According to the aviation ministry, over 1.5 lakh people have flown from GCC to India between Feb 28 and March 11. Indian carriers resumed Riyadh flights from Thursday, with Day One seeing four flights by Air India, IndiGo and AI Express. The Indian embassy in Qatar said on X Thursday 1-2 flights “of Qatar Airways are expected for India daily in the coming days.”
Prime Minister Modi downplayed the energy crisis, urging collective efforts and national interest over panic. He highlighted government initiatives like increased LPG connections and LNG terminals to boost self-reliance. Efforts are underway to shield citizens and farmers from the impact of global conflicts, with measures to manage LPG distribution and supply.
Lok Sabha witnessed a heated exchange as Rahul Gandhi's speech on the energy crisis was cut short by Speaker Om Birla. Gandhi was questioned for targeting Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and deviating from the stated notice regarding gas shortages. The opposition had previously accused the Chair of limiting Gandhi's speaking time.
The Trinamool Congress's request for a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu to discuss West Bengal's welfare initiatives was declined due to time constraints. This comes after a political controversy during the President's recent visit to Bagdogra, where she expressed displeasure over the absence of state officials.
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.
