India is deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region, said the government hours after the US-Israel joint action against Iran and the latter’s retaliatory targeting of Gulf states where Washington has military assets. While seeking safety of civilians in a region that is home to a nearly 10-million strong Indian diaspora, the government also stressed in its tough balancing act that sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be protected. External affairs minister S Jaishankar also spoke to his Iranian and Israeli counterparts, Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Gideon Sa’ar respectively, to express deep concern and to reiterate India’s call for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions.

India’s response in the form of a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was carefully calibrated as it said that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. “We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians,” said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), adding that Indian missions across the Gulf region were in touch with Indian nationals and had issued appropriate advisories asking them to remain vigilant and follow local security guidance. There are close to 40 thousand Indian citizens in Israel and anywhere between 6 to 10 thousand in Iran.With the US and Israel reportedly looking to precipitate a regime change in Iran, India was again forced to walk a diplomatic tightrope, caught between its steady ties with Iran that are based on common regional interests and strong signs of improvement in the critical relationship with the US after a period of extreme turbulence. The attack on Iran also came barely 48 hours after a bilateral meeting between PM Narendra Modi and his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel that saw the leaders discussing the US-Iran tensions and Modi offering, if required, India’s support for any efforts towards a peaceful resolution. Significantly, Modi said in his media remarks during the visit, which took place amidst mounting US –Iran friction, that peace and security in West Asia is directly linked to India’s security interests. The Gulf region is also one of India’s most significant and reliable sources of oil and gas. The diaspora, whose well-being is a major priority for the Indian government, is one of the largest sources of remittances for India. The GCC countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE – are together also India’s largest trading partner bloc. While India has deepened its strategic partnership with Israel in the past decade or so, its ties with Gulf states have also undergone a complete transformation during this period. India, in fact, now has a strategic partnership with 5 out of the 6 GCC countries, moving from the traditional energy buyer-seller relationship to other domains like defence and security, investment, connectivity and technology. India will be worried about the likely impact of a full-blown regional war on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) project that has already been delayed by the instability in West Asia. During his visit to Israel, Modi had said both countries will move forward with renewed momentum on initiatives like IMEEC and India–Israel–UAE–USA (I2U2) to promote regional connectivity. For India, however, Iran remains a key regional partner, one that New Delhi has not given up on despite President Donald Trump restoring a maximum pressure campaign against Iran. In January this year, India joined China, Pakistan and 4 other countries in voting against a UN Human Rights Council resolution that strongly deplored the crackdown on protests in Iran and extended the mandate of a fact-finding mission for the country. According to Indian authorities, India’s interest lies in maintaining a functional relationship with Iran, not least because of the strategic Chabahar port in the country that India has helped develop for access to Central Asia and Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan. The US muddied the picture though last year with its decision to revoke a sanctions waiver for the port that is expected to come into effect in late April.

UAE Shifts All Schools and Universities to Distance Learning as Iran vs US-Israel Conflict Escalates

In response to growing regional security concerns tied to the recent escalation between Iran, the United States and Israel, which has seen missiles fired and emergency alerts issued across the Gulf, the United Arab Emirates has announced a temporary shift to distance learning for students and educators nationwide. The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research confirmed that schools, universities and educational institutions will operate online from Monday, March 02 to Wednesday, March 04, 2026 as a precautionary measure designed to ensure safety while maintaining continuity of education.Under the directive, students, teaching staff and administrative personnel across both public and private schools and universities will transition to online classes, with the situation subject to ongoing assessment by authorities. If conditions require, the period of remote learning could be extended further.

What UAE‘s distance learning policy covers

This decision affects:

The switch comes as part of a broader precautionary strategy amid heightened geopolitical instability, including missile alerts, temporary flight suspensions and emergency messages sent directly to residents’ phones. Authorities are prioritising safety without interrupting students’ academic progress.

