An Iran-owned Mahan Air aircraft scheduled from Mashhad to New Delhi for a humanitarian mission was reportedly damaged in a US airstrike at Mashhad International Airport, according to Iranian sources cited by ANI. The flight, due April 1, aimed to transport medicines for conflict-affected people. Tehran labelled the incident a “war crime,” while the US has not confirmed the strike. Amid the wider Middle East conflict, Ministry of External Affairs reported eight Indian deaths and one missing. Over 1,043 Indians, including 717 students, have been evacuated. The conflict, triggered by US-Israel strikes on Iran, has killed over 3,000 people and disrupted global oil routes.

Iran has rejected Pakistan’s offer to host talks with the United States during the ongoing conflict. Officials in Tehran said Pakistan’s forums are its own and not endorsed for such talks. Pakistan had offered to act as a mediator and venue for discussions. However, Iran made it clear it does not support the idea for now. Iran said it is still reviewing a broader US proposal but will not rush into talks. The response weakens Pakistan’s attempt to play a diplomatic role. Efforts to find a trusted mediator between the two sides are still ongoing. (PC: AFP)

US President Donald Trump may ask Arab countries to help pay for the ongoing Iran war, the White House said. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is open to the idea and may speak more on it soon. She added that talks with Iran are still happening and showing progress. Iran, however, said it will not stop the war without compensation and removal of sanctions. The White House expects the conflict to last four to six weeks. It also said military options, including sending troops, are still being considered if needed. (PC: Reuters)

5 Indian airports have made it to the world’s top 100 list at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2026. Singapore Changi Airport ranked first again, winning the title for the 14th time. Indira Gandhi International Airport was placed 28th and improved its rank. It was also named the best airport in India and South Asia. Kempegowda International Airport ranked 41st and won best regional airport in the region. Airports in Goa and Mumbai also featured in the list. Changi stood out for its gardens, entertainment spaces and smooth travel experience.

An Iranian aircraft bound for India was hit in a reported US strike at Mashhad airport, according to Iranian sources. The plane, operated by Mahan Air, was set to fly to New Delhi for a humanitarian mission carrying medicines. The strike disrupted the planned aid operation. There is no official confirmation from the United States yet. Iran strongly condemned the attack and called it a war crime. It said targeting a civilian aircraft violates international law and aviation rules. Iran has asked global bodies to investigate the incident. The attack has raised concerns over safety and rising tensions in the region. (PC: ANI)

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has asked Donald Trump to help end the US-Iran conflict. Speaking in Cairo, Sisi said only Trump can stop the war in the Gulf. He called for peace and warned that war brings loss and damage to all sides. Egypt is helping mediate talks between the US and Iran, along with Pakistan and Turkey. His appeal came after Trump warned Iran of possible new attacks if a deal is not reached soon. Tensions remain high as efforts to avoid further violence continue across the region and global concerns grow.

Swiss food giant Nestlé reported a major theft of 12 tons of KitKat bars during transit in Europe, involving over 413,000 units of a new product range. The truck, travelling from Italy to Poland, disappeared en route and remains untraced. Authorities are investigating the incident with supply chain partners. While the company warned the stolen stock could enter unofficial markets and potentially affect availability ahead of Easter, it later clarified that overall supply remains stable and there are no consumer safety concerns. The unusual “chocolate heist” has drawn attention due to its scale and timing during peak seasonal demand.

Indian rally legend Hari Singh, known as the “Gypsy King,” is presumed dead after an eight-day search in the Maldives failed following a speedboat accident near Felidhoo Island. Authorities deployed divers, drones, aircraft and boats but found no trace of Singh or the boat captain. Businessman Gautam Singhania survived the incident. With search operations called off, Singh’s family held final prayers in Chandigarh, attended by hundreds from the motorsport community. A five-time Indian National Rally champion, Singh also won the Asia Zone Rally Championship and later mentored young drivers, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Indian motorsport. (PC: X)

The Iran–United States–Israel conflict has sharply escalated with strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Tehran’s threats of retaliation. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned workers at US- and Israel-linked firms to evacuate, signalling wider attacks. Iran is reviewing exit from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, raising nuclear risks, while Donald Trump hinted at seizing oil assets like Kharg Island. The Strait of Hormuz disruption has stranded Indian energy shipments and shaken markets. Narendra Modi stressed economic stability. Civilian casualties, including Indians abroad, and diplomatic setbacks highlight a deepening, uncertain crisis.

As many as 19 vessels carrying LPG, crude oil and LNG for India are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating West Asia conflict. These include 10 foreign-flagged ships and several Indian vessels transporting critical energy supplies. Officials said eight Indian ships have safely exited, while others remain stuck among hundreds affected by disrupted shipping. The blockage threatens India’s energy security and supply chains, as the strait handles a major share of global oil flows. Authorities are prioritising the safe evacuation of Indian-flagged vessels before considering further supply operations, highlighting the growing economic impact of the conflict. (PC: Reuters)