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Parents are infuriated over the hiked prices of textbooks, leaving low- and middle-income families in a dilemma, as shifting to public institutes is not a substitute given the quality of education. Read the full story here.
‘Loot in the Name of Education’: Parents Demand Action Against Private Schools Photo : TN Innovations
Social media is once again packed with tweets from parents who have been protesting against the steep book fees being charged by private institutions for days now. The issue gained momentum when a screenshot showing schools charging Rs 1,035 for a Class 5 English textbook went viral on the microblogging site X. Soon after, both students and parents started sharing their personal experiences while agitating against private schools and vendors who tie up with them to sell books at inflated costs. They argue that the tuition fee is already high, and the rising textbook cost is adding an extra burden on their pockets.
A recent viral video showed a parent expressing resentment over increased rates of textbooks in Delhi’s premier institutes. “My children used to study in private schools earlier too, but the total cost used to be around Rs 5k-6k,” adding that a sudden hike in rates led her to pay Rs 900 for a single book and Rs 12,000 for a whole set this year. What’s upsetting is that this is not restricted to a single institution, as the majority of them operating under a private model are practising it.
— Opinionatedowl.india (@owl_opinio21917) March 30, 2026
Since even the elementary classes are not exempt from paying hiked prices, netizens have started tagging the authorities, urging strict action against the capriciousness of private institutions. “How is this even justified? ₹900 for one junior class book, ₹12,000 for the full set, this isn’t education, it’s a money-making racket. Parents are being squeezed from every side just to give their kids a basic education. How long will this loot continue?” one user wrote.
Some are also slamming the system alleging that, “Parents are so helpless that they cannot take their child out of the school and find another one. Every private school is looting them, while government schools are considered worthless, as seen in cases where even the principal does not know the spelling of “principal” herself.”
It was also submitted in the court that the driver More had been in custody for over a year and that the long list of witnesses presented by the prosecution meant the trial was unlikely to conclude anytime soon.
The Bombay High Court on Monday granted bail to the Mumbai civic bus driver who was driving the vehicle that killed 9 people, damaged 22 vehicles and injured 37 people in Kurla.
The Bombay High Court on Monday granted bail to the Mumbai civic bus driver who was driving the vehicle that killed 9 people, damaged 22 vehicles and injured 37 people in Kurla on December 9, 2024.
The bench of Justice RM Joshi passed the order while hearing a bail plea filed by driver Sanjay More. More was represented by advocates Advait Shukla and Amandeep Singh Sra, who argued that he was an experienced driver and that the section of culpable homicide not amounting to murder should not have been invoked. They contended that even for argument’s sake, the lack of experience with just three days’ training on an electric bus, could at best amount to rash and negligent driving and would not attract the charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. It was also submitted that More had been in custody for over a year and that the long list of witnesses presented by the prosecution meant the trial was unlikely to conclude anytime soon.
The Sessions court had earlier rejected More’s bail plea on the ground that the charges were serious.
During the operation, officials seized a total of 414 gas cylinders of various capacities, along with vehicles used for transportation. The seized property is estimated to be worth around Rs 21.88 lakh.
Officials seized a total of 414 gas cylinders of various capacities, along with vehicles used for transportation. The seized property is estimated to be worth around Rs 21.88 lakh.
In a major crackdown, the Commissioner’s Task Force (Jubilee Hills Zone), along with Banjara Hills police, arrested 10 persons for illegally stocking and selling LPG cylinders at inflated prices.
Acting on credible information, the police raided a location near a graveyard at Nagarjuna X Road in Banjara Hills on Sunday. The accused were caught red-handed allegedly dumping cylinders and selling them at higher rates.
During the operation, officials seized a total of 414 gas cylinders of various capacities, along with vehicles used for transportation. The seized property is estimated to be worth around Rs 21.88 lakh.
According to police, the prime accused, Mohd. Aamir, was operating a gas agency named “Metro Gas Agency.” Investigations revealed that he was not following prescribed norms and was instead storing cylinders at an open location and selling them for wrongful gain.
Police said the accused were exploiting the high demand for LPG. Supplies were diverted and sold on the black market at inflated prices, with the help of delivery personnel, drivers and labourers.
The seized items include commercial and domestic LPG cylinders (both full and empty). Vehicles such as DCM vans, Bolero, Tata Ace, Tata Intra, and multiple auto-rickshaws used for transportation were also confiscated.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of Jubilee Hills Zone Inspector Ch. Yadendar and SI D. Ravi Raj, in coordination with Banjara Hills police.
Amid the escalating Middle East war, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that eight Indian nationals have been killed and one remains missing in various incidents across the region.
Smoke rising from an area near the Dubai International Airport after a drone attack hit a fuel tank on March 16. (Photo: Reuters)
Amid the escalating West Asia conflict, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday said eight Indian nationals have lost their lives while one remains missing in “various incidents” in the region.
At an inter-ministerial briefing here on the West Asia situation, Additional Secretary (Gulf), MEA, Aseem R Mahajan, also said, “Yesterday, an Indian national unfortunately lost his life in an attack in Kuwait.”
However, he did not elaborate upon the circumstances of this death.
“We express our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our Mission in Kuwait is in touch with the family of the deceased and is coordinating closely with the local authorities to render all support and for the early return of his mortal remains to India,” he said.
On March 20, at an inter-ministerial briefing on the West Asia situation, Mahajan had told reporters that six Indian nationals had lost their lives while one remained missing in “various incidents.”
On Monday, he shared an update, saying, “Eight Indian nationals have unfortunately lost their lives and one Indian national remains missing in various incidents.”
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia recently said that an Indian national was killed in Riyadh due to the “recent events of March 18.”
The ministry also shared that since February 28, around 5.5 lakh passengers have returned from the region to India.
The MEA on Monday reiterated that it continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the Gulf and West Asia region.
“We continue to call for restraint and de-escalation, and at the same time emphasise on dialogue and diplomacy, as a means to an early end to the conflict,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on March 28, spoke to the Crown Prince and PM of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and discussed with him the ongoing conflict in West Asia and agreed on the need to ensure freedom of navigation.
In his telephonic conversation, the Prime Minister also reiterated India’s condemnation of attacks on regional energy infrastructure.
Mahajan said safety, security and welfare of the large Indian community in the region remains “our utmost priority.”
“Our dedicated special Control Room remains operational… Our Missions and Posts across the region are functioning round the clock, operating 24×7 helplines, issuing regular updated advisories and remaining actively engaged with the Indian community associations, organisations and Indian companies spread across the region,” he said.
Further, the CBSE has already notified the assessment scheme for the declaration of results of Class X and Class XII in the region, following the cancellation of exams due to the ongoing conflict.
Academic concerns, particularly those related to CBSE, ICSE, Kerala boards and JEE and NEET exams, are being addressed through regular outreach to parents and students, the MEA said.
Also, particular attention is being given to the welfare of Indian seafarers. The Indian missions are in continuous contact with Indian crew members on vessels across the region to provide support, it said.
Mahajan said airlines continue to operate limited non-scheduled flights between India and the UAE.
Around 85 flights are expected to operate from the UAE to India later on Monday.
Flights are operating from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to different destinations in India. With the Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is expected to operate around 10 flights to India on March 30, it said.
Kuwait and Bahrain airspace remain closed. Jazeera Airways of Kuwait and Gulf Air of Bahrain have been operating non-scheduled commercial flights from the airport of Saudi Arabia to various destinations in India, the MEA official said.
A 19-year-old woman Naxalite from Jharkhand, involved in recruitment activities in the Saranda region, surrendered before police in Odisha’s Rourkela.
A 19-year-old woman Naxalite from Jharkhand surrenders in Odisha
A 19-year-old woman Maoist, Mogdi Honhaga, surrendered before the police in Odisha’s Rourkela, Odisha, on Monday.
A resident of West Singhbhum district in Jharkhand, she had been actively associated with the Communist Party of India (Maoist) and had played an active role in its operations. Her decision to surrender in a neighbouring state, despite being from Jharkhand, is being seen as an important signal by security agencies.
Honhaga comes from Marang Panga village in West Singhbhum. She came into contact with notorious Maoist leader Anmol alias Sushant, following which she joined naxalism and became active in the Saranda region. She was involved in assisting recruitment drives in Holunghuli village and also trained new recruits.
She was reportedly part of the encounter that took place in the Kumdih forest on January 21 this year. However, she managed to escape from the spot along with other Maoists and has since been hiding in areas. Her involvement has also surfaced in the explosive loot incident at a stone quarry in Banko, Sundargarh district, where she was active alongside Anmol.
After surrendering, Honhaga revealed the internal realities of the Maoist organisation. She said that she faced physical and mental exploitation within the group, which led to deep disillusionment. Around the same time, she learned about the surrender policy of the Odisha government. Influenced by this, she decided to leave the organisation and contacted Rourkela police through confidential channels.
DIG Brijesh Kumar Rai said that all benefits and compassionate assistance under the state government’s surrender policy would be extended to her. He added that the government remains fully committed to helping Maoists who wish to return to the mainstream.
ED alleged that Kejriwal deliberately avoided appearing before the agency despite repeated summonses and raised ‘frivolous objections’ to evade probe.
Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal was recently aquitted in liquor policy case by the CBI. (Photo: PTI)
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday approached the Delhi High Court, challenging a trial court order that acquitted former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in two cases related to his alleged non-compliance with summonses issued in the excise policy case probe.
The agency has contested the trial court’s January 22 orders, which cleared Kejriwal of charges of deliberately disobeying ED summons. The appeal is scheduled to be heard on Wednesday by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma.
The ED’s move comes a little over a month after a Delhi court discharged Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and 21 others in the high-profile liquor policy case by the CBI. The court held that the CBI had failed to establish a prima facie case against the AAP leaders, dismissing the prosecution’s “criminal conspiracy” theory as conjectural and based on unreliable witness statements.
In its latest plea, the ED alleged that Kejriwal, while serving as Chief Minister of Delhi, deliberately avoided appearing before the agency despite repeated summonses. It claimed he raised “frivolous objections” to evade participation in the investigation.
However, the trial court ruled that the ED failed to prove intentional disobedience of summons, leading to his acquittal in both cases.
The ED has further alleged that other accused in the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy case were in contact with Kejriwal during its formulation, resulting in undue benefits to certain entities and alleged kickbacks to the Aam Aadmi Party.
A shipment of 12 tonnes of KitKat bars from Nestlé was stolen while in transit from Italy to Poland, sparking widespread curiosity and humour online.
12 Tonnes Of KitKat Bars Stolen In Europe — And Internet Is Having Field Day Over It (Image Source – Pexels)
In what sounds like a plot straight out of a heist comedy, Swiss food giant Nestlé has reported the robbery of a massive shipment of its iconic KitKat bars and the internet can’t stop talking about it.
A truck carrying 12 tonnes (413,793 bars) of the popular chocolate went missing while travelling from Italy to Poland, according to the Associated Press. The consignment, which consisted of the signature wafer-filled chocolates coated in milk chocolate, was meant for distribution across European markets but vanished mid-transit last week.
KitKat also released a public statement on the same, writing, ”Official Statement – We can confirm that 12T of KitKat products were stolen while in transit between our factory in Central Italy and their destination in Poland. We are working closely with local authorities and supply chain partners to investigate. The good news: There are no concerns for consumer safety, and supply is not affected. Thank you.”
While the incident itself is unusual, it has quickly snowballed into a viral talking point online, with users reacting in disbelief and humour. One user wrote, ”What the f**k is going on in Europe? Who steals 12 TONS of KitKats? What do you even do with that many KitKats?” Another user wrote, ”Can a supply chain expert explain how losing 12 tons worth of KitKat bars doesn’t affect supply? Are the KitKat factories so efficient that they can just whip up a new 12 tons overnight?” One more user remarked, ”I’m seeing headlines every day that I thought I’d never see in my lifetime.” And others have continued responding to the news with memes and more questionable and hilarious reactions.
On Friday, the company confirmed that both the truck and its cargo remain unaccounted for.
It added that the stolen chocolate bars could potentially surface in unauthorized markets across Europe, but assured that each product can be tracked through its unique batch code.
According to a family announcement, the funeral assembly of Vijaypat Singhania will be held at 1:30 pm on Sunday, March 29, 2026 in Mumbai.
Vijaypat Singhania died aged 87 on Saturday. (File photo)
Vijaypat Singhania, Padma Bhushan awardee and former chairman of the Raymond Group, passed away in Mumbai on Saturday evening at the age of 87. He was widely remembered as a visionary industrialist, philanthropist and inspiring personality whose influence extended across business, aviation and public life.
His son, Gautam Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director of the Raymond Group, confirmed the news on X (formerly Twitter), posting a brief tribute: “RIP. Om Shanti”.
Confirming the development, a spokesperson for the Raymond Group said, “Air Commodore Vijaypat Singhania, recipient of Padma Bhushan, former Chairman of Raymond Group and former Sheriff of Bombay peacefully passed away earlier this evening in Mumbai. His last rites will be performed tomorrow, March 29, 2026. All of us are deeply saddened and praying for his Sadgati”.
According to a family announcement, the funeral assembly will be held at 1:30 pm on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Haveli, LD Ruparel Marg in Mumbai.
The cremation is scheduled at Chandanwadi crematorium at 3:00 pm. Family members, friends and well-wishers have been requested to attend and pay their final respects.
The condolence message issued by the Singhania family described him as “a visionary leader, philanthropist, and an inspiring personality whose legacy will continue to guide and inspire generations”.
The family also invoked a verse from the Bhagavad Gita, “Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana, ma karmaphalahetur bhur ma te sangostvakarmani”. They said they pray for the departed soul to attain eternal peace.
ABOUT VIJAYPAT SINGHANIA
Born into the Singhania business family in the late 1930s, Vijaypat Singhania was among India’s most prominent industrialists and aviation pioneers.
During his tenure, he transformed the Raymond Group into a globally recognised brand in suiting fabrics and menswear, overseeing major expansion in manufacturing, retail and exports.
He also served as the Sheriff of Bombay, reflecting his stature in civic life. Beyond business, he was known for his passion for aviation and adventure.
A trained pilot and honorary Air Commodore, he set several aviation and ballooning records, earning recognition as one of the world’s leading balloonists.
Vijaypat Singhania once set a world record for achieving the highest altitude in a hot air balloon, underscoring his passion for aviation and adventure.
He served as chairman of Raymond Group for nearly two decades until 2000, steering the company through a period of significant growth.
The move follows the Army’s rejection of two milk powder consignments, weighing 58.338 and 66.654 metric tonnes, supplied by the Ludhiana District Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd.
Milkfed, which markets products under the Verka brand, regularly supplies milk powder, cheese, flavoured milk and other dairy products to the armed forces. (Facebook@Verka Milkfed Punjab,Milk Plant Patiala)
The Punjab State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (Milkfed) on Friday suspended three senior officials of its Ludhiana unit after the Indian Army rejected large consignments of whole milk powder, citing the “presence of extraneous material” in samples, triggering administrative action and a political row in the state.
The action comes after the Army turned down two consignments—58.338 metric tonnes and 66.654 metric tonnes—supplied by the Ludhiana District Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd.
The rejection was communicated through official letters dated February 12 and March 16, flagging quality concerns in the supplied batches.
Milkfed, which markets products under the Verka brand, regularly supplies milk powder, cheese, flavoured milk and other dairy products to the armed forces.
Following the development, Milkfed issued suspension orders against General Manager Daljit Singh, Production Head Paritosh Mishra and Quality Manager Guriqbal Singh. The orders were issued by Milkfed Managing Director Rahul Gupta, citing serious lapses in quality control.
A government order said, “It has come to the notice of the management that the Indian Army has rejected two consignments of milk powder (58.338 metric tonnes and 66.654 metric tonnes) supplied by the Ludhiana District Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd (referred to as Milk Union, Ludhiana) due to the presence of extraneous material in the samples. The same was intimated to the Milk Union vide letters dated February 12, 2026 and March 16, 2025, by the Army authorities”.
Describing the matter as serious misconduct, the order said: “This apparent grave lapse in quality control compromises the credibility of the organisation and constitutes Major Misconduct”.
It added that disciplinary proceedings are being initiated and that the General Manager has been placed under suspension with immediate effect.
Similar suspension orders were issued for the other two officials.
The Army Service Corps unit in Jammu reportedly rejected around 125 metric tonnes of the consignment, and a copy of the communication was also sent to the Ministry of Defence.
The incident has quickly escalated into a political flashpoint, with opposition leaders targeting the Bhagwant Mann-led government over alleged lapses in quality control at a state-run institution.
Critics argue that the rejection not only raises concerns about institutional accountability but also about the safety of products reaching consumers.
BJP leader Jaiveer Shergill strongly criticised the Mann government, posting on X, “Milk powder supplied to the Indian Army by Punjab Co-Op Verka rejected as substandard & the same supply chain reaches households across Punjab. Who heads Cooperation Dept – CM Bhagwant Mann ! No monitoring, no accountability—only headlines!”
“This is not an error—it is criminal negligence. The health of soldiers, children, and consumers of Verka across Punjab families cannot be compromised. Shameful & Worrying !” he added.
PM Modi stresses safety of Indians amid Middle East conflict and accuses Congress of politicising the issue
PM Modi noted that India is closely monitoring situation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the central government has prioritised the safety of Indians in conflict zones amidst the ongoing crisis in Middle East, which has a sizeable number of people from Kerala.
Addressing a campaign rally in Palakkad this afternoon, the Prime Minister emphasised that safeguarding the interests of Indian citizens remains the top priority of the BJP-led NDA government. He also took aim at Congress over the issue and accused it of politicising the sensitive issue by making “dangerous” statements.
He further alleged that the Congress was seeking political gains at the cost of the safety of nearly one crore Indians living in Gulf countries.
“Right now, everyone’s eyes are on the war unfolding in Middle East. Our government is continuously working to ensure that the impact of this war on India is minimised as much as possible. Protecting the interests of Indians is of paramount importance for the BJP-NDA government. You must also remember how Congress is playing politics in this sensitive matter; the kind of statements Congress is issuing are dangerous. The Congress wants the lives of nearly 1 crore Indians living in Gulf countries to be put in danger so that it can then reap political benefits from it,” said PM Modi.
Highlighting the government’s response to the Middle East conflict, the Prime Minister noted that India is closely monitoring the situation and actively working to minimise its impact on the country. He added that he has been in constant touch with leaders of nations affected by the conflict to ensure the safety of Indians, particularly those from Kerala working in the region. Indian embassies, he said, are operating round the clock to assist citizens in affected areas.
“Many people from Keralam are working in the war-affected areas. Ever since the war began, I have been in constant touch with the heads of state of all these countries, maintaining contact. All those countries are prioritising the safety of Indians stuck in the war zones. To ensure that our brothers and sisters there face no hardship, the Indian embassies are working day and night,” said the Prime Minister.
Intensifying his criticism, PM Modi accused both the Congress and Left parties of poor governance, claiming their track record shows a pattern of mismanagement wherever they have been in power. He cited examples from states like West Bengal and Tripura under Left rule, and alleged failures by Congress governments across the country.
“The Congress and Left have a track record that wherever they come to power, they leave everything in ruins. The whole country knows what the Left did in Bengal and Tripura; everyone has also seen what Congress did across the country. Keralam too has been crushed in the same nefarious schemes of theirs. Reports of delays in salary payments to government employees come from here,” said the Prime Minister.
Referring to Kerala, he pointed to recent controversies over delayed payments of dearness allowance (DA) and leave encashment for government employees. He argued that while Congress criticises the Left in Kerala, similar governance issues persist in Congress-ruled states such as Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, which he claimed are facing stalled development and economic challenges.
Even as the countdown to the April 9 polls in Assam has begun, the main Opposition Congress on Wednesday released its Assembly election manifesto, announcing five key guarantees.
The manifesto was unveiled by AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge
Even as the countdown to the April 9 polls in Assam has begun, the main Opposition Congress on Wednesday released its Assembly election manifesto, announcing five key guarantees.
The manifesto was unveiled by All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjun Kharge, with a major promise that the party would ensure justice in the Zubeen Garg case within 100 days.
Addressing a public rally in Nowboicha in the Lakhimpur district, Kharge said the manifesto was “crafted in consultation with the people” and outlined what he described as a forward-looking roadmap focused on welfare, social security, and indigenous rights.
The Congress also promised unconditional monthly financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to women for entrepreneurship, positioning it as a departure from what Kharge termed “conditional transfers.”
“The BJP gives conditional transfers. They ask if you are from the BJP. Congress will not ask such questions. We will provide financial support unconditionally, and if possible, go beyond that,” he said.
The party also announced cashless health insurance coverage of Rs 25 lakh for every family, citing similar schemes in Congress-ruled states such as Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
The manifesto further pledged to provide permanent land pattas to 10 lakh indigenous people, replacing the current system of annual allotments.
The accused initially told the police during questioning that he was under the “influence of a ghost,” police said.
The aircraft eventually landed safely at approximately 10:35 pm. (Vipin Kumar/HT)
A passenger on board an IndiGo flight was booked for attempting to open the aircraft’s emergency exit door just before landing at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, prompting the pilot to abort the landing and take the aircraft back into the air, officials said. The flight landed safely a few minutes later.
The passenger was taken into custody, and interrogated by multiple security agencies before being released, officials said. The accused initially told the police during questioning that he was under the “influence of a ghost,” police said. However, he later said he was unaware that pressing the emergency exit button could open the aircraft door.
According to officials, IndiGo flight 6E-185 (aircraft VT-IRW) from Bengaluru was approaching Varanasi airport around 10:20 pm on Saturday when the passenger allegedly tried to open the emergency exit door moments before touchdown.
Acting swiftly, the pilot executed a go-around, averting any potential danger. The aircraft eventually landed safely at approximately 10:35 pm. The incident triggered panic among over 100 passengers who were on board.
Officials said the passenger, identified as Mohammad Adnan, 26, had earlier attempted to tamper with the emergency exit shortly after the flight departed from Bengaluru, but was restrained and pacified by the cabin crew.
Following the safe landing, the accused was handed over to the airline’s security and the CISF, who subsequently transferred him to the local police, in accordance with security protocols.
The DoT will extend the compliance deadline for messaging apps to link services to SIM cards due to technical challenges faced by companies.
Under the November 2025 directive, companies were required to comply with the directive within 90 days, which was by the end of February 2026, and submit a compliance report within 120 days. (Representational Image/File Photo)
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is set to extend the timeline for messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, ShareChat and Arattai to comply with its SIM binding directive, following requests from companies citing technical challenges, a DoT official said on Sunday, adding that the government is now expecting compliance by December-end.
The department had, in November 2025, directed app-based communication platforms that use mobile numbers for user identification to ensure that their services remain linked to the SIM card installed in the user’s device, making it impossible to use such apps without an active SIM. The order was issued to curb misuse of telecom identifiers, including instances of cyber fraud originating from outside India.
The directive also said that web-based versions of these apps must be periodically logged out, at least once every six hours, with users required to re-authenticate, typically through a QR code, to continue access.
“We will extend the compliance deadlines as companies have run into technical challenges, including testing and operating system updates. Firms have sought additional time to address these issues. The compliance will happen in a phased manner. Android is likely to comply first, while iOS faces certain technical constraints for which Apple is working on a solution. These are expected to be resolved by December,” a DoT official said on the condition of anonymity. An order formalising the extension is expected shortly.
HT reached out to Apple for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
Under the November 2025 directive, companies were required to comply with the directive within 90 days, which was by the end of February 2026, and submit a compliance report within 120 days. However, these timelines were not met. Earlier, the DoT had indicated it was open to compliance by March-end, but is now considering a longer timeline following requests from platforms.
People aware of the matter at Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, said the company is working with the DoT to find a technically feasible solution. For WhatsApp on Android, SIM binding is currently in beta testing, the people said. As of Thursday, the company had not received a formal extension from the government, they added.
Meanwhile, Arattai, developed by Zoho, said it is working with the DoT to address implementation challenges. “We are working closely with the DoT to comply with the SIM-binding directive. During implementation, we encountered certain technical challenges that we are currently addressing. We have also received additional clarifications from the DoT and are incorporating those directions into our update. They have granted us a grace period, and we will roll out the necessary updates in the coming weeks to ensure full compliance with the directive,” Jeri John, global product head at Arattai, said.
“As we implement these changes, our priority is to ensure that the user experience remains largely unchanged, apart from periodic SIM-binding checks and the implementation of risk-based verification measures in line with DoT guidelines,” he added.
Snapchat, Signal, Telegram did not respond to HT’s request for comment.
The directive faced pushback from the industry, with several messaging platforms raising concerns around how practical it is to implement it and what it would mean for user experience. Companies said that enforcing continuous SIM binding, especially across multiple devices and web logins, would need significant changes to how their apps are built, along with coordination with operating system providers.
A woman in Singapore received 90% of the flat in divorce after the court found that she was the primary breadwinner as well as the homemaker in the marriage.
A court granted 90% of the matrimonial flat to the wife in a divorce (Freepik)
A woman in Singapore received 90% of her matrimonial flat in a divorce settlement after the court found that she was the primary breadwinner as well as the homemaker in the marriage. Her husband, who had filed for divorce and sought half the flat, had his petition rejected.
According to a report in Channel News Asia, the man and his mother had bought the flat seven years before his marriage. After his mother’s death in 2022, he became the sole owner of the three-bedroom apartment.
The Singapore man had sought at least half of the flat claiming he had made non-financial contributions to the marriage as a self-described house husband. However, his petition was rejected.
The divorce
According to a judgment made available on Friday March 29, the couple — both in their 70s — had been married for almost 48 years. In 2022, the man filed for divorce.
Interim judgment for divorce was granted in July 2025 based on the wife’s counterclaim.
The wife worked as a senior customer service officer and retired in 2008 after 39 years of service. Her final salary was S$5,042 (US$3,940). The husband said he last worked in 1995. At the time, he earned a gross income of over S$1,000.
Both husband and wife agreed that the man had moved out of their matrimonial flat and lived away from his family for an extended period. However, they disagree on the timeline of the separation. The woman claimed her husband left in October 2002. The husband, on the other hand, claimed that he had been denied access to the flat since the 1990s.