Distance Learning Returns in UAE Amid Iran–US–Israel Regional Turmoil

In Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) also confirmed the transition to online learning for private schools through March 04 to protect students and staff, highlighting that the educational system’s robust digital infrastructure, honed during the Covid-19 pandemic, allows for a smooth transition to remote instruction. Similarly, Sharjah’s educational authorities announced a shift to distance learning for private schools and higher education institutions over the same period, reaffirming commitments to student wellbeing while ensuring academic continuity.The decision reflects how developments in regional conflict have direct impacts on everyday life in the UAE. With concerns over missile threats, airspace disruptions and emergency alerts, the government opted for a temporary online learning model to minimise risk while keeping students engaged academically.Distance learning is being implemented using established online platforms that are already integrated into the UAE’s education system, a legacy of remote learning infrastructure built during the Covid-19 pandemic. This readiness ensures that students can continue lessons with minimal disruption and that educators can deliver quality instruction safely from home. Authorities have also urged parents, students and staff to follow updates from official government channels and avoid relying on unverified social media reports, reinforcing a broader theme of public communication clarity during challenging times.

Schools and universities go remote across other Gulf countries

The UAE is not alone as other Gulf countries, including Qatar and Bahrain, have similarly activated online learning or suspended in-person classes amid concerns over regional instability, underscoring how education sectors in the Middle East are adjusting operations to evolving safety dynamics.

Parents Alerted as Iran–US–Israel Conflict Pushes UAE Schools Online

The UAE has shifted all schools and universities to distance learning from March 02 to March 04, 2026, with possible extensions. The decision includes students, teachers, administrative staff and covers both public and private institutions. Authorities are using online platforms and digital education systems prepared during the pandemic to maintain learning continuity. Similar measures have been adopted elsewhere in the Gulf amid ongoing Middle East tensions.

West Indies National Cricket Team head coach Daren Sammy has issued an open warning to the India National Cricket Team ahead of the Super 8 match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday, March 1.

Daren Sammy hails Shimron Hetmyer’s blazing form at T20 World Cup 2026

Daren Sammy said that the West Indies team is fully ready for the Super 8 clash against India at Eden Gardens. The head coach also expressed his content with the stunning form of Shimron Hetmyer.

The explosive batter has amassed 221 runs at an average of 44.20 and a blistering strike rate of 182.64 in six matches in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 so far.

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Daren Sammy said at the pre-match press conference, “His mindset has made him have a good run. This is the most relaxed he has been. He is enjoying the game. His batting has sent a lot of positive messages in the group.”

Special plans ready for Varun Chakravarthy

One big challenge will be India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, but Sammy said that the West Indies have clear plans for every bowler. He added, “We have our plans vs each bowler. We want to play a complete game. It is a battle of who executes. I expect it to be an exciting game.”

Speaking about the Eden Gardens pitch, the West Indies coach admitted that the first few overs will be very important, and his team must quickly understand how the wicket is behaving and adjust their game to take control of the match against the defending champions.

Daren Sammy sends strong warning to India before Super 8 clash

Daren Sammy noted, “The first couple of overs are going to be very important. We have to assess the wicket very quickly. All my soldiers are ready for the battle tomorrow. The message is clear—leave everything behind in Ahmadabad and focus solely on what we need to do against the Indian team.”

Furthermore, the former captain, who won two T20 World Cup titles, reminded everyone of the West Indies’ past record in India and ordered his team to forget the embarrassing loss against South Africa and focus only on this Super 8 match.

Read Also: “India are a far superior side” – Kris Srikkanth drags Ian Bishop before IND vs WI Super 8 match

The West Indies coach said, “I love being here in Kolkata. The great teams of the West Indies won in India. They have left a mark on the generations that came after them. We have to go to India tomorrow. I use my experience, being here before, on how good Eden Gardens has been for us. Hopefully that moves on to performance.”

