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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kerala Assembly elections: The Election Commission will visit Kerala this week to assess poll preparedness. Assembly elections are likely to be held next month. The commission will arrive on March 5 and begin its tour on March 6 and 7. Other states like Assam, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and West Bengal are also due for polls.

Nagaland lottery results today: This weekly draw, conducted at 1 PM, also features top prize of 1 crore and significant secondary prizes ranging from 1,000 to 10,000, along with a extensive list of tiered consolation and lower-category winnings.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed National Day greetings to Bosnia and Herzegovina. This follows recent Foreign Office Consultations in Sarajevo. Both nations reviewed political, economic, and cultural cooperation. They also discussed regional and global issues. India and Bosnia and Herzegovina maintain friendly relations and aim to enhance collaboration across various sectors.

Indian badminton stars P V Sindhu and her coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama faced a tense situation at Dubai Airport. An explosion near their location caused flight cancellations. They are currently stranded, hoping to travel soon for the All England Championships.

A helicopter crash in Nandi County, western Kenya, has claimed six lives. Among the deceased is Member of Parliament Johana Ng'eno. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash. President William Ruto has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. The identities of the other passengers have not yet been released.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the US consulate in Karachi after reports of Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis killing in joint US-Israeli airstrikes, as Tehran vowed retaliation and declared national mourning.

Flight cancellations today: Indian aviation is facing a massive disruption as the Ministry of Civil Aviation projects the cancellation of 444 international flights today, March 1, 2026, due to escalating regional tensions and airspace restrictions in the Middle East.

An 82-year-old man died in a head-on collision near Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, on Friday. The driver of the other vehicle, a 43-year-old man, was arrested for impaired driving causing death and taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Meanwhile, GTA police have increased patrols around places of worship following strikes on Iran.

The International Atomic Energy Agency is holding an urgent meeting. This follows joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. The agency is monitoring the situation closely. It has detected no radiological impact from the strikes or counterattacks. Tensions are high in the Middle East.

Central Delhi traffic faces disruptions on Sunday. A T20 World Cup match between South Africa and Zimbabwe will impact movement. Diversions and parking rules are in effect. Commuters should plan ahead and use alternate routes. Expect congestion near the stadium, especially on Bahadurshah Zafar Marg and ITO Chowk. Plan your journey carefully to avoid inconvenience.

Iran's army chief and defense minister were killed in an airstrike. This led to Iran launching missiles and drones towards Israel and US bases. US President Donald Trump warned Iran against further escalation. The region faces heightened fears of a wider war and potential disruption to global oil markets.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Death: Nearly forty-year reign of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reached a violent crossroads following massive American and Israeli airstrikes targeting the Pasteur gated compound in Tehran. While US President Donald Trump has publicly declared the 86-year-old Supreme Leader dead, Iranian officials have attempted to project a facade of control amidst reports of widespread civilian celebrations in the capital.

Fresh blasts were heard across the Gulf cities of Dubai, Doha and Manama on Sunday morning after a day of Iranian strikes in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks.reporters heard blasts in Dubai, Bahrain's capital Manama and Qatar -- where AFP correspondents saw thick black smoke rising on the clear morning horizon in the south of the city.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has died in Israeli bombings. Khamenei had no Indian roots, unlike his predecessor Ruhollah Khomeini. Khomeini's grandfather was born in India before migrating to Iran. Khamenei succeeded Khomeini after his death in 1989. His death now sparks questions about Iran's next leader.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has launched a new scheme for manufacturers. Eligible importers can now defer customs duty payments on imported goods. This initiative aims to boost working capital for businesses. The facility will be available from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2028. This move is expected to encourage investment and production within the country.

Global leaders are reacting cautiously to US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The reported death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has thrown Iran's future into uncertainty. Nations are divided, with some supporting the strikes and others criticising them. Calls for de-escalation and renewed talks are growing as concerns mount over a wider regional conflict.