The terms of the divorce
The man lost his appeal over how the flat should be divided. He argued that only 50 per cent of the three-room flat — which he owned with his mother before her death — should be included in the pool of assets. He and his wife agreed to split 50% of the flat’s value.
However, Singapore High Court Senior Judge Andrew Ang ruled that the entire flat should be included in the pool of assets to be divided in the divorce.
Ang said that the couple’s agreement was only a small part of the overall assessment and that “it remains critical for the court to consider all the circumstances of the case when determining the proper weight to be given to such an agreement”.
Husband’s non-financial contributions
The man, who represented himself, said his role in the marriage was largely non-financial. He claimed he gave up career opportunities to care for the children and described himself as a house husband.
He alleged that he suffered under his wife’s “controlling behaviour” and said she once threatened him at knife point. This, he said, led him to file for personal protection orders and eventually move out.
He argued that his contributions justified at least an equal share of the flat. He said he handled the family’s domestic needs, cared for the children daily, and managed the household. He also claimed he acted as a mediator between his wife and the maid, and provided “emotional stability” so his wife could focus on work.
The man further said he helped secure the flat at a reduced price due to his national service status, and that he contributed S$8,000 towards the marble flooring.
Wife rejects man’s claims
The wife rejected the man’s version of events. She said she was the sole breadwinner because her husband refused to work or contribute financially. Despite him being at home, she said she remained the primary caregiver and managed the household as well as the children’s education.
She alleged that the man used money meant for household expenses for his own needs. She also claimed she paid off his debts and funded his holidays, but said he occasionally stole money from her.
The wife “vehemently” disputed his claims of contribution. She said she bore full financial responsibility as he repeatedly refused to find or keep a job. She added that she also had to cover losses from his failed business ventures, including attempts to work as a vacuum cleaner salesman and a real estate agent.
She said she had settled his personal debts several times.
The woman maintained that even though her husband stayed at home, she handled the household and took care of all the children’s needs. When she asked for help, he would ignore her or tell her to ask God for help, the court heard.
Wife details husband’s harassment
She also accused him of interfering with her work. She said he hid her handbag, which contained her office keys and security pass. She added that he went to her workplace and made baseless allegations in front of her colleagues.
Due to his unreliability, she said she had to hire a maid. This led to further issues when she allegedly caught him kissing the helper. The man denied this, but admitted there was a conflict over the matter.
PM Modi said Gulf countries have provided all necessary help and facilities to Indian citizens during the crisis.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi (File Photo/ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the ongoing conflict in West Asia has created a serious situation over the past month, affecting several countries.
Speaking during 132nd episode of Mann Ki Baat, he expressed gratitude to Gulf nations for supporting nearly 10 million Indians living in the region. He said these countries have provided all necessary help and facilities to Indian citizens during the crisis.
“At present, a severe conflict has been ongoing for the past month. I am deeply grateful to the Gulf countries for providing all necessary support and facilities to nearly 10 million Indians living there,” said PM Modi.
India has consistently raised concerns about the safety of its large diaspora in the Gulf amid the ongoing war.
The Prime Minister urged people to stay united and avoid misinformation during the crisis. He warned against rumours and political statements that could harm the country.
“Those who are engaging in politics should refrain from doing so, and those spreading rumours are causing great harm to the country. People should trust only the information being provided by the government,” he said.
He also appealed to citizens to remain calm and united to overcome the challenge together.
Meanwhile, Iran war, launched February 28 by US-Israel strikes under Operation Epic Fury, has raged for one month. Following this, Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz, triggering global oil supply crisis.
During the 132nd episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi says, “I have always urged that you all must focus on fitness. Less than 100 days are now left for the International Day of Yoga… Many of you have commented on my reply to the post of Instagram content creator Yuvraj Dua. He had… pic.twitter.com/XXB5BZVDyv
Government is pushing households and commercial users to switch to piped natural gas (PNG) and give up their LPG connections.
6,000 PNG consumers have surrendered their LPG connections.
As India continues to witness LPG shortage due to the war in West Asia, government is pushing for the PNG connections, and the existing PNG users are urged to give up their LPG connections. Owing to this, over 6,000 PNG users have surrendered their LPG connections, contributing to better availability in the regions where PNG is unavailable.
Reacting to the development, Petroleum and Natural Gas Secretary Neeraj Mittal expressed gratitude to the users and shared a post on X. “6,000 PNG consumers surrendered their LPG till yesterday! A big thanks to them!!”
He urged more users to give their connection and wrote: “Join this strong bold group of DoGood citizens who have come forward to give up LPG to help those to get LPG who don’t have PNG. Give up yours today at MyPNGD.in.”
6000 PNG consumers surrendered their LPG till yesterday! A big thanks to them!!
Join this strong bold group of DoGood citizens who have come forward to give up LPG to help those to get LPG who don’t have PNG.
Give up yours today at https://t.co/lLa2MJUFoa#GiveItUp@PMOIndia…
Country is facing LPG crisis as the war is causing disruption in supplies from the key sources. Government is advocating for more Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections as it is a more convenient alternative that is both domestically produced and sourced through diversified supply.
A government order issued on March 24 warns that the LPG supply “shall cease after three months” if a household does not opt for PNG despite availability.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman regarding the West Asia conflict, focusing on the importance of protecting regional energy infrastructure.
PM Modi with Saudi Arabia Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman | File Image/X
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The Prime Minister condemned attacks on regional energy infrastructure and mutually agreed on need to ensure freedom of navigation, keeping shipping lanes open and secure.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, PM Modi said, “Spoke with Crown Prince and PM of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed the ongoing conflict in West Asia. I reiterated India’s condemnation of attacks on regional energy infrastructure.”
“We agreed on the need to ensure freedom of navigation and keeping shipping lines open and secure. Thanked him for his continued support for the welfare of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia,” PM Modi wrote on X.
Ever since the Iran war has started, which on March 28 completed one month, Asian and European countries have struggled to meet their energy demands including oil and gas. Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz to build pressure on the United States, halting a strategic sea passage that is crucial for global shipping of energy resources and other essential commodities. Due to this, hundreds of oil and gas tankers are stranded in Hormuz because Tehran has warned against any unauthorised movement saying it will blow them up and it has indeed did it.
So apart from the main concern of stopping the fighting, countries are exploring diplomatic channels with Iran to negotiate their tanker movement and also exploring other sources of securing the energy apart from the Gulf region.
India Confronting West Asia Crisis with Full Strength, Says PM Modi
PM Modi earlier today said India is confronting the challenges arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia with full strength. Addressing a gathering at the inauguration of the Noida International Airport in Jewar, the Prime Minister asserted that the country is taking all necessary steps to safeguard its citizens.
“Conflict has been ongoing in West Asia for over a month. India is confronting this challenge with full strength,” Modi said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the TMC government of enabling infiltration and political violence, while Mamata Banerjee blamed BJP for Ram Navami clashes in Bengal. Both leaders traded sharp allegations during campaign events, escalating political tensions ahead of elections.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee (L) & Union Home Minister Amit Shah (R) | File Pic
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday had visited Kolkata with a strong ‘chargesheet’ against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Addressing a press conference, Shah said that due to the transfer of officers there were few incidents of violence during Ram Navami rally.
Transfers Curbed Violence
“Most of the IPS and IAS officers work at the behest of the present state government. That is the reason why more officers from Bengal have been transferred. The Election Commission transfers officers ahead of elections across the country. Due to this transfer a smaller number of violence were seen on Ram Navami,” said Shah.
Notably, incidents of sporadic violence during Ram Navami rally was seen in Murshidabad on March 27.
The Union Home Minister also claimed that Bengal is the state where SIR exercise got into controversy.
‘Principal Corridor of Infiltration’
“Due to Mamata Banerjee’s rule Bengal has become the ‘principal corridor’ of infiltration. If BJP is voted to power, we will strengthen the border. Mamata didi can levy any charges at us but our country’s security is the priority. We will remove infiltrators. Why did the Supreme Court appoint judicial officers for SIR only in Bengal? In other states SIR was done smoothly,” further mentioned Shah.
Shah stated that Bihar, Odisha, Bengal is going to have the government of the same party which is Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“After a long time Anga, Banga and Kalinga (Bihar, Bengal, Odisha) will have the government of the same party. After BJP comes to power we will stop corruption, political violence, appeasement politics. The majority in this state is living in fear that in our own country we will become a minority. BJP will punish all those who do atrocities against women,” added Shah.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her election campaign slammed BJP for sporadic incidents of violence during Ram Navami rally at Murshidabad.
A farmer’s wife in Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, found nearly Rs 10 crore credited to her Bank of India account due to an apparent technical error.
The woman refused to withdraw any money and alerted her family to stay away from the funds.
A farmer’s wife from Mainpuri district in Uttar Pradesh has won widespread praise after she discovered nearly Rs 10 crore had mysteriously appeared in her bank account and refused to withdraw even a single rupee until the matter was resolved.
Rita, wife of Parasbhan Baheliya, a resident of Devganj village in the Bichwan area, lives with her family and earns her livelihood through farming. On the occasion of Ashtami during Navratri, she visited her local bank to withdraw money but was unable to do so due to the branch being closed. She then went to a nearby ATM and checked her balance, only to be left stunned by what she saw.
Her account with Bank of India showed a balance of Rs 9,99,49,588, nearly ten crore rupees. Unable to believe her eyes, she checked the balance a second time at another ATM and recorded a video of the screen, which has since gone viral on social media.
Despite the enormous sum showing in her account, Rita did not attempt to withdraw any money. She also firmly told her family members not to touch the funds until the situation had been properly explained. Neighbours and locals have since praised her for her exceptional honesty.
When Rita and her family went to the bank to report the matter, they found the branch shut for a public holiday. The manager of the Bank of India’s Karimganj branch, Rishikant Pandey, later said the incident was most likely caused by a technical error or a transaction fault and assured that the matter would be investigated and resolved once the branch reopened.
The victim has been identified as Bablu, who had gone to Parsawal village, as he did on most days, to sell ice cream.
The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Bablu.
A 25-year-old ice-cream seller was beheaded in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki on Saturday. The killer, a 50-year-old man, slit the man’s throat, severed his head, then carried it to his own house and began cooking as if nothing had happened.
The incident took place in Parsawal village of Barabanki district. The victim has been identified as Bablu, who had gone to Parsawal village, as he did on most days, to sell ice cream. While he was carrying out his work, he became involved in a verbal altercation with a local resident named Shankar Yadav.
After an exchange of words, Shankar Yadav attacked Bablu with a sickle, slitting his throat and severing his head in public view. Instead of leaving the scene, Shankar Yadav picked up the severed head and took it with him to his house in the same village. Once inside, he started cooking, according to the police account of what they found when they entered the premises.
Information about the killing reached the police, who deployed a large force to the village under the direction of Superintendent of Police Arpit Vijayvargiya. Officers cordoned off the area and went to Shankar Yadav’s house. When the team entered, they found the accused inside, continuing to cook, with Bablu’s severed head lying nearby.
The police immediately arrested him, seized the murder weapon and recovered the severed head from the house.
The Jag Vasant, a 230-metre-long ship, dropped anchor around 8 pm on Friday at Vadinar, a terminal of the state-run Deendayal Port Authority (DPA).
MT Jag Vasant arrives at DPA Kandla’s Vadinar Terminal with 47,000 MT of LPG, set for Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfer at anchorage, in Jamnagar. (Deendayal Port Authority Kandla/ANI)
Two India-flagged tankers hauling liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) arrived in the country after being cleared by Iran to transit the strategic Strait of Hormuz, even as two additional carriers, the BW Tyr and BW Elm, began their journey through the waterway on Saturday, officials aware of the matter said.
According to the officials, the Jag Vasant, a 230-metre-long ship, dropped anchor around 8 pm on Friday at Vadinar, a terminal of the state-run Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), popularly called Kandla. Meanwhile, the second vessel — the Indian Oil Corp-chartered Pine Gas — entered Indian territorial waters on Friday night and is scheduled to reach its east-coast destination at the Adani Group-led Dhamra port in Odisha on April 2, they added. Both ships transited the strait safely by tracking the Iranian coastline closely on a route determined by Tehran authorities for vessels authorised for passage.
At the Vadinar facility, spokesperson Omprakash Dadlani confirmed that the Jag Vasant’s 14-member crew are in good spirits and sound health. The Bharat Petroleum Corp-chartered tanker was carrying 47,000 tonnes of LPG. The shipment has since been transferred to another ship for onward transportation. The Pine Gas reached Indian territorial waters on Friday night and was headed to the Odisha facility, a second official aware of the matter said, requesting anonymity.
BW Tyr and BW Elm started transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, a person aware of the development said.
A second official familiar with the matter said that BW Tyr is set to reach Mumbai on March 31.
According to a shipping ministry official, who requested anonymity, BW ELM is headed to New Mangalore and has 28 seafarers (all Indians) and has 23,860 tonnes of propane and 23,139 tonnes of butane. The cargo is meant for Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited. “BW TYR is headed for Mumbai and has 27 seafarers (all Indians). It has 23,653 tonnes of propane and 22,926 tonnes of butane for Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited,” the official added.
Commercial flight operations from Noida International Airport are expected to begin within 45 to 60 days, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said.
Noida: People gather at the newly constructed Noida International Airport after its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Photo: PTI)
Commercial flight operations from the Noida International Airport (NIA) are expected to begin within the next 45 to 60 days, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters after the inauguration ceremony of the airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, Naidu said preparations are underway to operationalise the facility and that necessary arrangements, including security planning, are currently being finalised.
“Flight operations from the airport would start in 45 to 60 days,” Naidu said, adding that the process of putting the required security systems in place is progressing.
The Noida International Airport, located in Gautam Buddh Nagar district, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.
The airport is among the largest greenfield airport projects in India and is expected to significantly boost aviation infrastructure in the National Capital Region.
Naidu said that airline operators have already shown interest in commencing services from the airport, with IndiGo keen to begin flights once operations are cleared to start.
SECURITY PLANS BEING FINALISED
The civil aviation minister said that security-related preparations are currently being worked out, which are among the final steps before commercial operations begin.
The airport has already received an aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), enabling it to move closer to operational readiness.
With regulatory approvals in place, the focus is now on ensuring that infrastructure, operational systems and safety measures are aligned for passenger services.
The airport is equipped with modern navigation systems, including Instrument Landing System (ILS) technology and advanced airfield lighting, which are expected to help facilitate safe flight operations in varying visibility conditions.
The 3,900-metre runway at the airport is capable of handling wide-body aircraft, enabling both domestic and international flight operations in the future.
MAJOR GREENFIELD AVIATION PROJECT
The Noida International Airport is being developed in four phases and is expected to emerge as a key aviation hub in northern India.
In its initial phase, the airport will have the capacity to handle 12 million passengers annually.
Once fully completed, the airport’s total passenger handling capacity is projected to reach 70 million passengers per year, placing it among the major aviation hubs in the country.
The first phase of the project has been developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 11,200 crore under a public-private partnership model.
The airport will be operated by Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd (YIAPL), a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG.
The first phase includes a terminal building spread over 1,37,985 square metres with 48 check-in counters.
The airport is designed to handle up to 30 flight movements per hour during peak operations.
In addition to passenger services, the airport will also support cargo operations, with an estimated cargo handling capacity of around 2.5 lakh tonnes in the initial phase.
A total of 28 aircraft stands have been planned in the first phase, allowing multiple aircraft to be handled simultaneously.
FOCUS ON LONG-TERM AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE
The airport project also includes plans for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, with more than 40 acres of land earmarked for this purpose.
NIA and Akasa Air have already announced a strategic partnership to establish an MRO facility at the airport.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Noida International Airport in Jewar, PM Modi thanked sugarcane farmers of Western UP for helping India save money on crude oil. PM Modi’s statement comes amid high crude oil prices due to the conflict in West Asia, a region which supplies over 40 per cent of India’s oil.
PM Modi said that India is confronting the challenges arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia with full strength.. (Photo: ITG)
Amid the energy crisis triggered by the Middle East war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lauded the Centre’s ethanol blending policy for helping India reduce its dependence on imported crude oil.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Noida International Airport in Jewar, PM Modi thanked sugarcane farmers of Western UP for helping India save money on crude oil.
“Had it not been for ethanol blending, we would have had to import 4.5 crore barrels from abroad,” PM Modi said, adding that the farmers have played a huge role in helping India save crucial foreign exchange.
PM Modi’s statement comes amid high crude oil prices due to the conflict in West Asia, a region which supplies over 40 per cent of India’s oil.
INDIA’S ETHANOL BLENDING PROGRAMME
India’s ethanol blending programme, which aims to reduce costly crude oil imports, save foreign exchange and lower carbon emissions, has received a big boost under the Modi government.
India met its target of blending 20 per cent ethanol in petrol last year, five years ahead of schedule. Notably, starting April 1, oil marketing companies have been mandated to supply ethanol-blended petrol, also called E20, across all states and Union Territories.
The government has also set the target of increasing ethanol in petrol to 30 per cent by 2030.
India has saved approximately Rs 1.36 lakh crore in foreign exchange in the last 10 years by reducing its dependency on imported crude oil, said the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in July 2025.
PM MODI URGES UNITY AMID MIDDLE EAST CRISIS
Meanwhile, PM Modi has urged citizens to unite in order to tackle global challenges and achieve ‘Viksit Bharat’.
“I once again appeal to the people of the country that we must face this crisis calmly, with patience and unity. This is a global crisis, but we must prioritise India’s interests. That is our greatest strength,” he said after inaugurating the new airport in Uttar Pradesh’s Jewar.
According to the analysis, Pakistan remains both a hub and a target for a wide range of armed non-state actors, many of which have been active since the 1980s.
Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed
A report by the US Congressional Research Service has reinforced India’s longstanding concerns over militant groups operating from Pakistan, particularly those focused on Jammu and Kashmir.
The report identifies several India- and Kashmir-oriented groups—including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Harakat-ul Jihad Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin and Hizbul Mujahideen—as continuing to operate from Pakistani territory, posing enduring security challenges.
According to the analysis, Pakistan remains both a hub and a target for a wide range of armed non-state actors, many of which have been active since the 1980s. Despite repeated military operations and policy measures, networks designated as terrorist organisations by the United States and the United Nations have not been fully dismantled.
The report, intended to brief US lawmakers and prepared by South Asia specialist K Alan Kronstadt, categorises these groups into five types: globally oriented, Afghanistan-focused, India- and Kashmir-oriented, domestically focused, and sectarian, particularly anti-Shia outfits. It notes that 12 of the 15 groups listed are designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations under US law, with most driven by Islamist extremist ideologies.
Among globally oriented groups, the report names Al Qaeda, Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent and Islamic State Khorasan Province, while Afghanistan-focused groups include the Taliban and the Haqqani Network. Domestically focused outfits include Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, Balochistan Liberation Army and Jaysh al-Adl, while sectarian groups include Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi.
The report notes that a 2014 National Action Plan aimed to ensure that no armed militias operate in the country, but adds that multiple large-scale military offensives, including airstrikes and intelligence-based operations, have failed to eliminate these groups.
The Indian government has ordered the cut amid the volatility in global crude prices. Other headlines in our daily news roundup include the oil minister denying rumors of a lockdown.
India has been hit by the volatility in global crude prices and oil and gas disruptionsImage: Prabhat Kumar Verma/ZUMA/picture alliance
Modi meets chief ministers to review Iran war impact on fuel
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a virtual meeting with chief ministers to assess the impact of the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran on India, local media reported.
The talk focused on fuel supply, inflation and logistics amid rising global tensions. It also reviewed how prepared states are to manage any fallout from the conflict, including contingency plans for fuel availability and price pressures.
The video conference was attended by chief ministers from most states, except those with upcoming elections — West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
India trade minister holds talks with US counterpart
India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday that he met US trade representative Jamieson Greer to discuss the next steps in the ongoing India–US bilateral trade agreement.
Goyal made the announcement in a post on the social media platform X.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon, marking the first in‑person official conversation between the two sides on the pending trade deal.
Earlier this month, Reuters reported that India is likely to hold off on signing the trade agreement for a few more months.
READ: When floods come, survival is a roll of the dice
After monsoon rains pushed the Brahmaputra River over its banks in India’s northeastern state of Assam last year, 47-year-old Amir Hussen knew one thing — he will need to rebuild his life. Again.
Across India’s flood-prone regions, marginalized communities are often hit the hardest by escalating climate-related disasters.
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Modi congratulates new Nepal PM Balendra Shah
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Balendra Shah on being sworn-in as Nepal’s new prime minister.
“Your appointment reflects the trust reposed in your leadership by the people of Nepal. I look forward to working closely with you to take India-Nepal friendship and cooperation to even greater heights for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.” Modi said on his X account.
At 35, Shah — a rapper-turned politician — is the youngest person to be prime minister of Nepal in decades.
Shah, who is widely known as Balen, emerged as a key figure during last year’s Gen Z-led protests that ousted the previous government of KP Sharma Oli.
The youth protests — in which 76 people were killed — were driven by anger over corruption, long-standing instability and lack of economic growth in the Himalayan nation.
Shah is also the first prime minister from the Madhesi community.
The indigenous community has strong cultural and linguistic similarities to its neighbor India.
Nepal is a small land-locked country wedged between Asian giants India and China.
The political change in Nepal is being watched closely by New Delhi and Beijing — rivals for geopolitical dominance in the region.
READ: India sees spike in social media censorship amid Iran war
Activists in India are sounding the alarm over the removal of content from social media, especially posts criticizing the government and its Iran war stance.
Indian football team locked out of Kochi Stadium
India’s national football body has said that the 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong slated for next week will go ahead after an embarrassing situation on Thursday involving the Indian men’s team and their coach at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi — the venue for the match.
The team and coach Khalid Jamil were denied entry to the stadium over non-payment of a mandatory security deposit.
The players and Jamil were scheduled to hold a press conference at the stadium, which was later cancelled, Indian media reports said.
The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), that owns the stadium, refused entry to Jamil as he arrived to inspect the pitch and attend the press event.
The authority’s security staff also stopped the Indian team from training, The Times of India reported, adding that the players had to train at another ground 10 kilometers away.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) said that, despite the incident, the match on March 31 “will proceed as planned.”
“We have full faith that the formalities will be completed by the Kerala Football Association with the local authorities,” the body said in a statement published late Thursday.
“We are confident that all necessary procedures will be completed within the stipulated timeframe,” it added.
The national football body was recently in the crosshairs of public criticism after the women’s team were sent undersized kits at the Asian Cup earlier in March. The staff had to get local jerseys in Australia.
Oil minister: India lockdown rumors are ‘false’
Indian oil minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday said rumors of a nationwide lockdown over the energy crisis from the Iran war, were “completely false.”
“Let me state this clearly, there is no such proposal under consideration by the Government of India,” Puri clarified in a statement on X.
Speculations of potential curbs began surfacing on social media earlier this week.
How did rumors of a lockdown in India start?
According to Indian media reports, people were searching “India lockdown again” and “lockdown news.”
The concerns emerged after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks in Parliament on Monday, where he alluded to the COVID-19 pandemic while discussing the tensions in the Middle East.
Modi in his speech recounted how global supply chains were impeded during the pandemic as he drew parallels with the current disruptions triggered by the Iran war.
Puri on Friday said India was “fully prepared” to deal with emerging challenges.
He urged the public to remain calm.
“Attempts to spread rumors and create panic in such a situation are irresponsible and harmful,” the minister said.
LPG Tanker Jag Vasant arrives at India Port after being stranded in Strait of Hormuz
Indian LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) tanker Jag Vasant docked at a port in the state of Gujarat late Thursday after being stranded in the Strait of Hormuz for nearly 23 days, Indian media reported on Friday.
Earlier this week, India’s Shipping Ministry said that two Indian LPG carriers, including Jag Vasant had successfully transited through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz and were headed to India ports.
Jag Vasant is reported to have 33 seafarers and 47,600 metric tonnes of LPG on board.
A second LPG tanker Pine Gas, loaded with 45,000 metric tonnes of LPG, is expected to arrive soon at the New Mangalore Port.
According to the Shipping Ministry, there are now 20 Indian-flagged ships that remain in the war-hit Gulf region, carrying around 540 Indian sailors.
India is among the five “friendly countries” whose ships Iran has allowed to move through the Strait of Hormuz.
India is also the world’s second-largest LPG importer.
The country is facing the economic impacts of the Iran war with LPG shortages and rising prices affecting homes and businesses.
India government slashes excise duties on petrol, diesel
The Indian government has cut special additional duties for petrol and diesel in a respite for oil marketing companies who are struggling with a global oil disruption triggered by the US-Israel war with Iran.
In a government order on Thursday, the center-imposed excise duty for petrol was brought down to 3 rupees (€0.028, $0.032) per liter from 13 rupees earlier while the duty on diesel was eliminated entirely, down from 10 rupees.
The Iran war and Tehran’s consequent chokehold on the crucial Strait of Hormuz has upended oil and gas export, sending global crude oil prices soaring.
India has also seen the impact of the volatility in crude prices and oil and gas disruptions.
India is the world’s third-biggest oil importer and consumer and as per official estimates some 40% of India’s energy needs depend on supplies passing through Hormuz.
India’s oil minister said in a statement on Friday that the Indian government, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chose to shield its citizens from the steep increase in global crude prices by taking a loss on its own finances.
“The Modi Government had two choices — either increase prices drastically for citizens” or “bear the brunt on its finances so that Indian citizen is insulated from international volatility,” Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said on X.
Puri said that the government has taken a “huge hit”on its taxation revenues to ensure that the very high losses of oil companies are reduced.
A new claim from a man in Pakistan has caught attention after he said that parts of Dhurandhar were actually shot in Lyari, Pakistan.
Dhurandhar 2 has crossed the Rs 1000 Crore mark at the worldwide box office.
Dhurandhar has been getting attention since its release in December and now its second part is also receiving a lot of love from viewers. Along with the story and acting, many have been talking about the film’s shooting locations. Scenes from places like Bangkok, where the Pakistan town was made and other set locations have added to its visual appeal. Amid this, a new claim from a man in Pakistan has caught everyone’s attention online. He says that parts of the film were actually shot in Lyari.
According to him, the team used to come early in the morning, around 4 or 5 am, when most people were asleep. He also mentioned that shooting during the day would not have been possible, as locals won’t spare Ranveer Singh.
