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UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain announce official start date for Eid al-Fitr 2026 World News

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UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain announce official start date for Eid al-Fitr 2026
The UAE has confirmed Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Eid al-Fitr/Representative Image

The UAE and several Gulf countries will celebrate Eid al-Fitr 2026 on Friday, March 20, without sighting the crescent moon of Shawal, which marks the end of the 30-day holy month of Ramadan. The UAE confirmed the date on Wednesday, according to observations from the Lunar Observation Committee, which did not record any confirmed sightings of the new moon on Wednesday night. Therefore, Ramadan will end on Thursday, March 19, and Eid al-Fitr will begin the next day. Traditionally, seeing the crescent moon of Shawal marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar. Similar announcements were made in the Bay Area. Saudi Arabia After reviewing reports submitted by courts and observatories across the kingdom, it was confirmed that no new moon was sighted. The Saudi royal family noted in a statement that no sightings had been confirmed and confirmed Friday, March 20, as the first day of Eid al-Fitr. KuwaitThe Islamic Vision Authority also confirmed that Ramadan will end on Thursday and Friday will mark Eid al-Fitr. Similar confirmations were issued by Bahrain and Qatar, which declared March 20 as the first day of Eid al-Fitr after not seeing the new moon. In Qatar, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) said Thursday marked the 30th and last day of Ramadan, in line with wider regional announcements. Earlier, the UAE had designated an Eid holiday for public and private sector employees. According to the federal government’s Human Resources Management Authority, the public sector holiday will run from Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22, with work resuming on Monday, March 23. For the private sector, the Ministry of Human Resources and UAE has announced a holiday from Thursday, March 19 to Saturday, March 21. The ministry added that if Ramadan ends for 30 days, the holiday will be extended to Sunday, March 22. With the date now set, preparations are about to begin across the region to celebrate Eid, with families and communities coming together to celebrate the end of Ramadan.

PM Modi writes to citizens of four states; greets Navratri, New Year, Gudi Padwa

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Say hello to people at the beginning of Thursday nine nights and the traditional Indian New Year, celebrated in different forms across the country.Blessings to Nav Samvatsar, Navratri, Gudi Padwa, gardenerThe Prime Minister said these occasions mark the arrival of a new year, bringing renewal, hope and new possibilities.“Greetings to everyone on the special occasion of Nav Samvatsar. Wishing everyone unlimited happiness, success and good health,” he said in a message.“I pray that the coming New Year will further enhance courage, confidence and the spirit of service in everyone’s life. May this also add new impetus to our collective efforts to build the nation,” Modi said.The Hindu New Year Nav Samvatsar (Vikram Samvat 2083) begins on Thursday, marking the beginning of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.The Prime Minister also extended greetings to Navratri, which is celebrated in honor of Goddess Durga.He said in Hindi: “My sincerest wishes to my family across the country for a happy Navratri. May this holy moment of worship of the Supreme Power bring happiness, good luck, prosperity and good health to everyone.”Prime Minister Modi said that with the infinite grace of Shakti incarnation Maa Durga, may welfare be enjoyed by all and give new energy to the determination of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). “Jai ambe jagadambe maa!” he said. “On the holy occasion of Navratri, I pray to the Goddess to bless everyone with her love and mercy. Jai Mata Di!” he said.He also greeted people on the occasion of Gudi Padwa.“Warm greetings to all on the occasion of the vibrant Gudi Padwa! This beautiful festival marks the arrival of a new year, bringing renewal, hope and new possibilities,” he said.The Prime Minister wishes that the coming year brings joy, success and good health to all.“May it encourage each of us to be determined to move forward, nurture our ambitions and make a meaningful contribution,” he said.Modi also extended his blessings to the Ugadi festival celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka, noting that it symbolizes new energy and beginnings.“Ugadi marks the beginning of a new year and I pray that the coming year will be filled with happiness, success and good health. May this year inspire everyone to sincerely pursue their aspirations and make a positive contribution to society,” he said.He conveyed greetings for celebrating the Sindhi New Year to Cheti Chand.He said, “Best wishes to Cheti Chand! Prayers for a wonderful year. May this holy festival bring joy, fulfill hopes and aspirations and strengthen the spirit of unity in the society. May the divine blessings of Lord Juralal guide us all towards peace and prosperity.”The Prime Minister also extended his wishes to Kashmiri Pandits for Navre.“Navreh Poshte! Have a wonderful year. Warm greetings on the joyful occasion of Navreh!” he said.Modi said that when people welcome the New Year, they should usher in new hope, new vitality and opportunities.“Let the new year inspire us to move forward with confidence, embrace new possibilities, and work toward a brighter, healthier, and more fulfilling future,” he said.He also greeted people at Sajibu Cheiraoba, an event celebrated by the Meitei community in Manipur.He said: “Sajibu Cheiraoba sends greetings to everyone. Wishing you all a wonderful year. May the new year be filled with joy, prosperity and success in all your endeavors. Pray that hope and a positive spirit prevail everywhere.”

