At least 87 people were killed after a US submarine torpedoed and sank the Iranian Navy frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, AFP reported. The Moudge-class warship had recently participated in MILAN 2026 in India and was returning home when attacked off Sri Lanka’s coast. While Washington has not confirmed casualties, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged the strike, calling it the first US torpedo sinking of an enemy ship since World War II. The Pentagon released rare near real-time submarine footage. Sri Lanka has recovered 87 bodies, rescued 32 survivors and continues searching for 61 missing sailors as regional tensions escalate further. (PC: NDTV)

Veeraswamy, Britain’s oldest Indian restaurant, is facing closure after a lease dispute with the Crown Estate, prompting campaigners to submit a petition to King Charles III. Founded in 1926 by Edward Palmer, the Regent Street institution is regarded as a pioneer of fine Indian dining in the UK and has hosted royalty and dignitaries, including catering twice for Queen Elizabeth II. The Crown Estate plans to modernise Victory House, stating renovations would make the current entrance unviable but offering compensation and relocation support. Co-owners Ranjit Mathrani and Namita Panjabi allege shifting eviction reasons and lack of compromise. With over 20,000 signatures and celebrity chef backing, supporters hope to preserve the century-old culinary landmark. (PC: X/@Shorts91)

An Austrian tourist, Britta Schlagbauer, shared a disturbing Holi experience from Vrindavan, reigniting debate around safety and consent during celebrations. Posting a viral Instagram reel, she said her day began with festive energy but turned chaotic for many women as strangers threw colours at them. She alleged that someone later hurled ground colour mixed with stones into her eyes, leaving her in severe pain and with blurred vision days later. Calling Holi “wild and beautiful,” she advised women to celebrate cautiously. Her video drew widespread support online, with users apologising and acknowledging concerns about harassment and unsafe street celebrations.

Russia is ready to divert about 9.5 million barrels of crude oil to India to offset Middle East supply disruptions, an industry source told Reuters. The cargoes, currently in vessels near Indian waters, could arrive within weeks and help refiners manage shortages. India remains vulnerable, with crude stocks covering roughly 25 days of demand and limited inventories of refined fuels. Nearly 40% of its crude imports transit the Strait of Hormuz, now near-inaccessible after Iranian attacks following US-Israeli strikes. Russian oil’s share of India’s imports rose to around 30% in February. Moscow is also prepared to supply LNG as Qatar halted production. (PC: X)

A man from Pothireddypalle village in Rajanna Sircilla district, N Rajeswara Rao, was injured during an attack linked to the Iran conflict near Abu Dhabi International Airport, his parents said. Rao, who works in the airport’s housekeeping section, told family via video call that he and several others sustained minor injuries after the strike but managed to escape. His father, Prabhakar Rao, urged the Indian government to assist in bringing his son home safely amid escalating Gulf tensions. Some passengers arriving in Hyderabad reported no travel issues despite regional unrest. (PC: AFP)

An Indian-origin startup founder said he is stranded in Dubai during the US-Iran conflict and criticised the US government’s evacuation response. Soups Ranjan, CEO and co-founder of Sardine, said he travelled to Dubai for business but has been unable to return as flights to the United States were cancelled. “After four days of adrenalin and constant fear, I feel demoralised and abandoned by our government,” he wrote on X. Ranjan said he booked several flights but all were cancelled. He urged the US government to keep flights running, arrange evacuation if needed, and set up a working emergency helpline. The US says more than 9,000 Americans have already returned from the Middle East. (PC: HT)

An Iranian naval frigate sank off the coast of Sri Lanka after sending a distress call, triggering a large rescue operation. The ship, identified as IRIS Dena, had recently taken part in naval exercises in India. Sri Lankan officials said the vessel went down about 40 nautical miles south of the island in international waters. Around 180 crew members were believed to be on board. Authorities rescued 32 injured people and recovered several bodies from the sea. Some defence sources said the ship may have been attacked by a submarine and that many crew members were missing. However, the Sri Lankan navy rejected these claims and said the cause of the sinking remains unknown. (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)

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)

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)