Pakistan Man Says Film Was Shot In Real Lyari
In a video shared on X (Twitter), the young man says, “Lyari ke mazak uda rahe bahar se arahe yahan par bana rahe. Lyari ke andar shoot hua hai. Ye log ratko 4-5 baje atey hain awam so jaati thi. Ranveer Singh Cheel Chowk pe bhi aya tha. Iss time par ayega toh Lyari wale isko thodi chodenge. (They are making fun of Lyari, coming from outside and shooting here. The shoot has taken place inside Lyari. These people used to come at around 4–5 in the morning, when the public was asleep. Ranveer Singh had also come to Cheel Chowk. If he comes at this time, the people of Lyari won’t spare him).”
“Video se pata lag jata hai. Awaam ne kuch buzurgon ne dekha hai. Young ladkon ne nahi dekha hai. Sanjay Dutt ka pata nahi par dusron ka pata hai. (You can tell from the video. Some elders from the area have seen them, but the younger boys haven’t. Not sure about Sanjay Dutt, but we know about the others)” he adds.
Pakistan’s Lyari resident says Aditya Dhar, Ranveer Singh and Sanjay Dutt used to come at 4am to shoot in Lyari for Dhurandhar! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Reacting to the post, a user wrote, “At 4 in the morning, Aditya Dhar, Ranveer Singh and Sanjay Dutt quietly reached Lyari without anyone noticing, almost like a secret mission from a spy film. And then the shooting also got done, everyone stayed silent, no videos, no selfies, was the whole area in meditation mode or what?”
Another shared, “We need a separate social media platform for Pakistani news channel videos. We can call it PakTok.”
“A standout brain from Karachi University,” a comment read.
An individual stated, “Whatever it is, the child is very innocent. There’s a term often used for Pakistani people, that they are emotional. Brother, they are pure-hearted people; clever individuals and supporters of terrorism take advantage of these innocent people.”
PM Modi expressed confidence that the country would successfully get past the challenges by working together as “Team India”.
The meeting was held via video conferencing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today chaired a virtual meeting with Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors of States and Union Territories to review India’s preparedness in view of the war in the Middle East and its potential implications for the country.
The meeting, held via video conferencing, focused on assessing the impact of recent developments in the region on supply chains, energy security, and essential commodities.
PM Modi expressed confidence that the country would successfully get past the challenges by working together as “Team India”.
He recalled the collective response during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Centre and state governments had coordinated efforts to manage disruptions to supply chains, trade, and daily life.
The Prime Minister stated that the situation in Middle East was dynamic and required continuous monitoring along with adaptive strategies. He noted that an Inter-Ministerial Group had been functioning since March 3, conducting daily reviews and taking timely decisions.
PM Modi said that the government’s main priorities are maintaining economic and trade stability, ensuring energy security, safeguarding the interests of citizens, and strengthening industry and supply chains.
He said that effective implementation of measures occurred at the state level. He called for constant communication and coordination between the Centre and States, including timely sharing of information and joint decision-making, to enable swift and aligned responses.
The Prime Minister urged States to ensure the smooth functioning of supply chains and to take strict measures against hoarding and profiteering.
He directed them to activate control rooms at state and district levels and to maintain administrative alertness to prevent any disruptions.
He stressed the need for advance planning in the agriculture sector, with particular attention to monitoring fertiliser storage and distribution, to avoid difficulties for farmers ahead of the upcoming Kharif season.
PM Modi cautioned against the spread of misinformation and rumours. He said timely dissemination of accurate and credible information was essential to prevent panic among the public. He also advised vigilance against online frauds and fake agents.
Special attention was called for border and coastal states to address challenges related to shipping, essential supplies and maritime operations.
The PM suggested that states with citizens in the Middle East should activate helplines, appoint nodal officers, and set up district-level support systems to assist affected families and ensure the flow of timely information.
Home Minister Amit Shah at Times Now Summit 2026 reassured that there will be no LPG or fuel shortage, dismissed lockdown rumours, and urged people to trust in Modi government. He also highlighted India’s resilience in managing the global oil crisis.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Times Now Summit 2026
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday assured the country that there will be no shortage of LPG cylinders or fuel supply, and urged people to have faith in the Modi government during this global crisis. In an exclusive interview with Times Network Group Editor-in-Chief Navika Kumar at the Times Now Summit 2026, the Home Minister also made it clear that there will be no lockdown in the country, putting to rest all rumours.
He reiterated that there is no plan to impose restrictions similar to those seen during the pandemic. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured that there will be no lockdown,” he said.
No Fuel Shortage, Government Absorbing Crisis Impact
Shah underlined that India has managed to maintain stable fuel supplies and prices even as global oil markets remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions.
WATCH FULL INTERVIEW HERE
“India is the only country where with zero increase in petrol and diesel prices, we are ensuring uninterrupted supply,” he added.
Responding to criticism over the government’s handling of the crisis, he said the Centre has taken on the financial burden to shield citizens.
“I believe there is no other country in the world that has taken the entire burden of the crisis upon itself,” the Home Minister said.
He added that the government’s ability to cut excise duties on petrol and diesel stems from the strength of the Indian economy.
“Today, the Indian Government is able to take a cut on its excise duty due to a resilient economy,” he explained.
Swipe at Rahul Gandhi
The Home Minister also took a direct swipe at Rahul Gandhi, urging people not to be swayed by Opposition statements amid the crisis.
“Whatever Rahul Gandhi says, please don’t believe it…” he quipped.
Global Oil Shock, Domestic Measures
Amit Shah’s remarks come at a time when global crude oil prices have surged amid escalating tensions in West Asia, raising concerns over fuel supply and inflation worldwide.
To cushion the impact, the government recently cut excise duties on petrol and diesel and imposed export levies to ensure adequate domestic availability, while keeping retail prices unchanged. The excise duty on petrol was slashed to Rs 3 from Rs 13 and brought down to zero for diesel.
About Times Now Summit 2026
The Times Now Summit 2026 is one of India’s most influential platforms for leadership, ideas, and action. It brings together top policymakers, global strategists, industry leaders, and changemakers. The summit serves as a space to shape the country’s future trajectory. The theme this year is ‘Celebrating Times Now @20 & Shaping India @100’. It reflects both a moment of reflection and a forward-looking vision as India approaches its centenary of independence.
The “Cicada” COVID-19 variant (BA.3.2), part of Omicron, is spreading across 20+ countries with rising cases. With 70+ mutations, it may spread faster and partially evade immunity, but isn’t more severe. Symptoms mirror Omicron. Experts urge vaccination, testing, masking, and caution, as rapid transmission could still increase hospitalizations despite generally mild illness outcomes.
A new COVID-19 variant dubbed “Cicada” is drawing global attention as cases begin to rise across multiple countries. Officially known as BA.3.2, this strain is part of the Omicron family, but what makes it concerning is its high number of mutations and potential to spread quickly.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that cases are slowly increasing. The World Health Organisation has also added Cicada to its “variants of monitoring” list as it pops up in more countries, USA Today reported. So far, BA.3.2 has been found in more than 20 countries. In some places, it makes up as much as 30 per cent of cases. “Monitoring the spread of BA.3.2 provides valuable information about the potential for this new SARS-CoV-2 lineage to evade immunity from a previous infection or vaccination,” the CDC wrote in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
What is the Cicada variant?
The Cicada variant was first detected in South Africa in late 2024 and remained relatively unnoticed before resurging globally in 2025. Experts say it carries 70+ mutations in its spike protein, the part of the virus responsible for entering human cells. This has raised concerns about two key factors:
Higher transmissibility, which means it spreads more easily
Immune escape may partially bypass immunity from vaccines or past infections
However, early data suggest that while it may spread faster, it is not necessarily more severe than previous variants. The variant was named after a breed of insects that rarely emerge into view because it stayed mostly “underground” once it was detected.
Where is it spreading?
The Cicada variant has already been detected in over 20 countries, including the United States, with some regions in Europe reporting a noticeable share of cases. At least 25 American states have reported Cicada found in wastewater samples from 132 locations, indicating a silent community spread.
Health experts warn that it could potentially drive future waves, although it is not yet the dominant strain globally.
Signs and symptoms you need to watch out for
According to experts, cicada does not appear to cause dramatically new symptoms. Instead, it largely mirrors previous Omicron variants. A few common symptoms include:
Fever or sudden chills
Persistent cough
Sore throat, which is sometimes severe
Fatigue and body aches
Headache
Runny or blocked nose
Shortness of breath
Nausea or digestive issues
Skin rashes or eye irritation
Like earlier variants, asymptomatic infections are also possible, meaning people can spread the virus without realizing it.
How risky is it?
So far, experts say there is no clear evidence that Cicada causes more severe illness at a population level. This aligns with broader research showing that newer variants often remain similar in severity, especially in vaccinated populations.
The real concern lies in how quickly it spreads, which could still lead to increased hospitalizations simply due to higher case numbers.
Violence marred Ram Navami processions in Murshidabad and Purulia as authorities deployed forces to restore law and order.
A police officer said strict action will be taken against those involved in the violence. (Representational Photo)
Tensions gripped Murshidabad district on Friday after an altercation between two communities during a Ram Navami procession escalated into violence. Both sides were involved in throwing of stones and vandalism.
Members of one community alleged that stones were thrown at their procession in Raghunathganj, while members of the other community claimed that provocative remarks were made during the rally.
Police sources said the situation was brought under control after local police and central forces were deployed in the area. Authorities have since been conducting route marches to maintain law and order in the district.
A police officer said strict action will be taken against those involved in the violence. Residents have also been urged to remain calm, with security tightened across the region.
A similar incident was reported on the same day in Purulia’s Para. According to local authorities, the situation there was also brought under control.
Purulia Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Tiwari said a group of people were travelling in a vehicle to participate in a Ram Navami rally, when it was vandalised by members of another community. The driver sustained injuries in the incident.
A suspected case of brutal child abuse in Maharashtra’s Sangli has left a 10-year-old girl dead and her elder sister critically injured.
The accused, identified as Dadu Haibat Yamgar, tied the hands and legs of his daughters.
A father allegedly subjected his two minor daughters to brutal torture on suspicion of theft, leading to the death of one and leaving the other critically injured.
The accused, identified as Dadu Haibat Yamgar, tied the hands and legs of his daughters,10-year-old Sanika and 11-year-old Anuja, and hung them upside down from an iron angle in their house around 5 pm on Wednesday. The girls were allegedly left hanging through the night, crying in pain and repeatedly asking for water, which they were denied.
The horrific ordeal ended only the next morning when their grandfather untied them around 6 am. By then, Sanika had died, while Anuja was found unconscious and seriously injured. She was rushed to hospital, where she later regained consciousness and narrated the incident to doctors, following which a police complaint was registered.
Sanika was declared dead on arrival at a private hospital.
Preliminary information suggests that neighbours had raised suspicions of theft against the girls, prompting the father to carry out the brutal punishment.
In a disturbing development, family members allegedly attempted to conduct Sanika’s last rites quietly to prevent the incident from coming to light. However, the truth emerged after Anuja’s statement.
Officials said the avalanches hit the stretch between Zero Point and Minimarg in the afternoon. Reacting to the incident, Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, said he was personally monitoring the situation.
Multiple avalanches hit the stretch between Zero Point and Minimarg of the Srinagar-Leh national highway.
At least seven people were killed, and five others were injured after close to a dozen cars were buried under the snow following multiple avalanches that hit the Srinagar-Leh national highway on Friday, according to authorities.
Officials, cited by news agency PTI, said the avalanches hit the stretch between Zero Point, situated at Zojila Pass in Ladakh, and Minimarg in the afternoon. Reacting to the incident, Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, said he was personally monitoring the situation.
The officials said a rescue operation was immediately launched after the incident and efforts were on to clear the snow and rescue the trapped people.
“Heard the unfortunate news of an avalanche at Zoji La. I have directed the DC & SSP of Kargil to visit the spot immediately and mobilise relief and rescue operations. All government agencies including disaster relief forces and BRO (Border Roads Organisation) have been put on high alert. I am personally monitoring the situation,” he said in a post on X.
Meanwhile, Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh said seven people had lost their lives in the avalanches.
“Saddened to learn about the tragic death of 7 persons and injuries to 5 after avalanche hit the vehicle at Zojila pass. My sincere condolences to the bereaved families. All required assistance being provided to the injured,” he tweeted.
More than 50 calls have been received by the SIT in five days against Nashik-based godman Ashok Kharat, days after his arrest in a rape case.
Self styled godman Ashok Kharat
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducting a probe against rape accused and self-styled godman Ashok Kharat has received more than 50 calls in the last five days providing information or reporting crimes allegedly committed by him, officials said on Friday.
The Maharashtra government-appointed SIT earlier published two mobile phone numbers for citizens to share information regarding Kharat or report any offence committed by him, they said.
The police have so far registered eight FIRs against Nashik-based Kharat after receiving multiple complaints involving allegations of sexual assault, extortion, and circulation of objectionable material.
Kharat, who heads a temple trust at Sinnar in Nashik district and had several political leaders visit him over the years, was arrested on March 18 after a 35-year-old woman accused him of repeated rape over a period of three years. Following his arrest, multiple rape complaints were filed against him.
A senior official said that since the launch of the two dedicated mobile numbers, the probe team received an average of 15 to 20 phone calls daily.
Of the calls received in the last five days, more than 50 were about complaints against Kharat, he said, adding that the team is verifying the complaints.
The SIT has assured that to keep the identities of those providing information or reporting a crime strictly confidential, he said.
The SIT visited Kharat’s office in Nashik on Friday, accompanied by the forensic science team.
A team of police officials recovered several documents and files, a diary and papers from the office, the official said.
The Nashik district administration has, meanwhile, suspended the former Merchant Navy officer’s arms licence, citing that with multiple cases against him, he might use weapons to threaten and intimidate victims.
Nashik collector Ayush Prasad on Tuesday issued an order suspending Kharat’s arms licence, another official said.
Kharat, a resident of Mirgaon in Sinnar, obtained a revolver licence on October 15, 2012, renewed it on January 1, 2024, with validity till December 2028, he said.
Amul denied allegations of worms in its curd served on a Vande Bharat train after a viral video sparked outrage. The company said contamination was ‘scientifically impossible’ due to sealed packaging and traced the issue to infested serving trays. Railways fined IRCTC and the vendor Rs 60 lakh and terminated the contractor over hygiene lapses.
Amul Denies ‘Infestation’ Claims In Vande Bharat Curd Row; Points To Third-Party Serving Trays |
In a strongly worded clarification issued in the wake of a viral food safety controversy, dairy giant Amul dismissed allegations regarding the presence of live worms in its Dahi (curd) cups. The incident, which reportedly occurred on March 15, 2026, aboard the Patna-Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express, sparked widespread outrage after a passenger posted video evidence of insects crawling near the food.
While the Ministry of Railways responded with a staggering Rs 60 lakh in combined fines against IRCTC and the onboard vendor, Amul maintains that its product was not the source of the contamination.
Following a comprehensive internal audit and a high-level meeting with IRCTC officials, Amul stated that an infestation within its production cycle is ‘scientifically and operationally impossible.’ The company highlighted that its Dahi is manufactured in ISO-certified plants governed by rigorous Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Live worms and insects were found in the Amul Dahi that was served to passanger on board 21896 Patna-Tatanagar Vande Bharat on March 15. In a landmark decision, Railways has penalized IRCTC with ₹10 lakh and the service provider with ₹50 lakh. pic.twitter.com/zrAae3Wgay
According to the dairy major, the acidic nature of the curd and the vacuum-sealed, oxygen-free environment of the packaging are biologically incompatible with the survival or reproduction of weevils. Furthermore, the company noted that the cold chain requirements for dairy products differ fundamentally from the dry, warm conditions pests require to thrive.
The investigation took a major turn when Amul’s audit of the value chain revealed that the specific batch in question was not even supplied through the company’s authorised distribution network. Amul’s analysis of the consumer-posted video suggests a different origin for the pests: the serving trays.
Insects Originated From Infested Tray, Says Amul
The company stated that the insects likely originated from an infested tray provided by the onboard catering staff rather than the sealed curd container itself. This aligns with the Ministry of Railways’ decision to terminate the contract of the private service provider, Krishna Enterprises, citing gross negligence in maintaining hygiene standards.
Despite Amul’s defence, the Ministry of Railways has maintained a zero-tolerance stance, slapping a Rs 50 lakh fine on the vendor and a Rs 10 lakh fine on IRCTC for a serious deficiency in service. The incident led to a nationwide discussion on the quality of catering in India’s flagship premium trains.
Spread over 11,742.45 acres, the Noida International Airport will be home to an 87-acre multi-modal cargo hub, a 40-acre maintenance, repair and operation hub
A view of the newly constructed Noida International Airport, on the eve of its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in Noida (PTI)
The Noida International Airport will be among the country’s most important greenfield projects, will ease congestion at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, and will serve as a major boost to the country’s logistics sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, a day ahead of its inauguration.
“Tomorrow… is a day of immense importance for the people of Uttar Pradesh and NCR. Phase 1 of Noida International Airport will be inaugurated. This will boost commerce and connectivity. It will ease congestion at the IGI Airport in Delhi. The Noida airport is among the key greenfield projects in our nation. In addition to passenger services, it will have a robust cargo ecosystem thus boosting the logistics sector,” the PM posted on X.
Spread over 11,742.45 acres, the airport will be home to an 87-acre multi-modal cargo hub, a 40-acre maintenance, repair, and operation hub, and will be the most energy-efficient project of its kind, officials said.
“The Noida International Airport is poised to become India’s largest airport upon completion with an ultimate capacity to serve 225 million passengers per annum, serving as a key catalyst for economic growth and connectivity across NCR,” said Shailendra Bhatia, additional CEO of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) and nodal officer for Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL).
The airport is planned to be developed in two stages. Capacity will be expanded from 70 million passengers to 225 million over the two stages. The first stage will have four phases, where annual passenger footfall is expected to grow from 12 million to 70 million.
A 40-year concession agreement was signed between NIAL and Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd (YIAPL) – a 100% subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG – for development of Stage 1. As part of Stage 1, the airport will be constructed in four phases across 1,334 hectares and will have two runways with a final handling capacity of 70 million passengers per annum. Phase 1 will handle 12 million passengers annually.
Multi-modal cargo hub
The airport has allocated 87 acres for development of a Multi-Modal Cargo Hub, which will house an integrated cargo terminal, warehouse, and logistics zone. Approximately 30 acres will be used for domestic, international, and express courier terminals.
“A total investment of ₹800 crore in Phase 1 has been made for the cargo hub, with expected total investment of ₹3,200 crore after the final phase. The cargo terminal is designed to handle 255,000 metric tonnes of cargo per annum, which will be scaled to handle 1.8 million metric tonnes,” said RK Singh, NIAL CEO.
First airport with MRO
The airport will become the first in the country to have an in-house Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility. NIAL has allocated 40 acres of land for MRO operations and recently entered into a partnership with SNV Aviation Private Ltd (Akasa Air) to develop, operationalise, and manage the facility, which will be developed over 1.54 acres with an estimated investment of ₹60 crore.
Sustainability features
NIA is designed as a net-zero concept airport, developed in collaboration with Zurich Airport Group to minimise carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
Two ponds have been created for rainwater harvesting to ensure sustainable water supply. A sewage treatment plant of 3 MLD capacity is planned to treat sewage generated from airport operations. An 82.94-acre solar farm with a power generating capacity of 51,966 megawatts has been established.
Industrial growth
YEIDA officials said the development of Noida International Airport has acted as a strong catalyst for industrial growth in the region. Dedicated parks such as Apparel Park, MSME Park, Toy Park, Data Centre Park, and ODOP Handicraft Park are being developed.
US President Donald Trump held a “productive” conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this week, the White House said on Friday.
US President Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi (Bloomberg)
US President Donald Trump held a “productive” conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this week, the White House said on Friday.
According to The New York Times, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk also joined the call on Tuesday, during which the leaders discussed the situation in West Asia.
“President Trump has a great relationship with Prime Minister Modi, and this was a productive conversation,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to PTI.
In a post on X, PM Modi shared the diplomatic exchange, stating that both sides called for an “open, secure and accessible” Strait of Hormuz and reiterated India’s stance on de-escalation and peace amid the US-Iran war.
“Received a call from President Trump and had a useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia. India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest. Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world. We agreed to stay in touch regarding efforts towards peace and stability,” the PM stated in his post.
Why Elon Musk joined the Trump-Modi call?
Elon Musk joined a phone call on Tuesday between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump in a rare instance of a private citizen being part of a conversation between two heads of state during a wartime crisis, The New York Times reported, citing unnamed US officials.
The report, which cited two US officials confirming Musk’s presence, suggested the world’s richest man may be back on better terms with Trump after a fallout last year following his exit from the administration, where he had been tasked with cutting the federal workforce.
It remains unclear why Musk was included in the call or whether he spoke during the conversation.
The S-400 systems will be central to India’s proposed national defence shield under Mission Sudarshan Chakra.
The additional air defence systems will bring the number of S-400 units in the IAF to 10. (File Photo)
The defence acquisition council (DAC) on Friday approved a military capability boost worth ₹2.38 lakh crore to equip the country’s armed forces with more Russian-origin S-400 Triumf air defence systems, remotely piloted strike aircraft, transport planes, artillery guns and tank ammunition, the defence ministry said.
The proposed acquisition of five units of the S-400 missile system, which took out Pakistani targets during Operation Sindoor last May, will significantly boost the Indian Air Force’s ability to detect, identify, track and engage hostile fighters, missiles and drones. The remotely piloted strike aircraft, a must for the air force’s modernisation, will enable it to carry out precision strikes without risking the lives of personnel.
“The S-400 system will counter enemy long-range air vectors targeting vital areas, while the remotely piloted strike aircraft will enable undertaking offensive counter and coordinated air operations,” the defence ministry said. The remotely piloted strike aircraft, or unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), will also sharpen the IAF’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. HT has learnt that four squadrons of remotely piloted strike aircraft have been cleared.
The additional air defence systems will bring the number of S-400 units in the IAF to 10. India ordered five units from Russia for ₹39,000 crore in October 2018 under a government-to-government deal. The IAF has already deployed three units of the air defence system; Russia is expected to deliver the remaining systems by the year-end.
The S-400 systems will be central to India’s proposed national defence shield under Mission Sudarshan Chakra. The country plans to deploy this formidable military capability by 2035 to defend its defence and civilian installations against aerial attacks and to strike back at the enemy with overwhelming force.
The council’s Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the S-400 systems and other military hardware is the first step in the procurement process. “The approval for additional S-400 systems is the key takeaway from the DAC meeting. Ongoing wars in Ukraine and West Asia, and Operation Sindoor last year, have underscored the importance of air defence systems. S-400 is one of the top such systems in the world. For a country the size of India, the five units ordered earlier were inadequate. The new systems will provide the needed air defence coverage,” said military affairs expert Air Marshal Anil Chopra (retired).
The DAC, headed by defence minister Rajnath Singh, also cleared the purchase of 60 medium transport aircraft (MTA) to boost the IAF’s airlift capabilities. “The induction of medium transport aircraft—replacing the AN-32 and IL-76 transport fleets—will meet the strategic, tactical and operational airlift requirements of the services,” the defence ministry said in a statement.
Singh said the decisions taken in the DAC will help further strengthen India’s defence preparedness. Those vying for the MTA order include US firm Lockheed Martin with its C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, Brazilian plane maker Embraer, which has offered its KC-390 Millennium aircraft to India and European Airbus Defence and Space with its A-400M. The three-cornered contest will align with the government’s Make in India initiative to boost self-reliance in the defence manufacturing sector; the winner will set up a production line for the planes in India.
The US firm has tied up with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), and Embraer has teamed up with Mahindra to bid for the contract. However, Airbus has not yet announced its partner.
The C-130J can carry a load of 20 tonnes, compared to the KC-390’s 26 tonnes and the A-400M’s 37 tonnes.
India is likely to conclude several big contracts in the financial year 2026-27 to sharpen the air force’s combat edge, including deals for buying 114 Rafale fighter jets, 60 MTA and additional airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems, as HT previously reported.
Colgate toothpaste is pictured on sale at a grocery store in Pasadena, California January 30, 2014. Colgate-Palmolive Co, the world’s largest toothpaste maker, reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit as cost cuts offset the negative impact of a stronger dollar. Colgate’s gross margins rose in the fourth quarter as it cut costs by negotiating better lease terms with suppliers, using cheaper raw material and reducing packaging material in products. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (UNITED STATES – Tags: BUSINESS)/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
A federal judge on Friday said Colgate-Palmolive (CL.N), must face two lawsuits claiming its packaging for mouth rinse misleads parents into believing children under 6 can use the products safely. The judge dismissed a similar lawsuit concerning Colgate toothpaste.
Consumers in the proposed class actions said U.S. health authorities warned that children under 6 should not use fluoride rinses, and recommended that children between 2 and 6 use only “pea-sized” amounts of fluoride toothpaste.
They said Colgate’s packaging, featuring bright colors and flavors such as Bubble Fruit and Silly Strawberry, made it seem safe for young children to use rinses, and to use as much toothpaste as older children and adults. Fluoride can be harmful if swallowed.
U.S. District Judge Andrea Wood in Chicago said reasonable consumers might not know where to draw the line for rinses, given how most Colgate labels prominently featured the words “kids” or “children’s.”
She said she was unpersuaded by Colgate’s insistence that consumers would know rinses are over-the-counter drugs and check the back labels, which contain required U.S. Food and Drug Administration warnings for young children.
Toothpaste was different, the judge said, because the labels expressly instructed that children between 2 and 6 use pea-sized amounts.
“Viewed in context, the toothbrush with a full strip of toothpaste is there only to represent the act of toothbrushing,” Wood wrote.
Colgate, based in New York, and its lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Michael Connett, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said courts have been receptive to deceptive labeling claims. “These rulings will hopefully send a wake-up call to manufacturers to stop promoting unsafe use of fluoride products,” he said.
RSP leader Balendra Shah will be sworn in as Nepal’s Prime Minister today, becoming the youngest to hold the post. The 35-year-old secured a landslide victory with 182 of 275 seats in the March 5 elections. His rise signals a major political shift, driven by public demand for reform and corruption-free governance.