Kathleen Bradley, Dian Parkinson: 5 things to know about ‘Price is Right’ model harassment

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Allegations from former models on The Price Is Right have resurfaced following the release of new docuseries, with women including Kathleen Bradley and Dian Parkinson detailing Harassment and toxic workplaces. Bob Barker era.

Bradley claimed that when she reported inappropriate behavior by a stagehand, “no action was taken." (E! YouTube)
Bradley claims that when she reported inappropriate behavior by stagehands, “no action was taken.” (E! YouTube)

According to People Magazine and USA Today, here are 5 things you need to know:

1. Model describes harassment culture

Bradley said that while the scene felt welcoming at first, she soon noticed the men were “talking, looking, and staring at the girls,” People reported, adding that it was “more common than I thought.” Former producer Barbara Hunter also alleged inappropriate behavior, recalling an incident in which a man “just put his hands on my breasts.”

2. Complaints allegedly unresolved

Bradley claimed that “no action was taken” when she reported inappropriate behavior by stagehands, calling the behavior “truly sexual harassment,” People reported. She added that she had to “take matters into her own hands.”

Also read: The Death of Bob Barker: When HIMYM’s Barney Stinson Thought The Price Is Right Host Was His Father

3. The “10-second rule” raises questions

After receiving complaints, producers introduced the so-called “10-second rule” aimed at limiting how long people can stare, People and USA Today reported model. However, former model Holly Hallstrom said “no one was overseeing” the move, calling the measure “a joke” and “appeasement.”

4. Alleged affair with Diane Parkinson

The docuseries also revisits the past relationship between Parkinson and Buck. Hallstrom said the alleged incident created tension on the set, leading to “fights” and chaos. According to USA Today, Parkinson filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Buck in 1994, which was later withdrawn.

Also read: Etihad passenger accuses drunken passenger of sexual assault on US-India flight: “I was asked not to make the matter public”

5. There has been a long history of controversy surrounding the show

The latest accusation adds to a pattern of accusations tied to the show. USA Today reports that multiple models have previously raised issues ranging from harassment to workplace discrimination, and Buck, through his representatives, has denied wrongdoing.

Messi makes history, surpassing Ronaldo to become the fastest 900 goals in history

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Lionel Messi makes history as he surpasses Ronaldo to score 900 goals fastest in history

Lionel Messi On Wednesday, he became the second men’s footballer to score 900 goals in official competition, adding another historic chapter to his storied career. The landmark moment occurred during the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League, when Inter Miami drew 1-1 with Nashville.Despite Messi’s early goal, Inter Miami was eliminated on away goals after Christian Espinoza equalized to advance Nashville.However, the goal was an important personal milestone for Messi, putting him in an exclusive club with Messi. cristiano ronaldo The only male player to reach 900 official goals. Ronaldo achieved the feat earlier in September 2024 and currently leads the rankings with 965 goals. The Portuguese star also expressed his ambition to become the first to reach 1,000 goals.Messi has scored 900 goals in 1,142 games, faster than Ronaldo (1,236 games). Pele remains third on the all-time goalscoring list with 765 goals, while current players such as Robert Lewandowski Trailing by 690.Most of Messi’s goals came during his iconic period at FC Barcelona, ​​where he scored 672 goals since making his debut in 2004. He later scored 32 goals for Paris Saint-Germain before continuing his prolific career with 81 goals for Inter Miami USA.On the international stage, the Argentina captain has scored 115 goals, further cementing his status as one of the game’s greatest players. His most notable year was 2012, when he scored an astonishing 91 goals for club and country, a record that remains one of the greatest individual feats in football.

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Israel bombs South Pars: Why is this gas field so important to Iran and the world?

