March 06, 2026
187 articles published on this date
Customers to have zero liability in case of lender negligence: RBI’s draft guidelines on digital fraud
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released draft guidelines — the "Draft Reserve Bank of India (Commercial Banks — Responsible Business Conduct) Third Amendmen...
Explained: Not just oil and gas, the West Asia conflict is hitting core Indian industries
While oil prices have attracted the most attention, the West Asia conflict is disrupting a far wider range of commodity flows — including fertilizers, LNG, a...
Why the US just gave India a 30-Day emergency window to buy ‘stranded’ Russian oil amid the Iran war
The United States Treasury Department, through its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), issued General License 133 — a 30-day emergency waiver allowing I...
‘Essential partner’: US gives India one-month waiver to buy Russia oil
The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued a temporary 30-day general licence authorising the delivery and sale of Russian-origin crude...
Amit Shah unveils ‘Pragati’ and ‘Vikas’ mascots, launches 4 digital tools for Census 2027
Union Home Minister Amit Shah soft-launched four digital platforms and unveiled mascots "Pragati" (female) and "Vikas" (male) on March 5, 2026, for Census 20...
Days before IRIS Dena sinking, India approved urgent docking for Iranian ship in Kochi
On February 28, 2026 — the same day the US-Israel strikes on Iran commenced — the Iranian government approached India reporting that the naval vessel IRIS La...
Panel led by MoEF Secretary ‘suppressed’ FSI view on Aravalli, amicus informs SC
An amicus curiae (court-appointed independent legal adviser) has informed the Supreme Court that a committee led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and C...
Before it was sunk by US, Iranian ship was offered shelter by India
An Iranian naval vessel (IRIS Dena) that was sunk by a US submarine in the Indian Ocean on March 4, 2026 had previously participated in India's multilateral ...
Finland President Alexander Stubb: See India as a peacemaker… one of the few countries that can talk to everyone
Finland's President Alexander Stubb, speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi (March 5–7), described India as one of the few countries capable of b...
9,000 Indians stuck in Iran, Centre works on plan to bring them home
Approximately 9,000 Indian nationals — including students, pilgrims, business professionals, and seafarers — were stranded in Iran when the US-Israel militar...
200 illegal foreign nationals detained in Bengaluru; 124 Bangladeshi nationals held in CCB operation
Bengaluru City Police detained over 200 foreign nationals during a special operation targeting illegal immigration, of whom 124 were identified as Bangladesh...
Merchant ships continue to be stranded upstream of Strait of Hormuz
Following US-Israeli military strikes on Iran in late February 2026 — including the killing of Iran's supreme leader — Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Cor...
Woman in Assam becomes first to get Indian citizenship after two years in detention camp
Dipali Das, a woman from Hawaithang village under Dholai Police Station, Cachar district, Assam, received a "Certificate of Naturalisation" on March 6, 2026 ...
We back America over Iran, but now we just need to de-escalate this war: Finland President Alexander Stubb
Finland's President Alexander Stubb, in a public interview, stated that Finland would back the US against Iran while also acknowledging that both the US and ...
Iranian naval ship Lavan with crew of 184 docked in Kochi same day US torpedoed IRIS Dena
On 4 March 2026 — the same day the US Navy submarine torpedoed and sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena off the coast of Sri Lanka — a second Iranian naval shi...
Lok Sabha to take up notice on Monday for resolution to remove Om Birla as speaker
The opposition moved a resolution for the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, with a notice reportedly signed by over 100 MPs citing partisan conduct and ...
Maharashtra Budget: Fadnavis hands farmers another loan waiver even as 6 lakh await benefits of 1st one
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a new crop loan waiver of up to ₹2 lakh for Maharashtra farmers while presenting the State Budget 2026-27. The sch...
Regulating internet is Centre’s domain, social media ban imposed by A.P., Karnataka may hit jurisdictional barrier
The Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology stated that the government was actively discussing age-based restrictions on social media use f...
China lowers its growth target to least ambitious since 1991. Six charts explain its weakening economy
At the annual session of China's National People's Congress (NPC) in early March 2026, the government announced its official GDP growth target for 2026 at 4....