Balendra Shah | X
In a historic political shift, Balendra Shah, leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), will be sworn in as the Prime Minister of Nepal on Friday. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at the President’s Office in Sheetal Niwas, Kathmandu, at 12:34 pm local time today.
The 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician, popularly known as ‘Balen,’ is set to become the youngest elected Prime Minister in Nepal’s history and the first leader from the Madhes region to assume the country’s top executive post. His elevation comes a day after he was unanimously elected as the parliamentary party leader of the RSP, formally clearing the path for his appointment.
Sweeping Victory For Balen Shah’s RSP In Recent Polls
Shah’s rise follows a sweeping electoral mandate in the March 5 parliamentary elections, where the RSP secured a commanding 182 out of 275 seats in the House of Representatives. The victory marks a dramatic political realignment, with the party capitalising on public demand for generational change and a corruption-free governance model, particularly after last year’s youth-led protests.
Shah Defeats Ex-PM KP Sharma Oli In Jhapa-5 Constituency
In a major upset, Shah defeated former Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli in the Jhapa-5 constituency, a long-standing stronghold of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist). The scale of the victory shows the declining influence of traditional political forces in the country.
According to party officials, the RSP’s central committee has authorised Shah to form the new government. A cabinet comprising 15 to 18 members is expected to be announced later in the day.
The composition of Nepal’s House of Representatives includes 165 members elected through direct voting and 110 through proportional representation. Following the elections, newly elected lawmakers were administered the oath of office by senior leader Arjun Narasingha KC at the federal parliament in Singha Durbar, formally initiating the government formation process.
Zubeen Garg Death Case: Singapore Court Rules No Foul Play, Calls It Accidental Drowning
A Singapore court has delivered a significant ruling in the death case of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, bringing clarity to the circumstances surrounding his tragic demise. The court concluded that there is no evidence of foul play in the incident, putting to rest months of speculation and controversy.
Zubeen Garg had passed away on September 19, 2025, in Singapore while he was on a trip for a cultural event. The 52-year-old singer reportedly entered the water during a yacht outing near Lazarus Island and later lost consciousness. Despite efforts to revive him, he was declared dead at a hospital.
Following his death, multiple theories surfaced, with some alleging negligence and even conspiracy. However, investigations conducted by Singapore authorities consistently indicated otherwise. The Singapore Police had earlier stated that they did not suspect foul play in the case and that findings would be presented during a coroner’s inquiry.
During the proceedings, the court examined medical and forensic reports, along with witness statements. It was revealed that Garg had entered the water without a life jacket and was heavily intoxicated at the time, factors that contributed to the fatal incident.
After reviewing all evidence, the Singapore court ruled that the singer’s death was accidental, caused by drowning, and found no proof to support claims of any criminal involvement.
5 Killed After Scorpio Hits Auto Near Jain Temple in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
A tragic road accident in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, resulted in the deaths of five individuals. The incident occurred around 3 am when a speeding Scorpio collided with an auto, killing four family members returning from a temple visit.
At least five people were killed in a late-night road accident in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, near the Thatipur Jain Temple area. The accident took place around 3 am on Friday when a speeding Scorpio vehicle allegedly rammed into an auto, leading to multiple casualties.
According to police, the victims were family members who were returning from Sheetla Mata Temple near the bus stand when the incident occurred.
CSP Atul Kumar Soni said, “Around 3 AM, the family members who were returning from Sheetla Mata Temple near the bus stand met with a tragic death. In this case, a Scorpio driver has been arrested; the driver had collided with a vehicle at the bus stand and fled. Near the Jain Temple, he collided with an auto, resulting in the death of 4 people; treatment of 5 continues.
He further added, “we got the information that a Scorpio driver has collided with a vehicle at the bus stand… Near the Jain Temple, he collided with an auto… resulting in the death of 5 people, and 4 people are receiving treatment in the trauma centre… The car driver has been arrested, and his medical is being conducted.”
Police said the Scorpio driver first hit another vehicle near the bus stand and tried to escape. While fleeing, he crashed into an auto near the Jain Temple, causing the deaths.
Chinese ambassador Xu Feihong argued that India and China should strengthen communication and coordination and jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.
In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, right, shakes hands with visiting India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar prior to their bilateral meeting, in Beijing, Monday, July 14, 2025. (Xinhua via AP)
India and China achieved “remarkable” development in the last few decades because of their “hard work” not due to the “generosity” of others, Chinese ambassador Xu Feihong said on Thursday. He rejected the claims that outside powers fuelled Beijing’s economic rise. Xu’s remarks are largely seen as a rebuttal to recent remarks by US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who recently characterised past US economic support for China as a “mistake” that Washington will avoid repeating with New Delhi.
“In recent decades, both China and India have achieved remarkable development. These achievements are built on the hard work and wisdom of our own people, supported by global cooperation, and are by no means the result of others’ generosity,” the envoy said while speaking at the 14th China-India Youth Dialogue.
“China and India are neighbours that cannot be moved apart. It should be the right choice for both sides to be good-neighbourly friends and partners that help each other succeed, and realise the Dragon-Elephant Tango,” he said.
“However, some people are unwilling to see China and India live in harmony. They deliberately amplify our differences, hype up the so-called ‘China threat’, and hope to profit from discord between our two countries,” Xu said.
In a thinly veiled dig at the US, the Chinese ambassador, without naming any country, said certain elements do not want to see China and India live in harmony and “hype up” the “so-called China threat”, hoping to profit from the “discord”.
In an address at the Raisina Dialogue earlier this month, Landau said that the US will not repeat the mistake of providing India the same type of economic advantages it gave China that helped Beijing become a key competitor of the US.
Petroleum Ministry said panic buying and misinformation are being spread via social media, but domestic production and imports fully secure supply.
The government has issued an order to strengthen gas pipeline infrastructure amid the Hormuz disruption. (Representational Image)
LPG, Fuel Shortage In India: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has confirmed that India’s fuel and LPG supplies are fully secure. All retail outlets have sufficient stock. Panic buying and misinformation are being spread via social media, but domestic production and imports fully secure supply. The Ministry advised citizens not to be misled by misinformation that is spreading unnecessary panic.
Petrol and diesel supplies stable
India is the world’s fourth-largest refiner and fifth-largest exporter of petroleum products, supplying fuel to over 150 countries. Domestic petrol and diesel availability is fully assured. All 1 lakh-plus fuel outlets are open, with no rationing.
Where isolated panic buying occurred, it was caused by misleading social media content. Oil company depots remained operational overnight, and credit to pumps has been extended to ensure uninterrupted supply.
Crude oil supply remains strong
Despite tensions at the Strait of Hormuz, India receives more crude oil from over 41 suppliers than before. Every refinery is operating at over 100% capacity. Supplies for the next 60 days are already secured, leaving no gap in availability.
Strategic reserves are adequate
The Ministry said that reports claiming only six days of stock are false. India has 74 days of total reserve capacity and around 60 days of actual stock, including crude, products, and strategic storage. Nearly two months of supply is secured, with additional crude procurement underway.
LPG production increased, imports secured
Domestic LPG production has risen by 40%, now covering over 60% of daily requirements. Imports of 800 TMT are secured from the United States, Russia, Australia, and other countries. Oil companies deliver over 50 lakh cylinders daily, with commercial allocations increased to prevent hoarding.
In one of the clips, the professor is seen addressing the batch and proposing to the student.
The incident took place at Sri Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre. (Photo Credit: X)
A tense and chaotic scene erupted inside a private medical college classroom in Bengaluru Rural district when a professor allegedly made a proposal to a student. The incident reportedly took place at Sri Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre in T. Begur, Nelamangala, on March 26.
According to a report by Times of India, it involved 50-year-old Professor Abdul Mohammad and a 19-year-old female student. Two videos related to the incident have surfaced online.
Bengaluru Medical College Professor Proposes Student
In one of the clips, the professor is seen addressing the batch and proposing to the student. He also claimed that the student had previously confessed her feelings for him and that he reciprocated.
To mark the occasion, the professor had brought a carton of chocolates which he instructed someone to distribute among the students.
The student immediately objected and told him that he should take the matter to the principal. She also questioned him directly and asked when she had supposedly made any proposal.
In the video, the professor is seen pressing his claim further: “Didn’t you say I love you Mohammed, didn’t you say it?” He also mentioned that CCTV footage existed to substantiate his statement.
The student demanded him to show it. He then left the classroom after saying to her they would discuss the matter the next day and encouraged students to enjoy the chocolates.
Professor Thrashed By Slippers
The second video shows the professor being thrashed by students with slippers. It also captures the female student, to whom he allegedly proposed, striking him with slipper as the chaotic scene unfolds around them.
What Are People Saying Online
The incident has triggered varied reactions online with one user commenting, “Honestly, this is really disappointing to see. Colleges are supposed to be safe spaces for learning, not places where things spiral into controversy and violence. When a teacher crosses boundaries, it breaks the basic trust students have in the system.”
The finance ministry has reduced the special excise duty on petrol to ₹3 per litre from ₹13 earlier. It also cut the duty on diesel to zero from ₹10.
Vehicles at a petrol pump in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday. (ANI)
The government of India has cut the special additional excise duties on petrol and diesel, in a move seemingly to reduce losses of oil companies amid the Middle East conflict. In a government order on Thursday, the finance ministry reduced the special excise duty on petrol to ₹3 per litre from ₹13 earlier. It also cut the duty on diesel to zero from ₹10.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the central excise duty on petrol and diesel for domestic consumption has been reduced by ₹10 per litre each in view of the West Asia crisis, This will provide protection to consumers from rise in prices, she said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always ensured that citizens are protected from vagaries of supply and costs of essential goods.
Further, duties have been imposed on exports of Diesel at ₹21.5 per litre and on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) at ₹29.5 per litre, she said. “This will ensure adequate availability of these products for domestic consumption. The Parliament has been notified about the same,” she said on X.
In view of the West Asia crisis, the central excise duty on petrol and diesel for domestic consumption has been reduced by ₹10 per litre each. This will provide protection to consumers from rise in prices. Hon. PM @narendramodi has always ensured that citizens are protected from…
The notification comes amid supply disruptions due to the ongoing US-Iran war. “…the Central Government, being satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest so to do…,” reads a part of the order.
The changes were notified through amendments to central excise rules and duty structures, which “shall come into force with immediate effect,” as per the Gazette notification.
There is unlikely to be any immediate impact on pump prices.
On aviation turbine fuel (ATF), the order states: “Aviation Turbine Fuel Rs. 50 per Litre” as special additional excise duty, alongside exemptions that cap the effective rate at “Rs. 29.5 per litre” in certain cases.
The excise duty move comes amid the ongoing war in the oil-rich Gulf, sparked by US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which has pushed global crude oil prices above $100 and disrupted key supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz – the currently choked waterway through which a fifth of world’s oil and gas requirements travel.
Speaking on the excise duty cut, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Puri said on X that the Modi government had two choices amid rising crude prices – either increase prices drastically for citizens of Bharat as all other nations have done or bear the brunt on its finances so that Indian citizen is insulated from international volatility.
International crude prices have gone through the roof in the last 1 month from around 70 dollars/barrel to around 122 dollars/barrel. Consequently, petrol and diesel prices for consumers have gone up all over the world. Prices have increased by around 30%-50% in South East Asian…
“International crude prices have gone through the roof in the last 1 month from around 70 dollars/barrel to around 122 dollars/barrel. Consequently, petrol and diesel prices for consumers have gone up all over the world. Prices have increased by around 30%-50% in South East Asian countries, 30% in North American countries, 20% in Europe and 50% in African countries,” Hardeep Puri said.
“The Modi Government had two choices- either increase prices drastically for citizens of Bharat as all other nations have done or bear the brunt on its finances so that Indian citizen is insulated from international volatility,” he said.
Puri said PM Modi, “in keeping with his Government’s commitment of last 4 years since the conflict in Russia-Ukraine started, decided to take a hit on its own finances again to safeguard the Indian citizen.”
Investigation revealed that the three accused, Mohammad Rahmatullah Shareef, Mirza Sohail Beg and Mohammad Danish, had formed a group named “Al Malik Islamic Youth”.
12 people with suspected links to banned terrorist outfits like al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) have been arrested after a multi-state operation.
Andhra Pradesh’s Mohammad Rahmatullah Shareef, Mirza Sohail Beg and Mohammad Danish, Bihar’s Shadman Dilkush and Ajmanullah Khan, Lucky Ahmed, a resident of Delhi’s Rohini, Mir Asif Ali (West Bengal), Zeeshan (Rajasthan), Abdul Salam (Karnataka), Shah Rukh Khan and Shiyak Piyaz ur Rehman (Maharashtra), and Saida Begum from Telangana were arrested after a joint operation conducted by the police in Andhra Pradesh and Delhi.
They met the foreign handlers of the AQIS and ISIS through a gaming app and later joined them.
Officials said that they had links with “Benex Com”, a group associated with ISIS.
They allegedly replaced the national flag with that of ISIS on their social media posts. They also burnt the national flag, praised ISIS and advocated for transforming India into an Islamic State. They also mocked the national anthem, officials said.
Investigation further revealed that they were planning to travel to Pakistan within a month to take part in training. They were also motivating youth to undergo training in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
3 Accused Watched Osama bin Laden’s Videos
Investigation revealed that the three accused, Mohammad Rahmatullah Shareef, Mirza Sohail Beg and Mohammad Danish, all residents of Vijayawada, had formed a group named “Al Malik Islamic Youth” to radicalise youth and prepare them for jihad.
They were allegedly working towards the concept of Ghazwa-e-Hind (war against India) and had expanded their network across several states by coordinating with operatives in different regions, officials said.
They also posted videos projecting themselves as Mujahideen, watched videos of al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden and imitated him while engaging in radical propaganda.
Rahmatullah, a bike taxi driver, along with Danish, a laser marking professional, and Sohail Beg, who works at a restaurant, allegedly expanded jihad-related activities through online platforms.
A day after HT reported on the plans in its edition dated March 18, the minister ordered an inquiry into the previously issued tenders.
Verma, minister in-charge of the irrigation and flood control (I&FC) department, told HT that the tender process has been cancelled. (HT Photo)
The Delhi government has scrapped its plans to procure two air-conditioned boats for VIPs and VVIPs at a cost of ₹6.2 crore and suspended two senior officials involved in the procurement, minister Parvesh Verma said on Thursday.
Verma, minister in-charge of the irrigation and flood control (I&FC) department, told HT that the tender process has been cancelled. “We have cancelled the tender for the boats and we are investigating the issue. The executive engineer and assistant engineer concerned have also been suspended for issuing the tenders without prior information,” Verma said.
A day after HT reported on the plans in its edition dated March 18, the minister ordered an inquiry into the previously issued tenders and “the circumstances under which they were issued.” The office of the I&FC minister said that directions were issued to the effect that “any future procurement of boats will be limited to essential functions of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, such as surveillance, pollution monitoring, and other operational requirements.”
According to the previously issued tender, the government was procuring two VIP/VVIP boats, each with a capacity to accommodate 16 to 20 persons, with features such as “cassette-type rooftop marine air conditioners,” “customized business class push-back VIP seats” and “a dedicated pantry for serving food”, among others.
Each vessel was to include an open-rear deck with three-to-four-seater sofas for VIP public appearances.
“The boat to have an open rear deck area for VIPs public appearance. VIP sofa-type seating to be fitted in this area for 3 to 4 persons,” the document accessed by HT read. The interior specifications included “customized business-class type seats made of vegan leather with exquisite stitching, integrated hand rests with wooden finish, bottle holders, and a premium aesthetic look with concealed LED and ambient lighting.”
The Delhi government had received flak from the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress, which termed the procurement of “luxury boats” to be “wastage of public funds and case of misplaced priorities.”
The I&FC department issued a corrigendum on March 18 for the VIP boat tender, extending the bidding process citing “administrative reason.” The bid submission process was earlier expected to be concluded on March 18, but the deadline was revised to March 27, before it was cancelled.
Activists in India are sounding the alarm over the removal of content from social media, especially posts criticizing the government and its Iran war stance.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visited Israel in late February, just days before Israel launched its strikes on IranImage: Ilia Yefimovich/AFP
Over the past two weeks, internet watchdogs in India have reported dozens of removals of posts on social media that were critical of the government’s failure to condemn the US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
The timing is significant, with a spike in social media account restrictions beginning around March 11, and the Internet Freedom Foundation documenting at least 42 instances by March 19.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel in late February, just days before Israel launched its strikes on Iran, and his typically cautions stance on the conflict placed India’s foreign policy under unusual domestic scrutiny.
This week, Modi acknowledged in a speech to parliament that the situation is “worrisome,” but that India’s “inherent” economic strength would allow the country to weather the “unprecedented challenges” posed by the conflict.
Modi also said New Delhi was “encouraging all sides to end [the conflict] peacefully.”
A wave of removals
The removal of political cartoons, satirical content, opposition messaging and commentary questioning India’s stance over the war in the Middle East shows a clear pattern in the type of content being taken down.
Cartoonist Satish Acharya said two of his cartoons on India-Iran relations were blocked. One depicts Modi blindfolded alongside a body labeled “Killed by USA & Israel,” and the other targets India’s silence over the US Navy’s sinking of an Iranian vessel in the Indian Ocean.
Satirical videos by online portal The Wire were also removed, including content mocking the government’s silence following the US-Israeli strikes and questioning whether New Delhi had implicitly backed the offensive.
AI-generated posts by opposition figures and comments by a retired Air Force officer were also taken down. Some of the posts were warning that the government’s silence could damage ties with Iran, and accusing New Delhi of abandoning its long-standing policy of strategic autonomy.
The apparent censorship also targeted popular parody accounts such as “@DrNimoYadav” and “@Nehr_who,” and a widely viewed satirical reel mocking the prime minister’s perceived closeness to Israel, which questioned his reluctance to publicly respond to the strikes, was also removed.
In early March, Meta platforms restricted the accounts of Kashmiri Shia clerics Molvi Masroor Abbas Ansari and Aga Syed Mohammad Hadi, along with several local news portals, following protests linked to the developments in Iran.
INC: ‘Bureaucrats will decide what is acceptable’
The common thread in the removed content is sharp criticism of the government’s foreign policy posture.
Supriya Shrinate, a spokesperson for the opposition Indian National Congress, said the takedowns reflect growing sensitivity around criticism of the government’s approach to, and in particular its silence surrounding, the Iran conflict.
“Bureaucrats will decide what is acceptable on social media. Anything critical of the prime minister will have to go,” said Shrinate.
“This is the biggest attack on freedom of speech. I have received 11 notices in recent days,” she added.
However, there is no proof of a direct government order targeting critics of the Iran conflict — something both critics and analysts say is difficult to prove given how the system works.
Are the takedowns legal?
The removals are enabled by a legal framework that allows the government to intervene directly in online content by ordering platforms to remove or block content on grounds such as national security or public order.
These directives are legally binding but are not made public.
Apar Gupta, the founding director of the Internet Freedom Foundation, said most of the evidence has surfaced only because users shared takedown notices.
“There is no public record of these orders or the reasoning behind them. The opacity is by design and it makes it impossible to verify intent or trace decision-making,” Gupta told DW.
Prateek Waghre, a researcher at the Tech Global Institute, told DW that the lack of transparency makes it hard to draw firm conclusions, pointing out that “confidentiality is built into the process.”
But he did confirm “an uptick in blocking requests starting late February” and that “public scrutiny of the government’s foreign policy is being viewed particularly sensitively.”
Surge in removals tied to geopolitics
While India has long issued a high volume of takedown requests, analysts say the current clustering of removals around criticism of the government’s Iran stance marks a notable shift.
The government maintains that any removals are necessary to protect national security, maintain public order and prevent the spread of inflammatory content, especially during periods of regional tension.
“These steps are about ensuring harmful or misleading content does not escalate tensions in a sensitive geopolitical environment. There is no intent to target legitimate criticism,” a government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told DW.
But digital rights advocates say the concern lies in how these powers are being used.
Internet Freedom Foundation director Gupta pointed to the overlap of timing, content and secrecy. “In a transparent system, you could examine whether this is coordinated. Here, you cannot, and that is the point,” he said.
Researchers say the scale of removals might be far greater than what is visible. Waghre said at least 50 instances of takedowns involving political speech and satire have been documented since February, with a clear uptick in March.
“There appears to be heightened sensitivity to posts on social media platforms critical of the government,” he said, adding that the real number is likely higher.
According to preliminary findings, the accused, the son of BJP corporator Shushant Naik, is suspected to have been abusing and coercing the victims over a period of nearly three years.
Goa Police has arrested a 22-year-old man, Soham Naik, the son of a BJP corporator, in connection with the alleged sexual exploitation of around 25 to 30 minor girls in South Goa. The case has triggered widespread outrage across the state. Soham is the son of BJP corporator Shushant Naik.
According to preliminary findings, the accused is suspected to have been abusing and coercing the victims over a period of nearly three years.
Investigators say he allegedly tried to blackmail the girls by threatening them with the circulation of explicit videos to silence them, which prevented complaints from being filed earlier due to fear, stigma, and social pressure.
There was instant public outrage recently after Naik, during a drinking session with friends, reportedly showed videos involving the survivors.
This disclosure prompted those present to raise an alarm, eventually leading to the matter reaching the authorities.
Following the revelations, tensions escalated in the area, with local residents expressing anger and concern over the gravity of the allegations.
Reports indicate that people gathered outside a police station demanding immediate action against the accused.
Police have confirmed that Naik was taken into custody on Sunday night and that a detailed investigation is underway.
Authorities are working to identify all victims, record statements, and examine digital evidence recovered during the probe.
The bus was returning from a public event attended by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. The CM has declared a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives.
Scenes from the accident and a hospital where the injured are being treated. (PTI photos)
At least 10 people, including a child, were killed and another 31 were injured in a head-on collision between a pick-up vehicle and a bus, which was returning from a public function attended by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, in the state’s Chhindwara district on Thursday evening, according to officials.
CM Yadav expressed grief over the mishap and declared a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives and Rs 1 lakh for those who were injured. Treatment of all injured persons would be provided free of cost, he announced.
The incident took place near Simaria on Nagpur Road, Superintendent of Police Ajay Pandey informed. “Six men, three women and a child were killed in the accident,” he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
There were more than 40 passengers in the bus at the time of the incident, SHO Ashish Kumar said.
3-4 INJURED IN CRITICAL STATE
The death toll consists of eight passengers of the bus and the driver and cleaner of the pick-up vehicle, per Chhindwara Collector Harendra Narayan. The official further said that 3–4 people among the 31 injured are in a critical state.
“One of them has been rushed to a hospital in Nagpur in neighbouring Maharashtra for advanced treatment,” Narayan said.
The injured were rushed to the district hospital and other medical facilities in nearby areas, officials said.
As many as 105 projects were inaugurated and foundation stones were laid for several other projects by CM Yadav at the function where the bus was returning from. The event took place at the police ground in Chhindwara city.
Sharing a condolence message on X, CM Yadav said, “I pray to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed souls and wish speedy recovery to the injured.”
Iran has also claimed responsibility for damaging a US F-35 stealth fighter, which made an emergency landing at an American base in the Middle East after sustaining suspected fire during a mission over Iranian airspace.
Iran has claimed it has “successfully targeted” an American F-18 fighter jet amid escalating war with US and Israeli forces. Tehran also released a video purportedly showing a fighter jet losing altitude after being struck by what seemed like a ballistic missile in mid-air.
Iran’s Press TV posted the video on its official channel on X and wrote, “Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announces that it has successfully targeted an American F-18 fighter jet. “The post, however, did not provide details on the location of the attack, the level of damage, or the pilot’s status.
The footage shows the aircraft in flight before a flash of light strikes it in mid-air. Moments later, the jet seems to become unstable, trailing what appears to be a plume, suggesting it has lost control. NDTV could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.
The Fact-Check
The Iranian claim was later denied by American forces, who said no fighter jet was shot down by Iran.
“FALSE: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a US F/A-18 fighter was struck over Chabahar using new advanced air defence systems. TRUE: No US fighter aircraft have been shot down by Iran,” US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on X.
Iranian Claims And Us Fact-Checks
This is not the first time CENTCOM has rejected Iranian claims of shooting down American jets. Last week, Iranian media claimed twice that the IRGC shot down US F-15 jets. But the claims were fact-checked by CENTCOM, which said, “US forces have flown more than 8,000 combat flights during Operation Epic Fury.” No US fighter aircraft have been shot down by Iran.”
Iran has also claimed responsibility for damaging a US F-35 stealth fighter, which made an emergency landing at an American base in the Middle East after sustaining suspected fire during a mission over Iranian airspace. US officials confirmed the incident, noting that the pilot safely evacuated on time and that an investigation was underway. The Americans, however, stopped short of attributing it definitively to enemy action in all statements.
Operation Epic Fury, the US-led campaign launched on February 28 alongside Israeli efforts, aims to degrade Iran’s missile capabilities, naval forces, proxy networks, and nuclear-related infrastructure. Nearly a month into the war, the Donald Trump administration in the US has called for a truce, a proposal rejected by Tehran.
A passenger’s complaint regarding the quality of food found on train number 21896 (Patna-Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express) on March 15 has been taken seriously, and a penalty of Rs 10 lakh has been imposed on IRCTC.
A fine of Rs 50 lakh has been imposed on the concerned service provider
The Railways has tightened its grip on its own company, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), by imposing a fine of Rs 10 lakh following a passenger’s complaint.
A passenger’s complaint regarding the quality of food found on train number 21896 (Patna-Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express) on March 15 has been taken seriously, and a penalty of Rs 10 lakh has been imposed on IRCTC.
Along with this, a fine of Rs 50 lakh has been imposed on the concerned service provider, and the contract termination has been ordered.
An Indian Railways spokesperson stated that passenger safety and quality are our top priorities.
Meanwhile, ministry said that Indian Railways serves nearly 58 crore meals annually across its trains, with complaints averaging only about 0.0008%, which includes complaints related to overcharging.
Following inquiries into these complaints, fines amounting to Rs 2.6 crore have been imposed over the past three years. During the year 2025, 3 incidents of assault on railway passengers by Pantry Car staff have been reported. Legal action has been taken against the Pantry Car staff by the respective Government Railway Police.
