Times of India

In a letter to chief secretaries of states and UTs, petroleum secretary Neeraj Mittal said only those industrial units that have registered with oil marketing companies, declaring the end use of gas cylinders, and have also signed up for the piped gas network will be eligible for the additional quota of LPG. He added that if LPG is used by certain industrial units for special purposes that cannot be substituted by natural gas, such requirements would stand waived.

Home minister Shah accused opposition parties of spreading panic over the West Asia crisis, including the claim that a lockdown may be imposed. “I want to assure everyone. Do not fear, nothing will happen. We have adequate reserves of petroleum products,” he said. While many countries had taken emergency measures, India was working to tide over the crisis without compromising the daily lives of people, he said, adding that it had ensured regular gas supply to homemakers.

On the recent controversy involving UGC regulations aimed at maintaining standards, quality and equity in Indian higher education, Pradhan refrained from detailed comment, noting the matter is sub judice. “The govt’s responsibility is to ensure that no one faces injustice or discrimination. We will abide by whatever directions court issues,” he said. Outlining the ministry’s broader priorities, Pradhan said the education system currently serves around 30 crore students, placing significant responsibility on policymakers.

In an interview with the US embassy publication, Span magazine, the ambassador also spoke about the significance of Quad as he predicted further strengthening of defence ties. “India is a Major Defence Partner, and defence cooperation is one of the brightest spots in our bilateral relationship. We also strengthen US-India military interoperability through participation in military exercises such as Malabar, Tiger Triumph, and Cope India,” said Gor.

Jaishankar said on X he raised Global South’s concerns about energy challenges, fertiliser supplies and food security in the session on global governance. “The uncertainties arising from the conflict in West Asia only make a stronger case for more resilient trade corridors and supply chains,” he said. Jaishankar said on X India’s FTAs with the EU, EFTA members and the UK have enhanced the utility of IMEC.

Noida International Airport opens March 28. The government is building new roads to connect the airport. These projects will make travel easier from Delhi and nearby districts. Some roads are complete, others are expected by 2027. A high-speed rail corridor is also proposed. Until then, the Yamuna Expressway will be the main route.

The bill — introduced in Lok Sabha on Friday — proposes to amend Section-11 of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act that at present provides for six months’ jail or with Rs 5,000 penalty or both. As per the proposal, the fine would be 5% of land value for every year of occupation or both — penalty and jail. Officials said this would deter encroachment and check land grabbing.

“Our supreme leader issued a fatwa. He said nuclear weapons are forbidden, haraam. So, we don't have it. We don't want to have it. We are not looking for it,” said Ilahi. Ending the war in West Asia depends on countries that started it, he said. He dismissed Pakistan’s claim that it was mediating between Iran and the US.

While he focused on preparing for prolonged disruption of supply lines, Modi also conveyed assurance about the country being in good stead, saying “efforts...in recent years to strengthen India’s economic and supply systems have proved beneficial”. In his virtual meeting with CMs — except those of Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry where assembly polls are due next month — on Friday, PM Modi said while addressing a challenge is a shared responsibility.

The windfall tax will also help the Centre partly offset the impact of the excise duty cut. Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs chairman Vivek Chaturvedi said the windfall tax on exports will result in a gain of about Rs 1,500 crore in the first fortnight while the govt will have to forgo over Rs 7,000 crore in revenue because of the excise duty cut. He said the export tax will be reviewed fortnightly.

Adilabad district in Telangana faces the highest LPG prices in South India at Rs 999 per cylinder, significantly impacting household budgets. This surge, attributed to local taxes and steep transportation costs, highlights a growing urban-rural divide in fuel affordability. Across southern India, prices remain lower, with variations influenced by geography and logistics, creating sustained financial strain for consumers.

The conversation focused on the evolving situation in West Asia, with both leaders emphasising the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, secure and accessible. The key maritime corridor handles a significant share of global oil shipments and remains critical to international energy markets. However, it remains unclear why Musk was included in the call or whether he spoke.

A Chandrapur head constable's death, initially ruled an accident, has been reclassified as premeditated murder. Investigators arrested his daughter, a police trainee, and three others, including her estranged partner who turned whistleblower. The daughter allegedly poisoned her father's milkshake, leading to his collapse on duty. The motive appears to stem from her father's opposition to her relationship.

In a disturbing incident at the India-Nepal border in Supaul district, five government school teachers were detained after being suspected of intoxication while supervising students on an educational trip. Under scrutiny at the Bhimnagar checkpoint, the teachers were subjected to breath-analyser tests that confirmed their inebriation.

A 62-year-old man's 25-year struggle with multiple health issues, including kidney failure and severe nightly migraines, was finally illuminated by AI. The AI identified a crucial link between his symptoms and loud snoring, suggesting severe sleep apnea. This led to a diagnosis and treatment, significantly improving his health and sleep quality.

President Trump is publicly portraying the US military involvement in Iran as over, despite ongoing troop deployments and high tensions. This disconnect from battlefield reality has unsettled aides and allies, with some describing his messaging as detached and driven by a desire to declare victory and move on.

Tragedy struck Zoji La in Ladakh on Friday as an avalanche claimed at least seven lives and left several injured. The devastating snowslide also caused a significant disruption, blocking the vital Srinagar-Leh highway and halting traffic. Immediate rescue and relief operations are in full swing, with authorities expressing deep sorrow and offering condolences to affected families.