Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the United States has upped the ante against Iran by carrying out heavy airstrikes on Kharg Island — Iran’s economic lifeline and a strategic defense point in the Persian Gulf.During the recent attacks, the US forces conducted airstrikes on military installations on Kharg Island, including missile storage areas and other defence sites. According to media reports, the strikes focused on military facilities, while the oil export infrastructure itself was largely left intact.

In an interview with NBC News, US President Donald Trump said previous US strikes had “totally demolished” most of the island’s oil infrastructure. He added that the US “may hit it a few more times just for fun”.Why it matters“He who controls Kharg Island controls the destiny of this war,” US Senator Lindsey Graham posted on X soon after the airstrikes.Kharg Island is widely seen as the backbone of Iran’s crude export system. Located about 25 kilometers off Iran’s northwestern Gulf coast, the island acts as the country’s main oil gateway, where crude is stored and loaded onto tankers bound for global markets.

Though small in size, about 6 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide, the coral outcrop handles nearly 90 per cent of Iran’s crude oil exports. Its deep-water jetties allow large tankers to load oil directly, something much of Iran’s shallow coastline cannot support.The island’s loading terminals were originally designed to handle up to seven million barrels of oil per day and can service eight or nine supertankers at the same time. More than 50 storage tanks spread across the island can hold over 34 million barrels of crude.Most of the oil shipped from Kharg does not come from the island itself. Instead, pipelines bring crude from oil fields in southern Iran to the terminals before it is loaded onto ships.Other export sites are far smaller in comparison. Lavan Island can process about 200,000 barrels per day and has storage capacity of roughly 5.5 million barrels. Sirri Island provides around 4.5 million barrels of storage. Meanwhile, the energy hub at Assaluyeh mainly handles gas condensate rather than crude oil.Kharg’s location also adds to its importance. The island sits close to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil routes. Any disruption there could quickly affect Iran’s oil revenues and send ripples through global energy markets.Petras Katinas, an energy researcher at the Royal United Services Institute told news agency PTI that Kharg Island was critical to funding Iran’s government and military.If Iran were to lose control of Kharg, it would be difficult for the country to function, even though the island isn’t a military or nuclear target, he said.“It doesn’t matter which regime is in power — new or old,” Katinas said. A takeover would give the US leverage over negotiations with Iran because the island is “the main node” of its economy.Strait of Hormuz factorKharg’s strategic importance is closely linked to the Strait of Hormuz, which lies southeast of the island.This narrow maritime passage connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the wider Indian Ocean. Roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through this chokepoint every day.Tankers carrying crude from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates all transit the strait before heading to global markets.Although Iran itself accounts for only about 3–4% of global oil supply, its geographic position along the strait gives it the ability to threaten a much larger share of global energy flows.A military hubAdditionally, Kharg is also one of Iran’s most significant military locations. Access to the island is tightly restricted and guarded by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).The IRGC Navy maintains a presence there, including the 112th Zolfaghar Surface Combat Brigade, a unit that operates fast-attack boats designed for asymmetric naval warfare in the Persian Gulf.These vessels are typically equipped with anti-ship missiles, rockets and naval mines, allowing them to threaten commercial shipping and larger naval vessels operating nearby.Military infrastructure around the island includes coastal missile launchers, radar systems, surveillance networks and drone facilities used to monitor activity across the northern Persian Gulf.Iran’s regular navy, known as the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, also operates in the broader Bushehr–Kharg region. It uses helicopters and boats for maritime patrols and potential mine-laying operations.Together, the IRGC Navy and the conventional navy maintain a presence that could pose risks to shipping lanes during periods of conflict.Why US did not target oil infrastructureUS forces struck defensive positions, bases and helicopter facilities in the Island. However it left the oil installations untouched.After the strikes, Trump said that he chose “not to wipe out” the oil infrastructure in the Kharg Island for “reasons of decency.” “Our weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the World has ever known, but, for reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island,” Trump said in a social media post on Truth.“However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision,” he added.However, observers believe that Trump’s decision not to strike oil infrastructure could signal a broader US strategy.Here are the list of possible reasons

