Russia is prepared to redirect crude shipments to India to offset supply disruptions caused by escalating conflict in the Middle East, Reuters reported, citing sources. Nearly 9.5 million barrels of Russian oil are now positioned near Indian waters and able to arrive within weeks.The emergency supply push comes as the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz — through which some 40% of India’s crude imports transit — threatens to choke the country’s energy security following Iranian strikes on vessels in retaliation for recent US and Israeli attacks on targets inside Iran.

The report citing confirmation from a government official said that New Delhi is urgently scouting for alternative oil supplies to cover at least the next 10–15 days, anticipating further turbulence in the region.India, the world’s third‑largest crude consumer, maintains only modest reserves, with national stocks covering roughly 25 days of demand, and similarly shortfalls in refined fuel inventories.Reuters, citing an industry insider with direct knowledge of the matter, reported that Russia has indicated readiness to meet up to 40% of India’s crude requirement if Middle Eastern flows remain constrained. The person declined to specify the original destination of the diverted tanker fleet but noted that the cargoes can be discharged at Indian ports within weeks, offering refiners short-term relief.India’s state and private refiners together process around 5.6 million barrels of crude per day and are in regular touch with traders marketing Russian barrels. However, any fresh increase in Russian intake would depend on government direction, given that trade discussions with Washington remain sensitive.Russia’s oil supply to IndiaRussian crude’s share of India’s imports had dropped to about 1.1 million barrels per day in January, the lowest since November 2022, as New Delhi sought to ease friction with the United States over sanctions exposure.By February, volumes had rebounded to around 30% of total imports, according to market data.US President Donald Trump last month announced a suspension of punitive tariffs on Indian imports after claiming that New Delhi had agreed to “stop buying Russian oil” — a position India has denied. Officials insist the country’s energy strategy remains driven by diversification and prevailing market conditions rather than geopolitics.India’s foreign ministry, oil ministry and the Russian embassy in New Delhi did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Indian sources said that, even days before tensions escalated into direct hostilities with Iran, no advisory had been issued instructing companies to avoid Russian crude.

At least 85 Iranian sailors were killed after a US submarine torpedoed an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, with the Pentagon releasing footage of the moment the vessel was struck and sank.The ship, identified as the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, went down early Wednesday after being hit by a torpedo fired from a US submarine. The strike comes amid the escalating US-Israel military campaign against Iran.

America Hit Hard: $2 BN Wiped Out As U.S. Loses Jets, Radars, Sat Equipment Amid Iran War

“An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters. Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo,” US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters. The Pentagon described the strike as part of its broader effort in the ongoing war against Iran and said it demonstrated Washington’s military reach across global waters.Hegseth called the attack “quiet death” and the first US sinking of an enemy ship by torpedo since World War II.“Like in that war,” he said, “we are fighting to win.”Sri Lankan authorities said 32 sailors from the Iranian frigate were rescued after the vessel issued a distress call at dawn. However, officials said 148 other crew members remain missing and hopes of finding survivors are fading.Sri Lanka’s foreign minister Vijitha Herath told parliament that rescue vessels reached the site about 40 kilometres south of the southern port of Galle less than an hour after the distress call was received.By the time rescuers arrived, the frigate had already sunk, leaving only an oil patch on the water’s surface.“We are keeping up a search, but we don’t know yet what happened to the rest of the crew,” a Sri Lankan defense official told AFP.Sri Lankan navy spokesman Buddhika Sampath said the navy responded as part of its maritime obligations.“We responded to the distress call under our international obligations, as this is within our search and rescue area in the Indian Ocean,” Sampath told AFP.He added that bodies had already been recovered from the site of the sinking.“We have found a few bodies from the area where the ship had gone down,” Sampath.Sri Lankan police later said that 87 bodies of Iranian sailors had been recovered as search operations continued in the waters off the southern coast.Authorities said the rescued sailors were taken to a hospital in southern Sri Lanka while naval vessels and aircraft continued searching the area.The frigate had earlier taken part in a military exercise near India’s Visakhapatnam before moving through the Indian Ocean, according to officials.Sri Lanka has maintained a neutral stance in the widening conflict and has repeatedly called for dialogue to resolve the Middle East crisis.

