Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in strikes on Sunday, an event that sent shockwaves far beyond West Asia. The echoes were heard in India as well, with sections of the Shia community and clerics condemning the death.In Jammu and Kashmir, home to a sizeable Shia population, demonstrations took place in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk and Saida Kadal, as well as in Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama. Protesters marched through the streets, beating their chests and raising slogans, while political and religious leaders appealed for calm.

In Lucknow, crowds gathered near the Bara Imambara mosque, holding posters and observing mourning rituals. Protests were also reported in Ludhiana in Punjab, Ajmer and Jodhpur in Rajasthan, and parts of New Delhi, Bihar, Jharkhand and Telangana, where demonstrators voiced anger over the strikes. In contrast, Alipur village in Karnataka’s Chikkaballapur district, which Khamenei had visited in the 1980s, observed a voluntary shutdown, with residents announcing a three-day mourning period and suspending public events.Follow live updates on US-Israel strikes on IranWhile Khamenei was born in Mashhad and rose to power in post-revolution Iran, his life and lineage intersected with India in multiple ways, from ancestral ties in Uttar Pradesh to visits to Kashmir and Karnataka in the early years after Iran’s 1979 revolution.

Khamenei’s Kintoor connection

Though Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has no direct Indian ancestry, the clerical lineage behind Iran’s 1979 revolution traces back to Kintoor, a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district, about 70 kilometres from Lucknow. The village is linked to Syed Ahmad Musavi Hindi, the grandfather of Ruhollah Khamenei, who was born there in the early 19th century before migrating to Najaf and later settling in Khomeyn, Iran. Kintoor, once a centre of Shia scholarship in the former kingdom of Oudh, now has only a handful of Shia families. The Musavi family had originally moved from Nishapur in Iran to India in the early 18th century, settling in Kintoor. Syed Ahmad’s return to Iran around 1830 reconnected the family to its Persian roots and laid the foundation for the Khamenei lineage that would later lead the Islamic Revolution.

Khamenei’s Kashmir visit

Khamenei also shared a notable connection with Kashmir, stemming from a visit in late 1980 or early 1981. In his memoir, activist Qalbi Hussain Rizvi Kashmiri wrote that the most defining moment of that trip was Khamenei’s participation in Sunni Friday prayers in Srinagar. He stood alongside Mirwaiz Maulawi Farouq at a prominent Sunni mosque and delivered a brief address — an unprecedented gesture at a time when sectarian divisions between Shias and Sunnis in the Valley ran deep.Rizvi described how, historically, mistrust between the two communities had been so intense that members of one sect would avoid entering the other’s mosques, and social barriers were rigidly observed. Against that backdrop, Khamenei’s appearance and speech carried symbolic weight far beyond its duration. According to Rizvi, the gesture helped soften long-standing hostilities and opened space for greater religious interaction. In the months and years that followed, he recalls, it became more common for Shias and Sunnis to pray in each other’s mosques and participate more freely in shared religious spaces — a rare period of inter-sect accommodation that he attributes in large part to the impact of that visit.J&K CM Omar Abdullah expressed concern over Khamenei’s killing. He said that those mourning his death should be allowed to do so in peace and urged the Union territory’s administration to “exercise utmost restraint and refrain from using force or restrictive measures”.“I’m deeply concerned about the unfolding developments in Iran, including the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. I appeal to all communities to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest. We must also ensure that those who are mourning in Jammu and Kashmir are allowed to grieve peacefully. The police and administration should exercise utmost restraint and refrain from using force or restrictive measures,” he said in a post on X.J&K PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti condemned Khamenei’s death terming it a “shameful point in history”.“Today marks a deeply tragic & shameful point in history with Israel & USA boasting about the killing of Iran’s beloved leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. What’s more disgraceful & shocking is the explicit & implicit support given by Muslim countries who chose convenience & expedience over conscience. History will stand testaments to who fought for justice & who helped the oppressors. Prayers with the people of Iran. May Allah grant them strength & victory over forces of tyranny & injustice,” she said.

