Israel and Iran continued to exchange strikes even as the US said plans for talks with Tehran remain “fluid.” The White House said discussions were not fixed, while Iran denied any direct contact with the US. An Iranian official said messages had been shared through mediators as a possible step toward talks. Fresh strikes were reported in Tehran and nearby areas. An Iranian missile hit Tel Aviv, injuring several people. Israel also issued evacuation warnings in southern Lebanon. Oil prices rose again after earlier drops. Qatar said no new attacks had targeted it but warned the region remains tense. (PC: BBC)

Rajasthan Royals have been sold to a US-led consortium for about Rs 15,000 crore, reports said. The deal values the franchise at $1.63 billion and sets a new benchmark in the IPL. The group is led by US entrepreneur Kal Somani and includes global investors. The sale followed weeks of bidding and was handled by an investment bank. Reports said the bid was preferred for its “strategic alignment and financial immediacy.” The ownership change will take effect after IPL 2026. Meanwhile, interest in Royal Challengers Bengaluru has grown, with its valuation expected to cross $2 billion. (PC: India Today)

Harish Rana, the first Indian to be granted passive euthanasia, has died at AIIMS Delhi after over 13 years in a coma. He was 31. Rana suffered severe brain injuries in 2013 after falling from a building in Chandigarh. He remained in a vegetative state and was on life support. On March 11, the Supreme Court allowed withdrawal of treatment, calling it the “right to die with dignity.” A team of doctors then carried out the process under medical supervision. Rana was shifted to palliative care before support was gradually withdrawn. He died peacefully nearly two weeks after the court’s order. (PC: X)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will not attend the Centre’s all-party meeting on the West Asia crisis. The meeting has been called to discuss the Iran-US conflict. Gandhi said he has a prior programme in Kerala. “I would not be able to attend because I have a programme in Kerala,” he said. He also criticised the government’s handling of the crisis, calling it a “structural blunder.” He alleged the Prime Minister follows the United States in decisions. The meeting will be chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is likely to attend. The government has urged parties to present a united stand. (PC: HT)

Israel said it will take control of a large buffer zone in southern Lebanon as part of its campaign against Hezbollah. Defence Minister Israel Katz said troops will push up to the Litani River, about 30 km from the border. He said displaced residents will not be allowed to return until northern Israel is safe. “The principle is clear: there is terror and missiles, no homes and no residents,” he said. Israel also said five bridges used by Hezbollah were destroyed. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun called the plan “collective punishment.” Over 1,000 people have been killed and more than a million displaced. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Donald Trump about rising tensions in the Middle East. Both leaders stressed the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said they discussed “the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.” The route carries a large share of global oil supply. Recent disruptions have raised concerns over energy stability. The call came a day after Trump said the US had held “productive” talks with Iran. He also delayed a planned strike to allow more time for diplomacy. (PC: India Today)

Iran has appointed Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as the new secretary of its Supreme National Security Council after Ali Larijani was killed in a strike last week. Zolghadr is a former Revolutionary Guard commander and had been serving in the Expediency Council. The appointment comes amid ongoing conflict in the region. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Washington was holding “productive” talks with Tehran, raising hopes of easing tensions. Iran, however, denied any negotiations. Trump also extended a deadline on action linked to the Strait of Hormuz, giving more time for diplomacy. Fighting in the region has continued despite these developments. (PC: NDTV)

Seven pet dogs in China escaped after being stolen for the meat trade and travelled about 17 km back home. The group stayed together for nearly two days after jumping from a moving truck in Jilin. A Corgi appeared to lead the pack, often turning back to check on others. An injured German Shepherd was protected in the middle as the group moved slowly. A man who filmed them said, “They resemble a band of little brothers in distress.” The video went viral, prompting volunteers and a drone search. By March 19, all seven dogs were safely reunited with their owners.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has enough crude oil reserves and supply plans despite the ongoing West Asia war. Speaking in Rajya Sabha, he called the energy situation “worrisome” but assured steady fuel supply. Modi said India has built over 53 lakh metric tonnes of strategic reserves and is expanding further. He stressed efforts to keep oil and gas shipments moving. “India has adequate crude oil storage and arrangements for continuous supplies,” he said. The government is also working with multiple countries and monitoring supply chains. Modi warned that a prolonged crisis could have serious impact and said India is focusing on resilience and coordination. (PC: The Indian Express)

US President Donald Trump said Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was among the first to support action against Iran. Speaking in Tennessee, Trump said, “Pete… was the first one to speak up… ‘Let’s do it.’” He suggested Hegseth backed military action over Iran’s nuclear threat. Trump also said the US was having “very good” discussions with Tehran. Iranian officials denied any talks. Trump had earlier delayed a deadline linked to the Strait of Hormuz. Fighting has continued, with strikes and missile attacks reported. Differences within the US administration over the war have also emerged in recent days. (PC: X)