External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held his fourth phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi since the West Asia crisis escalated, as India intensified efforts to secure safe passage for 28 Indian-flagged merchant vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. The ministers spoke on Thursday night, following their earlier discussions on February 28, March 5, and March 10, which came soon after the US and Israel’s attack on Iran that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Jaishankar confirmed the conversation on social media, noting that they discussed bilateral matters and BRICS-related issues. The call took place amid India’s efforts to ensure the safe navigation of its vessels through the strategic shipping route, partially blocked by Tehran in response to heightened tensions with the US and Israel.
An Iranian statement said Araghchi briefed Jaishankar on the consequences of what Iran described as “aggressions and crimes” by the US and Israel, highlighting their impact on regional and global stability. Araghchi emphasized Iran’s firm commitment to exercising its legitimate right to self-defense and stressed the need for international and regional forums to condemn military actions against the country.
He also underlined BRICS’ role in fostering multilateral cooperation and called for the forum to play a constructive role in supporting regional stability and security. Araghchi described the strengthening of a stable and sustainable security environment in the region as a collective necessity, urging collaboration to ensure peace and security in the face of escalating tensions.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Around 130 members of the Lok Sabha and 63 members of the Rajya Sabha have signed a notice requesting the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, according to sources on Thursday. Sources indicated that the notice may be presented in one of the two Houses of Parliament on Friday, although it remains uncertain which House will introduce it first.
An opposition leader stated that MPs showed strong interest in supporting the move. Many lawmakers continued to sign the notice on Thursday even after the required number of signatures had already been reached. As per parliamentary rules, at least 100 MPs in the Lok Sabha must sign a notice to initiate proceedings for the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner, while the Rajya Sabha requires a minimum of 50 signatures. The notice has reportedly been supported by MPs from all parties in the INDIA bloc, including members of the AAP, even though the party is no longer formally part of the alliance. This marks the first instance in which a notice has been introduced seeking the removal of a Chief Election Commissioner.
Sources also said that the notice outlines seven allegations against Kumar. These include accusations such as biased and discriminatory behaviour in office, intentionally obstructing investigations into electoral fraud, and contributing to large scale voter disenfranchisement. Opposition parties have alleged that Kumar has favoured the ruling BJP on several occasions, particularly during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which they claim is intended to benefit the party at the national level.
Concerns have been especially raised regarding the voter roll revision in West Bengal. Trinamool Congress leader and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Election Commission of removing genuine voters from the electoral list. The procedure to remove the Chief Election Commissioner is similar to the process used for removing a judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court. An impeachment can only take place on the grounds of proven misconduct or incapacity.
Article 324 of the Constitution states that the CEC cannot be removed from office except through the same procedure and grounds applied to Supreme Court judges. It also specifies that the service conditions of the CEC cannot be altered to his disadvantage after appointment. A motion seeking removal can be introduced in either House of Parliament. For it to pass, it must receive a special majority, meaning a majority of the total membership of the House as well as support from two thirds of the members present and voting.
Under the law governing the appointment of the CEC and election commissioners, the Chief Election Commissioner can only be removed through the same process as a Supreme Court judge. Other election commissioners, however, can only be removed based on the recommendation of the CEC. According to the Judges Inquiry Act of 1968, if notices are submitted in both Houses on the same day, a committee will not be formed unless the motion is admitted in both Houses.
Once admitted, the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Chairman will jointly set up an inquiry committee. This committee will include the Chief Justice of India or another Supreme Court judge, the Chief Justice of one of the High Courts, and a distinguished jurist. The committee proceedings will function similarly to court hearings, where witnesses and the accused can be examined and cross examined. The Chief Election Commissioner will also have the opportunity to present his defence before the committee.
After completing its inquiry, the committee will submit its report, which will be presented in Parliament. The Houses will then begin discussions on the impeachment motion. For the removal to take effect, the motion must be approved by both Houses of Parliament. During the debate, Kumar will also be allowed to defend himself in the House chamber.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged full solidarity and support for Saudi Arabia during a visit to the kingdom on Thursday, as Islamabad increased diplomatic efforts in the Gulf to help calm the expanding regional conflict. Sharif traveled to Jeddah and met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to a statement from the prime minister’s office. During the meeting, Sharif reaffirmed that Pakistan would always stand firmly with Saudi Arabia and work together with the kingdom to promote peace and stability in the region.
The trip took place a day after Sharif spoke with Iran’s president regarding the worsening situation in the Middle East. Iran has been launching repeated missile attacks on several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, as part of its conflict involving Israel and the United States. The escalation has pushed oil prices higher and disrupted global energy supply chains.
Pakistani officials say Islamabad has been stepping up diplomatic initiatives aimed at mediating the conflict and preventing further escalation. These efforts are complicated by a mutual defense agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia last year. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Sharif’s visit should be viewed within the broader context of Pakistan’s attempts to encourage an early end to violence and hostilities in the region. He made the remarks during a weekly briefing in Islamabad on Thursday.
Rashid Ahmad Khan, an international relations expert based in Lahore, said it is very unlikely that Pakistan would launch a military strike against Iran in response to its attacks on Saudi Arabia. Pakistan has a large Shiite Muslim population that maintains religious and cultural ties with Iran, and protests erupted in several cities, including Karachi, following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khan noted that Pakistan could still assist Saudi Arabia by helping defend against drone attacks and providing technical military support within Saudi territory.
