The Economic Times

Who are Ayatollah Alireza Arafi and Ahmad Vahidi? This explainer covers Iran Israel War Live Updates, the reported appointment of Ahmad Vahidi as IRGC chief after Gen Mohammad Pakpours death, and the rise of Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as Irans interim Supreme Leader.

Indian refiners currently hold sufficient crude inventories to meet at least 10 days of requirements, with fuel stocks covering another 5-7 days, cushioning the impact of any short-duration disruption.

Iran Supreme Leader: Ayatollah Alireza Arafi has been chosen as interim successor to deceased Ali Khamenei.

Iran's embassy in Jakarta has welcomed Indonesia's offer to mediate between Washington and Tehran. This comes after recent US and Israeli strikes against Iran. President Prabowo Subianto is willing to travel to Tehran for mediation if both sides agree. Iran's embassy also urged Indonesian officials to condemn the aggression by the United States and Israel.

Fresh explosions rocked Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Manama on Sunday. Iran's retaliatory campaign entered its second day. Residents and journalists reported hearing multiple blasts and loud bangs across the Gulf cities. Sirens were heard in Manama following an explosion. A journalist in Doha also reported a faint blast.

Latest OTT releases this week (March 1-7) are headlined by Anil Kapoors action-drama Subedaar on Prime Video and Guy Ritchies Young Sherlock. From Leonardo DiCaprios award-winning One Battle After Another on JioHotstar to Jisoos K-drama Boyfriend on Demand, here is your ultimate weekend binge guide.

Flight ticket scam: An elderly Indian-origin couple lost over 2,500 to an online flight booking scam after being tricked via WhatsApp. They were left stranded at Heathrow Airport when their supposedly booked tickets were revealed as fake. The couple urges vigilance, highlighting the increasing sophistication of fraudsters targeting older individuals.

Delhi's government pensions are concentrated in outer and densely populated areas. Najafgarh leads with the most beneficiaries. The government is working to make pension payments transparent and accountable. A verification drive will start this month to ensure only eligible seniors receive support. This initiative aims to improve the delivery of financial aid for a dignified life.

Austin shooting today: A gunman was killed at a bar as mass shooting left three people dead and many critical.

Iran Israel war live updates report missile attacks across Iran, Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. Iran launched fresh strikes as President Isaac Herzog appeared at a Tel Aviv blast site. The IDF announced strikes in Tehran. Gulf states intercepted drones and missiles. Casualties and damage were reported.

Cheers in Tehran. - Music in Tehran - Iranians took to the streets cheering with joy, setting off fireworks and playing celebratory music after reports of Khamenei's death, according to witnesses and video footage verified by AFP. 00 pm (1930 GMT), according to multiple witnesses and audio recordings.

Families in Barabanki face distress over communication with their relatives in Qom, Iran. Students and scholars are reportedly in the city which is under attack. Contact has been intermittent, increasing fears. Relatives are praying for safety and have appealed to the Indian government for assistance and secure return of their loved ones.

Iran's next leader appointed: Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint USIsraeli airstrikes on February 28, 2026, Iran has appointed Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as its interim Supreme Leader. A trusted veteran of the clerical establishment born in 1959, Arafi brings decades of experience from the Guardian Council and Al-Mustafa International University to the role.

A powerful explosion rocked Iran's capital, Tehran, on Sunday. The Israeli military announced it was striking targets in the city's heart. The blast created a large smoke plume and shook the ground. The area affected is reportedly near the police headquarters and state television. This action follows earlier military movements by Israel.

Fifteen Naxalites surrendered in Mahasamund district, Chhattisgarh. The group included nine women and a Special Zonal Committee-level member named Vikas. They belonged to the Balangir-Bargarh-Mahasamund division. The surrendered cadres laid down arms including AK-47 rifles. This surrender is a significant step under the state government's rehabilitation policy. Over 2,700 Maoists have surrendered in Chhattisgarh in the last two years.

Lebanese group Hezbollah has pledged to confront the United States and Israel. This comes after joint strikes on Iran and the death of its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Hezbollah is organizing a show of support for its ally Iran. The group's chief condemned the assassination as a crime. Lebanon's Prime Minister has rejected being drawn into war.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader for 36 years, has died. His death, attributed to a U.S.-Israeli attack, has divided the nation. While some mourn, others celebrate, toppling statues and dancing in the streets. This event follows years of unrest and crackdowns. Iran vows revenge against the U.S. and Israel for the leader's death.

Six trainee constables in Rewa face disciplinary action after a viral social media reel, featuring them in uniform, joked about the perks of government jobs. Authorities issued show-cause notices, citing violations of training guidelines that prohibit using the police uniform for non-official public content. The incident highlights concerns over the misuse of official attire online.

Union minister Giriraj Singh alleged the West Bengal government issued identification documents to infiltrators. He urged the Election Commission for re-verification in the state. Singh claimed lakhs of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas are on electoral rolls. He stated West Bengal is a nursery for infiltrators. The minister also criticized Rahul Gandhi, calling him a proponent of urban naxalism.

Air India is modifying faucet control modules in most of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners following a revised FAA directive. This action addresses potential water leaks from these modules that could affect the aircraft's electronic equipment. The FAA's latest Airworthiness Directive mandates replacing the modules to resolve an unsafe condition.

The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi saw over 100 international flights cancelled on Sunday. Global airlines are facing disruptions because of the ongoing Middle East crisis. This situation is impacting west-bound international flights, leading to schedule changes. The Ministry of Civil Aviation had earlier indicated a significant number of cancellations by domestic carriers.

