A Thai-flagged cargo ship travelling to Gujarat was attacked by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, causing a fire onboard. The vessel, Mayuree Naree, was hit about 11 nautical miles off the northern coast of Oman, according to maritime security reports. Thailand’s government said 20 of the 23 crew members were rescued during a rescue operation by the Omani navy. Three crew members remained on the vessel after the evacuation. The fire that broke out after the strike was later brought under control. Officials said the weapon used in the attack has not been identified. Investigations are underway and no group has claimed responsibility. (PC: X)

A Thai cargo ship heading to Gujarat’s Kandla port was hit by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, causing a fire on board. The vessel, identified as Mayuree Naree, had departed from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates. Images released by the Royal Thai Navy showed thick smoke rising from the ship after the strike. Crew members deployed life rafts and evacuated the vessel. The Omani navy launched a rescue operation soon after the incident. Officials said 20 crew members were rescued from the water. Three sailors are still missing. “The specific details and cause of the attack are currently under investigation,” the Thai navy said. The attack comes amid rising tensions and security risks in the Gulf due to the ongoing Iran-US conflict. (PC: NDTV)

Air India has announced a phased increase in fuel surcharges on domestic and international flights following a sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices. The spike in fuel costs is linked to supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions caused by the ongoing Iran-related conflict in West Asia. From March 12, passengers will pay a ₹399 surcharge on domestic and SAARC flights, while international routes will see different surcharge levels depending on distance and destination. Since fuel accounts for nearly 40% of airline operating expenses, the airline said the surcharge is necessary to manage rising operational costs. (PC: India Today)

India has purchased around 30 million barrels of Russian crude oil after the United States granted a temporary sanctions waiver, allowing Indian refiners to buy oil already loaded onto tankers. The move comes as the ongoing Middle East conflict has disrupted supplies from key Gulf producers and threatened shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy trade. Indian companies, including major refiners, quickly bought available Russian cargoes to secure fuel supplies and stabilize the domestic market. The waiver, valid for about 30 days, is intended to ease global oil shortages and rising prices, though analysts say it offers only short-term relief for India’s energy needs. (PC: AP)

An IndiGo flight (6E002) travelling from London Heathrow to Mumbai was diverted to Cairo on March 8 after airspace restrictions linked to the escalating Middle East conflict disrupted its planned route. The aircraft had already flown for several hours before approval issues while entering Eritrean airspace forced the diversion. More than 300 passengers were stranded in Cairo for over eight hours. IndiGo arranged temporary accommodation, visas and hotel stays for affected travellers while the crew completed mandatory rest requirements. The airline said the flight would resume after the crew rest period. The incident highlights growing disruptions to international aviation due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. (PC: India Today)

India has started supplying diesel to Bangladesh through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline from Assam’s Numaligarh refinery. About 5,000 tonnes of diesel are being sent in the first shipment on Tuesday. The supply is part of an agreement under which India will provide 180,000 tonnes of diesel every year. Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation Chairman Muhammad Rezanur Rahman said, “India will supply 180,000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh via the pipeline each year.” The move comes as Bangladesh faces a fuel shortage due to disruptions in global oil supplies during the US-Israel-Iran war. Officials say the delivery will help ease pressure on transport and power generation. (PC: India Today)

Hussain Hassan Mirza, the first United Arab Emirates envoy to India, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi could play a key role in ending the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. In an interview, Mirza stated that a single phone call from Modi to the leaders of Iran and Israel could help resolve the crisis due to his strong credibility and diplomatic influence in the region. He also emphasized that the UAE does not want to be dragged into the war and will not allow its territory to be used for military operations by either side. According to Mirza, India’s balanced relations with both nations could help promote dialogue and de-escalation in the Middle East. (PC: NDTV)

Former United Arab Emirates ambassador to India, Hussain Hassan Mirza, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi could play a key diplomatic role in easing tensions between Israel and Iran. In an interview, Mirza suggested that Modi’s strong relations with both countries might allow him to help de-escalate the conflict through direct communication. He also highlighted India’s significant presence in the UAE, where more than 3.5 million Indians live and contribute to the country’s economy. Mirza added that Gulf countries, including the UAE, are trying to prevent the conflict from spreading across the region while strengthening their defence against missile and drone threats. (PC: X)

The government of India has decided not to increase retail petrol prices even as global crude oil prices crossed $100 per barrel amid geopolitical tensions. According to official sources, the move aims to shield consumers from rising fuel costs during the ongoing global energy uncertainty. At the same time, authorities have tightened LPG distribution rules by increasing the minimum gap for booking a domestic refill from 21 days to 25 days. The measure is intended to prevent hoarding and ensure fair supply of cooking gas cylinders across the country. (PC: X)

Former UAE Ambassador to India Hussain Hassan Mirza said Prime Minister Narendra Modi could help ease the Iran–Israel conflict. He said Modi commands respect across the region and has credibility with both sides. “One phone call from Mr Modi to the counterparts in Iran and Israel can solve this issue, can end this issue,” Mirza told NDTV. He also said the United Arab Emirates does not want to be involved in the conflict. “There is no reason for the UAE to be involved in this,” he said. Mirza noted the UAE has relations with both Iran and Israel and could help mediation. The fighting continued on Monday with new Israeli strikes reported in Iran. (PC: NDTV)