India has firmly denied reports that billionaire Elon Musk participated in a recent phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump regarding the ongoing Iran conflict. The clarification came after a New York Times report दावाed Musk’s involvement, calling it an unusual presence of a private individual in high-level wartime discussions. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the March 24 call was strictly bilateral, involving only the two leaders. The conversation focused on the escalating Middle East crisis, including concerns over the Strait of Hormuz and global energy security. 

Iran has warned Gulf countries not to allow the United States and Israel to use their land for attacks if they want “security” and “development”.   President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran does not start wars but will respond strongly. “If you want development and security, don't let our enemies run the war from your lands,” he said.   The warning comes as strikes continue across the Gulf region. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been affected.   Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif said trust is needed for talks, as Pakistan works to mediate. (PC: HT)

India has backed Bangladesh as it seeks justice for the 1971 genocide. The Ministry of External Affairs said Pakistan remains “in denial” about the crimes.   Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Operation Searchlight involved “systematic and targeted killing” and mass sexual violence. He added that millions were forced to flee to India. “These atrocities shook the conscience of the world,” he said.   Bangladesh leader Tarique Rahman called March 25, 1971 a “pre-planned massacre”. India said it wants to further strengthen ties with Bangladesh under its new government. (PC: NDTV)

The Indian Premier League 2026 season begins on March 28 and runs till May 31. Ten teams will play across 13 venues. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru start against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru.   Top players like Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and MS Dhoni will be in focus. Kohli needs 339 runs to reach 9000 IPL runs. He is also close to 300 sixes. Bhuvneshwar needs two wickets for 200.   Teams like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings will aim for another title. Others like Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals are still chasing their first win. (PC: India Today)

At least 10 US troops were injured after a strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, officials said. Two were seriously injured. The attack also damaged US refueling aircraft.   The strike came as Iran continued missile attacks on Israel and Gulf states. Israel warned it may expand operations. The US also carried out fresh strikes on Iranian targets.   US President Donald Trump delayed action on Iran’s energy sector and extended a deadline on the Strait of Hormuz issue to April 6. Iran denied talks but said missiles would continue. Sirens were reported across parts of Israel. (PC: NDTV)

The political fight in West Bengal has intensified ahead of the April assembly polls. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of triggering riots in the state. Union home minister Amit Shah hit back, saying the Trinamool Congress was making the special intensive revision (SIR) of voter rolls a “massive issue”.   Speaking in Kolkata, Shah said such revision was done nationwide but required judicial officers only in Bengal. He questioned if “infiltrators” should decide the state’s future. Banerjee’s party has rejected the claims. Polling will take place in two phases on April 23 and 29. (PC: HT)

Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen said they launched a missile strike on Israel for the first time since the war began. The group claimed it fired ballistic missiles at “sensitive Israeli military sites.” The Israel Defense Forces said it intercepted a missile coming from Yemen. The Houthis said the attack was in response to strikes in Iran, Lebanon, Iraq and Palestinian areas. They added that operations will continue until the “aggression” stops. The move signals a possible widening of the conflict as fighting continues across multiple fronts in the region. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Phase 1 of the Noida International Airport in Jewar. He said the project will improve connectivity and support jobs in Delhi-NCR and western Uttar Pradesh. The airport is built at a cost of about Rs 11,200 crore. It can handle 12 million passengers a year in the first phase. Modi said, “This airport will bring new opportunities for farmers, businesses and youth.” He also criticised earlier governments, saying the project faced long delays. He added that steps are being taken to reduce the impact of global fuel price rise. (PC: X)

Thousands of passengers were stranded across the Middle East on March 28 after large-scale flight disruptions hit key airports. More than 895 delays and 184 cancellations were reported in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Bahrain and Kuwait. Major hubs like Dubai, Cairo, Riyadh and Jeddah saw heavy impact. Airlines including Emirates, Saudia, EgyptAir and Gulf Air were among the worst affected. Bahrain recorded the highest cancellations, while Jeddah and Riyadh saw the most delays. Authorities advised passengers to check flight status and stay in contact with airlines for updates. (PC: X)

One month after the war began, fighting between the US, Israel and Iran continues with heavy losses. Air strikes started on February 28 and targeted key sites in Iran. Iranian leader Ali Khamenei was killed early in the conflict. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and Gulf nations. Over 4,500 people have died across regions, reports said. Millions have been displaced. The US says it hit over 10,000 targets. Costs for Washington may reach billions. Donald Trump said talks are “going very well”, but Iran called US proposals “one-sided and unfair”. (PC: NDTV)