Khamenei’s Karnataka connection

Khamenei also had a little-known connection to Karnataka through Alipur, a Muslim-majority village in Gauribidanur taluk of Chikkaballapur district where Shias make up nearly the entire population.In 1981-82, Khamenei visited Alipur to inaugurate a hospital constructed with assistance from the Iranian government, a moment that cemented the enduring link between the small south Indian village and Iran’s clerical establishment. The village has long maintained spiritual, cultural and educational ties with Iran, with several institutions set up with support from Iranian agencies.

Here are the top 5 news updates for today:

IDF issues statement after striking Khamenei

The Israeli Defence Forces confirmed that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a precise airstrike on his leadership compound in Tehran, describing him as the architect of anti-Israel operations and regional militancy. Iran acknowledged his death following US-Israeli strikes, after President Trump’s announcement. Authorities said the president, judiciary chief, and a Guardian Council jurist would manage the transition, though succession details remain unclear.

Read the full story

Alireza Arafi becomes the interim Supreme Leader of Iran

Following Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death in US–Israeli airstrikes, Iran named Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as interim Supreme Leader. A senior cleric with deep ties to Iran’s religious and political institutions, Arafi previously served in key roles including the Guardian Council. His appointment ensures continuity within the clerical establishment as Iran navigates regional tensions, internal uncertainty, and a formal succession process.Read the full story

Shooting outside Aligarh college leaves 1 dead, 1 injured after Holi Milan function

A 28-year-old factory worker was killed and a 25-year-old BA student injured when two men allegedly opened fire near Shri Varshney Mahavidyalaya in Aligarh after a Holi event. Police booked the accused for murder and attempt to murder. Investigators suspect the attack stemmed from a ragging dispute and prior rivalry, as the victims and accused reportedly knew each other.Read the full story

Mob storms US Consulate in Pakistan after Khamenei’s death; 9 killed

At least nine protesters died and 36 were injured after a mob attacked the US consulate in Karachi following Iran’s confirmation that Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in joint US-Israel strikes. Police used force to disperse crowds as unrest spread. Iran retaliated with missile attacks on Israeli and Gulf targets, vowed revenge, and declared national mourning, while President Trump warned Tehran against further escalation.Read the full story

West Indies to falter; India set to storm into semifinal

Ahead of the virtual Super 8 knockout between India and the West Indies, astrologer Greenstone Lobo predicted an Indian victory, citing favourable planetary patterns. With both teams tied on points and a semifinal spot at stake, India’s poor net run rate adds pressure. Lobo suggested squad changes, including Sanju Samson, could boost India’s chances in the high-stakes Eden Gardens clash.Read the full story

OPEC+ on Sunday announced a higher-than-expected increase in oil production quotas, days after US and Israeli strikes on Tehran triggered Iranian retaliation across the Middle East, according to AFP.The oil producers’ group, which includes Saudi Arabia, Russia and several Gulf states affected by the escalation, said it had “agreed on a production adjustment of 206 thousand barrels per day”.“This adjustment will be implemented in April,” OPEC+ said in a statement.While the cartel did not directly refer to the Iran conflict, it cited “a steady global economic outlook and current healthy market fundamentals” as the rationale behind the output increase.The move comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, a region critical to global crude oil supply.

The announcement did not directly reference the outbreak of the Iran conflict, instead attributing the decision to “a steady global economic outlook and current healthy market fundamentals”.Before the meeting, analysts had projected a more modest increase of 137,000 barrels per day.However, Jorge Leon, an analyst at Rystad Energy, cautioned that the agreed hike may not be sufficient to offset the potential impact of escalating tensions on crude oil markets.Leon highlighted the risk of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which nearly a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil supplies transit.Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have reportedly contacted vessels to declare the strait closed. Iranian state television on Sunday said an oil tanker attempting to “illegally” pass through the strait was struck and was sinking, broadcasting footage of a burning tanker at sea.“If oil cannot move through Hormuz, an extra 206,000 barrels per day does very little to ease the market,” Leon said, adding that “logistics and transit risk matter more than production targets right now”.He said the OPEC+ move “is unlikely to calm markets”, noting that “prices will respond to developments in the Gulf and the status of shipping flows, not to a relatively small increase in output.”Apart from Russia and Saudi Arabia, the V8 group includes Kuwait, Oman, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates — all of which were targeted by Iranian attacks for a second consecutive day on Sunday. Algeria and Kazakhstan are also part of the group.

