THE WORLD TODAY #275, 10 MARCH 2026
Adwitiyo Das, Glynnis Winona Beschi, Lekshmi MK, Siddhi Halyur, Tonica Sharon C, Yesasvi Koganti

The US-Iran War, Day 11
The "most intense" day of US strikes, says Pete Hegseth; Trump calls the war "very far ahead of schedule" sparking market rebound; Indian restaurants face a gas crisis
On 10 March, the BBC reported that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that 10 March marked the "most intense" day of US strikes on Iran, stating: "the most fighters, the most bombers, the most strikes.” He noted that Iran had fired its fewest missiles in 24 hours since the war began. Tehran residents noted the continuing bombardment stating: "They hit hard last night. All you can see in our house are cracks in the walls. Sleeping has become the hardest thing." Meanwhile, President Trump called the war "very far ahead of schedule" and "very complete," sparking a market rebound. As per media reports, oil fell from USD 100+ to below 88 USD per barrel, European stocks rose 1.5 per cent, and the Asia-Pacific region marked 3.2 per cent. Trump threatened to hit Iran "twenty times harder" if it blocked oil exports.

Media reports also note that Iran's Revolutionary Guards are positive they can outlast US and Israel through missile barrages, energy disruptions and market shocks to force Washington to blink first in an "existential fight." Tehran retains over half its pre-war missile stockpile for weeks more, with no internal protests or fractures; residents say life continues amid bombardment as national solidarity grows.

Separately, Indian restaurants face a gas crisis from the Hormuz blockade.The crisis has impacted the public sector as well as India's restaurants and hotels, which have warned of shutdowns as the Iran war halts Gulf LPG supplies. Food chains like California Burrito stated that they have two days of stock left, and that they are working on contingencies. Qatar halted production, prompting emergency refinery output and a government panel.

The US and Russia: President Putin shares proposals with Trump to end the Iran war quickly
On 09 March, media reported that President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with President Trump to discuss the ongoing war involving Iran. According to the Kremlin, President Putin presented several proposals aimed at achieving a quick political and diplomatic settlement to the war. The proposals followed consultations with leaders from Gulf countries and Iran. During the call, the two leaders also exchanged views on the war in Ukraine and broader global energy concerns triggered by instability in the Middle East. The Kremlin described the discussion as “substantial” and potentially significant for future cooperation between the two countries. President Trump later stated that President Putin appeared willing to help address the war but added that Russia could contribute further by ending the war in Ukraine.

Madagascar: Military dissolves key institutions as Colonel Michael Randrianirina consolidates control of the government
On 10 March, the BBC reported that Madagascar’s key state institutions were dissolved by the country’s military leadership. Colonel Michael Randrianirina consolidated control of the government, deepening the country’s ongoing political crisis. An announcement was made by Randrianirina where he stated “We have taken power,” on national radio. This confirmed the military’s direct assumption of authority. Following the announcement, several institutions including the Senate, the High Constitutional Court and the Electoral Commission were suspended as part of the takeover. The military leadership described the current phase as a “renovation period,” which could last up to two years. During this time, authorities indicated that a referendum on a new constitution and fresh elections could be organised. This development comes against the backdrop of a political crisis in Madagascar wherein President Andry Rajoelina was impeached in October 2025 following the Gen Z protests. This latest move by the military could mark a key shift in the political landscape of the Indian Ocean island given the context.

China: Beijing sees expanding trade surpluses and a shift to AI-driven growth
On 10 March, China reported massive economic growth. In the first two months of 2026, Beijing's exports grew by 21.8 per cent, exceeding the estimated 7.1 per cent. Despite the threat to supply chains posed by the war in Iran, the economy remains on track to top last year’s record of USD 1.2 trillion in trade surplus. The rise was driven by a 66.5 per cent jump in semiconductor exports, manufacturers rerouted trade toward Southeast Asia and Europe to counterbalance shifting US demand. With a USD 213.6 billion trade surplus in just two months, Beijing has shifted its primary focus to the "New Three": electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries and solar cells. This surplus has strengthened the government's belief that investing in these high-demand sectors would be the most effective way to safeguard China’s position at the center of global trade. Simultaneously, Beijing relies on a nationwide AI initiative to revitalize the economy and open up new employment opportunities. Though the IMF warns that AI could affect 40 per cent of jobs worldwide, Beijing is focusing on using it to create jobs for the 12.7 million students graduating this year. Universities are working to introduce "micro-majors" that teach skills AI cannot easily replace, such as critical thinking. Although experts warn regarding youth unemployment and the need for social welfare reform, China’s new five-year blueprint aims to integrate AI into the manufacturing and service sectors to boost overall productivity.

The US: Contest to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia exposes turbulence within Republican ranks
On 10 March, Voters in Georgia headed to the polls to elect the successor to Republican firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene in a closely watched US House special election. This is seen as a test of President Donald Trump's sway in the state's most conservative ‌district. With 17 candidates in the race, no one is expected to win a majority, likely triggering a 07 April runoff between the top two finishers. The election is reportedly viewed as a test of Trump’s influence over his Make America Great Again base. Donald Trump endorses Clay Fuller, but Colton Moore seeks to win over grassroots voters. Political analysts have noted that Harris may be ahead initially, but the district's conservative leanings will favor Republicans in the runoff.