Russia has provided Iran with information that can help Iran strike U.S. military, AP sources say
US officials and intelligence assessments indicated that Russia had been providing Iran with real-time satellite imagery and intelligence data identifying th...
Iran vessel with 183 sailors docked in Kochi on March 4
Iran's naval vessel IRIS Lavan, a 2,500-tonne Hengam-class landing ship, docked at the naval port of Kochi on March 4, 2026, after developing technical/engin...
Saudi Arabia Has Intensified Direct Line to Iran to Defuse War
Saudi Arabia intensified direct diplomatic engagement with Iran in March 2026, deploying high-level officials through a backchannel to prevent the US-Israel ...
204 of 238 Indian cities did not meet air quality standards: CREA
A report by CREA (Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air), a Finland-based independent research group, found that 204 of 238 monitored Indian cities fai...
Scientists grow chickpeas in simulated moon soil for future lunar farms
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have successfully grown chickpeas (Cicer arietinum, variety "Myles") in simulated lunar regolith — soil-like ...
Why does India require U.S. nod for securing its energy needs, ask Opposition leaders
India's parliamentary opposition raised sharp questions after the US Treasury Secretary's remarks framed India's purchase of Russian oil as something the US ...
India must ask U.S. why it is targeting Iranian ships in Indian Ocean: Iran Minister Khatibzadeh
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh, visiting New Delhi for the Raisina Dialogue 2026, publicly called on India to question the United States ab...
New MSMEs can also avail credit assistance for ecomm exporters
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) launched Credit Assistance for E-Commerce Exporters in March 2026, as part of the ₹25,060 crore Export Promot...
Watch: Iranian warship strike near Sri Lanka raises questions for India
On March 4, 2026, a US Navy fast-attack submarine torpedoed and sank the Iranian Navy frigate IRIS Dena in international waters approximately 25 miles south ...
Iran Guards say targeted U.S. base in UAE over school strike in Minab
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have targeted a US military base in the UAE in retaliation for an airstrike on the Shajareh Tayyeb...
Fadnavis presents ₹7.69 lakh crore Maharashtra Budget, loan waiver for farmers
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented the Maharashtra Budget 2026-27 with a total outlay of ₹7.69 lakh crore in t...
Jailed as juvenile, Bangladesh man freed after 21 years in jail
The Calcutta High Court ordered the release of a Bangladeshi national who had served 21 years in prison for murder, after ruling that he was a minor at the t...
Artificial intelligence in Indian agriculture: The bus India cannot afford to miss
India is accelerating its transition to AI-driven agriculture through two flagship digital infrastructure initiatives: AgriStack (the foundational data layer...
Opposition notice to oust Speaker Om Birla to be taken up in Lok Sabha on Monday
The Congress-led INDIA bloc tabled a formal notice seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, alleging partisan conduct in the management of House pr...
Crude Politics: Centre hails US oil waiver as 'diplomatic win'; Opposition slams 'strategic surrender'
The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued a temporary 30-day waiver on March 5–6, 2026, authorising Indian refiners to purc...
Cross, Jesus statue at home not proof of conversion, rules high court
The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court ruled that the presence of a cross, a statue of Jesus Christ, or other Christian symbols in a home cannot be treate...
North Indian CMs went overboard on sterilisation targets because of Sanjay Gandhi: Karan Singh
Veteran politician Karan Singh — who served as Union Health Minister during the Emergency period (1975–77) — publicly disclosed that North Indian Chief Minis...
West Asia conflict could lift India's inflation, hit GDP growth: Economists
Economists from institutions including SBI Research and JPMorgan warned in early March 2026 that the ongoing West Asia conflict — triggered by the U.S.-Israe...
Decision on military strikes on Iran taken after PM Modi left Israel: Foreign Minister Sa’ar
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar spoke virtually at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 (5–7 March 2026, New Delhi), addressing the controversy over whether India ...
Middle East conflict: There should be no cherry-picking on international law, says Iran deputy foreign minister
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh attended the 11th Raisina Dialogue (5–7 March 2026, New Delhi) and held bilateral talks with EAM S. Jaishank...
Future will be much more multipolar: EAM Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a significant address at the 11th Raisina Dialogue (5–7 March 2026, New Delhi), stating that the future glo...