Australia Women delivered a commanding performance in the third ODI of the series, thrashing India Women by 185 runs at Bellerive Oval. After India opted to bowl first, the hosts produced a batting masterclass, piling up a massive 409/7 in 50 overs before bowling India out for 224 in 45.1 overs. With this emphatic win, Australia completed a 3-0 clean sweep in the ODI leg of the tour.

Alyssa Healy’s dazzling ton powers Australia to massive total

The foundation of Australia’s mammoth total was laid by skipper Alyssa Healy, who played one of the finest knocks of her ODI career. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 158 off just 98 deliveries, peppering the ground with 27 boundaries and two sixes. Healy was aggressive from the outset, dismantling India’s pace attack and putting the bowlers under relentless pressure.

She received solid support from Georgia Voll, who scored a fluent 62 off 52 balls, and Beth Mooney, who struck a classy 106 off 84 deliveries. Mooney’s innings, laced with 10 fours and a six, ensured that the scoring rate never dipped. Late cameos from Nicola Carey (34 off 15) and Annabel Sutherland (23 off 20) provided the finishing touches as Australia crossed the 400-run mark with ease.

For India, it was a tough outing with the ball. Shree Charani (2/106) and Sneh Rana (2/66) picked up two wickets each, while Renuka Thakur, Kashvee Gautam and Deepti Sharma managed one apiece. However, none of the bowlers were able to stem the flow of runs on a batting-friendly surface.

Also WATCH: Mitchell Starc cheers as Alyssa Healy signs off with an ODI century against India

Alana King’s four-wicket burst dismantles India

Chasing a daunting 410, India’s innings never truly gained momentum. Smriti Mandhana fell early for a duck, putting immediate pressure on the visitors. Pratika Rawal (27 off 21) and Jemimah Rodrigues (42 off 29) counterattacked briefly, playing some attractive strokes to keep India in the contest during the powerplay.

However, once the spinners were introduced, the chase unraveled quickly. Alana King was the chief destroyer, finishing with impressive figures of 4/33 in her 10 overs. Her disciplined line and sharp turn troubled the Indian middle order, removing key batters including Harmanpreet Kaur and Deept.

Rana showed resilience with a fighting 44 off 74 balls, while Deepti added 29, but the required run rate kept climbing steeply. Georgia Wareham struck twice in quick succession to wrap up the tail, as India were bowled out for 224, falling well short of the target.

With victories by 6 wickets in the first ODI, 5 wickets in the second, and now a dominant 185-run triumph in the third, Australia asserted their dominance throughout the series. The hosts were clinical in all departments — batting depth, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding — leaving India searching for answers ahead of the red-ball clash. Healy was deservedly named Player of the Match for her explosive 158, which set up the one-sided contest.

Australia win the ODI series 3-0 🥇#AUSvIND #AustraliaCricketTeam pic.twitter.com/QoQXL0Wl4C

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) March 1, 2026

Also READ: AUS-W vs IND-W: Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney tons power Australia past 400-run mark in 3rd ODI

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Iranian women’s national football team captain Zahra Ghanbari reacts during a press conference ahead of their game against South Korea on Monday at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP)