Daren Sammy admits South Africa failure as West Indies aim semifinal spot

Sammy admitted that West Indies’ bowling was ordinary against South Africa, but they have done an exceptional job against the rest of the teams, picking almost 48 wickets in earlier matches. Now, he wants full effort and strong execution against India.

He signed off by saying, “Bar South Africa, we have done well in most games. Out of 50 before that, we have around 48 wickets. It was a bad loss vs. SA, and we are ready to respond to that. All hands on execution tomorrow.”

Notably, the West Indies had finished the group stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 unbeaten before their record-breaking win over Zimbabwe, followed by a heavy defeat against South Africa in the Super Eight games. If they beat India, they will qualify for the semifinals of the mega event.

NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced that Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes. On Saturday, Israel and US launched a daylight “preventive attack” against Iran. According to local reports, loud blasts have been heard across Tehran. However, Tel Aviv has stressed that it is targeting military sites.“The State of Israel launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel,” Defence minister Israel Katz said.

According to news agency AFP, the strike happened near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The attack comes as the United States has assembled a vast fleet of fighter jets and warships in the region to try to pressure Iran into a deal over its nuclear program.Here are the top developmentsExiled crown prince hails ‘turning point’ after Ayatollah’s deathIran’s former crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, has hailed what he called a turning point in the country’s history following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a statement on social media, he described Khamenei as a “bloodthirsty Zahhak”, likening him to the tyrant of Persian mythology, and accused him of being responsible for the deaths of thousands of Iran’s “bravest sons and daughters”. Pahlavi claimed that with Khamenei’s death, the Islamic Republic has effectively collapsed and will soon fade into history. He urged officials not to appoint a successor and called on the armed forces to side with the people, describing the moment as the start of a “great national celebration”, though not the final step.Khamenei dead announces TrumpDonald Trump said on social media that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, is dead, describing his passing as “the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country”. He said Khamenei was killed following a joint US and Israeli aerial bombardment targeting Iranian military and government sites. The president added that “heavy and pinpoint bombing” would continue “uninterrupted” for the rest of the week or longer. In his post, Trump called Khamenei “one of the most evil people in history”, claiming he was unable to evade US intelligence and “highly sophisticated tracking systems”. Working closely with Israel, Trump said, “there was not a thing he, or the other leaders killed alongside him, could do.”Israeli officials claim Khamenei killed in airstrike; Iran says he is ‘safe and sound’Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly died following a major attack on Iran carried out by Israel and the United States, according to Israeli officials cited by The Associated Press.Iranian state media, however, quoted a senior official from the Supreme Leader’s office as saying, “The enemy is resorting to psychological warfare; everyone should remain vigilant.” Earlier, a senior Israeli official told Reuters that Khamenei had died and that his body had been recovered.After Benjamin Netanyahu referred to “growing signs” that Iran’s supreme leader may be “gone”, several Israeli outlets, including News 12 and The Times of Israel, reported similar claims. Iranian authorities have denied the reports, and there has been no official confirmation from either Tehran or Washington.‘US, Israeli bases as targets’: IranIran has informed the United Nations that it will continue to exercise its right of self-defence until all aggression against it stops fully and unequivocally. In a letter to the UN, Tehran also stated that all US and Israeli bases, facilities, and assets in the region are considered legitimate military targets.British planes involved in ‘defensive’ Mideast actionsBritish prime minister Keir Starmer has said that British forces and aircraft are taking part in coordinated defensive operations to protect the UK’s interests and allies. In a televised statement, Starmer urged Iran to stop further attacks and end violence and oppression against its people. He also stressed the need to prevent escalation and return to diplomatic talks, Reuters reported.IRGC says Tehran fired ‘scrap missiles’, warns of ‘unforeseen weapons’ Major General Ebrahim Jabari, senior advisor to the commander-in-chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), told Iranian state television that the missiles used in recent retaliatory strikes were only “scrap missiles” and represented a small part of Iran’s actual military capability. According to Reuters, Jabari warned that Tehran is ready to deploy “unforeseen weapons” if the conflict with Israel continues to escalate, signalling potential intensification in the region.Israeli Air Force strikes hundreds of military targets in western Iran The Israel Defense Forces said on Saturday that it carried out strikes on hundreds of Iranian military targets, including missile launchers in western Iran. In a statement, the IDF said it was continuing to hit military sites while also identifying and intercepting threats fired from Iran toward Israel.Iran launches ‘Truthful Promise 4’, strikes US bases across Gulf; one reported dead in UAEIran carried out