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)

A preliminary investigation into the friendly fire incident on the third day of the US-Iran conflict finds that a US-made Kuwaiti F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet may have **accidentally shot down three US F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft over Kuwait. The incident occurred amid heightened combat operations after Iranian missile and drone attacks triggered intense US and allied retaliation. All six US aircrew ejected safely and were recovered. The Trump administration initially described the event as friendly fire; the probe aims to clarify how allied forces’ aircraft were misidentified in crowded airspace. A joint investigation continues.

An Israeli airstrike struck a hotel in the Beirut suburb of Hazmieh, part of widening cross-border clashes with Lebanese civilian areas amid the broader Middle East conflict. The strike came as Israel escalates operations against Hezbollah, which has fired missiles and drones toward northern Israel in retaliation for joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Meanwhile, the US military said it has hit almost 2,000 targets across Iran, degrading air defences and key military infrastructure in one of the largest bombardments in the region. The conflict has led to rising casualties, widespread displacement and fears of a wider regional war. (PC: AFP)

US President Donald Trump has said the historic relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom “is not like it used to be”, criticising British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over his cautious stance on the war with Iran. Trump told The Sun that the UK’s initial refusal to allow US forces to use British military bases strained ties and that Washington now has “very strong relationships with other countries in Europe,” including France and Germany. Starmer later allowed limited use of UK bases for defensive purposes but defended his decisions as based on legal and national interest considerations. (PC: X)

A suspected Iranian drone attack late March 3, 2026, caused a fire near the United States Consulate in Dubai as regional tensions escalate following ongoing hostilities between Iran, Israel and the United States. Dubai authorities said the blaze, which broke out in a parking area adjacent to the consulate, was quickly extinguished by emergency responders and no injuries were reported. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed all personnel were safe and highlighted the incident amid broader Iranian drone and missile strikes across Gulf diplomatic missions.

Amid escalating military conflict in West Asia, 37 Indian-flagged vessels with 1,109 sailors are stranded in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and adjoining waters after the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route effectively shut down due to clashes involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Some ships were heading to India with crude oil and LNG, while others were en route to pick up petroleum products. The Directorate General of Shipping is continuously monitoring the situation and coordinating with maritime authorities and shipping firms. A quick response team has been formed to support seafarers and families, and operators are urged to exercise heightened caution and risk assessment. (PC: PTI)

Iran’s powerful Assembly of Experts has reportedly chosen Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, in recent US-Israeli military strikes. Mojtaba, a mid-ranking cleric, is believed to have strong backing from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which reportedly influenced the succession process. The move marks an unprecedented father-to-son transition in Iran’s political system, sparking debate over dynastic leadership and the future direction of the Islamic Republic amid rising regional tensions. (PC: Reuters)