Football authorities have extended support to Iran’s women’s team competing in Australia at the Women’s Asian Cup after military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran.Iran’s 26-member squad reached the Gold Coast days before the attacks on Saturday, which killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Washington and Tel Aviv seek to topple the Islamic Republic. The team is scheduled to begin its campaign against South Korea on Monday.The Asian Football Confederation said it is monitoring developments.The AFC said in a statement it “continues to closely monitor the recent developments in the Middle East during this challenging period”.“The AFC’s foremost priority remains the welfare, safety and security of all players, coaches, officials and fans,” it added.“In this regard, we are in close and regular contact with the Iran women’s national team and officials on the Gold Coast and are offering our full support and assistance.”Head coach Marziyeh Jafari addressed the media on Sunday ahead of the opener but focused on football. She said the tournament gives her players an opportunity to highlight their ability.“After the league season in Iran, we came together for three training camps, before coming to Australia where we have had a few fruitful sessions, so I hope tomorrow we can show you a good match,” she said.The 12-team competition begins Sunday and will be among the biggest stages for several players in the Iranian squad.Iran made its first appearance at the previous Asian Cup in India in 2022. The team lost to China and Taiwan but received recognition at home in a country where women’s rights are restricted.“In India in 2022, the group was a little easier. Now in 2026 we enter with more experience but the group is more tough,” Jafari said, referring to a pool that also features hosts Australia and the Philippines.“But we (still) want to show in these games the potential of Iranian women.”Iran qualified for the tournament after progressing through the qualifiers, sealing back-to-back appearances with a win over Jordan.Captain Zahra Ghanbari said the team has clear targets.“I believe this tournament is great with great teams, but we really want to qualify for the World Cup,” said the 33-year-old.“We know these will be tough games, but we have a tough mentality and we want to do our best.”The top six teams in the tournament will secure places at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

Raising a child in today’s economy isn’t just about love, care, and dreams. It’s more about smart planning and careful budgeting. Even before the baby is born, mamma and papa are already thinking ahead, carefully categorizing their everyday savings to secure their child’s future.As the cost of raising babies into full fledged adults continues to climb, many couples are hitting a pause button on parenthood and embracing the DINK — Double Income, No Kids — lifestyle. Once viewed largely as a Western trend, the DINK concept has now entered everyday vocabulary and is gaining ground in India, with a growing number of couples choosing to remain child-free.

Driving this shift is a mix of financial realities, emotional considerations and environmental concerns that is steadily reshaping how modern couples approach the idea of parenthood.

Why are so many couples choosing not to have children?

A world too harsh For many, the decision not to have children is shaped by the harsh realities of the world. “The air is terrible and life already feels quite demanding,” Nimish Rastogi, an entrepreneur, told TOI. A video journalist working in Delhi raised similar concerns and said, “resources are depleting, everything is only going to get costlier, and institutions are in decline. For months in Delhi-NCR, we can’t even breathe because of pollution, and the rest of the year, we’re dying from the heat. How do you raise a child in a world like this?”Balancing kid and work — Herculean job!For many working couples, raising a child can feel like an almost impossible balancing act. “Juggling work, home and a child can be taxing, and realistically you need a certain level of financial comfort to afford the kind of support that lets you enjoy everything without compromising too much on your own interests and lifestyle,” Nimish said. Anurag Kumar, assistant editor, added that the decision is also influenced by daily time and work pressure as “managing day-to-day work while keeping the household running is already demanding.”

Family plays a roleFor many, raising a child without strong family support feels overwhelming. “Unless there is strong support from family, raising a child on your own can feel almost impossible to balance,” Anurag said. Others find the idea of constant oversight intrusive. “Having a whole proverbial village breathing down my neck is not good for my mental health,” explained the video journalist, who did not wish to be named, that the concept clashes with the life they currently have.Personal preferencesFor many couples, maintaining personal freedom and lifestyle balance plays a key role in the decision to remain child-free. “We genuinely like having our freedom…right now, this kind of lifestyle feels fulfilling and balanced for us,” Nimish added. Anurag summed it up, saying, “The choice to have a child ultimately depends on the couple, their vision for life, where they stand at present, and how they see their future unfolding.”Education — a costly affairFor many, the decision not to have children is increasingly driven by practical considerations, citing the rising costs of childcare, schooling, healthcare, and housing becoming hard to ignore. “I went to a Catholic convent school for my schooling and my quarterly tuition fees was Rs 1800. Quarterly! What do you get for Rs 1800 today?” the video journalist told TOI. “In a volatile economy, anything can happen. I lost my job during COVID-19 for four months. Imagine if I had a child in school then — it would have been even harder,” she further added, throwing light on how unpredictable costs and economic uncertainty make the decision to have children a major financial consideration.Nimish added, “Education is so expensive now, healthcare costs are rising, and even basic things like good schools, extracurricular activities, childcare and daily expenses add up quickly.” For some, however, finances are only part of the equation. As Anurag said, “Finances are definitely a factor, but not the decisive one.”

