The Economic Times

Indian ships are told to avoid West Asian ports and the Strait of Hormuz. Major shipping companies have suspended bookings and rerouted vessels. The Strait of Hormuz is closed. This is a precautionary measure amid regional conflict. About 25 Indian vessels are being monitored.

Escalating Iran-Israel tensions threaten India's energy security, potentially raising oil prices and inflation. Disruptions in West Asia, a crucial $178.5 billion trading bloc for India, could impact the rupee and force exporters to find new routes. The Strait of Hormuz, vital for energy imports, remains a key chokepoint.

Indian onion exports to West Asia have stopped. Major ports in the region closed operations on Sunday. This has suspended vessel movements. Consignments are now stranded. The disruption occurs during the Ramadan shipping window. Overseas demand typically surges by 30% at this time. Farmers in northern Maharashtra face subdued prices.

US-Iran War: Donald Trump claimed Tehran's new leadership was willing for a dialogue and the U.S President has agreed to it.

The Gulf crisis has deepened after a strike believed to target Iran's Supreme Leader by Israel and the US, prompting Iranian attacks on Israel and US bases. The conflict threatens regional stability and could ripple into India's energy costs and trade networks, affecting its diaspora communities.

Protests erupted across India, particularly among the Shia Muslim community, following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Demonstrations were held in Srinagar, Kargil, Ladakh, Delhi, and various cities in Uttar Pradesh, with participants condemning the assassination and chanting slogans against Israel and the US.

US-Iran war: Iran launched retaliatory missiles and drones targeting Israel and nearby Arab Gulf countries hosting U.S. forces. Three U.S. service members have been killed, according to U.S. Central Command.

Sanju Samson's unbeaten 97 guided India to a five-wicket victory, keeping them alive in the T20 World Cup. Despite early wickets and pressure, Samson's composed innings, characterized by smart strokeplay and patience, ensured India chased down a challenging 196. His match-winning knock erased doubts about his place in the team.

The government has convened an urgent meeting with exporters, logistics players and key ministries to assess the impact of escalating West Asia tensions on Indias trade.

The Emirates have been hit by Iranian strikes since Saturday in response to the joint Israeli-US attacks.

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are raising concerns about energy costs for Indian companies. While overall energy expenses are low, sectors like cement, glass, and transportation face higher risks. These industries could see profit margins squeezed if global energy prices surge. The situation is being closely watched as it may affect current cost trends.

A new era of warfare is unfolding: real-time intelligence, precision weapons, and rapid decision cycles determine outcomes. Nations clinging to old tech risk costly stalemates as conflicts grow more complex. Leading powers deploy next-generation tools to accelerate operations, underscoring the need to modernize defense capabilities for tomorrows challenges.

Several public charitable trusts have challenged the Income Tax Departments insistence that trust deeds must explicitly state they are irrevocable to retain tax-exempt status. Trusts and professional bodies argue that the law does not require such a clause and that public trusts are inherently irrevocable unless expressly stated otherwise. The matter is now before the Bombay High Court, with concerns that denial of registration renewals could jeopardise longstanding charitable institutions.

Indian companies face growing cyber threats. Hackers are targeting critical infrastructure like power grids and banks. Similar attacks occurred during Operation Sindoor. Experts warn of increased risks to government services and essential networks. This follows heightened cyber activity in the Gulf region. India must prepare for potential compromises.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conducted urgent telephone discussions with West Asian leaders after the US-Israel operation against Iran and the subsequent retaliatory strikes. He spoke with Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE.

The Indian rupee is poised for a fall below 91.50 against the US dollar on Monday. Global oil prices and geopolitical tensions are driving this weakening. The Reserve Bank of India is expected to intervene to stabilize the currency. This comes after a period of revival for the rupee in February.

The assassination of the highest political authority of the Islamic Republic of Iran and a prominent leader of Shiism worldwide... is perceived as an open declaration of war against Muslims, and particularly against Shiites, everywhere in the world, Pezeshkian said

As Iran grapples with the death of its supreme leader, India tracks the shifting balance of power. Mojtaba Khamenei is seen as a potential heir, but a smooth transfer is not guaranteed and could trigger domestic upheaval among system supporters. A disruption in Iran's stability could ripple into India's interests, even as Chabahar Port remains unaffected by the strikes.

India's economic strength stems from stable policies and reforms. The nation is poised for significant growth, contrasting with global challenges. With a young workforce and digital advancements, India is set to influence global economic trends. This progress is a result of strategic government and RBI actions, aiming for developed economy status by 2047.

India's Goods and Services Tax collection saw a significant rise of 8.1 percent in February, reaching 1.84 lakh crore. This growth was fueled by strong domestic demand and increased revenue from imports. Experts highlight this as a sign of economic recovery and the positive impact of GST reforms. The data indicates a resilient Indian economy with steady consumption.

India's electronics and tech exports to the Gulf face potential disruption due to the Iran conflict. The UAE, a major buyer, has seen its infrastructure targeted. Shipments to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, crucial markets for Indian electronics, rely on routes through or near Iranian airspace. This situation is being closely monitored by the government.

The three-day Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, beginning March 13 in Samalkha near Panipat in Haryana, will be chaired by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. ABPS is the Sangh's top decision-making body and takes crucial organisational decisions.

