Centre invokes Essential Commodities Act to regulate natural gas supply amid West Asia conflict

The Union Government has invoked the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, to regulate the production, supply, and distribution of natural gas in the country due to the disruption in the supply of energy from other parts of the world because of the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, which came into force on March 9. This decision has been taken due to the disruption in the supply of natural gas due to the disruption in the supply of liquefied natural gas that is being exported through the Strait of Hormuz due to the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Read full story

What is Operation Deep Manifest? Govt's move to intercept Pakistan-origin goods entering India

The Union government on Monday informed the Lok Sabha that Operation Deep Manifest, an enforcement drive aimed at identifying and intercepting Pakistan-origin goods entering India through indirect routes, is currently underway. The information has been revealed in the Lok Sabha by the Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, in the form of a written reply. Responding to a question from Kaziranga MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Chaudhary said the main objective of the operation is to detect and detain goods that originate from Pakistan and enter the country through third countries...Click here to read the full story

WBJEE 2026 registration opens

The registration process for the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE) 2026 has officially begun. Students seeking admission to undergraduate courses in engineering, technology, pharmacy and architecture can now apply through the official website. The application window will remain open until April 5, 2026. The West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination Board opened the registration portal for WBJEE 2026 on March 10. Candidates can submit their applications online through the official website. The entrance examination is scheduled to be held on May 24, 2026, and will be conducted in offline mode using an OMR-based pen-and-paper format. Read full story

India eyes 5 more S-400 missile defence systems as aerial threats grow

India is stepping up efforts to strengthen its air defence network as aerial warfare becomes more advanced and unpredictable. From long-range missiles to swarm drones, modern threats are forcing countries to invest heavily in defensive capabilities. New Delhi is now considering acquiring five more of the Russian-made S-400 Triumf systems, which would enable the country to widen its coverage. Growing geopolitical tensions have renewed global focus on air defence. The ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict has prompted many to realise the dynamic and ever-changing nature of aerial warfare. Read full story

NDMC launches intensive sanitation drive across Lutyens’ Delhi

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has rolled out an intensive sanitation campaign across its jurisdiction in Lutyens’ Delhi, stepping up cleaning operations to address seasonal sanitation challenges. Civic officials said the drive focuses on removing dry leaves, controlling dust and improving overall cleanliness across prominent roads, markets and residential zones. The sanitation campaign aims to deal with the accumulation of dry leaves and construction dust that typically increases during this time of year. Special cleaning teams have been deployed to...Click here to read the full story

NCERT says sorry and withdraws Class 8 book after SC's 'reckless' rebuke

Just a day before the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the controversy surrounding a now-withdrawn Class 8 social science textbook, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has issued an “unconditional and unqualified apology” over the disputed content. The controversy centres on a chapter dealing with the role of the judiciary that appeared in a recently released textbook titled Exploring Society: India and Beyond for Grade 8 students. The book was published barely two weeks ago, before the debate over its contents escalated. Read full story

Veteran historian K N Panikkar passes away at 90, remembered for defending secular historical scholarship

Eminent historian and academic K N Panikkar passed away on Monday at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram due to age-related ailments, family sources said. He was 90. Panikkar was widely regarded as one of India’s most influential historians and was known for his Marxist interpretation of history. Throughout his career, he strongly advocated secular and scientific approaches to historical research and was also a vocal critic of communalism. His work played a major role in shaping progressive perspectives on modern Indian history. Read full story

CEC Gyanesh Kumar announces seven-day window for candidates to test EVMs at Kolkata press conference

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Tuesday said candidates will be allowed to get Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) tested within seven days after the election results if they wish to verify them. He announced while addressing a press conference in Kolkata after reviewing election preparations in West Bengal. The briefing was attended by Election Commissioners Vivek Joshi and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, along with West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal. Kumar said the provision has been...Click here to read the full story

CEC Gyanesh Kumar sparks row over 'National Song', TMC hits back - here's what went on

