Tensions in the Persian Gulf boiled over this week as U.S. forces launched precision strikes, destroying 16 Iranian vessels caught red-handed preparing to lay naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The Pentagon confirmed the operation Tuesday, calling it a critical move to safeguard one of the world's busiest oil shipping lanes.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the targeted boats—linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—were positioned near the strait, ready to deploy explosives that could cripple global energy flows. Strike footage circulating online shows fiery explosions lighting up the night as American warships and aircraft neutralized the threat in a swift, coordinated assault. Officials emphasized the action was purely defensive, based on solid intelligence of an imminent mining operation. "We won't let anyone turn the Hormuz Strait into a war zone," a CENTCOM spokesperson stated, underscoring America's long-standing commitment to freedom of navigation.

The strikes came days after President Donald Trump issued a stark public ultimatum on Truth Social, vowing overwhelming retaliation if Iran dared to mine the strait. His post highlighted the destruction of several "inactive" mine-layers too, signaling U.S. readiness to dismantle Iran's full arsenal. This isn't the first time Hormuz has been a flashpoint. Iran has long touted the strait as its ace in the hole, threatening to choke off oil exports during U.S. sanctions or regional clashes—much like veiled warnings in past flare-ups with tankers in 2019.

Narrower than the English Channel and handling 20% of the world's oil, the Strait of Hormuz is a chokepoint no one wants disrupted. A single mine could spike insurance premiums, reroute supertankers, and send crude prices soaring overnight—hitting economies from India to Europe hard. Iran's losses here strip away key assets, but experts note mines are cheap and sneaky; smaller boats could still pose risks. Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports of a container ship strike off the UAE add fuel to fears of tit-for-tat escalation.

Oil futures ticked up 2% post-strikes, with traders eyeing any Iranian counter-moves. Gulf allies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are bolstering defenses, while shipping firms plot contingency routes around Africa if needed. The U.S. vows ongoing patrols to keep the strait open. As one analyst put it, "This was a shot across the bow—Tehran now knows the cost of playing minesweeper in Hormuz." For now, the Gulf simmers, but the message is clear: traffic flows, or consequences follow.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar will meet senior West Bengal officials and police officers on Tuesday to review preparations for the upcoming assembly elections. He is also expected to hold a press conference amid controversy over alleged deletions in the post SIR electoral rolls.

Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, will meet Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty, DGP Piyush Pandey and other officials to assess election arrangements and review coordination between the state administration and security agencies, including the deployment of central armed police forces.

The commission will also meet the chief electoral officer, the state police nodal officer and the CAPF nodal officer to evaluate logistics and security planning. It is also expected to interact with booth level officers and address the media later in the day. These meetings are part of the Election Commission three day visit to West Bengal to review poll preparedness. On Monday, the commission met representatives of political parties in Kolkata, where several parties suggested conducting the elections in one or two phases and called for strict action to prevent voter intimidation and activities of anti social elements.

During the discussions, the CEC stressed that any failure to maintain law and order ahead of the elections would not be tolerated and highlighted the need for strict monitoring to ensure free and fair polls. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused Kumar of threatening state officials during a meeting with the administration and said such conduct by constitutional authorities was unacceptable. Speaking during her protest in central Kolkata against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, she alleged that the chief election commissioner had used a threatening tone with the state bureaucracy.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has temporarily shut down its gas-based crematorium furnaces following directives from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The ministry has prioritized propane and butane supplies for domestic LPG consumption amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, which has disrupted global fuel supply chains.

In a press release, the PMC stated that on March 5, 2026, the ministry instructed that the country’s available propane and butane be primarily allocated for household use. As a result, gas-fueled cremation furnaces in Pune will remain suspended from March 5 until further notice. The civic body assured that alternative cremation facilities will continue operating to prevent public inconvenience. At the Vaikunth Crematorium, while the three gas-based furnaces are temporarily inactive, five electric cremation furnaces will remain functional for public use. Additionally, electric crematoriums and units with Air Pollution Control (APC) technology across Pune will continue operations.

PMC officials emphasized that the temporary suspension is necessary to ensure adequate LPG supply for households, highlighting the broader impact of the Middle East crisis on energy availability. Residents have been urged to cooperate with municipal authorities during this period and plan accordingly for cremation services.

The PMC’s move underscores the balancing act between essential household energy needs and civic services reliant on LPG. While gas-based crematoriums remain offline, the city’s electric and APC-equipped cremation facilities are expected to meet the needs of the public, ensuring uninterrupted access to necessary services during the supply prioritization. The PMC has called on residents to take note of these temporary changes and thanked the public for their understanding and cooperation as the city navigates the fuel supply challenges brought about by the ongoing international crisis.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

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.

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.

Under President Lee Jae Myung’s guidance, investor confidence in South Korea has surged, fueled by ambitious reforms—from proposed corporate governance improvements and regulatory adjustments to efforts aimed at revitalizing the stock market. His pro-market policies have shifted sentiment positively, attracting both domestic and international investors and pushing the Kospi to new highs. But is this surge sustainable, or merely a short-term spike? Hairianto Diman and Elakeyaa Selvaraji explore the outlook with Betty Wang, Head of Northeast Asia Research at Oxford Economics.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

The Barries have returned, and Angus Taylor has emerged victorious in the Liberal leadership contest, defeating Sussan Ley. Speaking on Friday afternoon, the newly elected leader stressed that he had no intention of becoming “One Nation lite,” but vowed to “close the door” to those who do not share “Australian values.” However, the leadership spill was not the only major development in Australian politics this week. Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry also examine the challenges facing Taylor, the growing momentum of One Nation, and the recent visit by Israeli president Isaac Herzog.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

In Destination Anywhere, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with dentist and author Vrushali Junnarkar, who shares her experiences of discovering the many attractions and natural retreats in Khandala, a charming hill station located in Maharashtra in central-western India. Frequently referenced in her novel The Campbell Gardens Ladies' Swimming Class, Khandala holds special significance for Junnarkar as she describes visits to the town’s historic fort, waterfalls, and caves. She also discusses traditional Maharashtrian street food and regional dishes that are rarely found in Singapore.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.