Explained: This article explains the political background, key decisions, and possible outcomes related to Explained : Morning Digest: India mulls deploying Navy to escort ships stranded in Persian Gulf, say sources; Mamata tells President Murmu ‘not to play politics’ over Santal conclave issue, and more and Its Impact and why it matters right now.
Govt. mulling deploying Indian Navy to escort ships stranded in Persian Gulf: source
The Indian government is considering deploying Indian Navy ships to escort ships stranded in the Persian Gulf, said a senior government official. Decision will be taken in two days, the source said. Meanwhile, Iran’s promise to not attack neighbours in the Persian Gulf may give confidence for ships stuck there to move across the Strait of Hormuz and sail away, another highly placed source and decisionmaker in the government said.
President upset with Bengal Government for denying protocol, shifting venue of tribal conference
A major political controversy erupted in West Bengal on Saturday (March 7, 2026) after President Droupadi Murmu expressed disappointment with the State government for changing the venue of the International Santal Conference in Darjeeling district and not adhering to the desired protocol to receive her at the event. Saying that there was no breach of protocol, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that BJP was “disrespecting and misusing the highest chair in the country for its own party agenda”.
Trump says Feb. 28 strike on girls’ school ‘done by Iran’
As the Iran-Israel war escalated further late Saturday (March 7, 2026), U.S. President Donald Trump blamed Iran for the strike which hit a girls’ primary school in the southern city of Minab on February 28, killing around 150 people and injuring nearly 100. “We think it was done by Iran. Because they are very inaccurate, as you know, with their munitions. They have no accuracy whatsoever,” he said following a New York Times investigation that found the U.S. military was most likely responsible.
Over 52,000 Indians returned between March 1-7 after partial opening of airspace
India on Saturday (March 7, 2026) said it is continuously monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia, especially in the context of the safety of its citizens stranded in the region. In a late night statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said more than 52,000 Indians have returned to the country following the partial opening of the airspace across the region.
Normalcy returns to Kashmir after six days; DGP says sustained pressure put on anti-national elements
Security curbs and mobile internet speed restrictions were lifted on Saturday (March 7, 2026) in Kashmir, allowing normal life to resume after six days of unrest in the wake of the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei on February 28. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat called for a stepped-up crackdown on anti-nationals and operations against terrorists in south Kashmir.
Samrat Choudhary, top prospect for Bihar’s next CM, to meet Amit Shah in Bengal today
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who is a top prospect among the BJP leaders vying to succeed Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister of the State, is set to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in poll-bound West Bengal on Sunday (March 8, 2026), according to party sources. The two leaders are likely to address a public meeting together at Bagdogra, in what is being seen as an exercise to boost Mr. Choudhary’s political persona.
Centre withdraws revised earthquake zoning after backlash from Ministries, infrastructure agencies
Less than four months after issuing a revision to India’s earthquake zoning framework, the Centre has withdrawn its own notification following a major backlash from several government departments, Metro Rail corporations and infrastructure authorities that apprehended a surge in construction costs of marquee projects nationwide, The Hindu has learnt.
Manipur BJP MLA’s burial yet to take place, 15 days after death
Nearly a fortnight after the BJP’s former Manipur MLA Vungzagin Valte died in a Gurugram hospital, due to medical complications from injuries caused by a mob attack in Imphal on May 4, 2023, his burial is yet to take place. Valte’s body is being preserved in a deep freezer at the morgue of Churachandpur district hospital, his son Joseph Valte told The Hindu.
Israeli PM Netanyahu vows to carry on war, ‘eradicate Iranian regime’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Saturday (March 7, 2026) to carry on the war with Iran, saying Israel had a ‘systematic plan to eradicate the Iranian regime’, as Tehran insisted it would not surrender. The Israeli premier’s pledge in a televised address to pursue the war “with all our force” came on a day when Iran launched wave after wave of missiles and drones at its Gulf neighbours.
Need to act together to address climate change, says Finnish President
Climate change is a global problem, but many of the solutions are going to be local, Finland President Alexander Stubb said in Mumbai on Saturday (March 7, 2026), emphasising the need for collective action to address the issue. Speaking about Finland’s clean energy strategy, he said the country had started investing in renewable energy, nuclear energy and hydro-energy several years ago.
Lakshya downs Lai in epic battle to enter All England Open final
Battling painful blisters on his foot and severe cramps, a gritty Lakshya Sen overcame Canada’s Victor Lai to storm into the final of the All England Open on Saturday (March 7, 2026), moving within one win of ending India’s 25-year wait for the prestigious title. The 24-year old will now chase history when he takes on world No. 11 Lin Chun-yi of Chinese Taipei in the summit clash on Sunday (March 8, 2026).
T20 World Cup final: Defending champion India chases glory against resurgent New Zealand
Suryakumar Yadav’s men have a chance to script history as Sunday’s (March 8, 2026) ICC T20 World Cup final against New Zealand beckons. Stepping in as defending champion, India seeks an encore. New Zealand would want to replicate its giant-killing act. However, India wants to own a slice of history in a city that seeks a sporting high as a prelude to hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games besides dreaming about a probable Olympic debut in 2036.
Published – March 08, 2026 08:07 am IST