Global oil prices rose sharply and Asian markets fell as the US-Israel war with Iran entered its fifth week. Brent crude climbed over $115 a barrel, while US oil reached $101.62. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 2.8%, and South Korea’s Kospi fell nearly 3%. Tensions increased after Houthi strikes on Israel and threats by Iran to widen attacks. Concerns over supply grew as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed. Shipping expert Lars Jensen warned the impact could be “substantially larger” than the 1970s crisis. He said, “We need to keep in mind” delays in supply are still affecting markets. (PC: BBC)

A new US missile, not tested in combat before, was likely used in a strike on a school in Iran’s Lamerd, a report said. The February 28 attack came on the first day of the war. The same day, a US Tomahawk missile hit a school in Minab, killing 175 people.   The report said damage at the Lamerd site matched the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). The weapon explodes above targets and releases metal pellets.   The US military confirmed PrSM was used in the war for the first time. But it has not confirmed if it was used in Lamerd.

A rare moment was seen in the Meghalaya Assembly when Mehtab Chandee A Sangma questioned her husband, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, during Question Hour. She asked about delays in setting up a veterinary college and two fisheries colleges approved in 2022. She also raised concerns over staff shortages. The Chief Minister said the projects are needed as “a large population” depends on livestock. He admitted shortages are “a matter of concern” and said steps are being taken. He added land has been identified and work will be fast-tracked. The exchange followed Assembly rules and later went viral online.

US troop levels in West Asia have crossed 57,000 amid the war with Iran. This is the largest build-up since 2003. Around 5,000 troops arrived last week, including 2,500 Marines and units from the 82nd Airborne. They joined forces already deployed across the region. The Pentagon is also planning to send about 10,000 more troops, according to reports. The USS Tripoli carries about 3,500 Marines. US troops are stationed in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan, along with naval forces at sea. (PC: NDTV)

Balendra Shah has launched major reforms days after taking office. He banned student politics on campuses and said education must be free from party control. He plans non-political student bodies within 90 days. Critics warn it may limit democratic space. His government also barred civil servants from party links. Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was arrested over last year’s protests. Shah said justice will be ensured. Families of students killed in the protests will get jobs. In a message to Narendra Modi, he said he is “eager to work closely,” signaling a cautious reset in ties. (PC: India Today)

Nitish Kumar resigned from the Bihar Legislative Council after being elected to the Rajya Sabha. His resignation was accepted by chairman Avadhesh Narayan Singh. He said Kumar was an “invaluable leader” who served the state. BJP leader Nitin Nabin also resigned from the Assembly. Both were elected on March 16 and had to step down under rules on dual membership. Kumar’s aide said he followed constitutional norms. He is expected to resign as Chief Minister soon. Attention is now on who will take over, as his exit may bring a major political change in Bihar. (PC: HT)

Donald Trump said the US could take control of Iran’s key oil hub, Kharg Island, but added a deal could come “fairly quickly.” Speaking to Financial Times, he said the US could “easily” take the island and “take the oil.” He also said US strikes hit “many long sought-after targets” in Iran on Sunday. Israel said it is carrying out fresh attacks on Tehran. Iran’s parliament speaker warned forces are “waiting” for US ground troops. Oil prices rose above $115. In the UK, Keir Starmer will meet business leaders to discuss the impact. (PC: BBC)

Donald Trump is considering a high-risk military operation to extract nearly 1,000 pounds of enriched uranium from Iran, targeting key sites such as Isfahan Nuclear Facility and Natanz Nuclear Facility. The plan, aimed at preventing Iran’s nuclear capability, may involve special forces entering Iranian territory under significant threat. Officials stress no final decision has been made, though the Pentagon is preparing options. Experts warn such a mission could escalate the conflict and trigger retaliation. Meanwhile, indirect diplomatic efforts involving regional mediators continue, with the US preferring Iran to surrender the material voluntarily. (PC: X)

Lashkar-e-Taiba operative Shabbir Ahmad Lone was arrested near the Delhi border by the Special Cell for allegedly plotting terror attacks in India while operating from Bangladesh. A resident of Srinagar, Lone is accused of managing anti-India operations under the direction of Inter-Services Intelligence. Officials said he recruited Bangladeshi nationals, including illegal residents in India, to execute terror plots while concealing Pakistan’s involvement. The arrest follows the recent busting of a Lashkar-linked module active across Delhi and parts of South India, which was involved in propaganda activities like putting up anti-India posters alongside preparing operational groundwork. (PC: India Today)

Indian equity benchmarks BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty50 opened sharply lower on the final trading day of the quarter, with Sensex falling over 1,000 points and Nifty dropping around 300. Banking stocks, especially Nifty Bank and PSU Bank indices, led the decline as all sectoral indices traded in the red. Market volatility surged, with India VIX rising above 28, signalling heightened investor anxiety. Foreign investors have offloaded nearly $12 billion worth of Indian equities in March amid global tensions. Meanwhile, the rupee opened at 93.56 against the US dollar, reflecting pressure from ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and capital outflows. (PC: X)