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Israel bombs South Pars: Why is this gas field so important to Iran and the world?
South Pars Gas Field (Institution)

Israel attacked Iran’s production facilities in the South Pars gas field on Wednesday, escalating already tense tensions in the Middle East. The South Pars gas field is a gas field shared by Iran and Qatar in the Gulf region. The attack came as a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation killed Iran’s longtime leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in late February, sparking a widening regional crisis.The South Pars gas field is the world’s largest natural gas field and an important source of domestic energy for Iran, which already faces frequent shortages of natural gas and electricity.US President Donald Trump expressed surprise at the attack, saying “the United States knew nothing about it” and denied any involvement. However, according to the Associated Press, Washington had been informed in advance of Israel’s planned attack on the offshore natural gas facility, but did not participate in the operation.

AP (Source - IEA)

“The United States knew nothing about this particular attack, nor was the nation of Qatar involved in any way, shape, or form, nor did it know it would happen,” Trump wrote on The Truth Society.Since launching a large-scale military operation on February 28, Iran has expanded its retaliation beyond military targets to include oil and gas infrastructure across the region, sparking global concern given the importance of the Gulf region in energy supplies.The attack in South Pars marked the first time in the conflict that a large fossil fuel production facility has been directly targeted.

What are your goals for the next few days?

An Iranian drone strike forced the suspension of operations at Abu Dhabi’s Shah gas field on Tuesday. The plant produces about 1.28 billion standard cubic feet of natural gas per day and supplies about 20% of the UAE’s natural gas and 5% of the world’s granular sulfur for fertilizers.On Wednesday, Israel attacked Iran’s South Pars gas field. The field is the world’s largest and the backbone of Iran’s energy system.

Why the South Pars strike is important

The South Pars gas field is the largest known gas field in the world, located in the Persian Gulf and covers an area of ​​approximately 9,700 square kilometers.Damage to South Pars could worsen Iran’s already severe energy shortages. The field accounts for 70% of Iran’s natural gas production. Preliminary reports indicate that nearly 12% of total production may have been affected.The strike also raised fears of a wider escalation, with both sides now targeting critical energy infrastructure. Experts warn that such attacks could have long-term consequences for global energy markets.Oil prices have risen following the strike on concerns about supply disruptions. Analysts say if production facilities suffer significant damage, recovery could take years.Guinness World Records estimates that it contains about 51 trillion cubic meters of natural gas.Oil prices have already surged following news of the strike, with Brent crude rising more than 5% to over $110 a barrel.The field is shared between Iran and Qatar, which first discovered it in 1971.The attack also marked the first reported attack on Iran’s core energy infrastructure.

How has the region responded?

Iran has warned of further retaliation and named key oil and gas bases in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar as potential targets. An explosion was reported later in Riyadh.Qatar blamed Israel for the attack, calling it a “dangerous and irresponsible” escalation that threatened global energy security. The UAE also warned that the strike posed a risk to regional stability and global energy supplies.

Why repairs may not be quick

Once the damage is done, repairing it is no easy task, and the consequences can be lengthy and devastating. Despite its size and significance, key questions remain: Can the South Pars field be repaired quickly?

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Iran blows up a ship near UAE for violating Hormuz ban; IRGC burns oil, gas facilities in 3 countries

Past experience suggests that recovery may take longer than expected. After the 2003 invasion of Iraq saddam husseinRebuilding damaged energy infrastructure has proven to be a slow and complex process.The Bush administration has promised that the reconstruction effort will be funded by oil revenues. However, even with the facilities in place and nearly $2 billion invested in oil projects, it took more than two years for production to return to pre-war levels.More recently, efforts to repair Ukraine’s power infrastructure after the Russian attack have also faced significant delays, with equipment shortages and logistical bottlenecks hampering progress.These examples highlight the difficult and time-consuming task of restoring large-scale energy systems after conflict, raising concerns about the speed of recovery in South Pars.

Bigger impact beyond energy

Energy production in the Gulf is not just an economic issue, it plays a key role in political stability and regional relations. Countries rely on energy revenues to support their economies and maintain social balance.The South Pars oil field has also served as a bridge between Iran and Qatar in the past. The latest attacks have raised concerns that a deeper conflict could disrupt not only energy supplies but also fragile regional relations.As both sides continue to attack and counterattack, the situation faces the risk of further escalation, and the threat to global important energy infrastructure is increasing.