The government will consult stakeholders before implementing new CAFE-III rules for vehicle fuel efficiency and emissions. These rules are proposed to start from April 2027. Automobile manufacturers have differing opinions on the framework. The government aims to reach a consensus on the implementation. This move is part of India's commitment to energy efficiency and climate goals.

Khan Sir, a renowned online educator, once declined a massive 107 crore offer. His decision was driven by memories of childhood financial hardships and witnessing fellow students' struggles. He prioritizes making education accessible. His YouTube channel, Khan GS Research Centre, has millions of subscribers. His net worth is estimated to be between 5 crore and 20 crore.

Haryana rice exporters are experiencing payment delays and shipment hold-ups to Iran and Afghanistan. The conflict has already impacted trade, causing a drop in basmati rates. Shipments to Iran, a major buyer, are affected. The full impact depends on the conflict's duration. Exporters also worry about war insurance for vessels.

Holi 2026 Outfit Ideas: Holi 2026 is approaching on March 4. Fashion for the festival emphasizes comfort and practicality. Men and women should choose breathable fabrics and light colours. Kids need comfortable cotton outfits. Practical footwear and minimal accessories are recommended. The focus is on enjoying the celebration without outfit worries.

Royal Enfield saw a strong February with total sales rising 11 percent year-on-year to over one lakh units. Domestic sales grew 13 percent. The company is expanding its manufacturing capacity by 5.4 lakh units over 18 months. This move prepares Royal Enfield for future demand and continued growth in its global community.

The Trinamool Congress has raised concerns over cricketer Richa Ghosh's voter status. Ghosh, a World Cup winner, has been placed in an 'under adjudication' category. The party alleges this is part of a 'silent invisible rigging' exercise by the Election Commission. This action targets prominent figures and raises questions about the democratic rights of common voters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched infrastructure projects exceeding Rs. 4,400 crore in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The initiatives include redeveloped railway stations, highway four-laning projects, and new FM transmitters, all aimed at boosting connectivity, mobility, and regional economic growth.

LinkedIn has released its annual Skills on the Rise list for 2026, highlighting the abilities employers are actively seeking. Based on data from over a billion profiles and recent job moves on the platform, the report shows a clear shift toward skills-based hiring. According to LinkedIn Editor-in-Chief Dan Roth, companies are focusing more on what candidates can do rather than their previous job titles.

India has issued a maritime advisory for its seafarers. This comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The advisory urges vigilance and adherence to official guidance. Shipping companies must monitor Indian crew safety. This proactive step aims to ensure maritime safety and readiness for swift response.

Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday said three more semiconductor plants will go into commercial production in India in 2026.

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal has dismissed appeals by Rajkumar Nandlal Dhoot and Pradeep Nandlal Dhoot. They challenged personal insolvency proceedings initiated by SBI. The proceedings stem from Videocon Industries' default on a Rs 5,353.78 crore loan. The Dhoot brothers were personal guarantors for the debt. NCLAT upheld NCLT orders directing insolvency against them.

Senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and AAP MP Sanjay Singh have condemned strikes by the US and Israel following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Gandhi called the actions despicable, while Singh highlighted Iran's historic ties with India.

Major Middle Eastern airports remain shut Sunday. Dubai, the world's busiest international hub, is closed. Air strikes have severely restricted flights in the UAE and Qatar. Thousands of flights are affected. This disruption impacts global travel, stranding aircraft and crews. Airlines are rerouting flights, increasing journey times and costs. The situation poses a risk of protracted disruption to air travel.

Vijay Sethupathi returns in a fierce rural avatar for the web series Muthu Engira Kaattaan, all set to premiere on OTT. This marks his third collaboration with director M. Manikandan, who ventures into action drama with a dark, mysterious plot hinted at in the teaser. Read on to know more about the upcoming show.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to strike thousands of targets in Iran. He called on the Iranian public to rise up and overthrow their government. Netanyahu urged millions to take to the streets, uniting various ethnic groups. This escalation raises concerns about a wider regional conflict.

Deepak Gupta has taken over as the new chairman and managing director of GAIL India Limited. He is a seasoned energy sector executive with extensive experience in natural gas transmission and infrastructure development. Gupta brings a blend of technical and strategic leadership to the role. His tenure at GAIL is set to continue until February 2029.

OPEC+ is considering a significant oil output increase of over 411,000 barrels per day on Sunday, a larger hike than initially expected, due to Middle East shipment disruptions. Analysts suggest the market impact will be limited by spare capacity outside Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as oil prices surged on fears of wider conflict.

Dhurandhar: The Revenge, the sequel to 2025's highest-grossing film, is set for a March 19, 2026, release. Actor Yami Gautam has seen the film and described it as 'beyond extraordinary'. She also reacted to her cameo rumours in the film. The film stars Ranveer Singh and Arjun Rampal. Reports suggest a long runtime, potentially clashing with Yash's Toxic.

Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd's Haifa Port has confirmed that its assets and infrastructure are secure and operational, with all employees safe. The port authority is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Ministry of Transport to ensure the safety of its people and the continuity of operations for Israel's supply chain and international trade.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor reported a 20% rise in total sales to 34,034 units in February 2026 from 28,414 units a year ago. Domestic sales grew 16% to 30,737 units, while exports rose 65% to 3,297 units. TKM Executive Vice President Sabari Manohar said demand remained strong across its product range.

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles saw a significant jump in sales for February. Total sales rose 35 percent compared to last year. Domestic passenger vehicle sales increased by 34 percent. International sales also surged. Electric vehicle sales experienced a strong 57 percent growth.

Kia India achieved a significant milestone last month. The automaker recorded its highest-ever sales for February, selling 27,610 units. This represents a 10.3 per cent increase compared to the previous year. This robust performance highlights strong customer trust in the Kia brand. The company continues to focus on innovation and customer value.