President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed the escalating military situation in the region during a telephone conversation. During the call, Pezeshkian urged the international community and global organisations to investigate the root causes of the airstrikes on Iran that triggered the current conflict.Pezeshkian warned that failing to conduct such an inquiry could further undermine international security.According to Reuters, the Iranian president also emphasised that Tehran has no intention of attacking neighbouring countries or engaging in broader confrontation with states in the region.

Conflict widens across the regionThe latest diplomatic exchange comes amid an intensifying conflict that erupted after the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28 following stalled negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme.Iran subsequently retaliated with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US military assets in the region.On the first day of the strikes, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior military officials were killed. On March 8, the country’s assembly of experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s third supreme leader.Sharif, according to reports, also expressed condolences over the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and congratulated his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, on assuming leadership.Between March 1 and March 5, the confrontation spread across multiple parts of the Middle East, raising fears of a wider regional war.

Energy markets and shipping routes under pressureSince the war began, Iran has reported the death of 1,300 civilians within 11 days. Scores have also been killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon, while Iranian strikes on Israel have killed at least 11 people. Seven Americans have been killed and more than 140 injured since the conflict began. Meanwhile, Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said on Tuesday that US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran have destroyed nearly 10,000 civilian sites, including 65 schools and educational institutions and almost 8,000 homes since the war began on February 28.The hostilities have also put significant pressure on regional energy infrastructure and maritime trade routes.Heightened security tensions around the strategic Strait of Hormuz have driven a sharp rise in global oil prices, while several countries have advised their citizens to leave the region amid growing uncertainty.

As the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran enters its 13th day, escalating attacks have begun disrupting global commodity markets beyond oil and gas. Explosions and sirens across the region reflect a widening conflict that has rattled energy routes and trade flows.Since the war began on February 28 with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed sharply.

The narrow waterway normally carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas shipments, but many vessels are now avoiding the route because of security risks.The disruption is also spreading to other commodities essential to the global economy, including aluminium, fertilisers, ethanol and helium.

Aluminium

Aluminium prices jumped to their highest level in almost four years Monday after a halt to deliveries from major aluminium smelters in Qatar and Bahrain, forcing buyers to hunt for replacement metal from Asia.Producers in the Persian Gulf accounted for about 8% of the world’s supply of aluminium last year, according to the International Aluminum Institute.

Sulfur and urea

Sulfur, produced during oil and gas refining, is widely used in fertiliser production and industrial processes. Nearly half of the world’s sulfur supply is currently trapped on the Persian Gulf side of the Strait of Hormuz, according to CRU Group.About one-third of globally traded urea, normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz. It’s produced in the Middle East because natural gas is an essential feedstock for fertilizer. Urea prices have risen as much as 35% since the war began. Urea prices have surged by as much as 35% since the war began.

Ethanol and sugar

In Brazil, the world’s largest sugarcane producer, mills can use the crop to produce either sugar or ethanol fuel. When ethanol prices rise, mills tend to focus on more profitable fuel, and that may be about to happen again.With oil prices rising sharply due to the conflict, ethanol prices jumped around 10% on Monday, which could prompt producers to divert more cane toward fuel production in the upcoming harvest.

Helium

Helium production has also been affected after Iran struck Ras Laffan Industrial City, the natural gas hub in Qatar where the country’s helium facilities are located. QatarEnergy operates key LNG facilities there.Qatar produces roughly one-third of the world’s helium, making it the second-largest supplier after the United States. But production there has been disrupted since Iran struck the Ras Laffan Industrial City, the natural gas hub where the country’s helium facilities are. More than a quarter of the world’s helium supply could be cut off if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, Phil Kornbluth, president of Kornbluth Helium Consulting told CNBC.

Delays and rerouting: Cargo carrying Indian rice, Australian meat and Indonesian coffee has been delayed or forced to take alternative routes. Retailers such as Lulu Group have begun chartering cargo flights to transport fresh food.Food exports halted: Iran, the top supplier of fresh fruit and vegetables to the UAE, has banned exports of all food and agricultural products until further notice, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported last week.Meanwhile, the UAE’s Al Khaleej Sugar refinery says it holds enough sugar reserves to meet domestic and regional demand for up to two years.Rice shipments stuck: Around 400,000 tonnes of Indian basmati rice are stranded at ports or at sea due to vessel shortages.Logistics costs rising: Industry experts warn that higher logistics costs and supply-chain disruptions could eventually push up food prices if the conflict continues.