Farm worker who once earned Rs 5 a day now speaks at Oxford University artificial intelligence conference

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NAGPUR: Ravindra Metkar used to work in a dispensary and earn Rs 150 per month. That was 1984, when he was still a teenager. The 57-year-old farmer from Masla village in Amravati district of Maharashtra will travel to Oxford University in the UK next month to attend an international conference on artificial intelligence to share the story of how he built a Rs 15-crore agricultural business on one acre of land, determined not to pay for the fertilizers he makes.Metkar has been invited to speak on sustainable agriculture, cost optimization, climate adaptation practices and poultry entrepreneurship at a global research conference themed “AI For Every Mind”, scheduled to be held from May 1 to 5 at Saïd College, Oxford.“My father was a Class IV state government employee. Life was tough,” he said.After earning a master’s degree in commerce from Amravati University, Metkar’s first break came in 1994 when a relative gave his family four acres of land. They sold it and purchased an acre of land in Bhandara district. “I realized early on that farmers cannot control market prices, but they can reduce input costs and increase yields. That’s when I started producing my own fertilizers,” he said.Metka turned this principle into a model. Today, he cultivates nearly 50 acres of land in his hometown, growing mango, mozambique, amla, banana, areca nut and cereals. He also runs a poultry farm where locally produced feed replaces commercial products and farm waste is recycled as fertilizer.“I have mentored more than 5 million farmers across the country and shared my techniques with them,” he said. “They are inspired by my agribusiness. If I can achieve a turnover of Rs 15 crore, so can they.”

Nancy Guthrie: Another elderly Tucson woman missing; former FBI agent provides chilling update on Savannah Guthrie’s mother

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The Pima County Sheriff’s Department on Wednesday issued a notice for another elderly woman missing from the Tucson River, Arizona Although authorities continue to search the area Nancy Guthrie.

Banner erected for Nancy Guthrie, who has been reported missing since February 1. (Associated Press)
Banner erected for Nancy Guthrie, who has been reported missing since February 1. (Associated Press)

Guthrie, 84, was reported missing on Feb. 1 from her home in Catalina Foothills. Authorities believe she was taken the night before. More than a month has passed, but the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI have yet to release the names of any suspects or find Guthrie’s whereabouts.

ALSO READ | Nancy Guthrie: Tommaso Cioni speaks out ‘for the first time’ in kidnapping case; ex-SWAT provides big update on Annie and Savannah

Meanwhile, PCSD released an update on a missing person. Sally Ann Farina, 68, was last seen in the area of ​​Orange Grove Road and La Cholla Boulevard. The location is several miles from Guthrie’s home.

News of the disappearance sparked heated debate online, with apparent links to the Guthrie case. “Is this about Nancy Guthrie?” one person said. ask About X.another additional “Wow. Another old lady is missing in Pima County? What’s wrong?” Another person ask “Have you been missing for four days?”.

Farina was last seen on March 14, and authorities have not described what she was wearing at the time.

Notably, authorities have also not linked Farina’s disappearance to the Guthrie case in any way. This isn’t the first time they’ve distributed missing persons flyers while searching for Guthrie, either. They have issued a notice Michael Lowther in early March when he disappeared.

Former FBI agent offers latest motive

Meanwhile, a former FBI agent has provided a major update on the possible motives behind the removal of Annie and the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie.

Former FBI agent Harry Trombitas told Yahoo News that a kidnapping for ransom is looking “increasingly unlikely.”

“There are so many things involved. There are so many ways people can get caught,” he explainadded, “[The motive] It could be out of some type of revenge, anger, or it could be for a third purpose that we are not even aware of. “

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has cleared members of the Guthrie family and said they are not suspects. Among them is son-in-law Tommaso Cioni, who faced public scrutiny and unfounded speculation when NewsNation reporter Ashleigh Banfield reported he was a possible suspect in the case. Now, a former SWAT officer has also appeared on “The Megyn Kelly Show” and noted that the family had passed polygraph tests with flying colors before authorities cleared their names.