Also, Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting and Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Tuesday announced that in line with Indian Railways’ resolve to undertake reforms during 2026, five new reforms have been approved.
With the approval of these new reforms, the total number of reforms for the year 2026 has reached nine.
Ashwini Vaishnaw said that under the ongoing “Reform Express” initiative, four reforms had already been announced and five new reforms were being introduced.
If superstition solved problems, wars would have been fought with lemons and chilis instead of drones, quipped Fadnavis
The chief minister’s remarks against superstition were met with applause.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has slammed superstitious beliefs while speaking in the assembly on the investigation against rape-accused astrologer Ashok Kharat. He also used pointed analogies, with mentions of the US and Pakistan, to drive home his message.
Taking aim at so-called “bhondu baba” practices, he said, “If superstition had solved problems, we would have made Kharat an adviser to Trump. Wars would have been fought with lemons and chilis instead of drones.”
“We would have finished terrorists in Pakistan while sitting here with a needle. We wouldn’t have sent soldiers to the border. Eight to ten such godmen could have done the job,” he quipped. “If black magic solved issues, we wouldn’t need arms, campaigns, or governance; we could do everything sitting here.”
The chief minister’s remarks against superstition were met with applause.
“Set Precedent”
Referring to Kharat’s case, which has expanded beyond a single complaint into wider allegations of exploitation and black magic practices, the chief minister urged members to assist the investigation.
“Whoever has information should give it to the administration. We have to punish him in such a way that it sets a precedent,” Fadnavis said.
He reiterated that while faith has a place in society, blind faith can be dangerous.
“We believe in faith, but there is a difference between faith and blind faith. We have seen how intellect gets lost when that line is crossed,” he noted.
“Reject Blind Faith”
Placing his argument in Maharashtra’s reformist tradition, the chief minister said that saints have always opposed blind faith.
“Maharashtra is a land of saints. None of them denied God, but they attacked blind faith,” he said, referring to Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram and Sant Eknath, who encouraged people to question and test beliefs rather than accept them blindly.
Read: 5 Bullets, ‘Human Sacrifice’: More Skeletons In Nashik Astrologer’s Closet
Ahead of Ram Navami, he added, “I pray that Maharashtra Dharma expands, but it should not have space for bhondugiri.”
During the second round of auction, 19 bids were received for 11 vends in Chandigarh, generating revenue of ₹62.38 crore against a reserve price of ₹53.94 crore — an increase of 15.64%
The new policy is set to come into force from April 1. (HT FIle)
In the second round of e-auction conducted under the Excise Policy 2026-27 on Wednesday, 11 additional liquor vends were successfully allotted.
With this, 93 of the total 97 liquor vends in the city have been allotted. The new policy is set to come into force from April 1.
During the second round, 19 bids were received for 11 vends, generating revenue of ₹62.38 crore against a reserve price of ₹53.94 crore — an increase of 15.64%. The administration also collected ₹38 lakh as participation fee.
Earlier, in the first round of e-tendering held on March 19, 195 bids were received for 82 vends, fetching ₹487.68 crore against a reserve price of ₹376.24 crore, marking a 29% rise, along with ₹3.90 crore in participation fees.
Cumulatively, the excise department has garnered ₹550.06 crore from 93 retail vends against a reserve price of ₹430.18 crore, reflecting an overall increase of 28%. Additionally, ₹4.28 crore has been collected as participation fees. The tendering process for the remaining four licensing units has been initiated.
Officials expressed confidence that the remaining vends will attract competitive bids, given the robust response so far, enabling the administration to surpass its revenue targets. Of the 97 vends in 2025-26, 88 were operational, while the rest remained vacant due to limited bidder interest.
The Excise Policy 2026-27 focuses on transparency and revenue enhancement through technology-driven processes. The entire auction was conducted online using NIC-developed software, with mandatory use of digital signatures and no provision for manual submissions.
The order directs local area gas distributors to notify households via registered or speed post where pipeline infrastructure is already in place.
LPG supply will not be cut if the distributor issues a no-objection certificate. (ANI)
The government has ordered households in areas with existing piped natural gas infrastructure to switch from LPG cylinders to PNG connections within three months of receiving notice, or face discontinuation of gas refill supplies — a move driven by mounting pressure on India’s LPG imports following the West Asia conflict.
The order, issued on Tuesday under the Essential Commodities Act and titled the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, directs local area gas distributors to notify households via registered or speed post where pipeline infrastructure is already in place.
If a household does not apply for a PNG connection within three months of receiving such notice, “the LPG supply to such address shall cease,” the gazette notification said. Applications can be made by the lawful occupier or the owner of the premises.
The order provides one exemption: LPG supply will not be cut if the distributor issues a no-objection certificate certifying it is technically infeasible to provide a piped connection to that address.
Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the ministry of petroleum, confirmed the order at an inter-ministerial briefing and framed it as a supply security measure. “Our import dependency for LPG is much higher than the import dependency for PNG or LNG. We produce 50% domestically as far as PNG is concerned. So, this is in the interest of nation that we shift from LPG to PNG,” she said.
The compulsory switch applies only to areas that already have gas pipeline infrastructure. The government estimates that six million consumers can make the transition; 0.22 million have already done so, Sharma said.
India currently has 16.2 million domestic PNG connections — against over 332 million LPG consumers, a number that grew from 140 million in 2014, including 105.6 million poor households with subsidised connections under PM Ujjwala Yojana.
In 2018 Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi orchestrated biggest bank fraud PNB fraud – $ 2 B – and fled India. Both CBI and ED have been fighting a long extradition battle across the globe to bring them back to India.
Massive Win For India: UK High Court Rejects Nirav Modi’s Plea To Reopen His Extradition Proceedings
In a major win for India, the UK High Court has rejected fugitive billionaire Nirav Modi’s plea to reopen his extradition proceedings, officials said. With this, the decks have been cleared for his extradition to India. His plea before the Westminster Court is scheduled to come up for hearing next month.
“Nirav Modi’s petition to reopen proceedings against his extradition order by UK courts was rejected today by the High Court of Justice, King’s Bench Division, London. The matter was strongly argued by the Crown Prosecution Service advocate, ably assisted by a dedicated CBI team, including investigating officers who travelled to London for the hearing,” the CBI said on Wednesday.
“The reopening application had been filed on the basis of the Bhandari judgment; however, through sustained and coordinated efforts of the CBI, the challenge was successfully overcome. While delivering the judgment, the High Court observed that the reopening petition and the circumstances surrounding it were not exceptional enough to justify reopening the case,” the agency added.
The CBI has been seeking Nirav Modi’s extradition in connection with the PNB scam involving significant financial wrongdoing with a public sector bank, with proceedings ongoing since 2018. Following his arrest in the UK in 2019, courts approved his extradition and rejected earlier appeals, finding no legal barriers and accepting assurances regarding his treatment in India.
Although a temporary legal obstacle delayed the process, it was lifted in August 2025.
Nirav Modi had sought to reopen his appeal citing concerns about potential ill-treatment (based on the Bhandari judgment) and questioning whether assurances provided by Indian authorities were sufficient to protect his rights. He has been lodged in a UK prison since March 19, 2019.
Nirav Modi is a fugitive economic offender wanted for trial in India in a CBI bank fraud case involving the defrauding of Punjab National Bank of ₹6,498.20 crore.
The Crown Prosecution Service was effectively supported by a dedicated CBI team, which prepared responses in the proceedings and travelled to London specifically for the hearing. The positive outcome highlights the consistent efforts and strong commitment of the Government of India in pursuing the case.
In 2022, the London High Court rejected his plea against extradition to India, and today his re-appeal has also been dismissed.
During an all-party meeting, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised that India does not see itself as a mediator like Pakistan amidst ongoing mediation efforts in the Iran conflict.
India Refuses ‘Dalaal’ Label, Jaishankar Takes a Shot at Pakistan Amid Iran Buzz (File photo)
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday told leaders at an all-party meeting that India does not view itself as a “dalaal” (broker) like Pakistan, according to sources quoted by PTI. His remarks came amid rising reports of mediation efforts in the ongoing Iran conflict, as several countries, including Pakistan and Turkey, have increased attempts to act as intermediaries between Washington and Tehran to ease tensions in the Middle East.
“There is nothing new in Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the matter, as that country has been ‘used’ by the US since 1981,” PTI sources quoted S. Jaishankar as saying. “We are not a dalaal nation,” he reportedly told attendees at the meeting held at the Parliament complex to discuss the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi told US President Donald Trump that the conflict in West Asia must be brought to an end swiftly, as it is impacting all parties involved, the government informed Opposition leaders during the meeting, reaffirming its stance on de-escalation.
Responding to criticism from the Opposition, the government dismissed allegations that New Delhi has remained silent on the West Asia crisis, asserting that “we are commenting and responding”. Officials highlighted India’s diplomatic outreach, noting that when a condolence book was opened at the Iranian Embassy after the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri promptly visited and signed it on behalf of the government, countering claims of a delayed response.
According to PTI sources, the government highlighted that its top priorities remain the safety of the Indian diaspora in the Gulf and maintaining domestic energy security, adding that both objectives have been handled effectively despite the evolving situation.
The Opposition, however, described the government’s responses as “unsatisfactory” and called for a detailed discussion in Parliament. Congress leader Tariq Anwar criticised the government, saying, “Pakistan is taking on a mediator’s role while we are still mute spectators,” and demanded debates in the Lok Sabha under Rule 193 and the Rajya Sabha under Rule 176.
The Indian government has reassured citizens that there is no fuel shortage, urging against panic buying despite reported long queues at petrol stations.
The government on Wednesday urged people not to panic buy fuel, assuring that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel despite long queues reported at several retail outlets. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery) in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said India has sufficient refining capacity and adequate fuel supplies across the country.
“I want to inform my countrymen that we have the capacity to refine approximately 26 crore tons of crude oil annually,” Sharma said. “Over the past two days, we have seen lines outside retail outlets and petrol pumps in many areas, and panic buying has also been observed.”
She stressed that there is no disruption in supply. “We have sufficient petrol and diesel available. There is no shortage at any petrol pump. The terminals supplying petrol pumps also have sufficient quantities,” Sharma said.
Urging calm, she added, “Therefore, do not believe rumours and avoid panic buying. I also want to inform you that there has been no increase in the price of petrol and diesel.”
People wait in a queue with empty LPG cooking gas cylinders to avail refilled ones amid the ongoing supply crisis, in Prayagraj, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (PTI Photo) Photo : PTI
“Domestic PNG connection is the government’s priority, and 100 per cent supply is being made available to consumers. 100 per cent CNG is also being made available to consumers,” she added.
The reassurance comes as the government moves to manage fuel availability and promote alternative energy distribution systems amid global supply concerns.
In a related step, authorities have issued a new order mandating that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply will be discontinued for households that do not switch to piped natural gas (PNG) where such connections are available.
#WATCH | Delhi: Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, says, “I want to inform my countrymen that we have the capacity to refine approximately 26 crore tons of crude oil annually. Over the past two days, we have seen lines… pic.twitter.com/ehJfN9frBt
The order, notified by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on March 24, states that LPG supply “shall cease after three months” if consumers do not opt for PNG despite availability, unless it is technically infeasible to provide a connection.
The move is aimed at easing pressure on LPG supplies and diverting cylinders to areas without pipeline infrastructure, while encouraging wider adoption of PNG, which is supplied directly through pipelines and does not require refilling.
The order also seeks to speed up pipeline expansion by simplifying approvals and ensuring faster permissions for infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, state-owned oil companies on Wednesday said there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or cooking gas in India, urging people not to believe rumours or engage in panic buying. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the country’s largest fuel retailer, said its outlets are “well-stocked and fully operational” and there is no shortage of petrol or diesel. The company warned that rumours can create unnecessary concern and disrupt normal supply patterns, and asked citizens to rely only on verified information.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) also dismissed reports of shortages as “completely unfounded,” saying fuel supplies across the country remain stable. The company said India is a net exporter of petrol and diesel and has adequate stocks of crude oil, petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel. It added that supply chains are operating smoothly without disruption.
A viral video shows a woman calmly talking to her Uber driver, who allegedly confessed to murdering his uncle and serving jail time. The clip shocked viewers, with many reacting to her composure and questioning ride safety. Uber responded, calling it concerning and seeking details. The incident sparked debates on driver background checks and shared experiences online
A viral video circulating on social media has sparked both concern and disbelief after a woman claimed her Uber driver casually confessed to a murder during their ride. The unexpected conversation, captured on camera, has left viewers questioning safety standards and reacting with a mix of shock and dark humour.
Casual chat turns chilling
In the clip, the woman is seen engaging in what appears to be a normal conversation with the driver. However, things take a disturbing turn when she recounts his alleged admission of killing his uncle. According to the conversation, the act was linked to a family dispute, and the driver had reportedly spent two years in jail before being released.
Despite the gravity of the claims, the woman continues speaking in a calm, almost nonchalant manner, something that has become a major talking point online. Many viewers noted how she maintained composure even while discussing such serious allegations.
Uber responds to safety concerns
As the video gained widespread attention, Uber responded publicly, calling the situation “extremely concerning.” The company urged the woman to share more details via direct message so they could investigate the matter. Uber reiterated that rider safety remains a top priority and that appropriate action would be taken if the claims are verified.
Internet reacts
Social media users flooded the comments section with reactions ranging from fear to sarcasm. Some questioned the woman’s decision to probe further into the story, while others joked about her unexpectedly becoming a “key witness” in a serious case.
A few users also shared similar unsettling ride experiences, raising broader concerns about background verification processes for ride-hailing drivers. This has reignited discussions about how thoroughly such companies screen individuals before onboarding them.
A tourist from Bengaluru was allegedly assaulted by shack staff at Goa’s Calangute Beach after a dispute over sunbeds. A video shows workers throwing pipes at him. Police have arrested the accused staff and launched a probe. Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte called the incident “serious” and ordered a show-cause notice.
X/@sirajnoorani
A shocking incident of assault on a tourist has come to light in Goa, where shack staff attacked individuals for sitting on sunbeds at Calangute Beach. A video of the incident has surfaced, showing uniformed staff assaulting the tourist with what looks like pipes. The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday.
The tourist was reportedly from Bengaluru and was injured after the assault.
The dispute started after the tourist, following a swim, reportedly sat on a beach bed, triggering an altercation with staff. The situation escalated when around 15–20 workers allegedly attacked him with iron rods and pipes. Police have arrested shack staff, and a probe has been launched into the matter.
Tourism Minister reacts
Reacting to the incident, Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte termed the Calangute Beach incident “serious”.
A woman was critically injured after jumping onto the metro track at Noida’s Sector 16 metro station. Police rushed to the spot.
Noida metro (Photo: PTI)
A woman was critically injured after jumping onto the metro track at Sector 16 metro station in Noida, police said.
According to initial information, the incident took place in the Sector 16 metro station area under Phase 1 police station limits. Soon after receiving the alert, police reached the spot and took the injured woman into custody.
She was admitted to a private hospital for treatment, where her condition is reported to be critical.
Police said that efforts are underway to establish the identity of the woman. After ensuring her admission to the hospital, officials have begun further investigation into the matter.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, a body of a 39-year-old man was found with several visible injuries near Jafrabad metro station in northeast Delhi. The victim was identified as Aqeel Ahmed.
The disruption in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly impacted India’s energy supply chain, forcing New Delhi to accelerate efforts to diversify sourcing.
During the first quarter of 2026 alone, Argentina exported 50,000 tonnes of LPG to India. (Photo: Reuters)
A friend of India, sitting nearly 20,000 kilometres away, has come to the country’s aid as it grapples with a severe liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortage triggered by the ongoing war in West Asia. With supplies disrupted due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical route for nearly 60 percent of India’s LPG imports—a South American country has stepped in to help meet India’s urgent energy needs.
The disruption in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly impacted India’s energy supply chain, forcing New Delhi to accelerate efforts to diversify sourcing.
Against this backdrop, Argentina has emerged as an unexpected yet crucial partner.
During the first quarter of 2026 alone, Argentina exported 50,000 tonnes of LPG to India—more than double the 22,000 tonnes shipped during the entirety of 2025.
Of these shipments, around 39,000 tonnes had already reached Indian shores from Argentina’s Bahia Blanca port before the conflict escalated.
An additional 11,000 tonnes were dispatched on March 5, underscoring Buenos Aires’ willingness to support India during the crisis.
Notably, Argentina had not supplied LPG to India prior to 2024, marking a rapid evolution in bilateral energy ties.
Argentina’s Ambassador to India, Mariano Agustin Cousino, emphasised his country’s readiness to play a larger role in India’s energy security.
“Argentina has significant gas reserves. The president of our national gas and oil company visited here twice last year; he held talks with Indian energy companies, and also met with Minister Hardeep Puri on several occasions. So this cooperation is still in its early stages,” he said.
He added that the current geopolitical situation could accelerate collaboration between the two nations.
“The present circumstances may further intensify the need for both countries to work together and build mutual understanding in this area,” he noted.
Praising India’s broader energy strategy, the envoy said, “I think the Indian government has been working on a strategy to diversify natural resources and energy supply in recent years, which is very positive. It is a very wise approach”.
Referring to recent remarks in Parliament, he added that India is expanding its energy sourcing network to over 40 countries, with Argentina poised to be among them.
Highlighting Argentina’s export potential, Cousino pointed out that the country’s relatively small population and abundant natural resources allow it to supply large quantities of energy and commodities globally.
He also expressed optimism about expanding cooperation beyond agriculture and minerals into hydrocarbons.
THE DAUNTING 20,000 KM JOURNEY
However, the partnership is not without challenges. The distance between Argnetina’s Bahia Blanca and India’s Dahej port in Gujarat—close to 20,000 kilometres—makes the route one of the longest for energy shipments.
This significantly raises transportation costs and introduces logistical complexities, including weather-related risks and longer delivery timelines.
Despite these hurdles, the arrangement is strategically important. For India, it represents a critical step in reducing overdependence on traditional supply routes and regions.
For Argentina, it opens a new and potentially large market for its energy exports.
Domestically, India has also taken measures to manage the crisis. The government has increased commercial LPG allocation by 20 percent to support sectors such as hospitality and food services.
The strait is covered by international navigation conventions, Rajesh Kumar Singh said.
File photo for representational purposes. Credit: iStock Photo
The government on Tuesday said that more Indian flagged vessels prepared to sail though the Strait of Hormuz – the only sea channel linking the oil-rich Persian Gulf with open oceans.
Sailing through strait does not require permission from any country. The movement through strait is taken by shipping companies and their contracting entities after considering safety and other conditions, Rajesh Kumar Singh, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, told media persons here.
He also rejected talks of stranded Indian vessels in the Persian Gulf being allowed to sail through the strait only after reaching some kind of an agreement with Iran, which controls the narrow shipping lane.
The strait is covered by international navigation conventions, he said. “There is freedom for navigation through the strait.”
Two more Indian-flagged LPG tankers, carrying about a day’s supply of the country’s cooking gas, on Monday crossed the war-hit Strait of Hormuz and are expected to reach Indian shores on March 26/27.
LPG tankers Pine Gas is carrying about 45,000 tonnes of LPG, and it is scheduled to reach New Mangalore port on March 27, while Jag Vasant with 47,612 tonnes of LPG will reach Kandla in Gujarat on March 26, he said.
Both LPG tankers sailed through waters between Iran’s Larak and Qeshm islands — possibly to make their identity clear to Iranian authorities before they cross the strait, ship tracking data showed.
“Both of our countries benefit from an Indo-Pacific in which no power can dominate the region. Both benefit from open trade and national autonomy.
Colby also referred to the sealing of the ‘Major Defence Partnership’ framework that was firmed up in October last. Credit: X/@ElbridgeColby
Washington DC, and New Delhi understand the importance of military power to ensure stability in Indo-Pacific, a senior official of President Donald Trump’s administration said on Tuesday, even as uncertainty continued over the fate of Quad, a coalition India, Australia, Japan and the United States had forged to counter China’s dominance in the region.
“Both of our countries benefit from an Indo-Pacific in which no power can dominate the region. Both benefit from open trade and national autonomy.
“These are the concrete, shared interests that form the foundation of our enduring strategic partnership,” Under Secretary for Policy at the US Department of War, Elbridge Colby, said in New Delhi.
“We both recognise the strategic centrality of military power for a stable balance in the region, and thus that defence cooperation should enhance real capability rather than be merely totemic or driven by inertia.”
Colby and his counterpart at the Ministry of Defence in New Delhi, Rajesh Kumar Singh, will co-chair the India-US defence policy dialogue on Wednesday.
The senior Trump Administration official said that the US was committed to working with India to hasten and augment cooperation in areas including but not limited to long-range precision fires, resilient logistics, maritime domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare, and advanced technologies.
“Because we are focused on results and reality, we are concentrated on capabilities that matter in the Indo-Pacific strategic environment,” Colby said, adding: “Our goals should be practical: to ensure that our forces can operate effectively together when our interests align, and, in any case, to see that India possesses the capabilities necessary to defend its sovereignty and contribute to a favourable regional balance of power.”
The sign of a thaw in the relations between Washington, D.C., and Beijing after Trump met with President Xi Jinping in South Korea in October 2025, however, cast a shadow of uncertainty over the Quad – a coalition forged by India, Japan, Australia and the US to counter China’s hegemonic aspirations in the Indo-Pacific region.
Modi was to host the Quad summit in New Delhi last year, but it was postponed. Trump’s next meeting with Xi was scheduled to take place in Beijing later this month or early next month but might be postponed due to the conflict in West Asia.
Colby did not refer to Quad while articulating the US policy for the Indo-Pacific while delivering a policy speech at a think-tank in New Delhi.
“The roots of our partnership are deeper than optics and more durable than superficial comity; they are, rather, thickly embedded in lasting strategic mutual self-interest,” he said, noting that India and the US did not need to agree on everything to cooperate effectively. “What matters is that our interests and objectives increasingly converge on the most fundamental issues. Differences and even disputes are fully compatible with deepening alignment and cooperation on strategic matters.”
This was the first phone conversation between Modi and Trump since Israel and the US’s military strikes on Iran on Feb 28 triggered a conflict
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on February 25, 2020. (Mohd Zakir/HT FILE PHOTO)
India backs restoration of peace in West Asia at the earliest and wants to ensure that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and secure for the global community, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said when US President Donald Trump dialled him on Tuesday to discuss the situation in the Gulf region amid growing concerns about food and fuel security.
This was the first phone conversation between the two leaders since Israel and the US’s military strikes on Iran on February 28 triggered a conflict that has entered its fourth week. With the closure of the Strait of Hormuz impacting supplies of fuel and other commodities, the Indian side has reached out in recent days to Iran, Israel, all members of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the US to find ways to end the hostilities.
Modi posted on social media that he had received a call from Trump and had a “useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia”. He said: “India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest. Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world.”
He added that the two sides agreed to stay in touch “regarding efforts towards peace and stability”.
The phone call was initially announced on social media by US ambassador Sergio Gor, who said Trump spoke with Modi to discuss the “situation in the Middle East, including the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open”.
Modi and Trump last spoke on the phone on February 2, when the two sides announced progress towards concluding a bilateral trade deal aimed at addressing the issue of US tariffs on Indian exports.
People familiar with the matter noted that the PM has had two rounds of phone calls with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and the leadership of the six GCC member states – Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – as well as a conversation with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu since the start of the hostilities.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar met the envoys of the GCC countries on Monday and Iranian ambassador Mohammad Fathali on Tuesday. He has also spoken to his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi on five occasions and dialled his American counterpart Marco Rubio on Monday.
Following his meeting with the Iranian envoy, Jaishankar said in a social media post that they discussed the conflict in West Asia but didn’t give details. “Appreciate the support provided to Indians in Iran in these challenging times,” he added.
The phone call between Modi and Trump has to be seen in the context of India’s outreach, which has focused on efforts aimed at ending the hostilities as soon as possible and ensuring the unimpeded flow of energy and other commodities, especially through the Strait of Hormuz, in view of significant ramifications for the country’s food, fuel and fertiliser security, the people said.
“The war has to be brought to an end as we are already feeling the negative impacts. It’s not just about India – it could soon become all about food security in Africa as fertiliser supplies are hit. We could witness another round of the fuel and food insecurity that was witnessed after the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022,” a person said.
According to sources, the Rajya Sabha MP is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital.
According to hospital sources, Sonia Gandhi’s condition is being monitored by doctors. (PTI)
Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi late on Tuesday, sources from the hospital said.
According to sources, the Rajya Sabha MP is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital, and her condition is being monitored.
Gandhi had been admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the national capital in January too after she experienced respiratory issues. Chairman of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Ajay Swaroop, had at that time said that a detailed medical examination had revealed that Sonia Gandhi’s bronchial asthma had been mildly exacerbated due to the combined effects of cold weather and the pollution level in Delhi.
Owing to this, the doctors had, as a precautionary measure, decided to admit her for observation and further medical management.
India’s outbound tourism sector has been hit hard as the West Asia conflict triggers 60–80% cancellations of international bookings. Travel agents cite safety concerns, soaring airfares and route disruptions as key factors. Many travellers are adopting a wait-and-watch approach or shifting to domestic destinations amid rising uncertainty.
India’s outbound tourism sector, which was gearing up for a record-breaking summer, is now facing a severe downturn as the escalating conflict in West Asia has triggered a wave of mass cancellations and a near-total halt in new international travel inquiries. | File Pic
India’s outbound tourism sector, which was gearing up for a record-breaking summer, is now facing a severe downturn as the escalating conflict in West Asia has triggered a wave of mass cancellations and a near-total halt in new international travel inquiries. Tour operators have recorded cancellations of about 60-80% of the international bookings while the remaining travellers are reportedly in a ‘wait-and-watch’ mode to monitor the geopolitical situation.
Preferred Destinations
The recent outbound travel trend for the vacation season in Summer shows that Indians majorly prefer visiting destinations in the West, including Europe and the United States. Most of these travellers book their travel packages at least three to four months in advance to get the best deals on flights and hotels. However, the West Asia conflict has forced these scheduled travellers to reconsider their plans.
