An Emirates flight from Mumbai to Dubai made two sharp turns in the air after a missile alert in the UAE on Tuesday. The flight, EK501, was briefly held outside UAE airspace, according to Flightradar24 data.   The UAE defence ministry said air defences were engaging ballistic missiles launched from Iran. Live tracking showed the plane turning back toward Mumbai before resuming its route. It later made another reverse move before landing safely in Dubai.   The incident comes as fighting between the US, Israel and Iran spreads across West Asia. Several Gulf airports had earlier suspended flights due to drone and missile threats. (PC: X)

The number of people killed in US and Israeli strikes on Iran has risen to 787, Iranian state media said on Tuesday. The report cited the Iranian Red Crescent.   The military action began on February 28. It led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials.   US officials said the strikes aimed to weaken Iran’s missile and nuclear programs. Israel said it delivered “severe blows” to Iran’s command centers and Revolutionary Guard sites.   Iran has since fired missiles and drones at US bases and Gulf countries. Tehran also announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, raising global oil concerns. (PC: India Today)

India has started an evacuation plan as Middle East airspace disruptions affect travel. The Ministry of Civil Aviation said it is working with airlines to bring back stranded Indian passengers. On Tuesday, special relief flights by IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet landed in India from Dubai.   Airlines are adjusting schedules and using alternative routes to avoid restricted airspace. IndiGo also planned special flights from Jeddah. The government said passenger safety is the top priority. Travellers have been advised to check flight status with airlines before leaving for airports. Authorities are reviewing the situation regularly. (PC: News18)

A total lunar eclipse will take place on March 3. The Moon will turn deep red during totality. This event is called a “Blood Moon.” It happens when Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, blocking direct sunlight. Only red light reaches the Moon.   The eclipse will be visible in parts of Asia, Australia and the Americas. In India, the final phase will be seen around sunset. The total phase will last about 58 minutes. Lunar eclipses are safe to watch with naked eyes. Binoculars or a small telescope can give a better view. (PC: Unsplash)

The conflict between the US, Israel and Iran widened on Tuesday. The US shut its embassy in Kuwait indefinitely. Non-emergency staff were asked to leave Iraq. Consular services in Saudi Arabia were cancelled.   Iran targeted US military bases in Iraq, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia with drones. Amazon said two data centres in the UAE were struck, disrupting services. A nearby facility in Bahrain was also damaged.   Israel launched fresh strikes in Beirut after Hezbollah attacks. Oil and gas prices rose as supply fears grew. Several countries closed embassies and issued travel warnings as tensions increased across West Asia.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has postponed Class 10 and Class 12 board exams scheduled on March 5 and 6 in several Middle East countries. The exams were to be held in CBSE-affiliated schools in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The board cited the current security situation in the region.   New exam dates will be announced later. CBSE said it will review the situation on March 5 before deciding on exams from March 7 onwards. Students have been advised to stay in touch with their schools and follow official updates.

Israel hacked Tehran’s traffic camera network to track Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a Financial Times report. Sources said Israeli intelligence accessed the system years ago. The cameras helped monitor Khamenei’s bodyguards, their cars, and daily routines.   The report claimed Israel used AI tools to study large amounts of data. This helped track Khamenei to a meeting where he was killed during missile strikes by the US and Israel. Cellular service in the area was also disrupted. The CIA reportedly had a human source who shared key intelligence. Iran has not officially responded to the claims. (PC: AFP)

Nearly 700 tankers are stuck near the Strait of Hormuz as fighting in West Asia disrupts oil movement. Data shows crude traffic has dropped sharply in recent days. Oil prices have risen, with Brent touching around $80 per barrel.   India, which depends heavily on Gulf oil and LPG, is reviewing the situation. Reports say the government may limit fuel exports and consider LPG rationing if delays continue. The oil ministry said supplies are being monitored closely. India has reserves that can cover several weeks of demand. However, a long crisis could strain fuel supply and raise prices further.

The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran entered its fourth day on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump said America has a “virtually unlimited” supply of weapons and can fight for a long time. He did not rule out sending ground troops.   The US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran under “Operation Epic Fury.” Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on US bases in the Gulf and cities in Israel. Iran also closed the Strait of Hormuz. Casualties have been reported on all sides. Oil supplies and global markets remain under pressure.

A strong earthquake measuring 6.1 magnitude struck near Indonesia’s Sumatra island on Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. The tremor occurred in waters close to the island. Sumatra lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.   There were no immediate reports of deaths or major damage. Authorities are checking the affected areas and monitoring the situation. Indonesia often experiences earthquakes because several tectonic plates meet in this region. Further details are awaited as officials continue their assessment.