Could US forces seize the island?Some reports suggest United States may be considering more aggressive options, including a possible amphibious assault on Kharg Island.According to security expert, capturing the island could severely disrupt Iran’s oil exports and give Washington leverage in future negotiations.However, the risks would be significant. Kharg lies close to the Iranian mainland, which would leave any landing force exposed to missiles, drones and naval attacks.While talking to news outlet CGTN, Military analyst Hossein Kanani Moghaddam pointed out Iran’s long maritime border along the Persian Gulf and said that Iranian forces could strike US units attempting operations near the Strait of Hormuz.“We have a 2,000-kilometer maritime border with the Persian Gulf. If all US forces were to enter the Strait of Hormuz, we could easily strike and neutralize them from our own territory along this maritime border,” Moghaddam said.Meanwhile, US officials have already deployed the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Middle East.The force typically includes around 2,200 Marines and aircraft such as Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, helicopters and Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. With support units, the deployment can expand to roughly 5,000 personnel.A Pentagon official told Fox News that the deployment broadens military options and that the unit is prepared for ground operations if ordered.Kharg Island has shown remarkable resilience over the years. During the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, Iraqi forces repeatedly bombed the island and destroyed several storage tanks. Despite this damage, Iran continued to export more than 1.5 million barrels of oil per day.More than six decades after exports began in 1960, Kharg remains Iran’s primary energy gateway and a key strategic point in the security architecture of the Persian Gulf.As long as a significant share of the world’s oil continues to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, this small island will remain one of the most consequential pieces of infrastructure in the region.

Calvin Ridley (Image Via Getty)

The 2026 NFL free agency period is already full of surprises. Teams across the league began making official moves on Wednesday after two days of legal tampering. That is when clubs are allowed to talk with players and agree to deals before they can officially sign contracts. Once the league year opened, those agreements started becoming real deals. Several big stories quickly shaped the early days of free agency. One report said the Tennessee Titans plan to keep wide receiver Calvin Ridley on a restructured contract. At the same time, quarterback Trey Lance reportedly reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Chargers. Other deals, trades, and contract changes are also shaking up rosters as teams prepare for the 2026 season. The news comes during a busy offseason around the league. According to Yahoo Sports’ free agency tracker, many teams are changing key positions while new coaches step in across the NFL. The first few days of free agency are already giving fans a clearer idea of how teams may look next season.

Calvin Ridley stays with Tennessee Titans while Trey Lance joins Los Angeles Chargers as NFL free agency reshapes the league

One of the latest updates involves wide receiver Calvin Ridley and the Tennessee Titans. Reports say the team will keep Ridley but adjust his contract. The new deal structure helps the Titans manage their salary cap while still holding on to one of their top pass catchers.Ridley has remained an important part of Tennessee’s offense. Keeping him on the roster suggests the Titans still see him as a key player for the upcoming season.Another notable move involves quarterback Trey Lance. Reports say Lance has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Chargers. The former first-round pick now gets another chance to rebuild his career in a new system. The Chargers continue adding depth at quarterback while shaping their roster for the future. Free agency has also produced several other major headlines this week.Earlier, the Las Vegas Raiders announced that their planned trade sending Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens collapsed. The Raiders said the Ravens had “backed out” of the deal. Soon after that news, another report explained what happened next. According to reports, Baltimore reached an agreement with star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson on a four-year contract worth 112 million dollars.Quarterback movement is also drawing attention. Reports say Kyler Murray has signed with the Minnesota Vikings. Murray will now share the quarterback room with J.J. McCarthy as Minnesota reshapes its offense.Several other player moves have also been reported across the league. The Miami Dolphins are expected to release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is reportedly planning to sign a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. The Kansas City Chiefs plan to bring back tight end Travis Kelce for the 2026 football season. The reports suggest that Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III will also join the Kansas City team. The Indianapolis Colts re-signed wide receiver Alec Pierce while the Pittsburgh Steelers added running back Rico Dowdle and veteran receiver Mike Evans left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to join a Bay Area team. The league experiences rapid roster changes because multiple teams have hired new head coaches. The upcoming weeks will bring additional player transactions as teams work to finalize their rosters for the upcoming season.

RSS backs Centre’s decisions amid Middle East turmoil

Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Sunday called for peace and said the war should end as soon as possible, while also backing the Union government’s response, saying it was acting in the “supreme interest of the nation”.Speaking at a media briefing during the three-day Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) meeting in Panipat, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said the Sangh wanted the conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel to end swiftly so that ordinary people could return to normal life.