Cong, BJP issue whips as Lok Sabha all set to discuss motion against Speaker
Lok Sabha is scheduled to consider a resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla, moved by the Congress-led opposition over allegations of partisan co...
Jaishankar holds bilateral talks with counterparts from Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Seychelles
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 11th Raisina Dialogue (March 5–7, 2026) in New Delhi, mee...
In marathon outreach, NCW plans week-long public hearings covering 500 districts
The National Commission for Women (NCW) launched "Mahila Jan Sunwais" — Women's Public Hearings — beginning March 8, 2026 (International Women's Day), runnin...
Self-reliance only way to stay relevant in era of global uncertainty: Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that self-reliance is the "only way to stay relevant" in an era marked by global uncertainty, supply chain disruptions,...
RBI Issues Draft Amendment Directions for ‘Review of Framework of Limiting Customer Liability in Digital Transactions’
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued draft amendment directions for reviewing and revising the framework on limiting customer liability in unauthorised ele...
West Asia conflict: Govt orders refiners to maximise LPG production to ensure continued cooking gas availability
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) invoked emergency powers under the Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955 to direct all domestic oil refiner...
Ongoing West Asia conflict may feed through imported inflation; prolonged crisis could impact exchange rate, CAD: Finance Ministry
The Finance Ministry's Monthly Economic Review for February 2026 warned that the West Asia conflict could have "deeper and longer-lasting" economic effects o...
US F-1 visas for Indian students drop 69% in June-July 2025: Data
Data from the US Department of State revealed that F-1 student visas issued to Indian nationals dropped by 69% in June and July 2025 — the critical two-month...
Karnataka, Andhra move to ban social media use by children
Karnataka announced a ban on social media use for all children under 16 years as part of its 2026-27 Budget, aimed at curbing the harmful effects of excessiv...
Bengal CM Mamata says not consulted on Governor appointment. But does Centre need to discuss this?
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose resigned on March 5, 2026, ahead of the state's assembly elections. The Centre appointed former Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ra...
GDP: Why India is now further away from becoming a $5 trillion economy
On February 27, 2026, India's Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released a new GDP series with FY2022-23 as the base year, replacin...
In Karnataka’s Amogasidda Temple dispute, how SC decided who would conduct puja rituals
On February 25, 2026, a Supreme Court bench of Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice K. Vinod Chandran dismissed appeals in a 100-year-old dispute over h...
An Expert Explains | ‘Sri Lanka allowing Iranian vessel to dock does not mean it is siding with Iran’
A US submarine sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena on March 4, 2026, just 44 nautical miles off southern Sri Lanka's coast — the vessel was returning home aft...
EPFO okays auto-settlement for inoperative accounts with balance up to Rs 1,000: What are they, and the process
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) Central Board of Trustees approved a pilot project to automatically settle inoperative EPF (Employees' Prov...
T.N. govt. constitutes Waqf Tribunal in Coimbatore
The Tamil Nadu government constituted a Waqf Tribunal in Coimbatore, adding to the existing tribunal framework for adjudicating waqf property disputes in the...
Non-IAS officers, retired IAS officers must not be posted in cadre posts, says CAT
The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) issued a landmark ruling directing the Kerala government to stop the practice of appointing non-IAS officers or ret...
New rules clear the way for first women firefighters in Telangana
The Telangana government amended its fire service recruitment rules to remove the gender bar that had previously restricted firefighter appointments to men o...
No need to panic, country has adequate fertilizer stocks for kharif: Union government
The Union government issued a public assurance that the country has adequate fertilizer stocks ahead of the kharif sowing season, urging farmers not to panic...
Noida International Airport gets aerodrome, security clearances to start operations
Noida International Airport (NIA), also known as Jewar Airport, received its aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on March...
Karnataka announces new scheme to boost farmers’ income
Karnataka announced a new scheme in its state budget to boost farmers' income, with a central focus on promoting Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) in paddy ...
Iran has not shut Strait of Hormuz: Dy FM Saeed Khatibzadeh dismisses closure claims
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated on March 6, 2026, that Iran has not formally closed the Strait of Hormuz and has no immediate intent...
