Indian stock markets fell sharply on Thursday, erasing about Rs 7.6 trillion in investor wealth within an hour. The Sensex dropped over 1,500 points, while the Nifty fell more than 2%. The fall came amid rising crude oil prices, which crossed $110 per barrel after fresh Middle East attacks. Investors also reacted to continued foreign outflows and weak global markets. Banking stocks led the losses. “This looks like a global risk-off move,” said Bruce Keith of InvestorAi. The US Federal Reserve’s signal of no early rate cuts also weighed on sentiment, reducing liquidity support for emerging markets like India. (PC: NDTV)

Iran struck major gas facilities in Qatar and the UAE, widening the war into key energy hubs. Missiles hit Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG complex, causing fires and damage, though no casualties were reported. The UAE said it halted operations at key sites after intercepting missiles. The attacks followed a warning by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who said “every drop of spilled blood comes at a price” after the killing of Ali Larijani. Gulf nations called it a “dangerous escalation”. Oil prices surged above $110 per barrel. More than 20 ships have also been hit near the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began. (PC: HT)

India has 367 million people aged 15 to 29, the largest youth group in the world. Education levels have improved over decades, with more students in colleges and smaller gender gaps. “Never before have so many young Indians been as educated,” a report by Azim Premji University says. Yet jobs remain limited. Nearly 40% of graduates aged 15-25 are unemployed. The study says there is an “aspiration-availability mismatch”. Many wait for better jobs but later take what is available. India creates jobs, but many are low-quality or in agriculture. Experts say growth has not matched rising education and job expectations. 

Two school friends from Howrah, Arnava Chakraborty and Anik Bhattacharya, have built a drone component start-up called DarkMatter. The firm began in a small rented room in Bally Halt in 2022. It now makes flight controllers and electronic speed controllers. The founders say Bengal lacks a strong support system for drone makers. “There is no proper support… funds should be distributed to start-ups solving problems,” Bhattacharya said. The four-member team learnt through trial and error. They have supplied bulk orders to private buyers and Indian military divisions. The company says it is among only a few such firms in India. (PC: X)

Donald Trump warned the United States could “massively blow up” the South Pars Gas Field if Iran continues striking Qatar’s energy infrastructure. The escalation followed Israel’s attack on South Pars, prompting Iranian missile strikes on Ras Laffan Industrial City, causing extensive damage. Trump denied prior US knowledge or involvement and said Qatar was not linked to the initial strike. He urged restraint, stating Israel would halt further attacks unless Iran targets Qatar again. The conflict has intensified global concerns over energy security, with rising oil prices and leaders scrambling to contain the widening Middle East crisis.

QatarEnergy reported a second wave of missile strikes targeting LNG infrastructure in Qatar, causing sizeable fires and extensive additional damage. The attacks follow an earlier strike on Ras Laffan Industrial City on March 18, which had already damaged the Pearl GTL facility. Emergency response teams were deployed promptly, and no casualties have been reported so far. The repeated strikes highlight escalating risks to critical energy infrastructure amid ongoing regional conflict. QatarEnergy said it will continue providing updates as the situation develops and assessments of damage and operational impact continue.

The U.S. Intelligence Community has warned that tensions between India and Pakistan continue to pose a risk of nuclear conflict, according to its Annual Threat Assessment presented to the US Senate. The report noted that while both nations do not seek direct war, the presence of terrorist actors creates conditions that could trigger crises and escalation. It also highlighted that Donald Trump’s intervention helped de-escalate the most recent tensions. The assessment underscores persistent regional instability and the potential for miscalculation despite diplomatic efforts to maintain peace between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. (PC: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Mojtaba Khamenei warned of retaliation after the killing of senior Iranian official Ali Larijani in a strike blamed on the United States and Israel. Calling the perpetrators “criminals,” he said they would “soon pay,” signalling escalation in the ongoing conflict. Abbas Araghchi said Iran’s system remains intact despite leadership losses. Larijani’s death, a key link between political and security institutions, could strain decision-making as targeted strikes reduce experienced leadership. Analysts warn coordination may weaken. The conflict has caused thousands of deaths across the region, with varying casualty estimates reported by different sources. (PC: India Today)

Unidentified drones were spotted over Fort McNair in Washington, raising security concerns amid the United States conflict with Iran. According to reports, the base where Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth reside, saw multiple drone sightings on a single night within the past 10 days. Authorities have not identified the drones’ origin but have heightened surveillance and monitoring. The incidents prompted increased security measures and a high-level meeting at the White House to assess response options. The breach follows recent global security alerts and heightened precautions across US military and diplomatic installations. (PC: AFP)

Flight services between India and West Asia are gradually resuming amid ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States. Airlines including Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo have restarted flights to Dubai following regulatory approvals, while some routes remain suspended due to airspace restrictions. A total of 48 Air India flights, including scheduled and additional services, are planned for March 19. Akasa Air has also begun phased restoration, resuming Riyadh-Mumbai routes but continuing suspensions to Abu Dhabi, Doha and Kuwait. The conflict continues to disrupt aviation networks and impact regional connectivity. (PC: News18)