Iran’s announcement on closing the Strait of Hormuz has raised concerns about India’s energy supply and economy. The narrow waterway carries about a quarter of global oil trade and large volumes of liquefied natural gas. India imports more than 85% of its crude oil needs. Around 50–55% of these supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Any disruption could affect fuel supply and prices. Axis Mutual Fund said even a short disruption may affect “energy security, inflation trajectory and external balances”. Analysts warn that shipping risks could push oil prices higher. If the disruption continues, India may face pressure on fuel supply and energy companies. (PC: India Today)

A Kuwaiti fighter jet mistakenly shot down three US F-15E fighter aircraft over Kuwait on Monday, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. A US official said a Kuwaiti F-18 Hornet pilot fired three missiles at the American jets during active combat operations. The aircraft crashed in Kuwait, but the crews parachuted to safety. US Central Command said the incident happened during “active combat” involving Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones. Iran had earlier claimed it shot down the jets. The downing came as Iranian drones were entering Kuwaiti airspace. One drone strike earlier killed six US soldiers at a base in Kuwait. Officials said the exact circumstances are still unclear. (PC: NDTV)

Israel said it carried out airstrikes on what it called “security headquarters” across Tehran as fighting with Iran continued. Israeli forces also struck targets in Lebanon and again warned people in southern Beirut to leave the area. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said at least 1,097 civilians have been killed in Iran since the US-Israeli attacks began on Saturday. Iran also launched attacks on US-linked sites. An Iranian drone hit the US consulate in Dubai, while a missile struck a US base in Qatar. Separately, an Iranian navy ship was reported sinking near Sri Lanka, with sailors being rescued. The cause of the incident remains unclear. (PC: BBC)

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they launched more than 40 missiles at targets linked to the United States and Israel as tensions continue in the region. The Guards said the strikes were carried out in response to recent attacks on Iranian territory. They said the missiles targeted military and strategic sites connected to the US and Israel. The announcement came as Iran prepares for the funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran. Authorities said the public gathering will begin late Wednesday at the Imam Khomeini Musallah. People are expected to pay their respects there. Meanwhile, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said Iran’s next supreme leader would be a “target for elimination”. (PC: India Today)

Saudi Arabia said it is ready to respond to Iranian attacks and protect its security and residents.   The statement followed a Cabinet meeting chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Officials said the kingdom will take “all necessary measures” and support countries hit by what it called Iranian aggression.   Meanwhile, authorities in Qatar arrested 10 people suspected of spying for Iran. State media said the suspects were linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.   Separately, the Human Rights Activists News Agency said 1,097 civilians have been killed in Iran since February 28, including 181 children. (PC: India Today)

Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said the decision to strike Iran came only after Prime Minister Narendra Modi finished his visit to Israel. Modi was in Tel Aviv on February 25 and 26. Azar said the attack plan was not known during the meetings with the Indian leader. “It was an operational opportunity that came up only after Prime Minister Narendra Modi left,” he said. Israel and the United States launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28, targeting several cities including Tehran. The attacks killed hundreds of people, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran later fired missiles at Gulf regions in retaliation. (PC: MEA/PTI/ News18)

Iran is using cheap drones worth about $20,000 to attack targets across the Middle East. The United States and its partners are using Patriot air defence missiles to stop them. Each Patriot missile costs about $4 million. Officials say the system has intercepted more than 90% of incoming drones and missiles. However, the cost difference is creating pressure on defence supplies. Iran has already launched over 1,200 drones and missiles since the conflict began. Experts say the fight may become a battle of resources. The side that runs out of weapons first could lose the advantage. Oil sites, US bases and cities remain potential targets. (PC: Bloomberg)

The Indian rupee fell to a record low of Rs 92.17 against the US dollar on Wednesday as global tensions shook financial markets. Rising conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran increased uncertainty among investors. Crude oil prices also jumped on fears of supply disruptions in the Middle East. India imports about 85% of its crude oil, so higher prices put pressure on the economy and the rupee. A stronger US dollar added to the fall as investors moved money to safer assets. Stock markets across Asia also declined. Experts say the rupee’s movement will depend on oil prices and developments in the Middle East.

A 21-year-old Indian-American student was among three people killed in a shooting at a crowded bar in Austin, Texas. The victim, Savitha Shan, studied management information systems and economics at the University of Texas and was expected to graduate in May. The suspected shooter, 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, opened fire near Sixth Street before police shot him dead. Officials said he was wearing clothes with an Iranian flag design and the words “Property of Allah”. The FBI is examining a possible terrorism link and whether the attack is connected to tensions between the US and Iran. Authorities said the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. (PC: X/@rfinney)

After his match-winning unbeaten 97 that sent India into the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final, Sanju Samson sparked debate by throwing his helmet in celebration, an act now under scrutiny by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct bars “abuse of cricket equipment,” and such actions can attract fines, demerit points, or, in rare cases, suspension. While some reports suggested a possible ban before India’s India vs England semi-final, experts say sanctions are more likely to be limited to fines or reprimands given the celebratory context and past precedents like George Munsey’s one demerit point for a similar act. (PC: X)