The “VIROSH” era officially kickstarted with a magnificent and dreamy Udaipur wedding on March 26, 2026. It will be followed by a reception for political dignitaries, industry peers and friends today, March 4, 2026. While the internet is currently flooded with “Shiv-Parvati” coded pictures of the newlyweds, a resurfaced interview has resurfaced. In the candid throwback, Rashmika reveals a deeply maternal and protective side, confessing that even before marriage, she felt a fierce “warrior” instinct for her future children.

‘I’d go to war for them’: Rashmika Mandanna’s fierce maternal instinct

Long before the intimate rituals at ITC Mementos, Rashmika Mandanna opened up about her emotional connection to the idea of motherhood. Despite not being a parent yet, the actor described a visceral sense of responsibility toward her future children, in an old interview with Gulte.

“I’m not even a mother, but I already feel… I know I’m going to have kids, and I love that that’s going to happen. But I already feel something so strongly for these little humans that are not even born yet,” Mandanna shared.The ‘Animal’ actress emphasized that her fitness and career drive are partly fueled by this future role. She noted that she wants to be “fit enough to go to war” to protect her children, highlighting a protective side that fans are now finding even more touching following her union with Vijay.Mandanna shared, ““I want to do everything for them. I want to keep them so safe, so protected. And if I’m supposed to get into a war, I need to be fit enough to go to war for them. I’m already thinking about that.”

Rashmika Mandanna on stability and financial independence

The ‘Geetha Govindam’ actress has always been vocal about her “work-hard-now” philosophy. In the same conversation, she detailed her roadmap for life, explaining that her 20s and 30s were strictly reserved for building a stable foundation.Mandanna revealed, “I always knew that I would just put my head down and keep working in my 20s and 30s.We need to make a living; we need to have our own money. I knew that 30 to 40 was always going to be about work-life balance, and I have to ensure that it happens. And 40 onwards, I still haven’t thought that far.”

More about Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda‘s pre-wedding festivities

The couple didn’t just celebrate with a grand “Virosh Premier League” (VPL) and a Japanese-themed dinner; they have also made headlines for their post-wedding philanthropy. Following their Grihapravesham in Vijay’s ancestral village of Thummanpeta, Telangana on March 2, the couple announced the Deverakonda Charitable Trust scholarships. This initiative will support Class 9 and 10 students across 44 government schools in the Achampet division.

Rashmika Mandanna on the work front

On the work front, Rashmika Mandanna will be seen in ‘Cocktail 2’ with Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. She will also be seen in the period drama, ‘Ranabaali’ opposite Vijay Deverakonda.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed it has executed seven Pakistani military personnel who were taken captive during “Operation Herof II” last month, ANI reported, citing The Balochistan Post (TBP).The BLA, an insurgent group that frequently attacks the Pakistani military to push for Balochistan’s independence from Pakistan, had captured 17 soldiers on February 14, releasing 10 of them because they were ethnic Baloch.The group had suggested a prisoner swap with Islamabad in exchange for the remaining captives. The deadline was later extended to 14 days on “humanitarian grounds.”Also Read | ‘How can army ignore us?’: BLA releases video of captured Pakistan soldiers pleading for helpIn a statement on Tuesday, the BLA said the seven individuals were members of regular Pakistani armed forces units and had been sentenced by the “Baloch National Court” for involvement in enforced disappearances, civilian abuses, and other war crimes.The statement added that during the extended captivity, the group determined Pakistani military authorities were “not serious” about negotiating their release. The BLA alleged that initial talks of a potential exchange were a “cunning manoeuvre” designed to buy time for military operations, while Pakistani forces continued using gunship helicopters, drones, and large troop deployments.According to the group, its Senior Command Council concluded that the humanitarian extension had been “misused” to escalate hostilities and target Baloch fighters. It further claimed that Islamabad’s approach showed it “only understands the language of strength and action.”The BLA stated that, following the final ruling of the “Baloch National Court,” the sentences against all seven detainees were carried out on Tuesday.The group held Pakistan’s military high command responsible for the deaths, accusing it of putting “ego, military misadventures, and cunning culture” above the lives of its personnel.Pakistani military authorities have not issued any official response to the claims.