Karnatraka Budget: PM-MITRA textile park in Kalaburagi gets ₹75-crore allocation
Karnataka's state budget has allocated ₹75 crore for the PM-MITRA (Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) textile park in Kalaburagi for the financial y...
Introduction of Voluntary Lock-in / Debit freeze facility to Mutual Fund folios
SEBI issued a circular on March 6, 2026 (Circular No. HO/24/12/12(5)2026-IMD-SEC-1/I/6373/2026) introducing a voluntary lock-in/debit freeze facility for mut...
Indian refiners are snapping up Russian crude oil after US waiver
The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) granted a 30-day waiver (expiring April 4, 2026) allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian crude...
NABARD unveils climate innovation challenge with ₹15 lakh top prize
NABARD, in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Dalberg Advisors, launched the National Climate Stack Innovation Challenge to develop cli...
Is the India-EU FTA equitable? Europe’s Digital Product Passport raises questions on that score
The India-EU Free Trade Agreement, concluded on January 27, 2026, is described as the largest deal ever concluded by either side, promising tariff eliminatio...
Portugal fined €10m by the EU Court of Justice for failing to comply with laws to protect biodiversity
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ordered Portugal on 5 March 2026 to pay EUR 10 million (GBP 8.7 million) for failing to comply with EU biod...
India plans certification system for natural farming to tap global markets
The Government of India is planning to develop a dedicated certification system for natural farming produce to differentiate it in domestic and global market...
Short of crossing the red line
Karnataka's Budget 2026-27 projects a fiscal deficit of Rs 97,449 crore, amounting to 2.95% of GSDP -- just short of the 3% upper limit under the Karnataka F...
Call to unlock India’s seaweed potential for climate, coastal livelihood growth
Experts have called for unlocking India's seaweed cultivation potential to boost climate resilience and coastal livelihoods, with B. Madhusoodana Kurup of th...
State committed to take steps to uplift SCs, says CM
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy affirmed the state's commitment to uplifting Scheduled Castes and stated that the demand for categorization of SCs is ...
I-T Dept expands reporting framework by including crypto, CBDC
The Ministry of Finance's Department of Revenue issued a notification on March 5, 2026 amending Income Tax Rules 114F, 114G, and 114H to expand the reporting...
GNFC flags neem urea output risk as RLNG supply cut to 60% amid LNG disruption
Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals (GNFC) disclosed that its allocation of Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) has been restricted to 60% of...
India’s gem & jewellery industry braces for major impact due to war in West Asia
India's gems and jewellery industry faces a potential $2 billion export loss if the West Asia conflict persists for three months, according to industry repre...
Karnataka Budget 2026: Aerospace common facility, flight training school to be set up
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the Karnataka State Budget 2026-27 with significant allocations for aerospace and aviation infrastructure. A flight tra...
PM Orban says Hungary will stop transit shipments crucial for Ukraine
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced on March 6, 2026, that Hungary would halt transit of crucial goods bound for Ukraine until Kyiv resumes oil t...
India may end ₹2,700 crore rice fortification programme
The Government of India has temporarily discontinued rice fortification under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and allied welfare schemes...
Oil & gas prices continue to surge as West Asia conflict disrupts Hormuz supply route; India “allowed” to turn to Russian crude
Oil and gas prices have surged sharply following Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Israel-Iran war began on February 28, 2026. Br...
TN government notifies Parandur airport under special projects act
The Tamil Nadu government formally notified the proposed Parandur greenfield airport as a "Special Project" through a gazette notification on March 2, 2026. ...
Govt will use all policy tools to help exporters tackle West Asia crisis: Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the government would use every policy tool available to support Indian exporters dealing with trade d...
Pilot killed in Sukhoi crash was part of Op Sindoor. ‘He was very proud to be part of IAF,’ says father
Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar were killed when their Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in a remote hill region of Karbi Anglong dist...
New bodies for upliftment of deprived communities
The Karnataka Budget 2026-27 allocated a total of Rs 44,632 crore under the Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) for the welfare of Sch...
India plans ₹3 lakh crore investment to boost shipbuilding under Maritime Vision 2030
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced plans to invest over ₹3 lakh crore to develop world-class shipbuilding clusters under Maritime India Vision 2030 and...
