A Liberian-flagged oil tanker, captained by an Indian, successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz to reach Mumbai Port. This marks a significant transit amid heightened Middle East tensions, with Iran reportedly granting safe passage to Indian vessels. Authorities are actively monitoring 28 Indian-flagged ships and seafarers in the Persian Gulf.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held three recent talks with his Iranian counterpart, focusing on maritime shipping safety and India's energy security amid rising Middle East tensions. Iran has ensured safe passage for Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil trade and India's energy imports.
A crude oil tanker has reached Mumbai Port after navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The Liberia-flagged Shenlong Suezmax brought crude from Saudi Arabia. It temporarily went off tracking systems in the high-risk strait. Iran has intensified shipping restrictions. Over 20 million barrels of oil pass through the strait daily.
A public spat has erupted between Congress leaders Mani Shankar Aiyar and Shashi Tharoor over foreign policy and ideology. Aiyar criticized Tharoor's views on the Iran-Israel conflict and his stance on the US, regretting his past support. Tharoor defended his nationalist perspective and responsible policymaking, rejecting Aiyar's accusations and highlighting their past mutual support.
India backed a UN Security Council that strongly condemned Iran's attacks on regional neighbours, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with 13 votes in favour. The resolution demands an immediate halt to strikes on civilian areas and interference with maritime trade. China and Russia abstained, deeming the text biased, while Iran labelled it unjust.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at a wedding. A man fired shots at him, but his security team intervened, saving his life. Abdullah expressed gratitude to God and called for an investigation into the incident. He also commented on the prevailing atmosphere of hatred and the need for unity.
Naga men, women, and children were abducted by suspected militants along Manipur's Ukhrul-Imphal Road, potentially escalating ethnic tensions. A Naga organization blamed Kuki militants, demanding their immediate release. The Manipur Chief Minister appealed for the unconditional release of all civilians and urged stakeholders to maintain peace.
Arvind Kejriwal and other accused in the excise policy case have requested the Delhi High Court Chief Justice to transfer their criminal revision petition from Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma's bench. They allege bias and express concerns over the bench's prima facie view and interim directions without hearing all parties.
Indian Railways is shifting food outlets to microwaves and induction stoves. This change follows LNG supply cuts due to the Middle East conflict. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged full support for Indians stranded in the Gulf. Reports also indicate Iran's potential acquisition of a Chinese missile. India has purchased Russian crude oil following a US waiver.
On March 29, 2026, thousands of runners will gather in the heart of the capital as the city hosts one of its most anticipated community fitness events, the Times Internet Delhi Half Marathon. The race will begin at the iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, transforming the city’s streets into a course of energy, determination, and celebration of fitness.
Lok Sabha rejected a no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla by voice vote amid opposition protests demanding Home Minister Amit Shah's apology. Shah criticized the move as rare and regrettable, emphasizing the Speaker's neutrality and the House's adherence to its own rules, not party dictates. Protests continued, disrupting proceedings.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha, citing his poor attendance and foreign trips coinciding with key sessions. Shah defended Speaker Om Birla against the Opposition's removal motion, calling it unprecedented and damaging to parliamentary traditions. He highlighted Gandhi's lack of participation in crucial debates and accused the opposition of spreading misinformation.
Census 2027 will be conducted in two phases, starting with Houselisting and Housing Census from April to September 2026, followed by Population Enumeration in February 2027. This digital exercise will involve house-to-house visits and an option for online self-enumeration to ensure comprehensive data collection.