How much does it actually cost to raise a child?

Raising a child from conception until the age of 21 costs an estimated Rs 74.3 lakh — and that’s without factoring in inflation.Rohit Saran explains in his book ‘100 Ways to See India: Stats, Stories, and Surprises’ that the total expense rises to approximately Rs 1.16 crore when adjusted for a 3% annual inflation rate. At a 6% inflation rate, the figure climbs even higher, reaching nearly Rs 1.83 crore. Couples today often find themselves stuck between two equally important dreams. Imagine you’ve finally saved up Rs 25–30 lakh for the down payment on a bigger 3BHK in a better neighbourhood, closer to work, with more space and security. But at the same time, you know that sending your child abroad for a master’s degree could easily cost Rs 40–60 lakh.So the question becomes real: do you upgrade your living standard now, or park that money in a fund that might one day pay for tuition fees in London or New York? For many families, these aren’t hypothetical situations — they’re monthly conversations at the dining table. A government official shared, “I’ve started a Voluntary Provident Fund for my daughter so that over the years, enough money will build up for her higher studies, learning new skills, or even starting her own business. I want her to have the freedom to chase her dreams without financial limits.” These decisions aren’t just about lump sums, they trickle down into everyday spending, shaping how families allocate resources across different categories. From education and housing to entertainment, clothing, food, transportation, and healthcare, every rupee is carefully planned to balance current needs with long-term goals.

Raising a child goes beyond planned savings, their needs often reshape how families earn, spend, and prioritize money. Vacations, lifestyle upgrades, and even retirement plans are adjusted to give children the best opportunities. As a parent shared, “Sacrifice is part of being a parent. When you know your child needs a high-end laptop to study comfortably, you don’t dwell on your slow phone or the winter vacation you had planned, it’s not even a question.” Meanwhile, Swasti Choudhary, mother of a 2 year old, explained, “having both parents earning definitely makes a big difference. When I found out I was pregnant, my husband and I created a full budget plan. With both of us earning, the risk from sudden financial emergencies is much lower. That said, it comes with challenges. We constantly ensure that both of us are present for our son. Leaving our jobs isn’t an option — it would be a major setback for the family.”

Spending on kids — A bigger picture

EducationEducation alone accounts for more than half of the total cost of raising a child. At least 59% of overall childcare expenses are directed towards education. Think about it — school admissions, annual fees, uniforms, books, private coaching…year after year, these costs quietly add up, keeping parents on their toes and always planning the next step. And careful planning doesn’t end the moment their kids graduate — it continues with competitive exams, skill-building classes, technology needs, and even the possibility of studying abroad. Of all the expenses parents manage, education consistently emerges as the largest and most demanding category.HousingAbout 10% of child-rearing expenses go towards housing, as many parents upgrade to larger homes in safer, better-connected neighbourhoods. A government officer shared that he moved to a bigger flat before his daughter was born to ensure a child-friendly environment. “Moreover, since my job requires frequent transfers, I’m planning to settle my family near the NCR so she has access to all the major educational institutions and can choose freely. It will be expensive, yes, but it’s a financially sustainable decision that will benefit in the long run,” he further added.Entertainment Nearly 9% of the total child-rearing cost goes towards entertainment — and this share tends to rise sharply during the teenage years. What begins as spending on toys and birthday parties in early childhood gradually shifts to bigger expenses like smartphones, laptops, hobby classes, sports coaching, movie outings, and holidays with friends. For instance, a simple 16th birthday celebration at a cafe, combined with gifts and decorations, can easily cost Rs 25,000–40,000. Add in a new phone for school and social use, music or dance classes, and a yearly trip with friends, and entertainment quickly turns into a regular and often overlooked expense.ClothingClothing alone accounts for around 6% of the total cost of raising a child, reflecting the need to regularly replace everyday wear, school uniforms, shoes, and seasonal outfits as children grow.

