Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment, oceans have once again become central to global power dynamics, and India must step forward to provide strong maritime leadership. His remarks came amid the escalating tensions in West Asia. Speaking at an event, Singh described the current developments in the region as highly unusual and warned that the evolving situation could have serious consequences for the global economy. He noted that it is still difficult to predict how the crisis will unfold in the coming days.
He emphasized the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf, describing them as crucial to global energy security. Any instability in these areas, he said, can disrupt oil and gas supplies and affect energy markets worldwide. Singh added that the ongoing tensions are also causing broader supply chain disruptions across several sectors, which in turn impact global trade and economic stability. Highlighting the strategic role of the seas, Singh said the current crisis has once again underscored the importance of maritime power. As a major maritime nation, he said, India must take responsibility for providing leadership with confidence, capability and a clear strategic vision.
The defence minister did not comment on reports that the United States had sunk the Iranian warship IRIS Dena near the coast of Sri Lanka two days earlier. The frigate was reportedly returning after taking part in the Milan multilateral naval exercise hosted by India. The attack reportedly killed at least 87 Iranian sailors and significantly escalated tensions between the United States and Iran beyond the Persian Gulf.
The crisis intensified after US military strikes on February 28 reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran launched a series of attacks targeting Israel and US military bases across several Gulf nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Over the past three days, the conflict has widened considerably, with both sides carrying out a series of attacks and counterattacks.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for remaining silent after the US reportedly sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, calling it a “dereliction” of their constitutional duty. In a post on X, Owaisi said several questions remain unanswered about the incident and asked whether the Indian government was informed in advance by the US. He questioned if Washington had notified India before deploying a nuclear submarine near Indian waters to carry out the attack, especially given India’s role in the Quad and its strategic partnership with the US.
Owaisi also warned that such actions could set a precedent for the Chinese Navy to operate similarly in the region, asking whether the Modi government would continue to stay silent if that happened. He further questioned how India would respond if the US targeted other Iranian ships in the Indian Ocean.
He argued that silence on the issue could damage India’s reputation as a strategically sovereign nation and weaken its standing in global forums. Owaisi demanded that the government issue a clear statement condemning the attack and hold a press conference explaining its position. The Indian Navy has deployed INS Tarangini, INS Ikshak, and maritime patrol aircraft to assist Sri Lanka in search and rescue operations after IRIS Dena sank on March 4, about 20 nautical miles west of Galle, reportedly after being hit by a torpedo from a US submarine.
Of the around 180 crew members on board, about 87 are believed to have died, while roughly 32 survivors were rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy and taken to hospitals in Galle. Sri Lanka has also allowed another Iranian vessel, Irins Bushehr, to dock at a north-eastern port after it sought security amid the ongoing tensions involving the US and Israel.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
In a high-stakes political maneuver, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) ambitions in Bihar rest squarely on maintaining a smooth alliance with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, as whispers of his potential Rajya Sabha move intensify. Sources close to the development suggest that a "happy Nitish" is non-negotiable for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to install Bihar's first-ever BJP chief minister without rocking the boat.
Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) remains the glue holding the NDA together in Bihar, thanks to his stronghold among Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and women voters who propelled the coalition's assembly majority. BJP insiders stress that sidelining him could fracture this voter base, a risk they're unwilling to take unlike in states like Rajasthan where solo rule allowed easier leadership changes. Even as JD(U) supporters voice frustration outside his residence, Delhi's top brass is prioritizing his buy-in to safeguard grassroots loyalty.
The succession race heats up with Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary leading as Nitish's reported favorite, followed by Union Minister Nityanand Rai from the Yadav community and Industries Minister Dilip Jaiswal representing OBC interests. BJP aims for a measured transition, possibly timed post-legislative council elections to elevate Nitish's son Nishant, steering clear of disruptions before Parliament's March 9 session. Home Minister Amit Shah's impending Patna visit signals central leadership's direct oversight.
RJD leaders decry the shift as a "sophisticated Maharashtra-style coup," arguing it undercuts the people's verdict. Yet Nitish's recent assurance of "full cooperation" to any new government underscores alliance resilience, ensuring JD(U)'s 12 Lok Sabha seats bolster BJP nationally. This fulfills an alleged post-2025 pact: Nitish's interim leadership yielding to BJP control, marking a saffron milestone in the Hindi heartland.
Nitish's departure leaves a massive void in state politics, but a BJP CM endorsed by him could blend social justice appeal with aggressive development, eyeing 2029 battles. Protests may simmer if family interests like Nishant's are sidelined, but NDA's focus on infrastructure and stability might steady the ship. Bihar's equation remains: content partners today secure electoral wins tomorrow.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.
President Donald Trump shrugged off soaring oil prices tied to the escalating U.S.-Iran military operation, likening his stance to a gritty movie moment from Rocky IV with a no-nonsense quip: "If they rise, they rise." Speaking to reporters this week, Trump doubled down on "Operation Epic Fury," the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes hammering Iran's nuclear facilities and missile program after stalled talks broke down. The president, fresh off his 2025 reelection, framed the short-term energy pinch as a necessary trade-off for long-term security, vowing prices would plummet once the job's done—potentially in four to five weeks.
Global crude benchmarks have rocketed, with Brent crude topping $81 a barrel (up over 9%) and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) nearing $77—its highest in a year—on panic over the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil supply passes daily. U.S. gasoline prices have surged past $3 per gallon nationwide, stirring memories of past Middle East flare-ups like the 2019 drone incident that briefly spiked costs.
The White House is eyeing U.S. Navy escorts for oil tankers and expanded risk insurance to steady flows, holding off on tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for now. Analysts warn prolonged conflict could fuel inflation and dent consumer wallets right before midterms, echoing the 1970s oil crises that battered economies.
Trump's team argues the operation neutralizes Iran's naval threats, securing the Hormuz route and paving the way for stable, lower prices post-conflict. A weakened or restructured Iran could even boost transparent oil exports, flooding markets and countering recent spikes. For American drivers, it's a tough pill—higher pump prices now for a shot at energy dominance later.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.
People hold placards showing the image of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during a protest against U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in Sanaa, Yemen, on March 1. Demonstrators gathered to condemn the attacks and mourn the leader’s death, as large crowds rallied in the Houthi-controlled capital expressing anger over the escalation of the conflict.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Our system of mental health diagnosis and labeling has provided clear benefits, helping people access treatment and understand their conditions. However, as a practicing doctor, I am concerned that overdiagnosis and excessive labeling may be causing more harm than good, potentially stigmatizing patients and oversimplifying complex mental health experiences.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Amid rising tensions in the U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict, airlines are diverting flights away from major Middle East routes that connect Asia and Europe. This shift raises the question: could new aviation hubs emerge beyond established centers like Dubai and Doha? How might this affect ticket costs, cargo transport, and the broader landscape of global air travel? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman explore these issues with Shantanu Gangakhedkar, Principal Consultant and Commercial Aviation Lead at Frost & Sullivan.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
The Middle East conflict is intensifying rapidly, with reports of casualties and damage in at least nine countries within just 10 hours. Israeli and US aircraft have carried out new strikes across Iran, while Iranian missiles and drones target US-allied Gulf states. Nosheen Iqbal talks with Jamie Wilson, the Guardian’s head of international news – watch the discussion on YouTube.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
The Middle East is at a pivotal moment after the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in strikes by the U.S. and Israel. Retaliatory attacks have followed on both sides, sparking concerns about wider regional instability. Nations across the globe are urging calm, dialogue, and diplomatic efforts as tensions escalate. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the latest updates with Dr. Peter Layton, Visiting Fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