retaliatory strikes on American military bases across the Middle East under an operation it named “Truthful Promise 4”, hours after joint US-Israel airstrikes hit Tehran. The Revolutionary Guard said it targeted the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, bases in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and military sites in Israel. Damage at the Bahrain base was unclear. The UAE reported one death from missile shrapnel. Qatar said it intercepted missiles before they entered its airspace. Bahrain called the strikes a violation of sovereignty.Blasts heard in Doha; Qatar condemns Iranian missile strike, says it reserves right to respondA fresh wave of blasts was heard in Doha as Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as an Iranian ballistic missile attack on its territory. In a statement, the ministry said Qatar “reserves the right to respond” in accordance with international law. It strongly condemned the targeting of Qatari territory, calling it a flagrant violation of national sovereignty and a direct assault on the country’s security. The statement further described the strike as an unacceptable escalation that threatens the wider region’s security and stability.Trump announces ‘major combat operations’, vows to destroy nuclear and missile capabilities US President Donald Trump said in an eight-minute video on Truth Social that American forces have begun “major combat operations in Iran” to eliminate what he called imminent threats from the Iranian regime. He accused Iran of backing attacks on US forces and allies for decades and warned it can “never have a nuclear weapon”. Trump said the US would destroy Iran’s missiles, raze its missile industry and target its navy and regional proxies. He urged Iranian security forces to lay down arms or “face certain death” and called on the Iranian people to “take over” their government once operations conclude.US also participates in the strikes According to Wall Street Journal, the United states also participated in the (Iran) attack and was also carrying out strikes. This comes just hours after US president Donald Trump said that he is not happy with ongoing nuclear talks with Iran and asserted that his administration has to “make a big decision.”“Now we have a big decision to make. You know that. Not easy. We have a very big decision to make. We have a country that has, for 47 years, been blowing people’s legs off, arms off, the face. They’ve been knocking out ships, killing people — lots of people. Well, not only Americans, lots of people. It’s been terrible. 32,000 people killed over the last two, three months — protesters,” Trump said.“32,000. That’s a number of people. They want to make a deal, but you’ve got to make a deal that’s meaningful. I spoke with Ted Cruz, John, all of them on the way here. I said you’ve got to make a deal that’s meaningful. We hit them real hard, as you know, with those beautiful B-2 bombers recently, knocked out their nuclear capability. But I’d rather do it the peaceful way. But they’re very difficult people. I want to tell you that. They’re very dangerous people, very difficult people,” he added.‘Iran must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons’Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran launched “will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands.”“The time has come for all sections of the people in Iran to remove the yoke of tyranny from (the regime) and bring a free and peace-loving Iran,” Netanyahu said in a statement.‘Khamenei’s transferred to a secure location’ Khamenei’s hasn’t been seen publicly in days as tensions with the United States have grown. According to news agency Reuters, Khamenei was not in Tehran during the attack and had been transferred to a secure location.Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Force issued an advisory for its citizens, requesting to stay in “proximity to protected spaces.”“In the last few minutes, sirens were sounded all throughout Israel, with an advanced instruction alert directly to cellular devices to stay within proximity to protected spaces,” IDF wrote in a social media post on X.“This is a proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the State of Israel. The IDF emphasised that the public is requested to stay in proximity to protected spaces,” it added.Israel closes its airspace to civilian flightsIsrael closed its airspace to civilian flights Saturday after announcing it had carried out “preventive strikes” on Iran and sounding sirens in Jerusalem. “Following the security developments, the Minister of Transportation has ordered the Director of the Israel Civil Aviation Authority to close the airspace of the State of Israel to civilian flights,” the minister, Miri Regev, announced.‘Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat’: Israel Defence ForcesSoon after the attacks, Israel defence force said that Iran launched missiles towards Israel.“A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israel,” It said in a post on X.“Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat. In the past few minutes, the Home Front Command has sent a precautionary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas,” it added.India issued advisoryMeanwhile, India issued advisories urging its citizens in Israel and Iran to exercise “utmost caution and remain vigilant” The Embassy of India in Tel Aviv released the advisory, stating, “In view of the prevailing security situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to exercise utmost caution and remain vigilant at all times.”The embassy asked Indian nationals to strictly follow safety guidelines and instructions issued by Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command.It advised citizens to remain close to designated shelters and to familiarise themselves with the nearest protected spaces near their residence or workplace.