‘We want peace in the world’

Replying to questions on the Middle East conflict, which has entered its third week, Hosabale said the RSS’s position was rooted in its broader worldview of global peace.“We want peace in the world,” Hosabale said, according to news agency PTI.“Our vision is world peace. Wars arise from a multitude of causes; therefore, in the context of this particular conflict, we too desire that it comes to an end as swiftly as possible, and that the lives of ordinary people return to a state of happiness and peace without delay,” he said.He, however, declined to comment on the reasons behind the war.

RSS backs Centre’s response

Hosabale also strongly defended the Centre’s handling of the crisis, saying the government was taking all necessary steps in the national interest.“What is in the supreme interest of the nation, they (the Indian government) are doing that. What they are doing is right,” he told reporters.The remarks come as the Indian government continues to monitor the fallout of the Middle East conflict, which has had implications for energy supplies, trade routes, aviation and Indian nationals in the region.

On protests after Khamenei’s killing

Asked about protests reported from some parts of India following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Hosabale said expressions of grief were natural, but any such response must remain peaceful and should not disturb communal harmony.“If such things happen, they should be done peacefully. It should not be against any sect or community,” he said.He added, “According to Indian tradition, one can be a person’s enemy till he is alive, but after one dies, no one remains an enemy. So, after death, if anyone expresses grief, there is nothing wrong in it. But when this is done, it should be seen that it does not cause disturbance to peace.”

Refuses comment on UGC row, speaks on Muslims and Hindutva

On the controversy surrounding the UGC regulations, which have been stayed by the Supreme Court, Hosabale said it would not be appropriate to comment on a matter that is sub judice.“When a decision comes, after going through it, the Sangh will comment,” he said.Replying to another question, Hosabale said RSS founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar did not create the organisation to oppose Muslims.“When Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar founded the RSS, he did not say that the organisation had been formed to oppose Muslims,” he said, as quoted by PTI.He also referred to a historical debate during British rule in the Central Provinces, saying a Muslim leader had defended the RSS against restrictions, arguing that the organisation and Hedgewar were not communal.Hosabale reiterated a long-held RSS position, saying, “We have said this from the start that the ancestors of all people of India were Hindus.”

Message to Indians abroad

Referring to a recent event in Hyderabad attended by NRIs and people of Indian origin from 71 countries, Hosabale said the Sangh had urged them to work for the welfare of the countries they live in as well.“We conveyed a message to the delegates from 71 different countries… that the country where you live and eat, you should do good for that country. Because it is the vision of Hindutva: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the entire world is one family,” he said.“It is not like you are only with India. You have the duty to be with the society there,” he added.

ABPS meet ends with organisational push

The three-day ABPS meeting, which began in Pattikalyana in Panipat on March 13, was inaugurated by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Hosabale, and concluded on Sunday with a resolve to expand organisational work, strengthen social harmony and encourage participation of “positive forces” in national interest.Hosabale said the number of RSS shakhas had increased by nearly 6,000 over the past year and had now crossed 88,000, while the number of places where shakhas are held had grown to over 55,000, PTI reported.He also said the Sangh’s outreach had expanded into remote areas including Andaman, Arunachal Pradesh, Leh and tribal regions, and that a total of 96 training camps would be organised in the coming year.

Gold and silver prices are likely to remain volatile and could see further corrective moves in the coming week, with investors closely watching developments in the Middle East conflict and a packed calendar of major central bank policy meetings, analysts said.Market participants are expected to remain focused on the evolving geopolitical situation, as any sign of escalation or de-escalation in the Middle East could trigger sharp swings across commodities, currencies and broader financial markets.

Middle East conflict to remain key trigger

Analysts said traders will continue to track the conflict in the Middle East closely, with geopolitical headlines likely to remain the biggest short-term driver for bullion prices.“In the week ahead, focus will remain in the Middle East region as any signs of further escalation or de-escalation may lead to increased volatility in the financial markets,” Pranav Mer, vice president, EBG – commodity & currency research at JM Financial Services Ltd, was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.While gold and silver are traditionally seen as safe-haven assets during times of crisis, recent sessions have shown that broader market stress can also lead to profit-booking and cash-raising, which can weigh on prices even when geopolitical risks remain elevated.

