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)

A shooting at a crowded bar on Sixth Street in Austin, Texas, left three people dead, including 21-year-old Indian-American student Savitha Shan. The suspect, 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, was wearing clothing featuring an Iranian flag design and the words “Property of Allah,” according to AP citing a law enforcement official. The other victims were 19-year-old Ryder Harrington and 30-year-old Jorge Pederson. Police fatally shot the gunman after he opened fire with a rifle near Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden. Authorities, including the FBI, said the motive remains unclear. Savitha, a University of Texas student, was described as a “superstar” set to graduate in May. (PC: X/@rfinney)

Caleb Friesen, a Canadian who has lived in Bengaluru for over eight years, went viral after explaining why he chose to settle in India long-term. He said many people assume he has an ulterior motive, as they understand tourism or short-term work assignments, but struggle to accept someone simply living here “like a normal person.” Friesen noted that some Indians carry a subliminal disdain for their own country, a perspective he does not share. He believes every nation, including Canada, the US, the UK and Singapore, has good and bad aspects. Emphasising optimism, he said comparison is the thief of joy and he chooses positivity.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday established a special control room in New Delhi in view of the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, India Today TV reported. The facility will operate daily from 9 am to 9 pm to assist Indian nationals and address related queries. People can contact the control room at 1800118797, +91 11 2301 2113, +91 11 2301 4104 and +91 11 2301 7905. The MEA also released emergency contact numbers for Indian embassies in Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Ramallah (Palestine), Saudi Arabia (Riyadh and Jeddah) and the United Arab Emirates. (PC: India Today)

India is planning to procure five additional squadrons of the Russian S-400 Sudarshan air defence missile system, following its strong performance during Operation Sindoor last year. The system was credited with intercepting Pakistani aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles during the four-day confrontation on May 10. India currently operates three S-400 units, with two more due for induction under the 2018 Russia deal. Defence Ministry sources said the Indian Air Force proposal will soon be cleared, with deployment planned along eastern and western fronts. The move comes amid heightened Middle East tensions after US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliation across the region. (PC: India Today)

Petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the West Asia conflict poses no immediate threat to India’s energy security, citing crude oil and fuel stocks of 25 days each, besides strategic reserves. India imports over five million barrels per day, with about half transiting the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has slowed after Iranian strikes. The government has set up a 24x7 control room and remains cautiously optimistic. Over 60% of supplies now come from diversified sources including North America, Latin America, West Africa and Russia. While availability remains stable, rising prices are a concern, with Brent jumping 18% past $85 per barrel before easing slightly. (PC: PTI)

Three Indian nationals are feared dead in two separate maritime attacks linked to the Iran-Israel conflict off the Oman coast. Dixit Solanki, 25, from Diu, was killed Monday when an explosive-laden unmanned drone boat struck the oil tanker MKD Vyom 52 nautical miles off Muscat Governorate. According to Oman’s Ministry of Defence, the Maritime Security Centre reported the attack caused a fire and explosion in the engine room, resulting in one crew member’s death. A day earlier, one person from Bihar and another from Rajasthan were learnt to have died in an attack on another vessel, MV Skylight, marking two consecutive deadly incidents involving Indian nationals. (PC: The Indian Express)

An Indian student in Iran’s Urmia shared a video showing a large explosion as Israeli strikes continued on Tuesday. In the clip, a thick plume of smoke rises in the distance. Loud voices are heard in the background. The video could not be independently verified. Explosions were reported in Tehran and Isfahan. Israeli forces also issued evacuation warnings in parts of Iran. Iranian media said airports in Tehran and Bushehr were hit. Iran carried out strikes in central Israel, injuring 12 people. India’s foreign ministry said the safety of Indian nationals in the region is its “utmost priority.”

Indian airlines including Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and SpiceJet are collectively operating 12 special repatriation flights from Saudi Arabia and UAE cities to bring home stranded passengers amid the escalating Middle East conflict. Air India is running wide-body relief flights to Jeddah and Dubai on Tuesday, with an additional Mumbai-Dubai service on March 4. Air India Express resumed Muscat services Tuesday, operating three special flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. IndiGo is operating four repatriation flights to Jeddah, while SpiceJet and regional carrier Star Air are flying from Fujairah. Gulf carrier Emirates also resumed Dubai-Delhi and Dubai-Mumbai services, providing critical relief to hundreds of stranded passengers. (PC: X)