Sri Lanka National Cricket Team’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign ended in total disappointment, and former cricketer Russel Arnold made his strong words felt across the nation.

Sri Lanka crash out of T20 World Cup 2026

On Wednesday, February 27, New Zealand crushed Sri Lanka by 61 runs in the Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

That heavy loss knocked Sri Lanka out of the tournament, making them the first team in the Super 8 to be eliminated from the semifinal race.

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Sri Lankan bowlers did a decent job by restricting the Black Caps to 168/7, but the batting unit has once again failed badly in the crucial match. The top order collapsed for just 46 runs, putting the team under huge pressure, and then eventually they could make only 107 runs in 20 overs.

Batting collapse ends Sri Lanka’s World Cup dream again

Earlier in the Super 8, England had bowled Sri Lanka out for just 95. That batting problem hurt them again against the New Zealand cricket team. Rachin Ravindra was the hero for the Black Caps as he destroyed Sri Lanka’s middle order and scalped four wickets.

Sri Lanka had only one happy moment in the tournament, and that was a stunning win against Australia. Apart from that, fans did not get much to celebrate on home soil. After Sri Lanka’s elimination, Arnold questioned the selection committee and team management.

The former cricketer said that the same mistakes have continued for years. He made it clear that talent alone is not enough. Players must show desire, hunger, and performance.

If you can’t perform, just leave: Russel Arnold

Russel Arnold said on his social media handle, “It’s simple. If you can’t play, that’s it. There’s no point talking about this and that anymore. This has been happening for years. We just keep hanging around. I’m asking the players: can you score runs? Can you catch a ball? If not, leave.”

Read Also: “Resources are limited…”: Auqib Nabi sends blunt message as India call-up nears after Ranji Trophy win

In his brutal attack, Arnold continued, “We’ll bring in someone who can catch. I can’t be here from morning until night trying to teach you how to catch a ball. Do you even have the desire to catch the ball? Do you have the desire to score some runs?”

Russell slams Sri Lankan selectors

The cricket pandit stressed that if someone cannot deliver, the team should give chances to others instead of protecting underperformers; otherwise, they can never win the global tournaments.

Russell added, “These are simple questions. If you can answer them, then play. This person is good, that person is good, he needs twenty more matches…I think we’re in this state because we’ve been pampering everyone. If you’re going to play, play. If not, it’s fine; we’ll find someone else.”

Russell Arnold isn’t mincing words anymore, and neither should we.

“If you can play well, play. If not, you can leave. We can’t do this every day. Catch the ball, score runs, stay. If not, get lost. That’s it.
We’re in this mess because we’ve tried to please everyone for too… pic.twitter.com/5GMNCZoLdU

— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) February 28, 2026

Sri Lanka’s batting struggles

Notably, the Islanders’ batting troubles started at the beginning of this year. The top and middle order kept failing under pressure, which led them to a 3-0 bilateral series defeat against England before the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 at home and in India.