Protests erupted across Pakistan after the United States and Israel attacked Iran. Demonstrators clashed with security forces in Karachi and northern regions. At least 22 people died and over 120 were injured. Protesters attempted to storm the U.S. Consulate in Karachi and attacked U.N. and government offices in the north. Authorities have increased security at U.S. diplomatic missions.

Trump touts AI as a potential driver of growth on par with the 1990s, urging a rate cut from the Fed with a new chair leading the way. However, economists warn that AI's payoff is unlikely to come quickly and that the world economy looks different now.

Quote of the Day: Leo Tolstoy in his book 'War and Peace' has talked about things which are relevant today.

Vijay-Sangeetha Love Story: Speculation is rife as Tamil superstar Vijay and his wife Sangeetha Sornalingam have reportedly approached the District Court in Chengalpattu for divorce. This news has reignited interest in their decades-long relationship. Vijay had previously spoken fondly of their first meeting on the sets of Love Today and Sangeetha's understanding nature. His family also praised her as a devoted homemaker.

They moved to the UAE expecting a non-stop VIP experience, but instead Dubai's influencers found themselves under a barrage of Iranian missiles and drones. British content creator Will Bailey was updating his Instagram and TikTok followers by filming the trails of smoke left by missiles and interceptor rockets in Dubai's skyline.

Following the publication of West Bengal's revised electoral rolls, the BJP has launched a political offensive, claiming over 50 lakh infiltrators were removed and making it a central plank. The party's 'Poriborton Yatra' aims to revive momentum and sharpen anti-incumbency against the TMC ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls.

An oil tanker carrying 15 Indian sailors was attacked by the Iranian military near Oman. Four crew members were injured in the incident. The entire crew has been safely evacuated. This attack follows retaliatory actions by Iran after alleged US-Israel strikes. India has expressed deep concern and urged restraint from all parties involved.

US sinks Iranian warship and claims Tehran missiles did not even touch USS Abraham Lincoln during Operation Epic Fury. United States Central Command said a Jamaran-class corvette was struck and is sinking at Chah Bahar pier. Three US service members were killed and five were seriously wounded.

Recent US and Israel strikes on Iran have intensified the Shia-Sunni rivalry. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are central to these developments. Pakistan is reportedly providing bases and intelligence to the US for operations targeting Iran and Afghanistan. Saudi Arabia's stance has shifted, with Sunni-majority nations appearing satisfied by the attacks. This regional realignment offers economic and political advantages to Pakistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Madurai, criticizing the DMK government for corruption and alleged inaction. He highlighted the honesty of former Chief Minister K Kamaraj and accused the DMK of neglecting Tamil Nadu's interests. Modi promoted the NDA alliance, stating people have decided to bring them to power for clean governance and improved law and order.

Did Iranian drones attack Al-Salam Naval Base in Abu Dhabi, and how many missiles and drones have UAE been hit with till now? The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed two Iranian drones targeted Al-Salam Naval Base. A fire broke out in storage containers. No casualties were reported. The UAE also said it has intercepted 167 missiles and 541 drones since Saturday.

US forces report three service members killed and five wounded during Operation Epic Fury against Iran. Major combat operations continue. The US military states the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was not hit by Iranian missiles. Attacks are ongoing as the US aims to degrade Iran's military capacity.

Iran claimed to have struck the United States' aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles in the Gulf.

Iran's strikes across the Gulf have caused major business disruption. Airports and ports are closed. Financial markets are shaken. Dubai and Abu Dhabi experienced loud bangs. This escalation impacts the UAE's modern identity. Stock markets fell sharply. Companies are cancelling events. Travel advisories have been issued. Remote working is advised for many.

What is Beit Shemesh, and how many Israelis have got killed in Iranian missile attack? Nine people died and over 20 were injured after an Iranian missile struck Beit Shemesh, west of Jerusalem, destroying multiple apartment buildings. Rescue teams continue to operate at the scene.

Gold rate prediction: Gold price on Monday will be tested due to geopolitical complex situation arose due to US-Israel war against Iran.

Indian opposition parties have strongly condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. They criticized the US-Israel strikes as despicable and immoral. Leaders also questioned India's foreign policy and its response to the conflict. Concerns were raised about the safety of Indian citizens in the region and the potential impact on India's strategic interests.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Sunday that they had attacked the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Gulf after US and Israeli strikes killed the country's supreme leader.

During the BJP's Jan Ashirwad Yatra, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled a plan for eviction drives spanning five lakh bighas, conditional on electoral victory. He asserted that Bangladeshi infiltrators would not be allowed to live peacefully, and he highlighted public backing for the government's measures on multiple fronts. The polls are anticipated in March-April.

Bharti Airtel is partnering with Google to deploy an AI-enabled spam protection tool on Google's messaging platform. This collaboration aims to safeguard Airtel customers from digital fraud and spam by combining network intelligence with Google's RCS platform. Airtel is urging other internet-based apps to join this initiative to enhance customer security.

Months of cross-border clashes have flared again since Thursday when Afghanistan launched an offensive along the frontier, with Pakistani forces hitting back on the border and from the skies.

Has Iran attacked USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles, and what is Operation True Promise-4? Irans IRGC claims it fired four ballistic missiles at the US aircraft carrier. The US has not confirmed the strike. Questions grow over escalation, Operation True Promise-4, and rising US-Iran tensions.