Education: the biggest slice of family expenses

According to the CMS Education Survey, part of the 80th round of the National Sample Survey (NSS) 2025, households across India are spending significantly on school education. Government vs private schooling: A sharp cost divideGovernment schools still enroll most students in India — 55.9% nationwide, 66% in rural areas, and 30% in cities. But the cost of education varies widely. Households spent an average of Rs 2,863 per student on school education in government schools, while spending in non-government schools cost nine times more, at Rs 25,002. Course fees are the biggest expense, with urban families paying Rs 15,143 and rural families Rs 3,979 on average. Textbooks, stationery, uniforms, and transport add further costs, showing that “free” education often still comes with a price.Coaching and tuition cultureBeyond school fees, private coaching and tuition are emerging as parallel expenses. Nearly 27% of students nationwide are enrolled in private coaching — 30.7% in urban areas and 25.5% in rural regions.Urban families spend an average of Rs 3,988 annually on coaching per student, compared to Rs 1,793 in rural areas. At the higher secondary level, the gap widens sharply — Rs 9,950 in urban India versus Rs 4,548 in rural areas. Nationally, coaching costs rise with grade levels, from Rs 525 at pre-primary to Rs 6,384 at higher secondary.Study abroadAccording to a report by HSBC titled Quality of Life Report 2024, 90% of affluent Indian parents intend to fund their child’s overseas education. However, the cost of a three- or four-year international degree in destinations like the US or UK could consume up to 64% of parents’ retirement savings .The report also notes that 40% of parents expect their children to take student loans, 51% hope for scholarships and 27% would consider selling assets to fund overseas studies .

Fur babies over babies: A growing DINK trend

As more couples rethink what a “perfect” family means to them, many are opting for pets instead of children. For these couples, the choice is both practical and personal — offering companionship without the financial and lifestyle pressures that come with raising a child.With the rising costs of raising children, pets, particularly dogs, are increasingly viewed as a more manageable and predictable responsibility. “Once you get a dog and it’s healthy, you have a fairly fixed cost for its lifetime. Sure, you buy toys or treats, but that’s it. A child? The costs just keep growing. It never stops. Everything is so expensive!” the video journalist told TOI.While more couples are embracing the DINK lifestyle, broader social expectations still lean toward parenthood. Anurag said, “Most of my married friends are planning or already having children. I’m the only one who chose to have a dog instead.”“Among our friends, some have children, but I’ve noticed a growing number of couples choosing pets or delaying plans for kids. People are thinking more consciously about the life they want rather than just following the traditional path,” Nimish added, further sharing the flexibility that pets offer over having kids. “We genuinely value our freedom. We love travelling, making spontaneous plans, and spending time with friends and our dogs, who are basically our babies. For us, this lifestyle feels fulfilling and balanced right now.”

Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenues continued to show steady expansion in February, with collections reaching Rs 1.83 lakh crore, reflecting resilient economic activity and improved compliance as the financial year nears completion, according to official data released by government.The latest figures take total gross GST collections for FY26 (till February 28) to Rs 20.27 lakh crore, marking an 8.3% year-on-year increase.Refunds during February stood at Rs 22,595 crore, up 10.2% YoY, resulting in net GST revenue of Rs 1.61 lakh crore for the month. Net cess revenue declined to Rs 5,063 crore compared with Rs 13,481 crore in February last year.Gross Domestic Revenue rose 5.3% to Rs 1.36 lakh crore, while Gross Import Revenue increased 17.2% to Rs 47,837 crore, indicating stronger tax collections linked to trade activity.MS Mani, Partner at Deloitte India, said the data reflects improving consumption trends supported by broader macroeconomic strength. “The consumption increase that has led to an 8% plus increase in the monthly and annual collections is also supported by the strong GDP data and other macroeconomic indicators published recently,” Mani said.He added that while collections were earlier approaching the Rs 2 trillion monthly mark, rate rationalisation has moderated the pace and “it will take some more time for the Rs 2 trillion mark to emerge.”State-wise, Maharashtra contributed the highest pre-settlement GST revenue at Rs 10,286 crore, followed by Karnataka and Gujarat.States showing positive post-settlement SGST growth included Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, among others. Negative growth was recorded in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir.Commenting on regional trends, Mani said, “The negative growth reported by major states such as Tamil Nadu ( -6%) , MP (-8%) , Rajasthan (-1%) , and the single digit growth below the national average of 8% reported by WB (1%) Haryana(2%) , UP(5%) , Maharashtra (6%) would be a matter of concern for the states and the policy makers.”Manoj Mishra, Partner and Tax Controversy Management Leader at Grant Thornton Bharat, said the collections signal stable fiscal momentum. “February’s gross GST collections at INR 1.83 lakh crore, marking an 8.1% year-on-year increase, reaffirm the steady fiscal momentum as we approach the close of FY26,” he said, adding that revenues are holding firm even on a high base.He noted that domestic revenues grew moderately while import-linked IGST showed stronger expansion, reflecting trade activity and improved compliance. “Equally important is the 10.2% rise in refunds, with net revenues still posting a healthy 7.9% increase. This indicates a maturing GST architecture that is balancing revenue strength with timely liquidity flows to businesses,” Mishra said.Abhishek Jain, Partner and Indirect Tax Head at KPMG, said, “An 8.1% rise in monthly GST collections post GST 2.0 rate rationalisation signals steady economic momentum and improved compliance. The growth reflects a combination of resilient consumption supported by GST rate rationalisation, formalisation of businesses, and better enforcement through technology-driven monitoring.”

Representative image (Picture credit: ANI)

An oil tanker was attacked off the coast of Oman in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, injuring four crew members and forcing a full evacuation, as tensions continue to escalate after US–Israel strikes on Iran.Oman’s Maritime Security Centre said the Palau-flagged tanker Skylight was targeted about five nautical miles north of Khasab Port in Musandam Governorate.

All 20 crew members, 15 Indian nationals and five Iranian nationals, were evacuated safely. Preliminary information indicates that at least four sustained injuries and were transferred for medical treatment, according to Gulf News.Omani authorities also confirmed that the port of Duqm was targeted in a drone attack.

Strait effectively shut after IRGC warning

The attack came a day after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared via radio transmissions that the Strait of Hormuz was closed to international navigation.While Tehran has not formally announced a full blockade, Reuters reported that multiple vessels in the area received VHF warnings stating that “no ship is allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz”.The British Navy said such orders were not legally binding but advised caution. An EU naval mission official told Reuters that disruptions were building rapidly, although traffic had not completely stopped.The strait, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, carries roughly 20% of global oil supply and large volumes of LNG, particularly from Qatar. It is considered one of the world’s most critical maritime choke points.

Ships halted, insurers withdraw cover

Several tanker owners and oil majors have suspended crude and LNG shipments through the route. Satellite images showed vessels backing up near Fujairah in the UAE. German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd said it was suspending transit through Hormuz, while French group CMA CGM instructed ships to seek shelter.Consultancy Kpler noted that at least 14 LNG tankers had slowed, stopped or turned around. Specific vessels, including the KHK Empress and India-flagged Desh Abhimaan, reportedly reversed course, as per Euronews.Marine insurers have halted coverage for voyages in the area, leaving operators exposed to major risk premiums.

Regional ripple effects

According to news agency ANI, three Pakistan National Shipping Corporation vessels, Karachi, Lahore and Khairpur, were stopped by Iran from entering Hormuz. Two were held at Fujairah port in the UAE, while one anchored at Gwadar in Pakistan.The disruption follows joint US–Israeli strikes that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering missile retaliation across the region.Oil markets reopened Sunday evening amid speculation that Brent crude could touch $100 per barrel, levels last seen after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Barclays analysts warned that a prolonged halt could block up to 20 million barrels per day, around 20% of global supply.With traffic stalled and tensions high, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile, and further escalation could have severe consequences for global energy markets.