Designing a 3 BHK apartment is less about space and more about the life that space will facilitate. A home shapes the way a family sleeps, earns, speaks, and grows. It shapes the emotional cycles, the patterns of decision-making, and even the financial stability of a family, all without their conscious awareness. While most people design homes for looks and functionality, very few people think about the impact of space on inner stability and future momentum. A 3 BHK home is often a symbol of a phase of expansion, where one’s career, identity, and responsibilities are all expanding. At this point, Vastu is no longer just a tradition or a superstition; it is a way of creating a space that facilitates steadiness, clarity, and emotional balance. From a trauma-informed design perspective, spaces that feel in harmony help the nervous system unwind, and an unwound mind makes better long-term decisions. Sometimes the friction we attribute to personality is actually inherited emotional residue. The way a home is structured can quietly amplify it or soften it. Here are six Vastu tips that go beyond the superficial. Nehaa Goyal, DNA astrologer, Tarot and numerology Reader & Trauma-Informed Empowerment Coach shares her views.1. A clear and welcoming entranceThe entrance of a home sets the emotional tone of the home. A home entrance that is well-lit and clutter-free, as per Vastu tips, facilitates the natural flow of positive energy into the space. From a psychological perspective, the first few steps that one takes into a home determine whether one’s body feels like relaxing or whether it feels like being on guard. A dark and cluttered entrance can create a subtle sense of tension, while a clean and open entrance can facilitate ease and openness. When people feel psychologically open, they feel more clear-headed and more confident in their responses to opportunities. A home should feel welcoming the moment one steps inside.

2. A steady primary bedroomThe primary bedroom, which should be in the southwest corner of the house as per Vastu, should be a steady and organized room. The primary bedroom is generally the domain of the primary decision-makers of the house. If the primary bedroom is unorganized and stimulating, it causes irregular sleep patterns. Irregular sleep patterns cloud one’s judgment, and judgment is what leads to financial and life decisions. A steady and organized primary bedroom translates to clarity, emotional stability, and planning for the future. Financial security is not just about money; it is about making balanced decisions.3. A balanced, efficient kitchenThe kitchen, representing health and vitality in Vastu, should be located in the southeast corner. However, the kitchen not only represents health and vitality but also affects the daily patterns of energy. A cluttered or inefficient kitchen often results in irregular eating patterns, which can, in turn, affect health and productivity. In many Indian households, food is often an emotional aspect, and the kitchen reflects the patterns of care in the household. When food is not chaotic but organized, life becomes more organized, and discussions remain calm. Steady energy leads to steady progress.

4. Children’s rooms that promote growthChildren absorb the meaning of what’s around them well before they understand the power of ambition. Their rooms should be designed to feel spacious, well-lit, and treated with dignity. Vastu recommends that children’s rooms be located in directions that are conducive to learning, such as west or northwest. Study areas should be bathed in plenty of sunlight and remain clutter-free. When a child’s environment is both defined and expansive, it subtly translates to confidence. Over time, this psychological feeling of expansion translates to independence and self-confidence. The impact of a physical space on growth is more profound than most families understand.5. Shared spaces that encourage connectionThe living room is the pulse of every home, where family energy converges and radiates. By being designed in a manner that is spacious and balanced, this area influences the way families communicate, make decisions, and connect. By arranging furniture in a manner that encourages easy eye contact, families can engage in meaningful conversations, while a congested space or too much screen time in the living room usually translates to a lack of communication and patience. Effective communication affects all aspects of family life, from resolving conflicts to managing finances. Families who feel comfortable sharing space usually make more informed and thoughtful decisions.6. Clutter-free zones for forward motionThe power of a clutter-freezone is often overlooked in Vastu. A cluttered corner and an overflowing storage bin create a subtle stagnation. Psychologically, clutter represents postponed decisions and muddled thoughts. A cluttered environment translates to a cluttered mind, and a cluttered mind translates to a stalled life.The physical world can be cleansed to cleanse the mind, and a clear mind translates to forward motion.A 3-BHK apartment is a significant milestone. It should represent success and, more importantly, sustain it.

