At least 87 people were killed after a US submarine torpedoed and sank the Iranian Navy frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, AFP reported. The Moudge-class warship had recently participated in MILAN 2026 in India and was returning home when attacked off Sri Lanka’s coast. While Washington has not confirmed casualties, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged the strike, calling it the first US torpedo sinking of an enemy ship since World War II. The Pentagon released rare near real-time submarine footage. Sri Lanka has recovered 87 bodies, rescued 32 survivors and continues searching for 61 missing sailors as regional tensions escalate further. (PC: NDTV)

Oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped by 90% since the escalation of Middle East tensions last week, according to energy intelligence firm Kpler. Despite the dramatic decline, some vessels continue eastbound and westbound voyages, with several reportedly operating under AIS blackouts, meaning their tracking systems are switched off. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, linking Gulf producers to global markets. Any disruption there can significantly affect global crude prices and energy security. Analysts warn that prolonged instability in the region could intensify supply chain disruptions, heighten insurance premiums for shipping, and trigger volatility in international oil markets. (PC: X/@Shorts91)

Israeli military officials claim Iran has fired ballistic missiles equipped with cluster munitions toward Israeli territory, marking the first reported use of such weapons in the current war. One missile allegedly split mid-air near Tel Aviv, dispersing submunitions across an eight-kilometre radius and injuring at least 12 people. Since late February, Iranian missile strikes have reportedly killed 11 people and injured over 1,000 in Israel. Cluster warheads release multiple bomblets, increasing civilian risk and leaving unexploded ordnance that can remain dangerous for years. Israel says Iran has used at least five such missiles recently. Analysts are now questioning whether Iran’s advanced cluster capability may have involved external technological assistance, possibly from Russia or China, though no official evidence has been presented. (PC: X & AFP)

Veeraswamy, Britain’s oldest Indian restaurant, is facing closure after a lease dispute with the Crown Estate, prompting campaigners to submit a petition to King Charles III. Founded in 1926 by Edward Palmer, the Regent Street institution is regarded as a pioneer of fine Indian dining in the UK and has hosted royalty and dignitaries, including catering twice for Queen Elizabeth II. The Crown Estate plans to modernise Victory House, stating renovations would make the current entrance unviable but offering compensation and relocation support. Co-owners Ranjit Mathrani and Namita Panjabi allege shifting eviction reasons and lack of compromise. With over 20,000 signatures and celebrity chef backing, supporters hope to preserve the century-old culinary landmark. (PC: X/@Shorts91)

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that an American submarine sank the Iranian frigate Iris Dena off Sri Lanka’s southern coast in a torpedo strike late Tuesday, killing at least 80 people. The vessel was 44 nautical miles off Galle, within Sri Lanka’s economic zone but outside territorial waters. Sri Lankan authorities rescued 32 crew members after receiving a distress call describing an explosion. The strike marks the first US attack on Iranian forces outside the Middle East during the conflict and the first sinking of an enemy ship by US torpedo since World War II, according to Hegseth, escalating tensions further in the region.

An Austrian tourist, Britta Schlagbauer, shared a disturbing Holi experience from Vrindavan, reigniting debate around safety and consent during celebrations. Posting a viral Instagram reel, she said her day began with festive energy but turned chaotic for many women as strangers threw colours at them. She alleged that someone later hurled ground colour mixed with stones into her eyes, leaving her in severe pain and with blurred vision days later. Calling Holi “wild and beautiful,” she advised women to celebrate cautiously. Her video drew widespread support online, with users apologising and acknowledging concerns about harassment and unsafe street celebrations.

Russia is ready to divert about 9.5 million barrels of crude oil to India to offset Middle East supply disruptions, an industry source told Reuters. The cargoes, currently in vessels near Indian waters, could arrive within weeks and help refiners manage shortages. India remains vulnerable, with crude stocks covering roughly 25 days of demand and limited inventories of refined fuels. Nearly 40% of its crude imports transit the Strait of Hormuz, now near-inaccessible after Iranian attacks following US-Israeli strikes. Russian oil’s share of India’s imports rose to around 30% in February. Moscow is also prepared to supply LNG as Qatar halted production. (PC: X)

Around 80 people were killed after a US submarine struck and sank an Iranian naval ship in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka, according to a Reuters report. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that an American submarine carried out the attack. He said the strike showed the reach of the United States military during its war with Iran. “An Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters was sunk by a torpedo,” Hegseth said earlier. US officials have not confirmed the reported death toll. The Iranian vessel sank off Sri Lanka’s coast after the strike. The incident comes as fighting between the United States, Israel and Iran continues to grow across the region. (PC: X)

Israel’s military said one of its F-35I “Adir” fighter jets shot down an Iranian Yak-130 aircraft over Tehran on March 4. If confirmed, it would be the first time an F-35 has destroyed a manned fighter jet in combat. The Israel Defense Forces said the mission took place deep inside Iranian airspace. The military said the operation showed the stealth and combat ability of the F-35I aircraft. The claim came as Israel reported a wider wave of airstrikes across Tehran and other parts of Iran. The IDF said it targeted command centres, missile launch systems and other military facilities. Israeli forces said operations against Iranian military infrastructure are continuing. (PC: Zee News)

The United States confirmed that its submarine sank an Iranian naval ship off the southern coast of Sri Lanka. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the strike was carried out by an American submarine. “A US submarine sank an Iranian warship off the southern coast of Sri Lanka,” he said.   Sri Lanka earlier said the vessel was the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena. Officials said the ship went down about 40 nautical miles off Galle after sending a distress call. Around 180 crew members were on board.   The vessel had recently taken part in the International Fleet Review 2026 in India before beginning its return journey. Sri Lankan authorities rescued 32 sailors and recovered several bodies as search operations continued. (PC: India Today)