Evening News Report: EAM reacts to Iranian ship sinking in Indian Ocean; why US ‘agreed’ to India buying Russian oil and more oil
- Responding to the sinking of an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that one Iranian warship docked in Kochi with India’s permission, while another Iranian warship “IRIS Dena” was “on the wrong side of the incident” near Sri Lanka.
- The United States has granted India a temporary exemption to buy stranded Russian oil, with Finance Minister Scott Bessant praising New Delhi for playing a “very good role” in supply disruptions caused by West Asia.
- Dubai International Airport temporarily halted flights after Emirati air defense forces intercepted an Iranian attack, debris fell near the terminal and Emirates Airline suspended services. However, authorities reported only a minor incident and no injuries.
- A principal of Chitrakoot Public School has been suspended over a video showing a fifth-grade girl massaging her feet in class, even though she claimed the video was processed with artificial intelligence.
- Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has urged India to drop out-of-form opener Abhishek Sharma from the 2026 T20 World Cup final against New Zealand citing his poor form with spin and poor returns.
Here are the top 5 stories of the day
EAM Jaishankar on India’s rescue of Iranian ships
In India’s first official response to the US Navy’s sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said Tehran has sought permission to dock another ship in Kochi due to technical issues. The request was approved on March 1, but IRIS Dena, based near Sri Lanka, was “on the wrong side of events.”Read the full story
Why the U.S. “agreed” to India temporarily resuming purchases of Russian oil
Amid tensions in West Asia, the United States has temporarily allowed India to buy Russian oil stranded at sea to stabilize global supplies. Finance Minister Scott Bessant said, “The Indians are doing very well. We asked them to stop buying sanctioned Russian oil this fall. They did. They intend to replace it with American oil,” he said.If market conditions remain tight, Washington may consider lifting restrictions on additional Russian oil, he added.Read the full story
Iranian drone strikes Dubai International Airport runway, disrupting flight operations
Flight operations at Dubai International Airport were suspended due to an air interception linked to an Iranian attack, with witnesses describing huge explosions and smoke near the terminal. Authorities said the successfully intercepted debris caused only a minor incident and no casualties, but the plane was stranded and Emirates suspended all flights to and from Dubai, urging passengers to avoid the airport.Read the full story
UP principal suspended for receiving foot massage from student
Madhu Rai, the principal of a government primary school in Kalbinaya Bazar in Chitrakoot, was suspended after a 23-second video surfaced showing her lying on the classroom floor while a Class V student massaged her feet during classes. Basic Siksha Adhikari BK Sharma ordered action after students alleged that such massages were a daily occurrence, but Rai, who is retiring, said the video was manipulated by artificial intelligence.Read the full story
Former India batsman urges India to drop Abhishek Sharma for T20 World Cup final
With India set to take on New Zealand in the 2026 T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad, Mohammad Kaif has called for “bold” changes, suggesting that Abhishek Sharma be rested after a poor game. The opener breached 50 just once, falling into spin on multiple occasions, while a pre-match stomach infection, weight loss, missed catches and waning strength further exacerbated his struggles.Read the full story