Dubai works to protect food supplies

Despite the disruption, authorities in the United Arab Emirates say essential supplies remain stable. The country imports around 80-90% of its food requirements due to limited arable land and water scarcity. For now, the UAE govt is keeping the shelves packed and has sought to reassure residents there are enough reserves to last for several months and is monitoring prices.An analysis by Altana, a New York-based supply-chain firm, showed that Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain together imported an estimated $10 billion in cereals, meat, and fresh produce. Nearly all of it arrives by sea, transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.

The legends are back under the lights! After a high-octane opener, the Legends League Cricket 2026 moves to the scenic Haldwani for a clash of titans. It’s the battle between the gritty Royal Riders Punjab, led by the explosive Thisara Perera, and the flair of the India Tigers, captained by the ‘Universe Boss’ himself, Chris Gayle.

With a blend of IPL veterans and international stalwarts, this isn’t just a nostalgia trip, it’s a points-table battle where every run counts toward the championship trophy.

Royal Riders Punjab have a heavy Sri Lankan influence with the likes of Seekkuge Prasanna and Angelo Perera, providing them with elite spin-bowling options and middle-order stability. The inclusion of Asghar Afghan adds much-needed experience in high-pressure finishes.

India Tigers look like a “Who’s Who” of T20 royalty. With Robin Uthappa and Tilakratne Dilshan likely to open or bat top three, they have perhaps the most aggressive top order in the tournament. Pawan Negi and Samit Patel offer incredible balance as genuine all-rounders.

Royal Riders Punjab vs India Tigers: Match Details

• Date and Time: March 12; 2:00 pm GMT/ 7:30 pm IST
• Venue: Indira Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Haldwani

Royal Riders Punjab vs India Tigers Head to Head Record

Royal Riders Punjab and India Tigers are set to face each other for the first time, with no previous head-to-head record between the two sides.

Indira Gandhi International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

The pitch at the Indira Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Haldwani is expected to offer a fairly even contest between bat and ball. Fast bowlers could enjoy some early assistance with the new ball, as the surface may provide a bit of movement and bounce during the opening stages of the innings. Once the batters get accustomed to the conditions, scoring should become easier. The reliable bounce is likely to help stroke-makers play their shots freely and settle into longer innings.

As the match moves forward, the nature of the surface could shift slightly, allowing spinners to play a more influential role. A hint of turn may develop, making batting more demanding in the latter part of the game. Overall, the conditions at the venue are expected to set the stage for a competitive contest, where both batters and bowlers can make a strong impact depending on how well they adjust to the changing pitch behaviour.

Squads

Royal Riders Punjab: Thisara Perera (c), Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishi Dhawan, Angelo Perera, Chaturanga De Silva, Trevon Griffith, Seekkuge Prasanna, Asghar Afghan, Mark Deyal, William Perkins, Anureet Singh, Farman Ahmed, Ayaan Khan, M.S Shahzad, Pawan Suyal, Sarul Kanwar, Aftab Alam, Samiullah Shinwari.

India Tigers: Chris Gayle (c), Robin Uthappa, Tilakratne Dilshan, Pawan Negi, Amitoze Singh, Akalanka Ganegama, Samit Patel, Shahbaz Nadeem, Ambati Rayudu, Jeevan Mendis, Milinda Siriwardana, Kuldeep Hooda, Thilan Thushara, Abhimanyu Mithun, Shadab Jakati, Abu Nechim, Kirk Edwards, Kamau Leverock, Sumit Singh, Amit Paunikar.

Also READ: Legends League Cricket (LLC) 2026 Squads: Players list and Captains of all six teams

Royal Riders Punjab vs India Tigers: Today’s match prediction

Case 1:

• Royal Riders Punjab wins the toss and bats first
• Royal Riders Punjab’s powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
• Royal Riders Punjab’s total score: 190-200

Case 2:

• India Tigers wins the toss and bats first
• India Tigers’ powerplay score: 40-50 (6 overs)
• India Tigers’ total score: 180-190

Match result: Royal Riders Punjab to win the contest.

Also READ: Legend League Cricket 2026 Schedule, Broadcast and Live Streaming details: When and where to watch in India, Australia & USA

Jasprit Bumrah (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah says delivering in the toughest moments is what gives him the greatest joy on a cricket field, after playing a decisive role in India’s historic triumph at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Bumrah reflected on the mindset that has driven his journey through the ranks — embracing the toughest challenges and stepping up when the team needs him most.“I always wanted to do a tough job. I’ve played cricket for that. I started cricket for that. When I’m able to make a difference, that gives me so much joy. No better feeling than that,” Bumrah said.

