Welcome to The morning report brought to you by Renil S Varghese — your quick dive into the top stories shaping the business world today. Fast, insightful, and to the point.
No issue can be resolved through military conflict: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged a swift end to the conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine, stressing that military confrontation cannot resolve any issue. His remarks came after talks with Finnish President Alexander Stubb in New Delhi. Both leaders highlighted their shared commitment to rule of law, dialogue and diplomacy. India and Finland elevated their cooperation in digitalisation and sustainability to a strategic partnership, covering AI, 6G, clean energy and quantum computing. Modi said the proposed India‑EU free trade agreement will strengthen trade, investment and technology ties. President Stubb is on a four‑day visit to boost bilateral cooperation.
India formally condoles Khamenei’s death after his killing on Feb 28
India formally condoled the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in a joint US‑Israeli airstrike on February 28. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited the Iranian Embassy to sign the condolence book, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with his Iranian counterpart. India faced criticism for its earlier silence, with Opposition leaders questioning its foreign policy stance. The condolence comes as Iran reportedly closes the Strait of Hormuz to all but Chinese vessels, a move that threatens global oil supplies and poses a serious energy security challenge for India.
AP mulls financial incentive for couples with more than one child
Andhra Pradesh has proposed a new population management policy offering financial incentives to encourage families to have more than one child. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said the State’s Total Fertility Rate is 1.5, below the ideal 2.1. Under the plan, families having a second or third child will receive ₹25,000 at delivery, along with 12 months maternity leave and two months paternity leave. The broader “Poshan–Shiksha–Suraksha” package includes nutrition support, free education for the third child, and fertility treatments through government hospitals. The draft policy will be opened for public consultation before finalisation.
Iran vows to avenge US sinking of warship in India’s Backyard
A US submarine sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena off Sri Lanka on Wednesday, with 32 sailors rescued and over 100 missing or dead—the first US sub attack on a surface ship since WWII, said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Iran vowed retaliation, calling it an “atrocity.” The strike came days after Dena joined India’s International Fleet Review (Feb 15–25), unsettling New Delhi’s calibrated stance. It occurred in Sri Lanka’s EEZ, a vital shipping corridor, raising trade and security risks. India and the US offered no immediate comment. Analysts warn of regional frictions, though not necessarily a South Asia escalation.
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Published on March 6, 2026