They entered the global tournament with the same weak and struggling batting lineup, and the result is in front of the world.

Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Operation Epic Fury — an extensive US military action under President Donald Trump, have achieved its most consequential objective: the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in strikes carried out early Sunday against the political heart of Tehran.According to initial reports, the operation did not only target Iran’s top leader. Khamenei’s daughter and grandchild were also said to be among those killed in the American strikes that hit key locations in the capital.Unlike last year’s Operation Midnight Hammer, aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear aspirations at key sites, Operation Epic Fury carried out in broad daylight with a much wider strategic objective, leading to the killing of the Supreme Leader.“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,” Donald Trump declared on his Truth Social.The offensive marked a dramatic escalation, with Trump launching a full-scale military operation against Iran over the weekend. The move appeared aimed at dismantling the Khamenei-led political establishment and reshaping power dynamics in the oil-rich nation.

A daylight strike at the centre of power

Modern aerial bombardments typically begin under the cover of darkness, exploiting confusion and weakening air defence response. This time, however, the strategy appeared deliberately different.Missiles and bombs began striking Tehran in broad daylight, a calculated move that seemed designed to ensure the presence of senior officials in government offices. Thick plumes of smoke soon rose over the capital, particularly from buildings located in the city’s political and administrative district.The strikes reportedly hit areas along Pasteur Street, where key institutions of the Iranian state are clustered. The district houses the offices of the Supreme Leader, the presidential complex of Masoud Pezeshkian, the national security headquarters, and the Assembly of Experts, the powerful clerical body responsible for appointing a new supreme leader.

Satellite imagery later showed the compound associated with Khamenei reduced to a vast stretch of grey dust and debris.

A decapitation strike

Israeli officials later described the initial assault as a “decapitation strike” an attempt to simultaneously eliminate Iran’s political leadership and cripple the core apparatus of governance. Such operations aim not just at military installations but at the individuals who command the system.The offensive appeared to extend beyond the sitting leadership. Reports indicated that the Tehran residence of former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was also struck during the operation, though his condition or whereabouts were not immediately confirmed.

Explosions across multiple cities

While Tehran bore the brunt of the initial wave, explosions were reported across several Iranian cities. Attacks were said to have taken place in Qom, Tabriz, Kermanshah, Lorestan, Khorramabad and Karaj, suggesting a nationwide operation targeting strategic infrastructure and political centres.In Tehran, ambulances were seen rushing out of the Pasteur district carrying the injured as emergency services scrambled to respond to the destruction.

A moment that could reshape the region

If confirmed, the killing of Iran’s supreme leader would mark one of the most consequential geopolitical events in recent decades — potentially reshaping power dynamics in the Middle East and triggering a chain reaction across the region.For now, however, conflicting claims and limited verifiable information have left the world watching closely as Tehran assesses the damage and prepares its response.