Sharif’s spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi said in an interview with Bloomberg TV that Pakistan would unquestionably support Saudi Arabia if needed. He emphasized that the key focus for Pakistan is ensuring the conflict does not escalate to the point where regional stability and prosperity are severely threatened. Also attending the meeting in Saudi Arabia were Pakistan’s top military official, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, according to the prime minister’s office.
The Saudi visit followed a phone conversation between Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday, indicating ongoing diplomatic contacts aimed at resolving the crisis. Pezeshkian said that any potential ceasefire would require assurances against future attacks, a message he had also communicated to the leaders of Russia and Pakistan.
During his call with Pezeshkian, Sharif expressed hope that Iran would experience peace, stability, and prosperity in the years ahead, according to Andrabi. Zaidi said Sharif has been regularly communicating with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto regarding efforts to promote peace. Indonesia has offered to mediate in the conflict, with Prabowo proposing a possible visit to Iran. Prabowo previously indicated that Sharif might accompany him on a trip to Tehran, according to Jimly Asshiddiqie, chairman of the advisory council of the Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals Association.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.
The Chief of Army Staff of India, General Upendra Dwivedi, recently welcomed Lieutenant General Joel B Vowell, Deputy Commanding General of the United States Army Pacific, in New Delhi. The meeting highlighted the growing defence partnership between India and the United States amid changing regional security dynamics. Talks focused on security issues across the Indo-Pacific region, with both sides discussing ways to improve military interoperability through joint exercises. These exercises remain a key element of the two nations’ defence cooperation.
The leaders also explored new opportunities for military collaboration, including cooperation in logistics and intelligence sharing to address common security challenges. According to the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, the meeting emphasised regional security, joint training initiatives, and deeper engagement between the two armies.
The discussions come at a time when India is dealing with tensions along its northern borders and growing strategic competition in the Indian Ocean. Strengthening defence ties with the United States supports India’s strategy of maintaining balanced relations with major global powers. The Indian Army also conducted a Subject Matter Expert Exchange with the French Army on 9 and 10 March 2026. The two-day interaction focused on professional military cooperation and improving understanding of modern warfare.
Discussions covered the use of long-range vectors and precision-guided munitions. Both delegations shared views on operational strategies, evolving doctrines, and global developments in precision strike capabilities. Such exchanges enable friendly countries to share expertise and technological knowledge while strengthening defence cooperation without forming formal alliances, aligning with India’s strategic autonomy. The exercise builds on ongoing India–France military collaboration, including joint exercises like Exercise Shakti and Exercise Garuda.
These engagements highlight India’s active defence diplomacy. While cooperation with the United States enhances interoperability across the Indo-Pacific, collaboration with France supports specialised military knowledge and capability development. Security concerns, including expanding Chinese military presence and emerging non-state threats, are encouraging these partnerships. Joint exercises improve operational readiness, while expert exchanges help refine strategies for future high-intensity conflicts.
Technological collaboration is also significant. Insights on precision-guided weapons and long-range strike systems may support India’s indigenous defence programmes led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, including systems such as the Pinaka rocket artillery. Exercises like Yudh Abhyas strengthen India–US operational coordination, while French cooperation enhances India’s long-range strike capabilities. Such defence engagements often lead to broader cooperation, including defence trade, with platforms like the Dassault Rafale already part of India’s arsenal. As global conflicts evolve—from the war in Ukraine to tensions in the Middle East—India’s focus on precision and deep-strike capability strengthens its strategic position. Under the leadership of General Dwivedi, the Indian Army continues to build partnerships that enhance operational capability and strategic depth.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with India’s S. Jaishankar for the fourth time, discussing the Middle East crisis and urging BRICS to support global stability. Araghchi highlighted Iran’s right to self-defence and called on international bodies to condemn US and Israeli attacks. Jaishankar emphasized India’s readiness to expand cooperation and maintain regional security. The talks come amid disruptions to global energy markets due to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
In Singapore, mental health professionals are noticing a small but increasing number of patients showing delusions, paranoia, or emotional dependence seemingly connected to frequent AI chatbot use. Although “AI psychosis” is not an official medical diagnosis, clinicians acknowledge that the issue is genuine. How does extensive interaction with AI blur the boundaries between reality and reinforcement? Who is most vulnerable, and what signs should families be aware of? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss these questions with Dr. Amelia Sim, Senior Consultant at the Department of Psychosis, Institute of Mental Health.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
On Tuesday morning, the prime minister revealed that Australia will be deploying aircraft, missiles, and personnel to the Gulf amid ongoing conflict in the region. However, Anthony Albanese insists this does not imply that Australia is participating in the war or officially at war. Reged Ahmad discusses with Josh Butler whether Australia is being drawn into what he calls Trump’s “war of choice.”
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian
After days of uncertainty, five members of the Iranian women’s football team were officially granted protection in Australia by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke early Tuesday morning. The remaining players are still being monitored by officials as they make their way to the airport, with the possibility of returning to Iran. Women’s football journalist Samantha Lewis talks with Nour Haydar about the behind-the-scenes efforts that ensured the women could stay in Australia, the prospects for other players, and what the next steps might be.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Oil prices have jumped significantly as tensions in the Middle East intensify, with concerns over potential supply disruptions pushing crude prices up by double digits. If this upward trend persists, rising energy costs could reignite inflation and affect transportation, manufacturing, and household expenses globally. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman examine how various countries are stockpiling oil, diversifying their supplies, and managing the impact of higher prices, including insights from Vandana Hari, Founder of Vanda Insights.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