Fed, ECB, BoE and PBOC decisions in focus

On the macroeconomic front, investors will also monitor a heavy lineup of central bank meetings this week.The US Federal Reserve will announce its policy decision on Wednesday, followed by the European Central Bank and the Bank of England on Thursday, and the People’s Bank of China on Friday.These central banks are widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged, but traders will be closely watching their forward guidance for clues on the path of global monetary policy, especially at a time when higher crude oil prices are complicating inflation expectations.

Bullion under pressure last week

Bullion prices remained under pressure in domestic markets last week. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX):

In the international market, Comex silver dropped nearly $3, or 3.52%, during the week, while gold fell $97, or 2%.Mer told PTI that gold broke down from a consolidation range on Friday and ended the week nearly 2 per cent lower, dragged by a stronger US dollar and growing expectations that major central banks may delay interest rate cuts because of the inflationary impact of surging crude oil prices.

Why bullion fell despite safe-haven demand

The fall in bullion prices came even as equities and other risk assets saw broad pressure.According to PTI, Mer said gold prices slipped despite a wider sell-off in risk assets because traders and investors may have chosen to book profits at higher levels or sold holdings to meet margin calls and liquidity needs.Still, he said bullion continues to retain an important support base from safe-haven demand because of the escalating conflict in the Middle East.“Silver prices closed in negative for the second consecutive week, weighed by a stronger dollar and a consolidative/ corrective move in the industrial metals,” Mer told PTI.

Long-term allocation still favoured

Despite near-term volatility, analysts said gold and silver continue to play an important role in portfolio construction.“Gold and silver earn their place not because of what they return in isolation, but because of how they behave relative to everything else,” Vijay Kuppa, CEO of InCred Money, said, as per PTI.He said the two metals remain valuable because of their low correlation with equities and their ability to act as a hedge against currency debasement.Kuppa also cautioned investors against trying to time the market, saying that while broader commodity markets have been disrupted by supply chain issues and changing trade routes amid the conflict, investors should maintain a long-term allocation to bullion rather than chase short-term price swings.

Chandrika Pujari (X -DD News)

India wrapped up its campaign at the World Boxing Futures Cup 2026 in Bangkok with an impressive tally of five medals — one gold, three silver and one bronze, highlighting the continued progress of the nation’s youth boxing programme on the global stage.The standout performance came from Chandrika Pujari, who produced a dominant display in the women’s 51kg final to defeat Uzbekistan’s Mardonova Nazokat by a unanimous decision, as stated in an official release.Competing in the Youth Olympic weight divisions, India’s Under-19 men’s and women’s squads showcased strong form against quality international opponents. The team delivered several composed performances throughout the competition, with half of the Indian contingent finishing on the podium.The event was closely watched by Gennadiy Golovkin, President of World Boxing, and Ajay Singh, President of the Boxing Federation of India. India’s showing in Bangkok reflected the strengthening structure of its youth boxing system, where organised development pathways, consistent international exposure and competitive national events are helping young fighters transition smoothly to the world stage.Three Indian boxers finished with silver medals after reaching the finals in their respective categories. Gunjan (48kg) lost her final bout to an opponent from England by a 5-0 decision, while Joyshree Devi (54kg) put up a determined fight before going down 4-1 to a boxer from the United States. In the men’s 50kg division, L. Ambekar Meetei also settled for silver after losing the final to a competitor from Ukraine.Earlier in the tournament, Radhamani Longjam (57kg) secured bronze after her campaign ended in the semifinals following a closely fought contest against Ukraine’s Yevanhelina Petruk.Held from March 8 to 15 in Bangkok, the World Boxing Futures Cup brought together some of the most promising young fighters across the Youth Olympic weight categories. With the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar approaching, the tournament served as an important platform for emerging talent, giving India’s young boxers valuable experience against top international competition as they prepare for one of the biggest events in youth sport.