The right-arm quick produced a match-winning spell in the final against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, claiming four wickets to dismantle the opposition and earn the Player of the Match award as India cruised to a dominant 96-run victory.With the win, India scripted history by becoming the first side to win three T20 World Cup titles, the first to defend the trophy successfully, and the first to lift the crown on home soil.For Bumrah, the moment carried deeper emotional significance. The venue also reminded him of the heartbreak of the 2023 Cricket World Cup final in Ahmedabad, where India fell just short of the title.“The last time we just fell short, this time we went over it. Really happy,” he said.The 32-year-old also revealed how the presence of his family made the moment even more special.“My son came. He was there last time as well; this time, he was there. My mum came — really special. I don’t know about full circles, but really, really happy.”Bumrah finished the tournament as joint-highest wicket-taker with 14 scalps alongside mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy.“Back-to-back World Cups never really happen. Really grateful, God is really kind, and I couldn’t be more thankful,” Bumrah added.

After the Supreme Court dealt a major blow to US President Donald Trump by striking on his strong tariff tool, the administration has launched fresh investigations into what it calls “unfair trade policies” by 16 key trading partners, including major economies like India, China and Japan.The move comes just a month after Trump revised his trade approach with India after long-discussed interim trade agreement between New Delhi and Washington. The new investigations by US on 16 partners, appear aimed at restoring tariff pressure after the Supreme Court’s setback.The administration alleges the countries use policies that disadvantage American producers, with almost all of them running significant goods trade surpluses with the United States.However, Canada, US’ largest trading partner has no mention in the list of 16.

Section 301 probe may lead to new tariffs

The investigations are being conducted under “Section 301” of the Trade Act of 1974. The law allows the US trade representative to impose tariffs or other penalties on countries found to be using unfair trade practices.US Trade Representative Jameison Greer said on Wednesday that the Section 301 “unfair trade practices” investigation could result in new tariffs on countries including China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexico by the summer.

US trade official Greer said the administration was not “pre-judging the investigations” into alleged unfair trade practices.However, he made it clear that the government takes the issues seriously. “If we need to impose tariffs to help solve this we will,” Greer said.He added that there should be little surprise over the investigations, noting that “there is not a lot of controversy that these issues need to be addressed,” even among countries that have signed trade agreements with the United States.The probe could allow the United States to impose import taxes on goods from any of the countries found to have engaged in unfair trade practices.Greer said he hopes to complete the investigations before temporary tariffs introduced by Trump in late February expire in July.“The United States will no longer sacrifice its industrial base to other countries that may be exporting their problems with excess capacity and production to us,” Greer said in the announcement.

More countries under scrutiny

Other countries being investigated include Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Switzerland and Norway.Canada, the United States’ second-largest trading partner, was not listed among the countries being investigated.The action comes weeks after the Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed by Trump on several countries in April last year were unlawful.Following the ruling, Trump announced a new 10% global tariff, calling the decision “terrible” and criticising the justices who rejected his trade policy as “fools”.A day later furious Donald Trump revised the levy to 15% worldwide, but when the tariff came into effect the rate remained at 10%. Since then, Trump and senior officials have said the levy may eventually rise to 15%.

Trump administration seeks ‘credible tariff threat’

Officials say the new investigations could help the administration re-establish a “credible tariff threat” to keep trading partners engaged in negotiations. The strategy aims to enforce trade agreements that were originally designed to reduce the higher tariffs imposed earlier under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.Greer said the measures had long been expected and should not surprise international partners. He urged countries to follow their existing agreements, though he did not guarantee that doing so would protect them from new Section 301 tariffs.Emphasising the administration’s stance, Greer said Trump “will find a way to deal with unfair trading practices. He’ll find a way to get our trade deficit down. He’ll find a way to protect US manufacturing. We have a lot of tools to do it.”

Talks with China expected

The announcement also comes as senior US officials are set to meet their Chinese counterparts in Paris this weekend.Those talks are expected to help lay the groundwork for Trump to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing at the end of March.

