A devastating fire broke out in a multi-storey residential building in Palam, southwest Delhi, early Wednesday morning, killing at least nine people, including three children. The Delhi Fire Services received a distress call around 7 am and rushed nearly 30 fire tenders to control the blaze. Several residents were rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities have launched an investigation. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered a magisterial probe into the incident. The tragedy has raised serious concerns over fire safety measures in densely populated residential areas of the capital.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that the country’s power structure remains intact following the killing of senior leader Ali Larijani in a strike, emphasizing that governance is institution-driven rather than reliant on individuals. He stated that repeated losses of top officials have not weakened the system’s functioning. Amid escalating tensions, Iran has warned of retaliation, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) expected to respond. The incident is part of a broader escalation, raising concerns over further instability and intensification of conflict across the Middle East. (PC: PTI)

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military has “eliminated” Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib in an overnight strike. Iran has not confirmed the claim. Katz said, “We will continue to thwart and hunt them all down.” He added that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has allowed forces to target more senior Iranian officials without extra approval. This comes after recent strikes that killed Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani. Israel said more actions are expected.

A Russian oil tanker has shifted its route from China to India as the global energy crisis deepens due to the US-Iran conflict. Ship-tracking data shows the Aframax tanker Aqua Titan is now heading to New Mangalore port and is expected to arrive on March 21. The vessel had earlier listed China’s Rizhao as its destination but turned around in Southeast Asian waters. The shift came as the US allowed India to raise imports of Russian crude. Iran’s move to block the Strait of Hormuz has hit global supplies. Reports say several tankers have made similar route changes to India in recent weeks. (PC: HT)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the country will keep fighting the US and Israel after the killing of Ali Larijani. He said, “The presence or absence of a single individual does not affect Iran’s structure.” Araghchi called the conflict “America’s war” and blamed Washington for losses in the region. He also referred to the killing of Ali Khamenei, saying the system continued after his death. Iran said it will review future nuclear policy. It also signalled changes to rules in the Strait of Hormuz after the war. (PC: India Today)

Israel said it carried out an overnight strike in Tehran targeting Iran’s intelligence minister Esmaeil Khatib, according to an Israeli official.   Iran warned of wider fallout. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the impact will hit all, “regardless of wealth, faith or race.” Military leaders also warned of a “decisive” and “more devastating” response.   Iran confirmed firing cluster missiles at Israel, including Khorramshahr-4 and Qadr missiles. The attack was described as revenge for the killing of Ali Larijani.   Meanwhile, the US said it struck Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz. Fresh missile attacks were also reported in Israel. (PC: The Indian Express)

Israel carried out strikes in central Beirut, hitting areas outside Hezbollah strongholds. A blast flattened a building in a busy district with hotels and businesses. Israel also ordered evacuations in southern Lebanon.   At the same time, the US said it used “deep penetrator” bombs on Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway remains disrupted amid the war.   Iran’s army chief warned of a “decisive” response after the killing of security leader Ali Larijani.   Fighting continues across the region. Two people were killed in Tel Aviv. Strikes and interceptions were reported in Dubai, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. (PC: BBC)

Iran has claimed that more than 3,000 US troops were killed or wounded in the first week of the war. Press TV, citing an Iranian official, said over 200 soldiers were killed and thousands injured. The official also claimed the US lost missile launchers, air defence systems, and aircraft. He said there was a “very serious” drop in US and Israeli defence stockpiles. The report said the data came from “extra-regional sources.” The claims have not been verified independently. The statement came as both sides continue to report heavy damage since the conflict began on February 28. (PC: HT)

US forces struck Iranian missile sites along the southern coast near the Strait of Hormuz using 2,200-kg bunker-buster bombs, the US Central Command said. The military said the targets were anti-ship cruise missiles that “posed a risk to international shipping” in the area. The strikes were carried out on hardened sites along Iran’s coastline. The action came hours after US President Donald Trump said many allies refused to send naval ships to escort vessels through the strait. The Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, affecting global oil movement and pushing fuel prices higher. (PC: India Today)

Iran has confirmed that Ali Larijani was killed in an airstrike while visiting his daughter’s home near Tehran. The strike also killed his son and several aides, marking one of the highest-level losses for Iran’s leadership in the ongoing conflict. Reports indicate the attack was carried out by US-Israeli forces targeting key security figures. Larijani, a central figure in Iran’s political and security establishment, had played a major role in nuclear policy and internal strategy. His death is expected to intensify regional tensions and could trigger further retaliation from Tehran. (PC: India Today)