TOISA 2025: Uttar Pradesh dominates with four nominations in Sportsperson of the Year category

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TOISA 2025: Uttar Pradesh dominates with four nominations in Sportsperson of the Year category
Rupal Chaudhry and Gurvir Singh

The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) are back for the eighth edition to celebrate the achievements and inspiring journeys of India’s best athletes. The TOISA 2025 Awards Ceremony will be held in Lucknow on March 21, 2026, bringing together the country’s top sports icons and emerging stars.The awards will recognize performance in more than 45 categories and will be evaluated from January 1 to December 31, 2025. The Indian sports world has had a remarkable year, highlighted by outstanding performances in global and continental events.Athletics athletes from Uttar Pradesh dominate the TOISA Sportsperson of the Year 2025 (Athletics) nominations. Of the eight nominees in the men’s and women’s categories, four are from the state.UP athletes accounted for half of the nominations in both the men’s and women’s categories.In the men’s category, long-distance runner Gulveer Singh had an amazing year in 2025, rewriting records in the 3000m, 5000m and 10,000m events. He won gold medals in the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea. He set national records in both events, including his 5,000-meter time of 12:59.77, which also became an Asian record.Another UP athlete nominated is a javelin thrower Sachin YadavImpressed at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Sachin finished fourth with a personal best of 86.72m, ahead of Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra in eighth. He also won a silver medal at the Asian Championships in South Korea, behind Paris Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan.In the women’s category, two of the four nominees are from UP — Parul Chowdhury and Rupal Chowdhury.Parul set a new national record in the 3000m steeplechase twice on the global stage. She broke this record for the first time at the Doha Diamond League, finishing sixth among a world-class field. A few weeks later, she repeated her success at the Asian Championships in Gumi, winning a silver medal, and then added another silver medal in the 5,000 meters.Rupal also achieved a breakthrough at the continental level in 2025. She won three medals, including two gold medals, at the Asian Championships in South Korea. The 21-year-old won a silver medal in the 400m event and played a key role in India’s bid for gold in the women’s 4x400m relay and mixed event.Profiles of Uttar Pradesh athletes nominated in the Athlete of the Year (Athletics) category:

Gurvir Singh

Gurvir Singh

Gurvir SinghDate of birth: June 1, 1998Place of birth: Atrauli, Uttar PradeshSports events: Track and field (3000m, 5000m, 10,000m)Main achievements in 2025:Gumi Asian Championships: Gold (5000m – 13:24.77 CR), Gold (10,000m)Gulveer Singh has had an exciting 2025 season, setting national records in multiple long distance events (3000m, 5000m and 10,000m). He won the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter gold medals at the Asian Athletics Championships, becoming the defending Asian champion and a dominant player on the mainland stage.Gourville set a new national record in the 3,000 meters at the Gyulai István Memorial with a time of 7:34.49, breaking his previous record of 7:38.26 set at the David Hemery Valentine Invitational earlier this year. He became the first Indian to break the 13-minute mark in the 5000m race, clocking 12 minutes 59.77 seconds at the Boston University Terriers DMR Challenge, a time that also set an Asian 5000m sprint record. He went on to break the record in the 10,000 meters, setting another national benchmark with a time of 27:00.22 in the ten-man event.

Sachin Yadav

Sachin Yadav

Sachin YadavDate of birth: October 25, 1999Place of birth: Hekkarda, Uttar PradeshSports: Track and Field (Javelin)Main achievements in 2025:Tokyo World Championships: 4th (86.27m – PB)Gumi Asian Championships: Silver Medal (85.16m)Sachin Yadav had a breakthrough season in 2025, scoring personal bests and excelling on the international stage. At the beginning of this year, he won the gold medal at the National Games, setting a personal best and setting a competition record of 8439m. Yadav then performed well at the Asian Athletics Championships, winning the silver medal with a personal best of 85.16m, just 1.24m behind Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem. He also participated in the first Neeraj Chopra Classic and finished fourth with a best result of 82.33m, just missing the podium. At the World Athletics Championships, Yadav entered the finals with a score of 83.67m in the qualifying round and hit a personal best of 86.27m in the finals, finishing fourth and narrowly missing out on a medal.

Parul Chowdhury

Parul Chowdhury (Getty Images)

Parul ChowdhuryDate of birth: April 15, 1995Place of birth: Ikrauta, Uttar PradeshSports: Track and Field (3000m Obstacle Race, 5000m)Main achievements in 2025:Doha Diamond League – 6th place – 9:13.39 NRGumi Asian Championships: Silver (3000m steeplechase – 9:12.46 NR), Silver (5000m)Parul Chaudhary had a phenomenal season in 2025, rewriting the national record in the women’s 3000m steeplechase on more than one occasion on some of the sport’s biggest stages. In one of the most demanding events in athletics, she broke the national record for the first time at the Doha Diamond League, finishing sixth in a world-class meet with a time of 9 minutes, 13.39 seconds. A few weeks later, at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, Parul broke his own record and won the silver medal with a performance of 9 minutes, 12.46 seconds. She rounded off a remarkable continental season with another silver medal in the 5000m, underscoring her versatility and endurance to make 2025 one of the best seasons of her career.