According to the associations of Indian tour operators, around 60% of international bookings for the April–June period have already been cancelled. Those who booked their travel post June are in a ‘wait-and-watch mode, delaying final payments or cancellation to save themselves from additional charges in the hope that the geopolitical situation might get better.
Mumbai-based Sameer Karnani, managing committee member of Travel Agents Association of India and the chairman of its airline council, said that various group departure companies have discontinued their departures for the upcoming season. “While safety is the first concern of travellers while visiting an international destination, the rising airfares is the second-most contributing factor to these cancellations. Around 60% of the international bookings have been completely cancelled or have been shifted to domestic travel,” he said.
Mumbai-based Kumar Verma, who is the director of travel company Saturday Script, said that he has witnessed around 70-80% cancellation of international bookings. “There is a fear of uncertainty among the travellers about their journey as well as the situation back at home. Indians don’t view tourism as a necessity and in such times of panic, they avoid luxury. Unlike the Covid-19 pandemic, travellers have not received any advisory from the government about their travel and therefore people are also thinking about postponing their plans,” he said.
Airspace Closures and Soaring Costs
The crisis combines safety fears with prohibitive costs due to airspace closures, soaring airfares and logistical gridlock. Major aviation corridors over the Gulf have been restricted, forcing airlines to take longer paths to reach the West. Along with the recent fuel surcharge announced by airlines, it has led to a multifold surge in airfares. Moreover, Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, which act as major transit points for Indian and Gulf carriers, the uncertainty at these hubs has made travelers wary of getting stranded far from home.
With the airfares to the West increasing two-fold, tour packages have become increasingly expensive for Indian travellers. Tour operators reported that the traditional summer rush for foreign destinations has vanished. Travel agents highlighted that there have been negligible amount of enquiries for international travel packages since the start of the conflict. Even regions far from the conflict, such as the East and Southeast Asia, are seeing a decline in interest due to the rising airfares.
However, this has shifted the international travellers towards domestic destinations. Karnani said that a few of the international bookings are being converted to domestic packages for Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh or nearby regions in the northern belt. “Those who want to change their plans from the West to the East are also finding the airfares very costly. The market recession and the falling rupee combined have also created problems. Therefore people are focusing more on domestic travel now,” he said.
According to Verma, people are trying to shift their destination towards the East or the Asian subcontinent but are obstructed by costly airfares. Destinations like Singapore, Malaysia, Bhutan and Sri Lanka are open but people are avoiding it solely due to the airfares. “Domestic destinations are seeing its usual seasonal-wise high demand but the international travellers are not converting to domestic travellers due to either their preference or overcrowding,” he added.
Uncertainty persisted after West Bengal’s first supplementary voter list was released early Tuesday, with many claiming no clear updates online. State Election Commissioner Manoj Agarwal reportedly gave no exact figures. CM Mamata Banerjee accused ECI of bias over transferring 73 officers and questioned the timing, alleging attempts to favour a political party.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee (File image) | PTI
Uncertainty continues in voter’s list even after the first supplementary list got published in the wee hours of Tuesday.
Several people whose names were under adjudication complained that the website was not showing any concrete results.
State Election Commissioner Manoj Agarwal also could not say anything concrete when asked about the exact numbers of names that were put up on the first supplementary list.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, ahead of leaving for North Bengal for an election campaign slammed Election Commission of India (ECI) for transferring 73 returning officers, including one in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, in the state.
“Earlier 60-70 officers were changed and now suddenly 73 officers got transferred. ECI had brought the BDO of Nandigram to Bhabanipur. I know why they are doing this. They are transferring traitor’s men to Bhabanipur,” said Mamata without naming anyone.
Referring to a notification of ECI with the stamp of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Mamata urged everyone to unite against BJP.
“Now the cat is out of the bag. With BJP’s symbol in ECI’s notification it is clear that they are working to give an advantage to a particular political party. Why is ECI afraid? They can’t take away people’s right to vote. Why can’t they make clear statements about how many names got deleted,” further added Mamata.
Rohit Pawar, nephew of late Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, has filed a zero FIR in Bengaluru over the January 28 plane crash in Baramati that killed his uncle and four others. Rohit Pawar has alleged a “larger criminal conspiracy” behind the crash.
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar (R) filed a complaint in Bengaluru, alleging a larger criminal conspiracy behind the January 28 plane crash that killed his uncle and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar (L). (File photo)
Rohit Pawar, the nephew of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, on Tuesday said he filed a zero FIR in Bengaluru in connection with the January 28 plane crash in Maharashtra’s Baramati, which claimed the life of his uncle and four others. The FIR followed a complaint filed by the NCP (SP) MLA, alleging a “larger criminal conspiracy” behind the incident.
A zero FIR is a police complaint that can be filed at any police station, regardless of where the crime actually occurred. The FIR is called zero because it is initially registered with a serial number 0, before being transferred to the appropriate police station for investigation.
Rohit Pawar filed a complaint at the High Grounds Police Station, alleging a larger criminal conspiracy behind the crash. He alleged that despite earlier complaints, the case was not initially registered in Maharashtra, prompting him to approach the police in Bengaluru.
Referring to a recent case where a zero FIR was registered in Karnataka over an alleged insult to Chief Justice of India Justice BR Gavai in Delhi, Pawar said the same mechanism had to be used in Ajit Pawar’s case due to the alleged inaction of Maharashtra Police.
The zero FIR filed by Rohit Pawar invokes multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to culpable homicide, negligence and endangering life.
According to the complaint, the aircraft operated by a private firm, VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd, was allegedly unfit for operation, with claims of falsified maintenance records and safety violations. It also flagged concerns over the pilot’s past record, last-minute crew changes and questionable flight decisions under poor visibility conditions.
Rohit Pawar said that attempts to file an FIR in Maharashtra were unsuccessful, prompting him to approach the Bengaluru Police, who registered a zero FIR and later transferred it to the concerned jurisdiction in Pune.
According to Rohit Pawar, he had approached the Marine Drive Police Station on February 25 and Baramati Police Station on February 26, but no FIR was registered, and he was later informed by the Pune CID that only an Accidental Death Report was being examined.
In his complaint, Pawar alleged a “larger criminal conspiracy aimed at eliminating the Deputy Chief Minister” and cited “systematic violations” of aviation safety norms, falsification of records, and gross negligence by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd.
Referring to a safety audit by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), he claimed the Bombardier Learjet 45 aircraft was “negligent, not airworthy” and had been grounded. He further alleged the jet was operated “dangerously close” to its overhaul limit, with possible suppression of flight data.
Pawar also questioned the crew change, calling the explanation “implausible”, and alleged that Chief Pilot Sumit Kapoor had a history of alcohol-related violations. He flagged unexplained delays, a sudden runway switch, and the pilot’s “silence” in the final moments, suggesting “either incapacitation due to alcohol or deliberate inaction.”
The FIR claimed procedural lapses in the certification of Learjet 45 aircraft and pointed to possible regulatory failures, while calling for a full-fledged criminal investigation beyond the ongoing technical probe.
The Lok Sabha has cleared a key amendment to India’s transgender rights law, marking a significant shift in how the community is defined.
The Lok Sabha passed a bill to amend a law on protection and rights of transgender persons. (PTI photo)
The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026. The bill seeks to amend the existing 2019 law by redefining who qualifies as a transgender person, introducing stricter punishments for offences, and setting up a system for identity certification.
The bill has triggered a sharp political divide, with the government defending it as a step towards clearer protections and the Opposition calling it “regressive” and unconstitutional.
WHAT GOVT SAYS
Replying to the debate, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar said the amendment is aimed at ensuring that “only those who face social boycott due to biological issues” receive protection under the law.
He argued that a more precise definition was needed so that benefits reach the intended community.
“To ensure that transgender persons can avail themselves of the benefits of this Act, it was necessary to provide a precise definition,” Kumar said.
The bill introduces graded punishments based on the severity of harm caused, increasing the maximum jail term from two years under the 2019 law to up to 14 years in serious cases of offences against the transgender persons.
It also provides for:
A medical board to help determine identity where required
District magistrates issuing identity cards to transgender persons
A defined list of identities such as kinner, hijra, aravani, jogta, eunuchs, and persons with intersex variations
The government maintains that the intent is to protect a “specified class of persons” who face “extreme and oppressive” discrimination.
One of the most debated provisions is the bill’s attempt to clearly define “transgender” while excluding people with different sexual orientations and self-perceived gender identities from its scope.
The bill states that identification cannot be based solely on “personal choice or claimed self-perceived identity”, arguing that the law’s benefits should not be extended to categories beyond its original intent.
OPPOSITION RAISE CONCERNS
Opposition parties strongly objected, saying the bill undermines the right to self-identification recognised by the Supreme Court. Congress MP Jyothimani criticised the government for not consulting the transgender community and called the move “callous”.
“This is not democracy but a monologue of power,” she said, arguing that dignity, identity and autonomy are protected under constitutional rights.
Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadauria questioned the government’s intent, pointing to protests by members of the community. “If the bill is for their welfare, why are they opposing it on the streets?” he asked.
DMK’s T Sumathy termed the legislation “draconian” and accused the government of interfering with the right to self-determination.
Several Opposition members demanded that the bill be sent to a parliamentary standing committee for wider consultations, but their amendments were rejected by voice vote before the bill was passed.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi ALSO launched a strong attack on the legislation, calling it a “brazen attack on the Constitutional rights and identity of transgender people”.
In a statement, he said the bill strips transgender people of their ability to self identify, violates a Supreme Court judgment, and forces trans people to undergo dehumanising examinations by a medical board.
He also accused the government of failing to consult the community and said the bill “stigmatises rather than protects” transgender persons.
In 2013, then a student at Panjab University, he had suffered serious brain injuries after falling from the fourth floor of a paying guest accommodation.
The first Indian to be allowed passive euthanasia has died after over 13 years in a coma. Harish Rana died at 4:10 pm at AIIMS Delhi, the hospital said in a statement, nearly two weeks after the Supreme Court allowed the withdrawal of life support following his parent’s request. The 31-year-old was admitted to the hospital on March 14 for the euthanasia process. Two days later, the process was started to withdraw his life support. Eleven days since, Rana breathed his last.
Setting an example, his family donated his vital tissues and organs, including two corneas and heart valves, said sources.
13 Years In Coma
Rana had been in a vegetative state for 13 years after an accident. In 2013, then a student at Panjab University, he had fallen from the fourth floor of a paying guest accommodation. The fall resulted in serious brain injuries. He was later discharged, but the brain injury left him in a coma. Put on life support, he was confined to his bed. He had a tracheostomy tube for respiration and a gastrojejunostomy tube for feeding.
As years went by and hopes of his recovery dimmed, his parents eventually reached the court with a request to allow passive euthanasia.
The Landmark Judgment
On March 11, the Supreme Court granted Rana the ‘right to die with dignity,’ allowing the country’s first-ever passive euthanasia. “The medical report shows no improvement in 13 years,” the court said, noting that the doctor’s duty to treat a patient “no longer sustains when the patient has no hope of recovery.”
The top court also urged the government to bring a law on passive euthanasia.
A Death With Dignity
Three days after the landmark judgment, Rana was shifted to a palliative care unit at the AIIMS from his home in Ghaziabad.
The court had directed that it must be ensured that medical treatment is withdrawn with a tailored plan so that Rana’s dignity is maintained. As per the court order, a specialised team of doctors was constituted to oversee the final process that included the withdrawal of Rana’s artificial nutrition support and other life support treatment.
Headed by Dr Seema Mishra, head of the department of anaesthesia and palliative medicine, the team comprised doctors from neurosurgery, onco-anaesthesia, and palliative medicine, and psychiatry departments.
Under the team’s observation, the first-ever passive euthanasia was carried out. Rana died in peace at 31.
Uddhav Thackeray’s tenure in the Maharashtra Legislative Council ended today along with eight other members
Eknath Shinde, Bal Thackeray and Devendra Fadnavis
A decade-long political arc concluded today with polite speeches, veiled barbs, and a closed-door meeting whose contents neither side would confirm. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has gone from a scion to chief minister to Opposition now. His tenure in the Maharashtra Legislative Council ended today along with eight other members, quietly closing a chapter that had placed the Shiv Sena founder’s son in the state’s top office. But that office was wrested away by a rebellion from within.
Today’s farewell session produced what is being seen as an unlikely exchange of compliments.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called Thackeray “one of the most popular photographers from the state,” recounting how Thackeray had opened a helicopter door mid-flight to frame the image while shooting the Wari pilgrimage.
“While clicking the pictures of Wari, Uddhav Thackeray went on a helicopter, opened the door and took the picture,” Fadnavis said.
He added that Thackeray’s photographs showed “sensitivity”, a comment that could also be alluded to in a political context. Thackeray’s fundamental nature, his “mool swabhav”, was not that of a politician, Fadnavis said, in what was seen as drawing a parallel with Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray’s own single-minded decisiveness: once a decision was taken, it was carried through.
Thackeray did not dispute the characterisation made by Fadnavis.
“The chief minister is right when he says I’m not a politician because at heart I’m an artist,” he said, acknowledging Fadnavis with folded hands for making time for the occasion.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was seated alongside Fadnavis. Once Thackeray’s close aide, Shinde’s defection in 2022 had collapsed the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government and stripped Thackeray of both chief ministership and the legacy Shiv Sena.
“Uddhav Thackeray saheb will be leaving today. I pray he gets a healthy and long life, and wish him all the best for the future,” Shinde said.
Thackeray did not name him in response. Looking across the aisle at the bench where Shinde sat, he said, “I’m glad that you know me so well, but I’d like to say aise konsi baat thi, ki aur ka haath pakadna pada (what was it that made it necessary to hold someone else’s hand for support)?”
Many saw it as referencing the 2022 Maharashtra political crisis when the Thackeray government fell after Shinde teamed up with the BJP.
After the formal proceedings, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, his son Aditya Thackeray and party MLAs walked over to meet Fadnavis at the chief minister’s office. What followed was a closed-door discussion of approximately 10 minutes.
“Donald Trump has not ordered the ships carrying US Marines to reverse course,” US national security expert Professor Robert Pape said
US President Donald Trump has already fallen into the “escalation trap” and he will get all the more enmeshed once boots are on the ground in Iran, Professor Robert Pape of the University of Chicago told NDTV today. In an exclusive interview with Shiv Aroor, Pape, US national security expert and former advisor to the White House, said that is when the war could really drag on and lead to the situation that the US has always wanted to avoid — that of Iran becoming an oil hegemon and controlling the rest of the world.
“The trap is not snap shut yet, but it is gripping around him (Trump), and that’s why you see him moving from side to side, pause to pause here, and effectively, he’s waiting for the 10 days for the Marines to get there,” Pape said.
The “side to side” is Trump’s latest move to announce a scaling down of the attack for five days. But that, he indicated, is more of a stalling technique and the “real timeline” is the Marines.
Trump, he pointed out, has not ordered the ships carrying US Marines to reverse course. “I want to see behavior, not just statements out of any of these leaders,” Pape said. If the ships “turn around at sea” then one can start talking about “pulling back from a stage three,” he added.
“Once they (the US Marines) get there, now we are going to be in a different state. Iran is still in control of Hormuz… The price of oil will then be even higher. The recession word will start to be said more and more by JP Morgan,” Pape said, analysing the outcome of the trajectory of events.
Explaining what exactly an escalation trap is, Pape said: “The escalation trap happens when confidence in tactical success, bombs hitting targets, bombs killing leaders, does not produce the strategic result, regime change toward President Trump, the enriched uranium out of Iran. And that then leads the strong power, the United States, to double down, moving up the escalation ladder. That then leads to still more failure at the strategic level, which then encourages more doubling down, moving up.”
The current situation, Pape said, is one that gives Iran all the advantage.
“Now you have got the dreaded oil hegemon in Iran that we’ve worried about and wanted to prevent for 50 years… That’s what our whole approach to the Middle East, people think it’s all been about Israel. No, it’s been about preventing an oil hegemon,” he added.
Barry Manilow revealed his lung cancer diagnosis and lobectomy, calling the experience a “nightmare” despite being cancer-free. The surgery removes a lung lobe to treat localized cancer and is most effective when detected early. His journey highlights the importance of early diagnosis, awareness of symptoms, and advances in minimally invasive surgery that improve recovery and survival outcomes.
Barry Manilow Lung Cancer: What a Lobectomy Means (Pics: Instagram/iStock)
Legendary singer Barry Manilow has opened up about his recent lung cancer diagnosis and undergoing a lobectomy in December 2025. The 82-year-old, in an interview, recalled spending seven days in the ICU before being discharged, calling the experience a “nightmare” despite it leaving him cancer-free. “You just don’t even think about [how fragile life is]. And suddenly, you have lung cancer,” he told People magazine.
“But I’m still here. I’m not all here; there’s part of me that isn’t here – they took out a part of me, and now I’ve got to figure out, ‘What do I do?’ ” Manilow added, “This really rocked me, but I’m getting stronger, and we’ll see if I can make it back.”
As conversations around lung cancer awareness, early diagnosis, and advanced treatment options grow, understanding what a lobectomy involves is more important than ever.
What is a lobectomy?
A lobectomy is a surgical procedure in which one of the lobes of the lungs is removed. The human lungs are divided into lobes, three on the right and two on the left. When cancer is confined to a specific lobe, removing that portion can effectively eliminate the tumour while preserving as much healthy lung tissue as possible.
This procedure is considered a standard treatment for early-stage lung cancer, especially non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for the majority of lung cancer cases.
Why is a lobectomy needed?
Doctors say they recommend a lobectomy when:
The cancer is localized and has not spread extensively
The patient is healthy enough to undergo surgery
Removing the affected lobe offers the best chance of cure
In cases like Manilow’s, early detection plays a critical role. When lung cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, surgical removal of the tumour can significantly improve survival rates.
How does the surgery work?
A lobectomy can be performed using different techniques:
Open surgery or thoracotomy
A traditional approach involving a larger incision in the chest
Minimally invasive surgery, or VATS
Smaller incisions, faster recovery, and less pain
During the procedure, surgeons carefully remove the affected lobe along with nearby lymph nodes to ensure the cancer has not spread.
Recovery and risks
Recovery from a lobectomy varies depending on the patient’s overall health and the surgical method used. Most patients spend several days in the hospital and may take a few weeks to fully recover. A few common side effects include:
The bill is expected to be introduced this weekend.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, centre, during the second part of the Budget session of Parliament, in New Delhi. Credit: PTI Photo
In a bid to build a larger consensus for its move to bring in an amendment to the Women’s Reservation Bill to delink it from the upcoming delimitation process, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday met several non-Congress Opposition parties.
Present at the meeting were AIMIM, NCP and YSRCP among others. Shah also held a meeting with NDA partners later in the day to discuss details. The bill is expected to be introduced this weekend.
While the government has previously sent feelers to the Congress, as reported by DH, a formal meeting is awaited. The government has also send feelers to the Samajwadi Party, and is also yet to hold formal talks with the DMK or TMC. Additionally, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is holding a meeting among Opposition leaders on Tuesday to discuss the matter.
According to sources, the government is preparing to introduce two major amendments. This includes an amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (or, the Women’s Reservation Act) 2023. As per the act, women’s reservation was linked to the new census and the subsequent delimitation exercise. “Due to delays in conducting the census, the plan is now to proceed based on the 2011 census data,” a senior government manager said. To this end, an amendment bill to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is likely to be introduced this week.
The government is also preparing to introduce a separate bill for a consensus on the increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats. The 2011 census will serve as the basis for the delimitation and the redetermination of seats. Following the passage of the amendment bill, the number of Lok Sabha seats could increase from 543 to 816, government sources said.
After Shah’s meeting with a handful of Opposition leaders including Supriya Sule of the NCP (Sharad faction), Asaduddin Owaisi of the AIMIM and Y Midhun Reddy of the YSRCP, a meeting of NDA parliamentary floor leaders took place with Shah, where leaders including union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju, RLM chief Upendra Kushwaha, RJD’s Lallan Singh, Shiv Sena MPs Shrikant Shinde and Milind Deora, AIADMK’s M Thambidurai, Apna Dal’s Anupriya Patel, NCP’s Praful Patel, RLD MP Rajkumar Sangwan, apart from other NDA MPs.
Apex court says that such migration shall also be permissible if the recruitment rules or employment notification are either silent or do not expressly prohibit it
The Supreme Court of India. Credit: PTI File Photo
The Supreme Court has said that migration of a reserved category candidate who has availed of a concession or relaxation in qualifying examination depends on the recruitment rules or the employment notification.
“If such recruitment rules or employment notification permits such migration, the same is permissible. Such migration shall also be permissible if the recruitment rules or employment notification are either silent or do not expressly prohibit it,” a bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe has said.
The court set aside the Bombay High Court’s judgment of February 14, 2025, and directed Maharashtra government authorities to include the appellants, belonging to the reserved category, to migrate to general category for they had secured marks higher than the last selected candidate in the open category for the post of teachers to the different schools of zila parishad, municipal corporations, nagar parishad and private managements.
Relying on the decision of the Supreme Court in Government of (NCT of Delhi) & Ors vs Pradeep Kumar and Others (2019), the High Court held that candidates availing of the benefit of relaxation cannot migrate to general category and permitting such migration would confer an unfair advantage over general category candidates. It also held that appellants have no enforceable legal right to claim consideration in the open category after having availed of relaxation in the Teachers Eligibility Test (TET).
Assailing the High Court judgment, the appellants argued that the relaxation in a qualifying examination cannot bar migration to the open category, when merit in the main selection examination is higher. It was contended by them that the open category is a merit category and not a quota reserved for general candidates. It was also submitted that the purpose of relaxation in eligibility is to create a level-playing field, not to penalise merit.
The state counsel, on the contrary, contended that candidates who qualified the TET, mandatory requirement, under relaxed standards cannot claim migration to the open category. It was also urged that permitting such migration would amount to granting a double benefit of reservation.
The court noted the minimum qualifying marks for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), denotified and nomadic tribes (DNT), other backward cClasses (OBC), persons with disabilities (PwD), and other specified categories for passing the TET was 55%.
It is axiomatic that relaxation in one of the conditions of securing 60% marks in qualifying examination i.e. the TET only enabled the reserved category candidates to participate in the main examination i.e. the Teachers Aptitude and Intelligence Test (TAIT), 2022, the bench noted.
“Such relaxation only creates a level-playing field. The inter se merit for appointment has to be determined solely on the basis of the performance in the main examination i.e. the TAIT. No relaxation or concession has been granted to reserved category candidates in the main examination i.e. TAIT and their merit has been evaluated at par with general category candidates,” the bench said.
In its judgment on March 23, the court held the appellants who admittedly are more meritorious than the last selected candidate under the general category, cannot be excluded from consideration under the general category, in the absence of any express prohibition in the recruitment rules or notification.
“The relaxation in qualifying criteria only affects eligibility and not merit and migration is permissible in the absence of any prohibition,” the bench said.
Among the key demands put forth by the members is the government’s intervention in setting aside at least 500 LPG cylinders daily for paying guest accommodations.
A worker sits over LPG cylinders during distribution at a gas agency, in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Long queues were seen at several gas agencies amid an ongoing LPG supply shortage in the country. Credit: PTI Photo
Amid a short supply of LPG cylinders in the city, the Federation of PG Owners Welfare Association on Sunday held a core committee meeting to decide its next course of action.
Among the key demands put forth by the members is the government’s intervention in setting aside at least 500 LPG cylinders daily for paying guest accommodations.
“There are at least 15,000 PGs only in Bengaluru where lakhs of people stay. The state government has assured us that they would provide us adequate LPG cylinders. We will meet the officers on Monday with a petition to provide supply immediately,” association president Arun Kumar said.
A fresh allegation of medical negligence surfaced at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata after Biswajit Samanta died on Monday. His family claimed he was denied toilet access in the trauma unit and no assistance or stretcher was provided. He collapsed while walking outside and was declared dead, according to his son.
RG Kar Hospital |
A fresh allegation of medical negligence once again surfaced in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
A man identified as Biswajit Samanta was brought to the trauma care unit early on Monday morning at RG Kar with complaints of severe chest pain.
According to the family members of the deceased person, his treatment was started immediately but his condition started deteriorating when he wanted to use the toilet.
“The nurse said that there was no toilet on that floor and suggested that we should visit the ‘pay and use’ toilet outside the trauma care unit. Despite asking for assistance no one came for help and even a stretcher was not available. My father tried to walk and midway he fell down and lost consciousness. When he was taken to the emergency he was declared as dead,” said the deceased’s son.
Notably, three days back a person identified as Arup Banerjee who took his son for treatment at RG Kar hospital died due to malfunctioning of a lift.
Leonid Radvinsky died at 43 after a cancer battle, highlighting the importance of early detection. Experts warn that symptoms like unexplained weight loss, fatigue, lumps, or persistent cough should not be ignored. Regular screenings, healthy lifestyle choices, and timely medical care are crucial, as early diagnosis greatly improves treatment outcomes and survival chances.
OnlyFans Owner Dies at 43: Cancer Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore (Pic: Instagram/iStock)
The billionaire owner of the world’s largest adult modelling service, Ukrainian-American businessman Leonid Radvinsky, died after a long battle with cancer at 43. UK-based site OnlyFans announced his death in a statement, which reads: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Leo Radvinsky. Leo passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer.
They added that ‘his family has requested privacy at this difficult time.’ Representatives of the Ukrainian-born and Chicago-educated businessman did not disclose which cancer he had, but according to news reports, Radvinsky had been undergoing treatment since last year.
Why is early detection important?
Cancer is most treatable when detected early. Unfortunately, many early symptoms are mild, vague, or easily dismissed.
According to experts, listening to your body and acting on unusual changes can significantly improve outcomes. The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the higher the chances of successful treatment.
Key cancer signs you must not ignore
Experts highlight several common early cancer symptoms that should not be overlooked:
Unexplained weight loss without changes in diet or exercise
Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
Lumps or swelling in the body, especially in the neck, breast, or underarms
Chronic cough or hoarseness lasting weeks
Changes in skin, such as new moles or unusual discoloration
Night sweats or recurring fever without infection
Changes in bowel or bladder habits
While it is important to know that these symptoms do not always mean cancer, persistent or worsening signs require medical evaluation. However, one of the biggest challenges in cancer diagnosis is that early symptoms often mimic common conditions like infections, stress, or fatigue. Many people delay seeking help because they:
Assume symptoms are temporary
Attribute changes to lifestyle or aging
Fear a serious diagnosis
But doctors say that delaying medical attention can allow the disease to progress.