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Monday cautioned West Bengal’s district election officers (DEOs), including district magistrates and superintendents of police, that the Election Commission would not tolerate any violence during the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. The Election Commission directed district officials to take immediate preventive measures to ensure peaceful polling. Officials have been asked to begin raids from Monday evening to seize illegal firearms and curb the circulation of black money and illicit liquor. The poll panel also instructed district authorities to make proper use of central forces to prevent any...Click here to read the full story

Supreme Court hears fresh petition on SIR voter verification exercise

During the hearing of a fresh petition, senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy, appearing for the petitioners, clarified before the court that they were not questioning the role of judicial officers. The Chief Justice of India responded that the matter appeared premature, noting that the petitioners may not be fully aware of the developments. Guruswamy said she was not associated with the application mentioned by the court and added that around 50 lakh cases were under review, with about 47 lakh already mapped and believed to involve genuine voters. The CJI assured that those who are genuine will be included, emphasising that judicial officers are currently carrying out the verification exercise.

India mulls naval escort for ships stranded near Strait of Hormuz amid Iran threats

India is considering options to safely escort its merchant vessels out of the crisis-hit Strait of Hormuz due to the rising tensions between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, which has disrupted maritime traffic through one of the world’s most vital oil routes. A senior maritime regulator said discussions are underway at the highest levels to ensure the safety of Indian ships currently stranded in and around the region. According to officials, 36 Indian-flagged vessels are currently present in and around the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters. While all of them remain safe and well-supplied, none has been able to...Click here to read the full story

Delhi govt strengthens Yamuna banks between ITO and Sarai Kale Khan to improve flood management

The Government of Delhi has launched work to strengthen the banks of the Yamuna River between the ITO and Sarai Kale Khan as part of efforts to improve flood management in the national capital. According to a report by Hindustan Times, officials said the project includes reinforcing vulnerable embankment stretches through stone pitching, a method used to prevent soil erosion and strengthen riverbanks. The work is being carried out by the Delhi Irrigation and Flood Control Department, which is responsible for managing floods and maintaining riverbanks in the city. Read full story

Delhi Assembly budget session likely to begin from March 16

The budget session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly is likely to commence on March 16, marking the beginning of key discussions on the national capital’s financial planning for the upcoming fiscal year. Officials said the session is expected to last about two weeks and will focus on the presentation of the Delhi government’s annual budget for 2026–27. Read full story

Sensex rises nearly 500 points

Indian benchmark indices bounced back in early trade after two sessions of losses, supported by gains in global markets as Brent crude prices eased following remarks by US President Donald Trump hinting at a possible end to the war. Around 9:17 am, the Nifty 50 was up 143.35 points (0.58%) at 24,167.40, while the BSE Sensex gained 491.68 points (0.62%) to trade at 78,030.20, recovering from the recent downturn.

Horoscope today

Aries: Emotional stress and workplace challenges may arise, though business matters and education opportunities may improve.Taurus: Family decisions may take priority today, while marital harmony and social recognition bring positivity.Gemini: Promotion chances and growing social respect may appear, along with spending on important matters or family outings.Cancer: Anxiety may affect motivation, but romantic life may improve while a family member’s health needs attention.Leo: Financial conditions may strengthen and pending government work may progress, though lent money may not return.Virgo: Travel for work and career opportunities may arise, while property purchase and loan approvals look possible.Libra: Academic success and financial gains from in-laws are possible, but family disagreements may surface.Scorpio: Obstacles and possible betrayal may trouble you, though business-related news may bring relief.Sagittarius: Workplace pressure and emot ional stress may increase after setbacks in an important task.Capricorn: Financial gains and involvement in government projects may bring a productive and rewarding day.Aquarius: New opportunities and business agreements may progress, though family disputes and health concerns may arise.Pisces: A busy day due to a child’s activities may cause fatigue, but many tasks may be completed successfully.