Iran on Thursday allowed Indian-flagged vessels to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz, even as maritime traffic through the strategic waterway has slowed sharply following the US-Israel strikes on Iran, according to a report in The Economic Times.The move comes amid growing concerns over the safety of global energy supply routes that pass through the narrow strait linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. At the same time, vessels linked to the United States, Europe and Israel continue to face restrictions.Ensuring the safe navigation of tankers through the Strait of Hormuz figured prominently when external affairs minister S Jaishankar spoke with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi late Tuesday.

The conversation focused on the evolving situation in West Asia and marked their third interaction since the outbreak of the Iran war.Despite allowing Indian-flagged vessels to pass, Iran has warned that ships seeking to transit the Strait of Hormuz must obtain its approval, failing which they could be targeted.Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the naval arm of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said two ships that ignored Iran’s warnings were struck while attempting to cross the strait on Wednesday.“Were the ships assured of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz? This should be asked of the crews of the vessels Express Rome and Mayuree Naree, who today, trusting in empty promises, ignored the warnings and intended to cross the Strait but were caught,” Tangsiri said in a post on X.“Any vessel intending to pass must obtain permission from Iran,” he added.According to Iranian state media, Tehran has tightened control over maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz following the escalation of hostilities with the United States and Israel. Iranian officials have indicated that vessels not serving the interests of Washington or Tel Aviv would be able to transit the strait safely.The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. More than 20 million barrels of crude oil pass through the passage every day, accounting for roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption and nearly a quarter of seaborne oil trade. A significant portion of global liquefied natural gas shipments also moves through the same corridor.Any disruption to shipping through the strait can quickly ripple across global energy markets, affecting fuel prices, shipping routes and supply chains worldwide.Meanwhile, India’s shipping ministry said 28 Indian-flagged vessels are currently operating in the Persian Gulf region. Of these, 24 ships are located west of the Strait of Hormuz carrying 677 Indian seafarers, while four vessels are east of the strait with 101 Indian crew members onboard.Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored, with constant tracking of Indian ships and crew in the region.A 24-hour control room has been operational at the ministry and the Directorate General of Shipping since February 28 to monitor developments and coordinate assistance. Officials said shipping companies, recruitment agencies and Indian missions in the region are in regular contact to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers.Meanwhile, the US Department of Energy said it plans to release 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve starting next week, as oil markets react to volatility triggered by the conflict and fears of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.

Actress Hansika Motwani and businessman Sohael Khaturiya have officially ended their marriage after the Bandra Family Court in Mumbai granted them a divorce. The couple chose to separate through mutual consent after being married for nearly three years.Reports indicate that they had been living apart since July 2024, before formally ending their marriage. According to the legal filings, Hansika chose not to pursue alimony or streedhan from Sohael.

The court documents further revealed that differences in lifestyle, opinions, and temperament strained the relationship, resulting in frequent arguments. Despite attempts by family members and close friends to reconcile the couple, they ultimately decided that an amicable separation was the most suitable course of action for both parties.

Who is Sohael Khaturiya?

Sohael Khaturiya is a Mumbai-based businessman involved in multiple business sectors. He is associated with several companies and has also worked in event management.Over the years, he collaborated professionally with Hansika on various business projects. Before marrying the actress, Sohael was previously married to Rinky Bajaj in 2016. Their wedding later gained attention online when old videos resurfaced showing Hansika attending the celebrations as a friend.Sohael and Rinky eventually ended their marriage after several years.

From friends to partners

Hansika and Sohael initially shared a close friendship before their relationship turned romantic after a few years. Their professional association — working together on business ventures and events — brought them even closer.With time, their friendship blossomed into a relationship, and they began dating. After years of knowing the actress, Sohael proposed to Hansika in Paris near the Eiffel Tower. The engagement pictures shared by Hansika quickly went viral on social media.Inside Hansika Motwani’s Rs 37 crore net worth: Luxury cars and brand deals to film fees and business ventures

Hansika and Sohael’s grand wedding in Jaipur

Hansika and Sohael tied the knot on December 4, 2022, in a lavish destination wedding at Mundota Fort and Palace in Jaipur.The pre-wedding festivities began in Mumbai with a Mata Ki Chowki before the celebrations moved to Rajasthan. The wedding celebrations included a Sufi night, sangeet, cocktail party, and haldi ceremony ahead of the traditional Hindu wedding.For the wedding ceremony, Hansika wore a red bridal lehenga, while Sohael opted for a cream sherwani. Their fairytale wedding attracted significant attention on social media, with friends, family, and fans sharing photos and videos from the celebrations.