Who is at risk?
Cancer can affect anyone, but according to the Cleveland Clinic, certain factors may increase risk:
Family history of cancer, if you have an immediate family member – mother, father, or sibling with the disease
Smoking and alcohol consumption increase your risk by 40 per cent
Poor diet and sedentary lifestyle
Exposure to environmental toxins, including air pollution
Chronic stress, lack of sleep, or insomnia
Importantly, even individuals without clear risk factors can develop cancer, making awareness essential for everyone
Can you protect yourself from cancer?
While not all cancers are preventable, simple steps can reduce risk and improve early detection:
Schedule regular health check-ups and screenings
Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Stay physically active and exercise daily
Avoid tobacco and stop drinking alcohol altogether
Karnataka’s draft policy aims to curb excessive screen time among students, capping recreational use at one hour daily and promoting digital well-being.
Karnataka’s draft policy aims to curb excessive screen time among students.
The Karnataka government has proposed a draft policy aimed at promoting responsible digital use among students amid growing concerns over mental health issues linked to excessive screen time. The policy targets students, teachers, and parents, with a focus on digital well-being, emotional health, and balanced use of technology.
As part of the proposed measures, the policy recommends integrating digital literacy and online safety into the school curriculum. It also suggests limiting recreational screen time for students to one hour per day and mandates the creation of school-level digital use policies.
To ensure implementation, schools will be required to form Digital Wellness Committees. These committees will be responsible for identifying early signs of technology addiction among students and facilitating counselling support where needed.
The policy also places emphasis on the role of teachers and parents. Teachers will receive training to detect and manage cases of digital overuse, while parents will be guided to establish structured routines, enforce screen-time limits, and encourage offline activities.
In addition, the draft policy promotes the introduction of tech-free periods and increased outdoor activities for students. It also calls for greater awareness around cyber risks, including bullying and online exploitation.
To strengthen oversight, the policy proposes monitoring systems, reporting mechanisms, and collaboration with mental health professionals and cybercrime authorities.
Overall, the initiative aims to create a safe and balanced digital environment for students through coordinated efforts by schools, families, and the government.
PM Modi said India, with a 53 lakh MT strategic petroleum reserve and energy imports from 41 countries, is well-prepared to meet its needs despite rising West Asia tensions and concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Amid escalating tensions in West Asia and concerns over supply disruptions through the critical Strait of Hormuz, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the war will have far-reaching consequences, adding that India must prepare for long-term impact.
“Another major challenge of the war is that summer is beginning in India. In the coming days, with rising temperatures, the demand for electricity will increase. Currently, adequate coal stocks are available at all power plants across the country,” PM said.
He asserted that India remains energy-secure, backed by a 53 lakh metric tonne strategic petroleum reserve and a diversified import network spanning 41 countries. He added that the country is now targeting an expansion of its reserves to 65 lakh metric tonnes.
“In the last decade, India has prioritised the storage of crude oil for times of crisis. Today, we have a strategic petroleum reserve of over 53 lakh metric tonnes, and work is underway to increase this to more than 65 lakh metric tonnes,” the Prime Minister told the Lok Sabha.
Highlighting efforts to reduce vulnerability, PM Modi said India has significantly diversified its energy import sources. “Earlier, we imported from 27 countries; today, we import energy from 41 countries,” he noted.
The Prime Minister underlined that strengthening domestic preparedness has been a key focus. “Our refining capacity has also increased… Over the past decade, we have prioritised crude oil storage. We now have a robust strategic petroleum reserve,” he said, adding that India’s refining capacity has also expanded.
“We are in constant touch with multiple countries to ensure steady supplies of oil and gas,” he said.
However, PM Modi acknowledged that the ongoing conflict has posed unprecedented, multi-dimensional challenges for India. “This war has created unforeseen challenges — economic, national security-related, and humanitarian. India has deep trade ties with countries involved in and affected by the conflict. The region is also a crucial route for our global trade, and a significant portion of our crude oil and gas imports pass through it,” he said.
He also condemned attacks on commercial vessels in key international waterways. “Attacks on commercial ships and disruptions in routes like the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable. Through diplomatic efforts, India is working to ensure the safe passage of its vessels even in this volatile environment,” he added.
The Prime Minister added, “A large portion of crude oil, gas, fertiliser and many other energy sources come through the Strait of Hormuz, and despite the blocking of this route, we are ensuring that our needs are met”.
Despite the disruptions, the Prime Minister stressed that India is managing its energy needs effectively. “A large share of crude oil, gas, fertilisers and other essential imports come through the Strait of Hormuz. Even with disruptions, we are ensuring uninterrupted supply,” he said, adding that household energy security remains a priority, with India importing nearly 60 per cent of its LPG requirements.
Arvind Kejriwal supported the Punjab government’s action after former Punjab minister Laljit Singh Bhullar’s arrest in a suicide case. The party said it acts against its own leaders, unlike the BJP, citing a Haryana incident.
Arvind Kejriwal (Image: PTI)
The Aam Aadmi Party Convenor Arvind Kejriwal asserted that his party does not hesitate to act against its own leaders when allegations arise, drawing a contrast with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The statement comes amid the arrest of former Punjab minister Laljit Singh Bhullar in connection with a suicide case.
Highlighting his stance, Kejriwal said that when serious allegations surfaced against a minister in Punjab, the party acted swiftly and without bias. The minister was not only removed from his post but was also arrested. The party contrasted this with an incident in Haryana, where an ADGP died by suicide and, according to AAP, those accused received support from their party and government.
Bhullar was arrested on Monday from Mandi Gobindgarh in Fatehgarh Sahib district, two days after Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, a district manager with the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation, died by suicide after accusing the AAP MLA of harassment. Police said Bhullar was being brought to Amritsar and would be produced in a court there.
Randhawa reportedly consumed poison early Saturday. A video later surfaced in which he purportedly accused Bhullar of harassment. Following the incident, Bhullar resigned as minister at the direction of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
At least 22 people have been arrested so far. Several minors were also involved in the chain, and the network was neither local nor amateur
Naushad Ali alias Lalu was arrested in Faridabad. He ran a tyre-puncture repair shop
What began as a routine intelligence input at Ghaziabad’s Kaushambi police station on March 14 has now unfolded into one of the most serious espionage cases in recent times. It first looked like a group of youths indulging in “suspicious activities”. But it has revealed itself as an organised module operating under direct instruction from handlers across the border in Pakistan.
At least 22 people have been arrested so far. Several minors were also involved in the chain, and the network was neither local nor amateur.
Police moved in quickly after the initial alert that said youths in Uttar Pradesh’s Bhovapur were taking photos and videos of railway stations and military bases and sending them abroad. The lure was money. They were told to recruit more youths in order to earn more.
Six accused – five men and a woman – were arrested in the first sweep by the police. Their phones carried material that changed the direction of the investigation. Galleries filled with videos, photographs, location tags and installations connected to the military. There were also railway nodes and camp perimeters, which were enough evidence to confirm that a structured operation was underway, not just a neighbourhood hustle.
A special investigation team (SIT) was formed immediately including personnel of Indirapuram Police, Crime Branch, cyber crime, intelligence, and SWAT. The interrogation of the arrested accused began on March 17, after which the SIT found the command structure quickly. They have been identified as Suhail Malik, Naushad Ali and Sameer alias Shooter, all operating from Pakistan.
Their recruitment pipeline ran through social media and encrypted messaging apps. The instructions were specific like which railway stations to film, which perimeters to map, what angles to shoot, and when to send coordinates.
The payments ranged from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 per ‘assignment’. These amounts are small enough to blend in but large enough to lure vulnerable youths.
Four of the six arrested accused had travelled to Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama earlier. There, they sent sensitive intelligence back to Pakistan. Investigators now believe the network was part of preparations for a second large-scale attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
In this context, it was more of a pre-attack reconnaissance and not just espionage.
The SIT discovered other alarming terror plans. The network wanted to install solar-powered CCTV cameras along the Delhi-Jammu railway corridor to stream live feeds directly to Pakistan and track military movement.
A camera at Delhi Cantonment and Haryana’s Sonipat were already operational. Forensic teams are analysing the recovered units, and early indicators suggest a larger target list of nearly 50 installations across the country.
Had the network reached that number, the surveillance of troop mobility would have been continuous, investigators believe. The group used a foreign-controlled mobile application for direct transmission of photos, videos, and GPS data. Online training modules came from abroad and over 450 files have been traced back to Pakistan.
The recruitment focused on youths with technical skills such as those working at mobile repair shops, those who do CCTV work, and those with basic networking skills. Economically vulnerable youths were added to the mix, and women and minors were used to reduce suspicion.
One of the key recruiters has been identified as Iram alias Mahak.
Parallel Operation
A parallel operation was launched in the background to investigate an OTP and SIM supply racket. The accused forwarded Indian OTPs abroad, enabling foreign actors to run WhatsApp and social media accounts with Indian numbers. Payments ranged from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000.
SIM acquisition was built on a set of interchangeable tactics such as snatching, phishing, forged IDs, and pre-activated SIMs via agents. Money moved through UPI but avoided personal accounts. The funds were routed through Jan Seva Kendras and small shops and cash withdrawals ensured minimal traceability.
On March 20, the SIT arrested and detained nine more people, including five minors. The module had links in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Nepal. The geography yet again confirmed this was not a neighbourhood cluster but a dispersed recruitment and logistics network.
On March 22, Naushad Ali alias Lalu was arrested in Faridabad. He ran a tyre-puncture repair shop at a fuel station – an ordinary job and life, but a concealed role. With him, the police detained Meera, an e-rickshaw driver in Mathura and a minor.
The report also flags glaring lapses in water testing, monitoring, and infrastructure including use of carcinogenic polyelectrolytes in treatment process.
water pg
More than half of the ground water samples tested between 2017 and 2022 were found to be unfit for drinking and pose a “serious risk” to public, said a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, raising serious concerns over the quality and safety of drinking water supplied in the national capital.
The report, tabled in Delhi Assembly on Monday, also flags glaring lapses in water testing, monitoring, and infrastructure including use of carcinogenic polyelectrolytes in treatment process.
The CAG report, titled “Functioning of Delhi Jal Board”, said, “Quality testing of groundwater was carried out on 16,234 samples by the eight zonal laboratories of the DJB during the period 2017-18 to 2021-22. Out of the total samples tested, 8,933 samples (55 per cent) were found unfit for potable purposes.”
The percentage of failed water samples ranged from 49% to 63% during the audit period. “Supplying groundwater from areas where samples were found unfit poses serious health risks to the public,” it added.
To be sure, Delhi has been progressively reliant on groundwater sources to meet its water supply demands. Of the city’s 1,000 MGD (million gallons per day) water supply, around 135 MGD comes from groundwater sources like tubewells.
The CAG audit also flagged the practice of mixing treated and untreated water. “During test check of records and information furnished by the DJB projects division and laboratories, it was found that 80 MGD to 90 MGD raw water from borewells/ranney wells was supplied to UGRs/consumers directly without treatment by DJB during 2017-18 to 2021-22, thus compromising water quality which could be hazardous to the health of the people,” it added.
An HT report published earlier this month also found that nearly 44% of the samples violated basic microbiological safety standards. Laboratory analysis of a seven-day sampling exercise at 18 complaint-prone locations revealed that eight samples tested positive for total coliform or E. coli – indicators commonly associated with faecal contamination in water.
All eight contaminated samples came from domestic tap connections. Strikingly, three of these domestic samples did not meet even the threshold for “bathing water”.
Additionally, the CAG report flagged shortages of staff and equipment at the DJB testing labs, adding that water was not being tested as per Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms. Against 43 parameters, “DJB was testing only 12 parameters during the water treatment process,” it noted.
As a result, for instance, there was a shortfall up to 69% at the Dwarka WTP and 62% at the Sonia Vihar WTP in testing of required parameters at all stages of the water treatment process.
The audit report also notes even though DJB draws raw water from borewells, this water was only tested on four of 46 parameters. Critical parameters like “toxic substances” “radioactive substances”, “biological tests”, and “virological tests” were not conducted. Tests for the presence of heavy metals like arsenic, copper, lead, etc. in the water were also not conducted by DJB. “The presence of radioactive substances and heavy metals in drinking water can be fatal as these substances may cause damage to the liver, kidney, and intestine, and also cause anemia and cancer in humans,” the report added.
CAG also flagged the continued use of banned polyelectrolytes at Haiderpur plant. In a DJB memorandum issued in May 2016, it banned the use of polyelectrolytes at all WTPs and recycling plants due to their carcinogenic properties. “Audit observed that the private operator of recycling plant at Haiderpur WTPs was using polyelectrolytes in the treatment process since 2017-18 despite it being prohibited by the Testing and Quality Control Department of DJB,” the report said.
CAG report has also noted the increase in the failure rate of the number of water supply samples internally tested by DJB’s labs.
During the period 2018-19 to 2021-22, cases of samples failing in “physical quality tests: out of the total sample collected more than doubled and increased from 0.81% to 1.74% of the total samples collected. Similarly, samples that failed “chemical quality tests” also doubled from 0.83% to 1.76%. This shows a deteriorating trend in the quality of water being supplied to residents of Delhi by DJB, it noted.
A passerby captured the dogs walking together and recorded a video. He shared it on the Chinese social media platform Douyin, urging local authorities to help.
The dogs are seen walking at the side of a busy highway. (Screengrab (X))
In a plot that feels straight out of a movie, seven dogs in China staged a miraculous “great escape” after allegedly being kidnapped by thieves working for a meat shop. The canine crew, snatched from their homes and destined for a grim fate, managed to outsmart their captors and navigate the long journey back to safety. A video of a corgi leading the pack, with other dogs, including a German shepherd, following it, has gone viral on social media.
An individual surnamed Lu recorded the scene along a busy highway in China’s Changchun, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported. While recording the video, Lu attempted to guide the dogs to safety, but the group stayed on their route. He then shared the video on Chinese social media platform Douyin, urging the local authorities to help.
“They resemble a band of little brothers in distress, moving in unison – nothing like stray dogs,” he told local media.
What does the video show?
In the video, the dogs are seen walking together at the side of a road. A corgi, usually seen at the front of the group, keeps looking back. Another German shepherd limps along behind, but the group waits for the dog to catch up.
In addition to the corgi and the German shepherd, the group also had Golden Retrievers, Labradors and Pekingese dogs.
According to the local Bitter Coffee Stray Dog Base, the dogs probably come from the same village, reported SCMP. The organisation suggested that it is highly likely the animals roam freely together and have thus formed strong friendships.
After the video went viral, the organisation deployed drones to track the dogs and help them return home safely.
Though it’s unclear how the dogs escaped, a volunteer claimed that they may have escaped from a truck when they were stolen and transported by individuals operating a dog meat shop. Lu spotted the group when they were about 17 kilometres away from their village.
The good news is that the dogs ultimately returned to their owners. “We are so lucky they came back, not to be eaten,” the owner of a German shepherd and a Golden Retriever from the group told local media. Another owner praised their corgi’s intelligence and bravery.
Seven dogs stolen from their owners have gone viral after escaping from an illegal transport truck and making their way home.
They traveled around 17 km together, led by a corgi across highways and fields, now safely back with their respective owners..🐶🐾🥺❤️ pic.twitter.com/H5VB9BQkGB
Although Chinese law doesn’t explicitly prohibit the consumption of dog meat, Shenzhen banned the sale of dog and cat meat in 2020. Despite controversy over the issue, some restaurants sell dog meat, especially during winter.
How did social media react?
An individual commented, “Meanwhile, humans get lost with Google Maps, a full tank of gas, and still call AAA. But a corgi leads 6 homies 17km through highways like it’s nothing. We really are the inferior species in this world.” Another added, “Seven dogs. 17 km. Led by a corgi. This isn’t just a story about animals finding their way home; it’s loyalty, leadership, and pure heart on four legs. Imagine being kidnapped, scared, and still travelling together to get back to the people who love you. Meanwhile, humans get lost in their own neighbourhoods. The courage, the coordination, the bond… this is next-level. Someone give that corgi a medal, please.”
Jaishankar and Rubio discussed West Asia conflict and its impact on the global economy, with a focus on energy security concerns
EAM Jaishankar and US State Secretary Marco Rubio met in Malaysia on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur. (X/@DrSJaishankar)
External affairs minister S Jaishankar spoke to his US counterpart, Marco Rubio, and met the envoys of the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Monday to discuss the fallout of the West Asia conflict amid growing concerns about the impact on India’s food, fuel and fertiliser security.
Jaishankar said on social media that he had a detailed phone conversation with Rubio that “focused on the West Asia conflict and its impact on the international economy”. He added: “We particularly spoke about energy security concerns. Agreed to remain in touch.”
There was no official readout on the phone conversation or the meeting with envoys of the GCC states, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Jaishankar said on social media that he and the six ambassadors had “exchanged views on the conflict in West Asia”.
“Thanked them for their continued support to the Indian community in the region,” he said.
The meeting came a day after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security decided on a range of measures to cope with the economic and security implications of the war triggered by Israel and the US’s military strikes on Iran last month. The measures especially focused on ensuring the country’s immediate and long-term food, fuel and fertiliser security.
The Indian government has also stepped up efforts to ensure the security and well-being of 10 million Indians living in West Asian countries.
Besides, the envoys of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the meeting was also attended by the ambassadors of Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar. Saudi Arabia and the UAE alone are home to eight million Indians.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar spoke to his Sri Lankan counterpart Vijitha Herath. “Discussed the repercussions of the West Asia conflict,” Jaishankar said on social media without giving details. “India stands committed to #NeighbourhoodFirst and #VisionMAHASAGAR,” he added.
Addressing a rally here he expressed concern over the SIR (Special Intensive Revision) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, governed by Trinamool Congress.
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi Credit: PTI Photo
AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday alleged that around five lakh Backward Classes certificates have been cancelled in West Bengal, most of them belonging to Muslims.
Addressing a rally here he expressed concern over the SIR (Special Intensive Revision) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, governed by Trinamool Congress.
He claimed that the fate of about 55 lakh people remains uncertain regarding their participation in the upcoming Assembly polls in the eastern state.
He added that the Muslims constitute 30 per cent of the electorate in the poll-bound state.
“About five lakh backward class certificates have been cancelled, most of which are backward class certificates of Muslims. There are many stories of injustice,” he said.
Owaisi said the AIMIM has tied up with suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir-floated Am Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) for the high-stakes Assembly polls in that state.
He noted that during the panchayat election in Malda, AIMIM secured 60,000 votes and the party had contested five to six seats in the last assembly polls.
Polling for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly is scheduled on April 23 and 29, with counting of votes on May 4.
On the shortage of gas supplies in the country, the Hyderabad MP attacked the NDA government at the Centre, alleging that the country’s strategic petroleum reserves for crude oil would last only nine to ten days.
However, when it comes to LNG or LPG there is no such mechanism, he said.
Citing the International Energy Agency nroms, he said countries should maintain at least 90 days of strategic reserves.
The energy demand of India stands at 22 million barrels of oil per day and it will increase to 43.6 million in 2050.
“For 11 years, we have known that the Strait of Hormuz is a very dangerous area. But now that the problems have increased. Now that the commercial gas cylinders are shutting down. What are you doing now? Why haven’t you diversified for 11 years? And what guarantee do you have that Australia, Algeria, Canada, Norway will give it to us? Now we are in a crisis,” he said, hitting out PM Modi.
Arvind Kejriwal criticised the Centre for removing domestic airfare caps, warning prices may surge beyond middle-class reach.
Arvind Kejriwal criticised the Centre for removing domestic airfare caps.
AAP Convenor, former Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, on Sunday criticised the Centre over its decision to remove caps on domestic airfares, warning that the move could push ticket prices beyond the reach of the middle class.
In a post on X, Kejriwal said, “Airfares are increasingly going out of reach for the middle class. The Modi government is removing the cap on airfares, which might trigger high inflation in ticket prices.” He added that the government should instead focus on regulating fares more efficiently, asserting that “air travel is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity for the middle class.”
The remarks came after the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Saturday withdrew the temporary fare caps imposed on domestic air travel, citing stabilisation in flight operations across the sector.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) imposed emergency caps last year on domestic airfares following one of the country’s worst aviation disruptions in recent years.
The move came after IndiGo cancelled thousands of flights due to a pilot-rostering crisis, triggering a surge in ticket prices on busy routes and forcing the government to intervene.
Further arrests deepen probe into Pakistan-linked Ghaziabad espionage network
Ghaziabad spy module case
In a breakthrough in the Ghaziabad espionage case, police have arrested three more accused, including a woman, taking the total number of arrests to 14 in what is being described as the largest spying module linked to Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI.
The newly arrested accused have been identified as Naushad Ali, Meera, and a minor. According to investigators, Naushad is one of the masterminds of the espionage racket. His role involved recruiting young individuals with technical skills such as mobile repair, computer work, and CCTV operation, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds, by luring them with money.
He also used social media groups to identify youths with criminal tendencies but no prior criminal record. Women were deliberately recruited into the network to minimise suspicion.
Meera, who is among the arrested, was involved in supplying weapons. She had earlier been arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell in 2025 and later became part of this espionage network. Police have recovered mobile phones from the accused.
The case builds on earlier arrests made on March 14, when Ghaziabad Police had arrested six individuals linked to an ISI-backed spying network. Among them was Sohail Malik, a resident of Meerut and a key mastermind, who was paid Rs 10,000 for each video clip he transmitted. A woman identified as Mahek (also known as Sane Iram) was also arrested and was responsible for recruiting young members. Both Malik and Mahek were also tasked with making payments to operatives.
Other accused arrested earlier include Praveen, Raj Valmiki, Shiva Valmiki, and Ritik Gangwa. Their mobile phones, electronic devices, and documents were seized during the investigation.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the network had been covertly installing CCTV cameras at strategic locations such as Delhi Cantonment Railway Station and Sonipat Railway Station to transmit live feeds of army routes, troop movements, and weaponry. The group had plans to install around 50 cameras from Delhi to Kashmir to gather sensitive military information.
A quiet arrest in Rajasthan has unravelled a wider espionage network, linking an Air Force employee to Pakistani handlers. Investigators say the trail began months ago and may reach deeper than first believed.
IAF staffer Sumit Kumar held for spying, linked to Pakistan network.
A civilian employee at an Indian Air Force station has been arrested for allegedly passing sensitive military information to Pakistani handlers, in a case that investigators say has exposed a wider espionage network operating across India.
The arrest, carried out by Rajasthan Intelligence, follows months of investigation that began with a separate detention earlier this year.
Additional Director General of Police Intelligence Prafull Kumar said the case traces back to January 2026, when Jhabara Ram, a resident of Jaisalmer, was taken into custody.
During questioning, Ram revealed links to another suspect who was in regular contact with Pakistani intelligence agencies. That trail led investigators to Sumit Kumar.
ACCUSED POSTED AT AIR FORCE STATION IN ASSAM
Sumit Kumar, 36, originally from Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, was working as a Multi-Tasking Staff member at Air Force Station Chabua in Assam’s Dibrugarh district.
Investigators say he used his position to access and pass on confidential information related to the Indian Air Force. The data was allegedly shared with Pakistani handlers through social media platforms.
JOINT OPERATION LEADS TO ARREST
In a coordinated operation, Rajasthan Intelligence and Air Force Intelligence detained Kumar from Chabua and brought him to Jaipur for questioning.
Officials said, “The accused had been in contact with Pakistani intelligence since 2023 and was sharing sensitive information in exchange for money.”
SENSITIVE DEFENCE DETAILS LEAKED
Interrogation revealed that Kumar allegedly shared critical details about Air Force installations, including Air Force Station Chabua and Air Force Station Nal in Bikaner.
The information included locations of fighter aircraft and missile systems, along with confidential details about officers and personnel.
Investigators also found that he helped create social media accounts for Pakistani handlers using mobile numbers issued in his name.
According to market observers, most Indian companies lack a significant AI value chain, prompting foreign investors to look at greener pastures.
Global investors are reallocating toward markets that provide participation in the next technology cycle.
For the past one year, Indian benchmark indices have been turbulent. Some see it as market froth (a short-term correction phase due to overvaluation), others say it’s a bubble (a long-term decline due to detachment of asset prices from its fundamental value). However, all experts agree that foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have been on a selling spree.
In fact, in the first half of March alone, overseas investors pulled out over Rs 31,000 crore from financial services, according to data from Nomura. It said that there is heavy FPI selling across segments in Indian equities.
Geopolitical tensions, elevated crude oil prices, a stronger US dollar, and rising bond yields have all contributed to FPI selling. In such conditions, capital typically shifts toward safer assets like US treasuries. While a large part of the outflows is being driven by global developments rather than any fundamental weakness in India, there’s the question of artificial intelligence (AI). According to market observers, most Indian companies lack a significant AI value chain, prompting foreign investors to look at greener pastures.
Sectoral Churn: Capital Is Chasing AI
Global capital is increasingly flowing toward artificial intelligence and its supporting ecosystem — semiconductors, cloud infrastructure, and high-performance computing. Markets linked to emerging technology themes are offering more compelling near-term opportunities, prompting portfolio rebalancing among FPIs.
Karan Rijhsinghani, Director & Head, Product & Advisory at Atom Prive; Financial Services, explains the scale of this divergence: “Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) now hold nearly $1.75 trillion across just three semiconductor companies — TSMC, Samsung Electronics, and SK Hynix — compared to roughly $750 billion exposure to India’s entire equity market.”
He adds: “The key factor driving this divergence is the global AI investment cycle. Capital today is chasing direct exposure to AI infrastructure… where India currently has limited listed opportunities.”
This is not just a cyclical rotation; it reflects a deeper reallocation of global capital. The selling has been most visible in financial stocks, where foreign ownership is relatively high. Similarly, IT stocks are also witnessing a technological disruption.
“It is fair to say that the listed investment opportunities are still largely services focused and from an AI value chain perspective, India still has a way to go on the deep tech or hardware side,” said Bruce Keith, CEO & Co-founder, InvestorAi.