Space is not passive. It is a subtle catalyst for progress or a hindrance to it.Informed design transforms a house into a home, a launching pad for stability, progress, and purposeful living.

Former Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed is on the verge of taking charge as the head coach of Pakistan’s Test side, with the role lying unoccupied for nearly five months. In the interim, Azhar Mahmood oversaw the team during the recent Test tour of South Africa.As reported by Geo News, Sarfaraz is expected to assume the position ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh in May. He is currently with the Pakistan Shaheens in the UAE, where they are engaged in T20 and one-day fixtures against the England Lions. An official confirmation from the board is anticipated shortly.

Sarfaraz’s growing credentials as a coach were strengthened after he guided Pakistan’s Under-19 side to an Asia Cup title. During that campaign, several supporters reportedly approached PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, urging him to entrust the senior red-ball team to the former captain.Pakistan presently sit fifth in the World Test Championship standings, following their drawn home series against South Africa in October. Their next assignment in the cycle begins on May 8, when they host Bangladesh for a two-Test contest.In his playing days, Sarfaraz featured in 54 Tests, amassing 3,031 runs with four centuries and 21 half-centuries. He led Pakistan in 13 of those matches, securing four victories, including a famous win at Lord’s against England in 2018. His most recent Test appearance came against Australia in Perth in 2023.Across white-ball formats, he represented Pakistan in 117 ODIs, scoring 2,315 runs with two hundreds and 11 fifties, and played 61 T20Is, compiling 818 runs. As captain, he achieved notable success, most prominently steering Pakistan to the 2017 Champions Trophy title. He also led the side at the 2019 ODI World Cup, where Pakistan narrowly missed out on a semi-final berth despite winning five of their nine league matches. In T20 internationals, he maintained an impressive win rate of 78.37 per cent as skipper.

Shares of Petronet LNG Ltd plunged almost 12% on Wednesday after reports that Qatar, India’s top supplier of imported natural gas, had declared force majeure following a halt in production amid the ongoing crisis in Middle East. On the BSE, the stock dropped 11.69% to Rs 273, while on the NSE it fell 11.95% to Rs 271.75. According to sources, the production halt has forced cuts in supplies to industries of up to 40%. Qatar provides about 40% of the roughly 27 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) India imports each year, serving sectors ranging from power generation and fertiliser production to piped cooking gas and CNG distribution. Around 1:30 pm, the stock was trading at 282.45, down 26.70 or 8.64% on the Bombay Stock Exchange. On the NSE, the share stood at 282.30, shedding 26.35 points or 8.54%. Petronet LNG has informed gas marketers that Qatar has stopped its LNG production after Iran continued strikes on Gulf countries in retaliation for Israeli and US attacks. The announcement sent shares of other gas distributors lower as well, with Mahanagar Gas down 8.50%, Indraprastha Gas falling 5%, and Gujarat Gas slipping 4% on the BSE. The strikes have also brought shipments of oil and LNG through the Strait of Hormuz close to a standstill, pushing global energy prices higher and sharply raising war-risk insurance and shipping costs. Iran controls the Strait, a critical route through which roughly half of India’s crude oil imports and more than half of its LNG supplies pass, including shipments from Qatar and the UAE. Petronet has reportedly notified its offtakers, GAIL (India) Ltd and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), about the disruption. Gas marketers have responded by reducing industrial supplies while maintaining CNG retail flows, with cutbacks ranging from 10 to 40%. Indian buyers of liquefied natural gas are now exploring alternative sourcing options after supplies from Qatar were disrupted due to the Iranian drone strike that forced the Gulf producer to halt output. As the world’s second-largest LNG exporter, any prolonged outage in Qatar is expected to increase global competition for available cargoes. Qatar remains India’s biggest LNG supplier, accounting for nearly half of the country’s imports last year, according to vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. Under its long-term contract, Petronet buys 8.5 million tonnes per annum of LNG from Qatar and also purchases additional supplies from the spot market. Besides Petronet, IOC and other companies also hold LNG import agreements with the UAE.