₹2,000 crore electric bus programme in support of World Bank announced in Karnataka Budget 2026
The Karnataka Budget 2026-27 allocated Rs 2,000 crore for the Karnataka Electric Bus Programme, supported by a World Bank low-interest loan of Rs 3,000 crore...
Maharashtra Budget 2026: Government waives crop loans up to ₹2 lakh for farmers
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented the state Budget 2026-27 on March 6, 2026, announcing a crop loan waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh for farmer...
Revised CPI basket signals shift toward services, inflation trend unchanged: SBI
India's National Statistical Office (NSO) released a new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series with base year 2024=100, replacing the decade-old 2012 base, on Fe...
I&B Ministry orders halt to TRP reporting of TV news channels for four weeks
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to immediately suspend TRP (Television Rating Poin...
UN refugee agency declares ‘major humanitarian emergency’ in West Asia
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) declared a "major humanitarian emergency" in West Asia following the escalation of the US-Israel-Iran conflict that began on Fe...
India invokes emergency powers, directs refiners to maximise LPG production amid Middle East crisis
The Indian government invoked emergency powers under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (ECA/ESMA) to direct all public and private sector refiners to maxim...
Iranian Minister at Raisina Dialogue slams U.S. attack on 'unarmed' vessel returning from India
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh appeared at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi on March 6, 2026, calling the US-Israel war on Iran "an e...
Over 7,000 Indians return from UAE in three days
Over 7,000 Indian nationals returned from the UAE within three days as part of repatriation efforts following the eruption of conflict in West Asia after US-...
Indonesia to restrict social media access for children under 16 years: Minister
Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs announced regulations on 6 March 2026 restricting children under 16 from accessing social media pla...
Trump demands unconditional surrender of Iran; IRGC warns of ‘prolonged war’
President Donald Trump declared on March 6, 2026 that the US will not enter into any deal to halt military strikes on Iran unless Iran agrees to "uncondition...
Implications of US-Israel-Iran conflict for India significant, says Finmin report
The Finance Ministry's February 2026 Monthly Economic Review warns that the implications of the US-Israel-Iran conflict could be "deeper and longer-lasting" ...
Will US waiver on Russian crude help India offset Middle East losses? What market analysts say
The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued a 30-day waiver (starting 5 March 2026, expiring 4 April 2026) permitting transac...
Essential Commodities Act: When and why did Centre invoke it last?
The Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955 remains one of the government's key instruments for managing food price surges, preventing hoarding, and ensuring s...
‘Unwarranted sensationalism’: Centre suspends TRP ratings of news channels amid Iran war
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to suspend the publication of Television Rating Po...
India says it needs to build resource buffers, reprioritise fiscal spending
India has flagged its vulnerability to energy supply shocks, citing that crude oil stocks cover only approximately 25 days of demand, while around 40% of pet...
Oil in a day’s work: US, Venezuela finally restore diplomatic relations after Maduro capture
The United States and Venezuela agreed on 5 March 2026 to re-establish diplomatic and consular relations, following the US military intervention in January 2...
Meta to allow AI rivals on WhatsApp in bid to stave off EU action
Meta agreed to support rival AI chatbots on WhatsApp in Europe for 12 months starting March 2026, after the European Commission threatened interim measures t...
NGT sets aside SEIAA rejection of quarry near Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) set aside the Tamil Nadu State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority's (SEIAA) rejection of a proposed rough stone and ...
Watch: The Namakkal case that changed Indian elections forever
A recent feature revisits the landmark 1952 Supreme Court case — N.P. Ponnuswami v. Returning Officer, Namakkal Constituency — which settled a foundational q...
Mobile soil testing vans help farmers improve soil health across eastern India: Matix
Matix Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited launched its second Mobile Soil Testing Van (MSTV) to strengthen soil health support for farmers across eastern India...
High war-risk premiums for airline insurance to push up airfares
War-risk insurance premiums for airlines operating on Gulf routes have spiked following the West Asia conflict, with additional costs of Rs 30-40 lakh per na...
Japan approves stem-cell treatment for Parkinson's in world first
Japan's health ministry gave conditional approval to Amchepry, a stem cell-based treatment for Parkinson's disease developed by pharmaceutical company Sumito...