Pune: The state govt on Friday said a new IT park would be set up near the proposed greenfield international airport in Purandar taluka.The IT sector welcomed the move, after state industries minister Uday Samant made the announcement in the assembly. Experts cautioned the govt against repeating the infrastructure mistakes of Hinjewadi IT park in Purandar facility, though.The new IT park in Purandar was in discussions for the past couple of years. Samant announced the project in the assembly after the finalisation of its land.He said, “The land for the project is yet to be transferred from the revenue department to the MIDC, but we are announcing that the IT park will be indeed set up in Purandar. The land transfer process would be expedited following the next cabinet meeting.”The first meeting to discuss the feasibility of an IT park in Purandar was held on July 24, 2024, when Eknath Shinde was the chief minister. The district administration was told to survey the area to identify land for the project. Another meeting chaired by the industries minister was held on October 3, 2025. The land belonging to the revenue department was proposed for the project then.Minister of state for industries Indranil Naik said in the assembly the proposal for requirement of the land had been sent to the revenue department. “We have written to the revenue department on Feb 27 about our requirement. Since the land belongs to the revenue department, it will save the govt’s funds usually required for land acquisition. The revenue department will have to submit a proposal in the cabinet meeting for the transfer of the land. After the cabinet’s nod, the work for the project can start,” he said.Purandar’s Shiv Sena MLA Vijay Shivtare had raised the IT park issue in the assembly. He said, “Some IT companies are moving out of Hinjewadi IT park because of traffic and other infrastructure issues. If an IT park is developed in Purandar, these companies may prefer to move to a new location within the district. The proposed site is only 3-4km away from the proposed international airport. Once it is ready, the IT park will have good connectivity and can generate nearly one lakh jobs.“IT experts welcomed the decision and stressed on world-class infrastructure at Purandar IT park. Pavanjit Mane, the head of the state Forum for IT Employees, said, “While developing the infrastructureat the new site, the govt will have to outsmart the other states in competition with Maharashtra to attract IT companies. The govt should ensure that they rectify the mistakes they made while setting up the Hinjewadi IT park. Along with the industrial infrastructure, the govt will have to ensure civic amenities in and around the new IT park.”Experts stressed that instead of looking to shift some IT companies from the existing IT parks to the proposed one, the govt should try to attract new companies to Purandar IT park for more investment and job opportunities in the state.

AAP’s Kejriwal, Sisodia move Supreme Court after Delhi HC rejects plea to transfer excise policy case

NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal and senior party leader Manish Sisodia have approached the Supreme Court after the Chief Justice of the Delhi high court rejected their request to transfer the CBI’s plea against their discharge in the excise policy case from the bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma to another judge, the party said on Sunday.The development comes a day before the CBI’s petition challenging the discharge order is scheduled to come up for hearing before Justice Sharma.

Delhi HC Chief Justice declines transfer request

As per news agency PTI, Delhi high court Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya declined the request made by former chief minister Kejriwal and other accused to transfer the matter on the administrative side.According to sources cited by PTI, the Chief Justice took the view that Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma was hearing the CBI’s petition in line with the roster allocation, and that there was no reason to pass an order of transfer.Following that rejection, the AAP said Kejriwal and Sisodia have challenged the decision in the Supreme Court.

Why did Kejriwal seek transfer?

On March 11, Kejriwal, Sisodia and other accused in the excise policy case submitted a representation to the Delhi high court Chief Justice seeking transfer of the CBI’s plea from Justice Sharma to another “impartial” judge.Kejriwal said in his representation that he had a “grave, bona fide, and reasonable apprehension” that the hearing in the matter would not be impartial and neutral.The CBI has moved the Delhi high court against the order of the trial court that discharged Kejriwal and other accused in the excise policy case.

What happened in the high court?

While issuing notice to all 23 accused, including Kejriwal, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma had observed that certain findings and observations made by the trial court at the stage of framing of charges prima facie appeared erroneous and required consideration.That observation appears to have triggered the apprehension raised by the AAP leaders.Earlier, Kejriwal’s representation argued that the high court, at the very first short hearing on March 9, not only issued notice but also, ex parte and without hearing the discharged accused, recorded a prima facie view that the trial court’s detailed order was “erroneous”.Representation also objected to the high court staying the trial court’s directions and observations against the investigating officer, including proposed departmental action, without spelling out the specific perversity that justified such interim interference.According to the representation, such relief at the threshold stage and without hearing the discharged accused strengthened the apprehension that the revision plea may not be heard with the required judicial detachment.

Trial court had discharged Kejriwal, Sisodia and others

Arguments on charges in the excise policy case began in December 2025, and on February 27, the special CBI court passed a detailed order discharging Kejriwal, Sisodia, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and all other accused in the matter.Kejriwal had been arrested in June 2024 in connection with the case and chargesheeted in July 2024.The CBI’s petition challenging the discharge is now listed for hearing before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma on Monday.