Rupal Chowdhury

Rupal ChowdhuryDate of birth: December 23, 2004Place of birth: Shapur Jainpur, Uttar PradeshSports: Track and Field (400m)Main achievements in 2025:Gumi Asian Championships: Silver (400m), Gold (4x400m), Gold (4x400m Mixed)In 2025, young Rupal Chaudhary had a breakthrough year with a stellar performance at the Asian Athletics Championships. The 21-year-old, who has three medals at the continental championships, including two golds, played a key role in India’s victories in the women’s 4x400m relay and mixed 4x400m relay. On a personal note, she also impressed with a silver medal in the 400m event. Rupal represented India at the World Athletics Relays in the 4x400m mixed relay, further demonstrating her growing stature on the global stage.

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Fadnavis writes to Shah, seeking probe into Ajit Pawar plane crash

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Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has sought a “comprehensive, transparent and time-bound” probe into the January 28 Baramati accident that killed former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and four others. In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on March 6, Fadnavis expressed concerns over discrepancies in safety oversight, crew deployment and flight data. He wrote that representatives of NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar highlighted multiple issues that needed to be examined in detail during the ongoing investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

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Ajit Pawar killed in Barimati crash: Witnesses detail explosion; PM’s reaction, nation shocked

These include the operator’s safety record, including accidents at Mumbai Airport in 2023 and foreign regulatory observations; crew deployment, including last-minute pilot changes and compliance with crew work and rest rules; aircraft maintenance, technical logbooks and airworthiness supervision; discrepancies in flight data, including air traffic control records, radar inputs, transponder loss and cockpit records; operational decision-making during landing, including low-visibility approaches, runway selection, go-arounds and no diversions, and finally regulatory adequacy and compliance with aviation safety norms.

UAE slams Iran’s ‘terrorist attack’ with missiles targeting Abu Dhabi’s Mount Hab gas facility and Bab oil field: Calling it a ‘dangerous escalation’ in war with US-Israel

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UAE slams Iran's 'terrorist attack' with missiles targeting Abu Dhabi's Mount Hab gas facility and Bab oil field: Calling it a 'dangerous escalation' in war with US-Israel
Gulf Edge: UAE condemns missile attacks on Mount Hab and Bab oil fields during war between Iran and US-Israel

The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned Iran’s “terrorist attacks” targeting the Hab Mountain gas facility and the Bab oil field, marking another escalation in Iran’s rapidly intensifying war with the United States and Israel. Although the incident was intercepted by the UAE air defense system, it was caused by debris falling after successfully intercepting the missile. The gas facility was shut down and no injuries were reported, according to the AD media office. This has sent shockwaves throughout the region, underscoring the growing vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure.While no casualties were reported, the impact of the attack went far beyond direct damage. It marks a dangerous turn in Iran’s war with the United States and Israel, in which energy itself has become a battlefield. The incident came after an Israeli attack on Iran’s Pars gas field, followed by Tehran warning Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar that their oil and gas facilities would be targeted in the coming hours.

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Iran’s large-scale war expansion: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards ruthlessly launched missiles, and the UAE was attacked again

The UAE Foreign Ministry strongly condemned Israel’s attack on Iran’s South Pars gas field, calling it a “dangerous escalation” of the current conflict. Since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war against Iran, the UAE has issued a rare warning, saying that energy infrastructure poses a direct threat to global energy security and regional stability, urging all parties to exercise restraint. The ministry stressed that critical facilities must not be targeted under any circumstances and emphasized the importance of complying with international law to prevent further escalation of the situation.

What happened to Habshan and Bab?

According to UAE authorities, Iranian missiles struck key energy sites, including the Mount Hab gas complex, one of the world’s largest natural gas processing facilities, and the Bab oil field. The air defense system successfully intercepted the incoming threat, but falling debris triggered an emergency response on the ground.As a precautionary measure, authorities have temporarily suspended operations at these facilities while they assess the situation. Importantly, officials confirmed there were no reports of injuries, underscoring the effectiveness of the defense system and the narrow margin of averting a more serious disaster.The UAE Foreign Ministry called the incident a “dangerous escalation” that violated international law and warned that such attacks on critical infrastructure threaten not only national sovereignty but also regional and global stability.

