its own defence readiness amid ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East. (PC: X)

Verified video and reports show a suspected Iranian Shahed‑type drone striking a high‑rise building in Manama, Bahrain’s capital as part of Tehran’s retaliatory campaign after recent US‑Israel attacks on Iran. The drone collided with the Era Views Tower, causing a fiery explosion and fire on upper floors, with emergency services responding to the scene. The incident occurred close to where Bahrain hosts the US Navy Fifth Fleet headquarters, highlighting the widening conflict’s spillover into Gulf states. Analysts note the attack underscores rising tensions and the risk to both military and civilian infrastructure in the region.

Satellite imagery analyzed by ABC News reveals Iran’s retaliatory strikes have visibly damaged several U.S. military facilities across the Gulf since the war began after U.S.–Israel attacks on Iran. Images from Planet Labs show destruction at the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, Bahrain—with large buildings and two satellite communications terminals hit—alongside projectile damage at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Other U.S. sites, including Camp Buehring and Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, also show signs of impact. Satellite captures also show fires at Jebel Ali Port in the UAE amid broader regional attacks.

India defeated England by 7 runs in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 second semifinal at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, thanks to a brilliant 89‑run innings by Sanju Samson. Batting first, India posted 253/7, with contributions from Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya. England fought back with Jacob Bethell scoring 105, but fell short at 246/7 as India’s bowlers performed well in the final overs. Samson’s performance earned him Player of the Match, sending India into the final against New Zealand on March 8. (PC: X)

Pakistan’s fuel stocks have dropped to about 28 days of petrol and diesel, with crude reserves for only about 10 days as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed due to the escalating Israel‑Iran conflict, the government said. The crisis has prompted talks of reviving Covid‑era measures, including mandatory work‑from‑home and shifting schools to online classes to cut fuel use. Islamabad may also revise petrol pricing weekly and compensate oil companies for higher costs. Iran says the closure targets vessels from the U.S., Israel and Western allies. (PC: X)

A joint military campaign by the United States and Israel has struck multiple sites across Iran, including damage to two schools near Tehran and a deadly airstrike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Minab during class hours, killing dozens of children, according to Iranian and international reports. Iranian officials say at least 165 students and staff were killed and many wounded in the Minab attack, which has drawn global condemnation and calls for investigation by the U.N. and human rights groups. The U.S. says it is probing civilian casualty claims. (PC: Wikipedia)