A tragic ropeway accident occurred in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district during the Navratri rush, killing one woman and injuring several devotees. The incident happened around 10 am at the Khallari Mata temple when a trolley carrying pilgrims descended from the hilltop and its cable suddenly snapped. The trolley reportedly plunged from a height of 200–300 feet, causing panic among visitors. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, with some referred to Raipur for advanced treatment. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief and ordered a detailed probe, raising concerns over safety measures at crowded religious sites. (PC: X)

Iran has announced that commercial shipping can continue through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, but vessels linked to “enemy” nations—primarily the United States and Israel—will be denied passage. The statement comes after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum warning of strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure if the waterway is not fully reopened. Tehran maintains it is not fully blocking global trade, but selectively restricting access amid escalating conflict. The Strait, which handles nearly 20% of global oil shipments, remains a critical flashpoint, with rising tensions fueling fears of supply disruptions and a wider regional crisis. (PC: X)

The US-Israel war on Iran has produced about five million tonnes of CO2 in just two weeks, a new analysis shows. The report says emissions came mainly from damaged buildings, fuel use, and attacks on oil sites. The Iranian Red Crescent said around 20,000 buildings were hit, releasing about 2.4 million tonnes of CO2. Military activity also added to emissions. Experts said constant use of jets and ships increased fuel burn. Researcher Benjamin Neimark said forces working “around the clock” need large energy use. Another expert said, “Every missile strike is another downpayment on a hotter… planet.” (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting to review India’s energy readiness amid rising tensions in West Asia. The review came as oil prices remained volatile, with Brent crude easing to around $109 after touching $119 earlier. An LPG tanker from the United States also reached India’s western coast, offering some relief on supply concerns. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington may strike Iranian power infrastructure if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has also carried out strikes in Israel, while Houthi rebels have threatened shipping in the Red Sea and Suez Canal. (PC: HT)

More than 160 people were injured after Iranian missiles hit two towns in southern Israel near a nuclear facility. Israeli officials said 84 people were treated in Arad and 78 in Dimona after the strikes on Saturday evening. The International Atomic Energy Agency said there was no known damage to the nearby nuclear site.   A paramedic in Arad said she saw “a lot of children with head and chest injuries” inside damaged buildings. Iranian state TV said the attack was in response to a strike on its Natanz facility. Israeli forces said most incoming missiles were intercepted, but some caused direct hits. (PC: BBC)

8 Indian seafarers who survived the Skylight missile attack in the Strait of Hormuz are now trying to return home after reaching Mumbai. They spent 16 days stranded after the March 1 strike destroyed their documents. “Everything moved… within seconds there was smoke and fire,” one survivor said. The crew jumped into the sea and were rescued by an Omani boat. Many lost phones, money and papers. Some are still waiting for tickets home. “We had to jump into the water to survive,” another said. Several said they will not return to sea jobs. Authorities are helping them complete formalities. (PC: The Indian Express)

Former Pakistan envoy Abdul Basit said India could be targeted if the United States attacks Pakistan. He made the remark during a TV interview while discussing a “worst-case scenario”. “If America attacks Pakistan, we have to attack India,” he said. He added that cities like “Mumbai and New Delhi” could be hit “without a second thought”. Basit also said, “We don’t even want that to happen,” calling it hypothetical. The remarks have sparked a row due to their direct reference to Indian cities. India has not issued an official response so far. The comments come amid ongoing tensions in the region.

6 people were killed after a Qatar military helicopter crashed in the country’s territorial waters, officials said Sunday. One person remains missing and search operations are ongoing. The defence ministry said the helicopter went down during routine duty due to a “technical malfunction”. Authorities have not shared details about those on board. There was no sign of hostile action linked to the ongoing regional conflict. The crash comes amid rising tensions in the Gulf. Iran has carried out multiple attacks on US-linked sites and key facilities in Qatar in recent weeks following US-Israel strikes in the region. (PC: X)

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to use India’s “independent role” to help end the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The request came during a phone call between the two leaders. According to Iran, Pezeshkian also proposed a regional security system led by West Asian countries “without foreign interference”. He said ending the war needs an immediate stop to US and Israeli actions. PM Modi stressed that key shipping routes must stay “open and secure”. He also said attacks on infrastructure threaten stability. Both sides discussed rising tensions and their impact on global energy supply and regional peace. (PC: X)

Iran said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to global shipping but not to vessels linked to its “enemies”. Iran’s representative to a UN maritime agency shared the position. The statement came amid rising tension with the US. President Donald Trump had warned he would “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if the strait is not reopened. Iran’s military command Khatam Al-Anbiya said it may expand strikes if its energy sites are hit. “All energy, information technology, and desalination infrastructure belonging to the US and the regime in the region will be targeted,” it said. The situation has raised concerns over shipping security in the Gulf. (PC: X)