UAE mounts strong diplomatic response in Iran-U.S.-Israel war

The UAE condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms in a sharply worded statement, viewing it as a direct threat to regional security, global energy supplies and the safety of civilians. Officials stressed that targeting oil and gas infrastructure is a critical red line given the role it plays in driving the global economy.The UAE also reaffirmed its right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and national interests and said the response may not be limited to defensive actions. The condemnation comes amid a wider diplomatic backlash around the world. baySeveral countries have reacted to Iran’s expansion of attacks on energy assets.

Energy infrastructure now becomes focus of war between Iran and US-Israel

What makes this attack particularly important is its target. The Habshan complex is more than just another industrial site, it is a cornerstone of the UAE’s energy network, processing large quantities of natural gas that is critical for domestic consumption and global exports. Any disruption here would have ripple effects far beyond national borders.A clear pattern has emerged in recent days:

  • Iran’s Pars gas field attacked by Israel
  • Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG hub attacked, causing fire and damage
  • Saudi and Gulf facilities on high alert
  • UAE sites including Habshan and Bab targeted or threatened

Taken together, these events illustrate a strategic shift toward economic warfare, in which energy infrastructure is deliberately targeted to maximize impact.

Timeline for escalation of Iran’s war with the United States and Israel

The Habshan attack was part of a rapidly unfolding chain of events –Late February 2026: US, Israel launch attacks on Iranian military and energy-related sitesEarly March: Iran launches retaliation missile and drone strikes in the Gulf.Mid-March: Israel attacks Iran’s South Pars gas fieldThe following times: Iran warns Gulf countries of imminent attackNow: UAE facilities including Habshan and Al-Bab targetedEach step intensifies the conflict, bringing it closer to civilian and economic infrastructure rather than just military targets.

Global energy markets tense after Habshan and Bab attacks during Iran-U.S.-Israel war

The attack on Mount Hab is not only a regional issue but has global implications. The UAE is a key player in global energy markets and any disruption to its natural gas processing capabilities could tighten supply chains, pushing up global energy prices and exacerbating market volatility. Recent attacks in the Gulf have caused oil and gas prices to rise sharply, and analysts have warned that if such attacks continue, there could be chronic shortages.The situation is particularly sensitive given the strategic importance of the Gulf as a major energy corridor for Europe, Asia, India and East Asia. Experts stress that the outcome could be much worse. Natural gas processing facilities like Mount Habu operate under high-pressure, high-risk conditions where even minor disruptions can trigger massive explosions, lengthy shutdowns and environmental hazards.In this incident, the missile was intercepted, no casualties were reported, and damage was limited, but the incident is a stark warning of how close the region is to a catastrophic energy event.

Gulf region under continued threat in Iran-U.S.-Israel war

The Habushan incident was not an isolated incident. This is part of a broader pattern of ongoing attacks and reprisals across the Gulf. The UAE and its neighbors have reportedly faced threats from hundreds of missiles and drones in recent weeks, most of which were intercepted but some caused damage through fragmentation and secondary impacts.This resulted in increased air defense readiness, temporary closures of critical facilities, and increased security throughout the infrastructure. Repeated targeting of energy assets indicates that the conflict is entering a long-term and unpredictable phase. The UAE’s condemnation and the attack itself have gone viral on global platforms. Energy facilities are among the most sensitive and globally important targets. The shift from military to economic objectives marked a turning point in the conflict.Energy disruptions impact global fuel prices, economies and supply chains. If a major facility like Mount Habu can be targeted, what happens next? In essence, the attack on Habshan reflects a broader shift in the nature of the conflict. This is no longer just a geopolitical confrontation, but has evolved into a multi-faceted crisis involving military confrontation, economic destruction, civil risks and energy insecurity. The deliberate targeting of oil and gas infrastructure shows that economic pressure is now a core strategy.The UAE’s condemnation of Iran’s attack on the Habshan gas facility highlights the seriousness of intercepted missiles, attacks on critical infrastructure and escalating regional tensions, but there is a deeper reality beyond the immediate facts. The Gulf region is entering a phase in which energy systems are no longer protected spaces but active frontlines in an ever-expanding conflict, with consequences that could reach far beyond the region in an energy-dependent world.