MUMBAI: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in its preliminary report on the fatal Jan 28 Learjet crash at Baramati has flagged pilots’ non-adherence to standard operating procedures, low visibility and absence of basic meteorological facilities at the uncontrolled airfield. The report said that the crew attempted the visual landing despite being informed that the visibility was only 3 km. A minimum visibility of 5 km is mandated for visual landing. The factors given in the preliminary report were put forth in the early narratives that emerged after the accident.On Jan 28, a Learjet operated by VSR Ventures took off from Mumbai and crashed before landing at Baramati. All five persons on board were killed in the accident, including the then Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar.The preliminary report, which carries the timeline of the occurrence shows the last proper communication between the pilot and the Baramati air traffic controller was at 08:43:55 seconds when the co-pilot radioed, “Field in sight”. At 08:44:13 the pilot can be heard saying “Oh s**t, oh s**t” before the aircraft crashed at the left side of the runway. The report does not give details of what transpired in the final 18 seconds before the impact. CCTV footage from a local gram panchayat office showed the aircraft banking sharply just before the crash. The preliminary report instead has a satellite image tracing the probable flight path of the aircraft after the go-around. A green-marked flight track shows the aircraft approaching from the right of the runway centreline, never properly aligned with the strip visible at the end of the path. Based on the depicted track, the aircraft appears to have remained offset to the right of runway 11 before making a pronounced left turn in the final moments.The report states: “As per the CCTV footage installed in a nearby village, the aircraft was observed to have banked towards right before impacting the terrain. The aircraft first impacted the trees before hitting the ground which is at a lower elevation than the runway surface. The ground impact of the aircraft was at a lateral distance of about 50 meters on the left edge of runway 11,” the report said.Safety experts pointed out the confusion over whether the aircraft sharply banked right or left. Capt Amit Singh of Safety Matters Foundation said: “The plotted track shows the aircraft to the right of the runway whereas the report’s own narrative indicates the aircraft impacted terrain left of the runway and that the aircraft was in a right bank at impact.” He added that the report “remains data-light against reasonable public expectations for evidence-backed transparency, especially given that it confirms that Flight Data Recorder (FDR) data was successfully downloaded”. “It contains a flight track plot presented without a stated data source, despite apparent inconsistencies when compared with the reported wreckage location and aircraft attitude at impact… The public does not need conclusions at the preliminary state, but it does need sourced facts,” he said.Rohit Pawar posted on X that the AAIB did not prepare the report with seriousness.The final report is expected to carry more details. If the deadline has to be met, it should be released on or before Jan 2, 2027. In its interim safety recommendations, the AAIB has asked the DGCA to ensure stricter compliance with standard operating procedures for flights operating to uncontrolled airfields, particularly adherence to minimum visibility requirements. It has called for directions to aerodrome operators to permit operations only when weather conditions meet prescribed criteria. The Bureau has also recommended that safety standards at uncontrolled airfields be strengthened through oversight and audits, that basic meteorological facilities and improved landing aids be introduced to support non-scheduled and charter operations, and that the feasibility of formally licensing such aerodromes for safe, regulated operations be examined.

India’s Pusarla V. Sindhu plays China’ s Wang Zhi Yi during their women’s third round match of the Badminton World Championships in Paris. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: India’s double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu is currently stranded at Dubai airport after airspace closures in the Middle East disrupted flights. Sindhu was travelling to Birmingham for the 2026 All England Open Super 1000 when operations were suspended following the US and Israel’s attack on Iran.The former world champion shared the situation on social media, posting a video that showed long queues at the airport.

“All flights suspended until further notice,” she wrote while sharing the post.“It’s hard to process what’s unfolding right now. Hearing the interceptions overhead and seeing how quickly everything has escalated is honestly terrifying. So many disturbing videos are coming to light, and this is sadly the reality of what is happening. Dubai is a city I deeply love, a place that has always felt safe and full of life, which makes this moment even harder to comprehend,” she wrote in a different post on X.“To everyone who has been messaging and checking in, thank you, it truly means a lot. I am safe right now, stuck here in Dubai with my team, and we are doing okay as the situation around the war with Iran continues to evolve. The Airport is chaotic, with many families stranded and waiting, all of us just hoping we get past this soon.“Moments like these remind you how fragile normal life really is. Praying for safety and peace for everyone affected.”While Sindhu remains stuck, India’s top men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have safely reached Birmingham for the prestigious tournament. Shetty confirmed their arrival through a social media post, writing, “Safely landed in Birmingham before US struck Iran.”Sindhu is not the only Indian sportsperson affected by the sudden escalation of tensions in the region. The Indian men’s basketball team is also stranded due to the airspace closure. The team is currently in Doha, Qatar, where they had travelled for the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. They were scheduled to fly to Lebanon for their next assignment but are now unable to proceed because of the disrupted flight operations.The unexpected travel chaos has impacted several international passengers, including athletes heading for major sporting events. With flights suspended until further notice, Sindhu and others will now have to wait for further updates before continuing their journeys.