A recent Deloitte report titled “State of AI in the Enterprise” also noted that Indian companies lag behind global companies when it comes to expertise. It said, “For India in particular, a majority of the organisations expect their AI budgets and productivity from the tech to increase over the next year.”
AI – Missing Piece In The Puzzle
India’s challenge is not demand or growth; it is the lack of a complete AI ecosystem that investors can tap into.
Sameer Jain, Managing Director, Primus Partners, highlights the scale of the gap: “India alone will need to quadruple its AI data centre estimated capacity from 5 GW to 15-20 GW by 2030.”
But the investment required is enormous: “A typical AI data centre costs 6-8 billion dollars and a semiconductor fab costs 9-10 billion dollars… There are no large-listed companies in India where FPIs can bring in large sums.”
He also points to structural hurdles: “Countries such as Korea and Taiwan have the required infrastructure… India has its task cut out to play a serious role in AI and semiconductors.” And the constraint is not just capital: “A 350,000 skill professional gap is an equally big challenge…”
Strong Fundamentals, But A Missing Narrative
Despite the outflows, India’s macro story remains intact — growth is steady, domestic demand is resilient, and investment activity is improving. Even market participants acknowledge this.
Himanshu Arya, Founder of Luxury Cart, notes: “While India’s macroeconomic fundamentals remain resilient, the limited presence of listed companies within the AI ecosystem presents a structural constraint.”
In a similar vein, Rijhsinghani says: “This doesn’t imply a loss of confidence in India’s long-term story… However, in the short term, global investors are reallocating toward markets that provide clearer participation in the next technology cycle.”
What’s Really Driving FPI Exits?
A mix of cyclical and structural factors is at play:
Factor
Impact on flows
Global uncertainty, oil prices
Risk-off sentiment
Strong US dollar, bond yields
Shift toward US assets
Relative returns in other markets
Portfolio reallocation
AI-led global investment cycle
Structural diversion of capital
While the first three may reverse over time, the last one is likely to persist.
Bridging The AI Gap
For India, the challenge is not just to maintain growth, but to align with where global capital is headed. As Sameer Jain puts it: “AI is a global phenomenon… India immediately needs to scale up and promote companies with access to both demand and capital.” He adds: “AI is India’s Black Swan moment. FPI investments is a lagging indicator.”
Haflong’s sitting MLA Nandita Gorlosa was denied a ticket by the BJP, which fielded Rupali Langthasa from the seat after dropping several sitting legislators.
Nandita Gorlosa joined the Congress in the presence of party leaders, including Assam Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary Nirmal Langthasa. (HT Photo)
After being denied a party ticket for next month’s assembly polls, Assam BJP minister Nandita Gorlosa joined the Congress late on Sunday night and would be contesting as its candidate for the Haflong (ST) constituency.
The Congress had named Nirmal Langthasa as its candidate from Haflong in its fifth list released on Sunday. Following Gorlosa’s induction, the party leadership replaced Langthasa and fielding her instead.
Gorlosa joined the Congress in the presence of party leaders, including Assam Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary Nirmal Langthasa.
“We are very happy to announce that Nandita Gorlosa has joined the Congress party….Congress will declare her as our candidate for Haflong seat tomorrow,” said Congress in a statement.
“Gorlosa is set to contest the election in congress ticket from the Haflong seat as Sh Langthasa has proactively volunteered to vacate there seat in larger public interest. The formalities for the same will be duly completed shortly,” it added.
The switch happened before the last date for filing of nomination on Monday. Voting for the single phase assembly election to all 126 seats will take place on April 9.
A sitting MLA from Haflong, she was denied a ticket by the BJP, which fielded Rupali Langthasa from the seat after dropping several sitting legislators.
She reacted soon after the BJP announced its candidate list on March 19. Senior leaders, including Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, had reached out to her.
Sarma visited Dima Hasao on Sunday before travelling to Silchar to meet party leaders. BJP leaders in Haflong said Gorlosa did not attend the meetings during the visit.
Speaking to reporters in Guwahati late Sunday night, Sarma initially said only a few leaders had left the party and that Gorlosa was not quitting the BJP. He later revised his statement after learning of her move.
“I had spoken to her and she seemed satisfied. The Congress had already announced its candidate from Haflong. I don’t know why she is joining that party,” he said.
Gorlosa was elected in 2021 and was inducted into the state cabinet. She handled the mines, minerals and tribal faith portfolios.
The finance minister is scheduled to introduce the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 “to amend” the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Act.
Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman (Jitender Gupta )
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to introduce a bill to amend corporate laws in the Lok Sabha on Monday for further ease of doing business, decriminalise minor offences, replace certain criminal provisions with civil penalties and reduce compliance burdens for small firms, startups and produce companies set up by farmers.
According to the Lok Sabha’s agenda for Monday, the finance minister is scheduled to introduce the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 “to amend” the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Act, 2008 and the Companies Act, 2013. While the Company Act deals with incorporation, governance, disclosures and dissolution of a firm, more flexible LLP Act provides limited liabilities for partners, people aware of the development said, requesting anonymity. The cabinet cleared the bill on March 10.
Both laws had been amended in the past and current amendments are aimed at not only to further ease of doing business but also to introduce ease of living for corporates by decriminalising more provisions, the people said. The Company Act was earlier amended four times since 2015 to rationalise compliance requirements. The LLP Act was earlier emended in 2021 with similar objectives.
“The bill is expected to propose several changes for ease of compliance, including decriminalisation of several provisions, regulatory ease for small firms, startups and producer companies,” one person said. A producer company is incorporated by people involved in activities such as agriculture, fishery, animal husbandry, horticulture, floriculture, pisciculture, forestry and forest products.
The amendments in the laws are made on the basis of the Company Law Committee (CLC) constituted by the government to facilitate greater ease of doing business for business entities. The CLC has submitted its last report to the government on March 21, 2022. An 11-member CLC was constituted in September 2019. Its members included former Lok Sabha secretary general TK Viswanathan, Kotak Mahindra Bank managing director Uday Kotak, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co executive chairman Shardul S Shroff, chartered accountant G Ramaswamy, and Xpro India chairman Sidharth Birla.
With regard to the Companies Act, 2013, some recommendations of the CLC included, facilitating certain companies to communicate with their members in only electronic form, easing the requirement of raising capital in distressed companies, allowing submitting affidavits with self-certification, allowing companies to hold general meetings in virtual, physical or hybrid modes, strengthening the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) and prohibiting conversion of co-operative societies into a company. Under LLP Act, it recommended to ease incorporation and compliance requirements for producer organisations of farmers, fishermen or artisans.
Recommendations of CLC were deliberated by various stakeholders and considered by the High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms (HLC-NFRR), chaired by former cabinet secretary and NITI Aayog member Rajiv Gauba. In her 2025-26 budget speech, the finance minister had announced about constituting the committee. “A High-Level Committee for Regulatory Reforms will be set up for a review of all non-financial sector regulations, certifications, licenses, and permissions,” she said on February 1 last year.
On Sunday, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 29.5°C, which was 2°C below the seasonal average. The minimum temperature stood at 15.6°C, about 1.7°C below normal.
People cross a busy road amid rain using a cloth to shield themselves at Daryaganj, in New Delhi, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (PTI)
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted Delhi may see another spell of light rain on Monday, even as temperatures are expected to gradually rise through the week despite persistent cloudy conditions.
The development follows the unusual rainfall that brought relief from the heat on Thursday and Friday.
The cooling impact of those showers continued into Sunday, although both maximum and minimum temperatures edged up slightly compared to Saturday, remaining below normal levels.
On Sunday, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 29.5°C, which was 2°C below the seasonal average. The minimum temperature stood at 15.6°C, about 1.7°C below normal.
For Monday, the IMD has predicted “generally cloudy skies with a possibility of very light rain accompanied with thunderstorm/lightning during forenoon to afternoon.”
Cloudy weather is expected to persist throughout the week, with maximum temperatures likely to climb to 32–34°C by Saturday and minimum temperatures ranging between 16°C and 18°C.
“A feeble western disturbance is expected to bring cloudy weather along with isolated light to moderate rains across Delhi-NCR, Haryana, North Punjab, Rajasthan, and Chandigarh on Monday morning into late evening hours. These won’t bring widespread rains like the previous ones as the western disturbance is feeble,” meteorologist Navdeep Dahiya posted on X.
Skymet president Mahesh Palawat, however, said the system is unlikely to significantly affect Delhi.
The government held a high-level meeting chaired by PM Modi to assess the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which poses substantial risks to the global economy and specifically to India’s energy supply.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a high-level meeting to review the situation related to petroleum, crude, gas, power and fertiliser sectors in view of the evolving West Asia situation, in New Delhi. Photo : ANI
The Centre on Sunday said that the ongoing conflict in West Asia will have significant short, medium, long term impact on global economy and its effects on India were assessed at Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting. The high-level meeting which took place on Sunday evening, was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with almost all Union Ministers including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Nirmala Sitharaman, Hardeep Singh Puri, among others. The agenda of the meeting was to review the availability of energy resources including oil and natural gas, logistics issues that have been impacted due to the closure of strategic sea pass — Strait of Hormuz, reduction in energy production in Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia amid fears of Iranian attacks.
The conflict in the middle east first began on February 28 when US and Israel in a joint attack pounded over 30 bombs on Iran, eliminating its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, several of his close aides and family members. Iran, which blamed the West for imposing war on them, started targeting energy rich Gulf nations including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar apart from Israel in retaliation and to pressure the United States. Iran closed Strait of Hormuz, a key sea passage from where a third of world’s energy trade takes places, threatening logistics operations, attacked oil and gas facilities to disturb energy production.
The conflict is now impacting Asian and European nations as it has halted and slowed down energy flows, especially for India as it sources 90 per cent of its natural gas requirement from this region. Therefore, in order to assess the developing situation, PM Modi chaired a crucial CCS meeting to review status of energy supplies to India and the region.
Key Outcomes After CCS Meeting
At CCS meeting, Cabinet Secretary gave detailed presentation on global situation, mitigating measures by government ministries.
West Asia conflict will have significant short, medium, long term impact on global economy, its effects on India were assessed at CCS.
Counter-measures, both immediate and long-term, were discussed at CCS to deal with effects on economy due to West Asia conflict.
PM directs to set up group of ministers and secretaries to work dedicatedly to deal with situation arising due to West Asia conflict.
Several measures discussed at CCS meet to diversify sources of imports needed by chemicals, pharma, petrochemicals, other industrial sectors.
The expected impact and measures taken to address issues arisen due to west asia conflict across sectors like agriculture, fertilisers, food security, petroleum, power, MSMEs, exporters, shipping, trade, finance, supply chains and all affected sectors were discussed.
The overall macro-economic scenario in the country and further measures to be taken were also discussed.
The impact on farmers and their requirement for fertiliser for the Kharif season was assessed.
The measures taken in the last few years to maintain adequate stocks of fertilisers will ensure timely availability and food security, it said.
Alternative sources of fertilizers were also discussed to ensure continued availability in the future.
It was also determined that an adequate supply of coal stocks at all power plants will ensure no shortage of electricity in India.
Several measures were discussed to diversify the sources of imports required by chemicals, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals and other industrial sectors.
Similarly new export destinations to promote Indian goods will be developed in the near future, the statement said.
Cab drivers in Gurugram went on strike demanding mandatory customer KYC, citing safety concerns and lack of grievance redressal, causing travel disruptions.
Cab Strike Photo : PTI
A group of app-based cab drivers in Gurugram went on strike on Monday (March 23), demanding mandatory KYC verification for customers, citing rising safety concerns and lack of accountability for passengers. Earlier on Saturday, drivers gathered in Sector 46 to press for compulsory KYC for passengers, arguing that while drivers undergo strict verification, customers are not subjected to similar checks. They said unverified passengers pose serious safety risks, including cases of assault and threats during rides. “What about our safety? We also need protection from fake passengers,” a driver said as quoted by Hindustan Times.
Reasons Behind Cab Drivers’ Strike
1. Mandatory Customer KYC
The primary demand of drivers is compulsory KYC verification for all passengers booking rides through apps. They want Aadhaar or other valid ID verification, alleging that criminals often use fake IDs to book cabs and then target drivers in isolated areas.
2. Safety and Justice Concerns
The issue has intensified after the January 2026 murder of a 25-year-old cab driver, Suraj Singh, in Gurugram’s Sector 37C. He was allegedly strangled by passengers, triggering fear and anger among drivers and prompting them to protest for better safety.
3. Ineffective Emergency Response Systems
Drivers claim that in-app safety features like SOS or panic buttons do not function effectively. In emergency situations, they say neither the companies nor the police respond in time, leaving them vulnerable.
4. Falling Earnings and Rising Costs
Apart from safety, drivers are also struggling with declining earnings and rising expenses such as fuel and maintenance. They are demanding a minimum base fare under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025 to ensure financial stability.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi became India’s longest-serving head of government, completing 8,931 days in office and surpassing Sikkim CM Pawan Kumar Chamling’s record. Praised by leaders like Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Devendra Fadnavis, Modi’s tenure highlights decades of continuous public service, governance, and nation-building.
PM Narendra Modi | File Image
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday became India’s longest-serving head of government, completing 8,931 days in office and surpassing the record of former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling’s record of 8,930 days.
The achievement underscores PM Modi’s decades-long leadership and continuous public service. He remains the first Prime Minister born after Independence and has led his party to three consecutive Lok Sabha victories in 2014, 2019, and 2024.
Several senior leaders congratulated PM Modi on the milestone, praising his “decades-long dedication, continuous public service, and commitment to development and good governance”.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded Prime Minister Modi, praising his 24 years of uninterrupted public service.
Shah hailed Modi’s “sheer commitment” to the nation, noting that his tenure has reshaped India through development initiatives, welfare measures, and bolstering the country’s global stature.
In a post on X, Shah wrote, “Modi Ji’s decades of Seva have shaped an era of his own. Whether it is giving the poor their rights, setting new landmarks in development or enhancing the nation’s pride on global platforms, the Modi era has transformed India unrecognisably.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s Tweet
Modi Ji’s decades of Seva have shaped an era of his own. Whether it is giving the poor their rights, setting new landmarks in development or enhancing the nation’s pride on global platforms, the Modi era has transformed India unrecognisably.
He added, “Fostering this new India required a lifetime’s effort and PM Narendra Modi gave it. Serving the nation and its people without taking a holiday for more than 24 years is the manifestation of his sheer commitment. This explains the unprecedented affection he received from people, three times as Gujarat CM and three times as India’s PM. People’s trust, affection and support for him have only grown with every passing day.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also congratulated Prime Minister Modi.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s Tweet
In a post on X, Singh said, “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is now the longest-serving head of a government in India. Pure devotion to the nation and its people defines PM Modi Ji. From his unwavering commitment as the Chief Minister of Gujarat to his dedicated leadership as the Prime Minister, his life has been a continuous journey of service.”
Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi is now the longest-serving head of a government in India.
Pure devotion to the nation and its people defines PM Modi Ji. From his unwavering commitment as the Chief Minister of Gujarat to his dedicated leadership as the Prime Minister, his life… pic.twitter.com/llGPwziZZC
“Today, he surpasses the 8,930-day record of former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling, achieving a historic milestone. With 8,931 days in public office as head of government, this moment reflects his deep commitment to nation-first governance, integrity in action, and tireless service to every citizen. Heartiest congratulations to Modi Ji on this remarkable achievement,” he added.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s Tweet
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as India’s longest-serving leader, praising his 8,931 days of uninterrupted public service, breaking the 8,930-day record of former Sikkim CM Pawan Kumar Chamling.
A truly remarkable milestone.
Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji today becomes the longest-serving head of a government in India, surpassing the 8,930-day record of former Sikkim CM Pawan Kumar Chamling.
His 8,931 days of service, from Gujarat CM to Prime Minister, stand as a… pic.twitter.com/ddtlJzush1
Taking it to X, Rijiju wrote, “A truly remarkable milestone. PM @narendramodi ji today becomes the longest-serving head of a government in India, surpassing the 8,930-day record of former Sikkim CM Pawan Kumar Chamling. His 8,931 days of service, from Gujarat CM to Prime Minister, stand as a testament to tireless dedication, integrity & nation-first governance. An inspiring journey of trust and Seva.”
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the “nation’s illustrious leader has set an exemplary standard of service, dedication, and unwavering resolve.”
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s Tweet
In a post on X, Pradhan said that by working continuously for public welfare for 8,931 days, PM Modi has become India’s longest-serving head of government.
विश्व के सर्वाधिक लोकप्रिय जननेता, राष्ट्र के यशस्वी नेतृत्वकर्ता और प्रधानसेवक माननीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी ने सेवा, समर्पण और अटूट संकल्प की एक मिसाल स्थापित की है। 8,931 दिनों तक लगातार जनता के कल्याण में कार्य करते हुए वे भारत के सबसे लंबे समय तक सेवा देने वाले… pic.twitter.com/xchX8QtBiI
“The world’s most popular mass leader, the nation’s illustrious leader and Prime Servant, the Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set an exemplary standard of service, dedication, and unwavering resolve. By working continuously for public welfare for 8,931 days, he has become India’s longest-serving head of government,” Pradhan posted.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya praised PM Modi’s decades-long dedication, decisive leadership, and commitment to good governance, development, and the welfare of citizens from his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister to his ongoing role as Prime Minister.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya’s Tweet
In a post on X, Mandaviya wrote, “A historic milestone shaped by tireless dedication, decisive leadership and unwavering commitment to Bharat. Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji today completes 8,931 days in public office as the head of a government, surpassing all previous records to become the longest-serving in India’s history.”
A historic milestone shaped by tireless dedication, decisive leadership and unwavering commitment to Bharat.
Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji today completes 8,931 days in public office as the head of a government, surpassing all previous records to become the… pic.twitter.com/bIJx9idq6D
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) March 22, 2026
“From serving Gujarat as Chief Minister to leading the nation with resolve and vision as Prime Minister, every moment of his journey has been devoted to the welfare of the poor, transparent governance and nation-building. This extraordinary journey reflects the unwavering trust and blessings of 140 crore Indians,” the post read.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis lauded PM Modi’s leadership for achieving the benchmarks of becoming the fourth-largest economy.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ Tweet
In a post on X, the Maharashtra CM wrote, “8931 days of JanSeva, a record in serving the people. With 8931 days in public life, the longest ever tenure, Hon PM Narendra Modi Ji’s journey, from serving as Chief Minister to leading our Nation as the Prime Minister, reflects an unwavering commitment to public service and citizen-centric governance.”
8931 days of JanSeva, a record in serving the people
With 8931 days in public life, longest ever tenure, Hon PM Narendra Modi Ji’s journey, from serving as Chief Minister to leading our Nation as the Prime Minister, reflects unwavering commitment to public service and… pic.twitter.com/ud849pTbpf
“Congratulations to the fellowship citizens of Bharat, congratulations to Hon PM Modi Ji! Under his visionary leadership, India has achieved transformative growth across sectors, setting new benchmarks and emerging as the world’s 4th largest economy. This clarity of purpose continues to inspire the nation and drive progress towards a stronger, self-reliant future,” the X post read.
In March, PM Modi crossed the significant milestone of 30 million subscribers on YouTube, further cementing his position as the most-followed world leader on the platform.
Explore Ayurveda’s vast herbal wisdom through a scientifically curated global database, offering detailed insights into medicinal plants, their properties, uses, and the powerful healing potential of traditional Ayurvedic knowledge.
Representative Image
Recently, Patanjali added another feather to its cap with the World Herbal Encyclopedia (WHE), a well-structured, reference-based, and scientifically curated knowledge document. Patanjali also launched the WHE portal, which digitally archives global medicinal plant data. It helps explore the world’s most extensive medicinal plants. You can buy WHE books and botanical artworks online.
What to Find
The portal offers dynamic data filtration using scientific names, synonyms, or vernacular terms. Refine searches by phylogenetic groups, families, genera, countries, medicinal uses, and more. There is tailored data with access to plant profiles and their detailed botanical, chemical and therapeutic information.
Use custom search combinations with multiple filters to achieve specific results. The user-friendly data search is perfect for botanists, scientists, doctors, and herbal practitioners seeking detailed plant data.
Find complete profiling of every medicinal plant with details like general description, synonyms, common English and vernacular names, habitat and distribution, botanical description, Ayurvedic properties and action, and medicinal and edible uses. There are also references to scholarly data, like credible sources and peer-reviewed articles.
Every medicinal plant on the portal is also classified with Vedic taxonomy. Names are regulated and built on physical traits to minimise confusion, ensure the name accurately reflects plant characteristics, and maintain the rich Sanskrit-based terminology and clarity in precise naming.
Discover botanical illustrations or meticulously handmade canvas paintings. It shows the beauty and details of the plants, and correct botanical references.
4 Highly Prized Ayurvedic Herbs
While the WHE is a guide for herbal information, the world of Ayurvedic herbs is fascinating. And four unusual or highly prized Ayurvedic herbs are the cream of the crop. Know them in detail.
Pipli: Also known as long pepper, pipli is a highly prized and robust Ayurvedic herb and spice known for its rejuvenation properties. It is used in treating respiratory illnesses like cough, cold, chest congestion, chronic bronchitis, and asthma. It is an immunity-booster and a digestive aid. It helps lose weight. Pipli can boost the absorption and power of other herbs. Divya Pippali Churna (100 Gms) manages respiratory and digestive health and provides immunity.
Kutki: Ayurveda considers kutki, or Himalayan gentian, as a highly prized herb to manage liver health. It purifies the liver and treats related ailments. It increases immunity and helps fight infections. Its impressive anti-inflammatory properties lower joint-related swelling and fight rheumatoid arthritis. Kutki reduces respiratory tract swelling. It also treats skin infections, wounds and diseases. Divya Kutki Churna (50 Gms) increases liver good health, provides immunity and good digestion, and controls weight.
Jatamansi: This rare and endangered herb is respected as a brain stimulant. It calms the mind and helps deal with problems like anxiety, depression, insomnia and stress. It boosts cognitive function and good memory. Use Jatamansi to increase your appetite, lessen inflammation and purify the liver. Patanjali Kesh Kanti Tel (120 Ml and 300 Ml) deeply nourishes your hair, lowers hair fall and dandruff, and strengthens the hair. It also lessens headaches and sleeplessness. It contains Jatamansi, brahmi, amla, bhringaraj, nagkesar, turmeric, giloy, neem, Haritaki, and other essential Ayurvedic herbs.
An NRI installed a Statue of Liberty replica on his Jalandhar home, drawing visitors and going viral online.
A Punjab home turned into a local attraction after an NRI installed a Statue of Liberty replica inspired by New York. (X/@PTI_News)
A unique architectural addition in Punjab’s Jalandhar has caught the attention of social media users after an NRI recreated a miniature version of the Statue of Liberty on his home.
According to PTI, Gurjeet Singh Matharu, who has been living in New York for the past 26 years, installed a replica of the iconic monument on the fourth floor of his house in the Kishanpura area. The structure has since become a local attraction, with people travelling from nearby areas and even farther locations to catch a glimpse.
Speaking with news agency PTI, Matharu shared the inspiration behind his unusual creation. “The idea came from seeing the Statue of Liberty often in New York and keeping it as a memory of the city when I visit India each year,” he said.
A landmark in the neighbourhood
The Statue of Liberty, one of the most recognisable symbols of the United States, represents freedom and hope. By recreating it in Jalandhar, Matharu appears to have built a personal bridge between his life abroad and his roots back home.
Take a look here at the post:
VIDEO | Punjab: Gurjeet Singh Matharu, an NRI living in New York for 26 years, has installed a Statue of Liberty replica on the fourth floor of his home in Jalandhar’s Kishanpura area, drawing visitors from nearby and far away.
The development gained wider attention after PTI shared the story on X, where the post has garnered more than 152,000 views along with several reactions.
Users flooded the comments section with mixed and interesting responses. “This is such a unique way to stay connected to memories abroad,” one user wrote. Another commented, “Looks like a mini New York in Punjab, quite creative.”
Divya Porwal, a Google techie, highlights that high salaries in India don’t equate to luxury purchases. Instead, earnings go towards taxes and living expenses.
A Google employee opens up about the reality of tech salaries in India (This representative image is created using AI). (Google Gemini)
A Bengaluru-based Google techie has renewed the conversation around tech salaries in India after saying that even top software engineers can’t casually buy things worth multiple crores. Divya Porwal said that some people labour under the delusion that Google techies earn enough to buy fancy cars on a whim. In a post shared on X, she issues a clarification on tech salaries in India.
“I don’t even earn a crore in a year”
Porwal, a software engineer who recently joined Google, said that someone once said to her, “Bro you work at Google, you can easily buy a Lamborghini.”
In her post, she offered a reality check on being able to buy a Lamborghini in India. Porwal said that a Lamborghini costs between ₹4 to 5 crore in India. She, on the other hand, does not even earn a crore in a year.
“Lamborghini in India starts from around ₹4–5 crore. And I don’t even earn a crore in a year,” the Bengaluru techie said in her X post.
Lamborghini in India starts from around ₹4–5 crore.
And I don’t even earn a Crore😂 in a year.
Someone said: “Bro you work at Google, you can easily buy one 😭”
Really? Lol
After taxes, rent, family responsibilities, daily life…⁰a big chunk of salary is already gone.
A…
Porwal said that a big chunk of her salary goes on taxes, rent, utilities, family responsibilities etc. In reality, even a high-paying job does not give one access to crazy luxuries, she said.
“After taxes, rent, family responsibilities, daily life… a big chunk of salary is already gone. A high-paying job gives you comfort. Not crazy luxury,” she wrote.
Tech salaries in India
The Google techie added that the kind of money which buys luxuries usually comes from startup wins or businesses, not salaries. In India, even top software engineers cannot buy things worth multiple crores, unless they have generational wealth and zero responsibilities, she opined.
“In India, even top software engineers can’t casually buy things worth multiple crores (they can if they have generational wealth and 0 responsibilities),” wrote Porwal on X. “That level of money usually comes from startup wins, business, or equity. Not just a monthly salary,” she concluded.
Her post has been going steadily viral on X, where many agreed with her opinion.