CPI(M) flags anomalies in voter rolls, seeks clarity from election commission
CPI(M) leader M.V. Jayarajan cited discrepancies between the voter rolls prepared by the State Election Commission and the final roll published by the Electi...
US-Israel-Iran war: JMIC data shows ‘near-total temporary pause in routine commercial traffic’ through Strait of Hormuz
The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) confirmed a near-total temporary pause in routine commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with only tw...
India's forex reserves up by $4.88 bn to record high of $728.5 bn for week ending Feb 27
India's foreign exchange reserves surged by $4.88 billion to reach a record high of $728.5 billion for the week ending 27 February 2026, according to data re...
India weighs steps to free stranded cargo as West Asia conflict disrupts trade routes
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the government is holding discussions with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and companie...
South Korea, U.S. militaries discuss moving Patriot missiles to Iran war, Seoul says
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun confirmed at a Parliamentary hearing that the US and South Korean militaries are discussing the possible redeployment ...
Lok Sabha likely to debate resolution seeking Speaker Om Birla’s removal in first week of upcoming session
As the Budget Session's second phase opens on March 9, Lok Sabha is scheduled to take up the opposition resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla, b...
Prolonged Iran crisis could affect rupee, CAD, inflation, but reforms, trade deal raise FY27 GDP outlook to 7-7.4%: Govt
Geopolitical tensions in West Asia, driven by the Iran conflict, are keeping crude oil prices elevated and threatening India's macroeconomic stability across...
A.P.’s revenue deficit exceeded FRBM target of 2.7% in 2024-25, says report
The "Accounts at a Glance for 2024-25" report prepared by the Principal Accountant General (PAG) of Andhra Pradesh shows that the state's revenue deficit exc...
Cong issues whip, asks MPs to be present in LS as resolution for Birla's removal to be taken up
Congress issued a three-line whip directing all its MPs to be present in the Lok Sabha from March 9 to 11, 2026 A no-confidence resolution against Lok Sabha ...
Removal of Speaker Om Birla: Lok Sabha to take up opposition's notice on Monday; BJP, Congress issue whip for MPs
118 opposition MPs backed a notice for a resolution to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, with the debate scheduled for the first week of the Budget Session'...
India faces rupee, inflation risks from Middle East energy disruption: Moody's
Moody's Ratings warned that India faces pressure on the rupee, higher inflation, and a widening current account deficit if the West Asia conflict continues t...
Lok Sabha to take up notice on Monday for resolution to remove Birla as speaker
The Lok Sabha listed for consideration a notice filed by 118 opposition MPs seeking a resolution to remove Speaker Om Birla from office, with the debate expe...
'No shortage of energy in India': Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri amid supply concerns due to US-Iran war
Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri assured that India faces no energy shortage despite the ongoing US-Iran conflict and volatility in West Asia Indi...
Parliament Budget Session: BJP, Congress issue whip for MPs as Lok Sabha likely to take up notice against Speaker Om Birla
Both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress issued a three-line whip to their Lok Sabha MPs, directing them to be present in the House from 9 to 11 March...
Evening news wrap: UPSC announces CSE 2025 results; Qatar warns Gulf energy exports could halt if US-Iran conflict continues & more
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on March 6, 2026, declared the final results of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025, recommending 958 candid...
Piyush Goyal in talks with shipping ministry, companies to tackle stuck cargoes as Middle East crisis stalls trade
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced active discussions with the Ministry of Shipping and shipping companies to resolve the crisis of stranded Indian car...
India gave safe harbour to another Iranian ship days before IRIS Dena was sunk by US
On February 28, 2026, Iran formally approached India requesting emergency docking for the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Lavan, which had developed severe technic...
Indian refiners snap up Russian oil cargoes at sea after US waiver; seek legal clarity
The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Russia-related General License 133, granting a 30-day waiver (effective March 5 to April 4, ...
Resolution seeking Speaker Om Birla's removal follows rules, debate must take place: Congress
At least 118 opposition members submitted a notice to move a resolution seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, with Congress MP Dr. Mohammad Jawe...
Days before IRIS Dena sinking, India approved urgent docking for Iranian ship in Kochi
Iran approached India on February 28, 2026, reporting that the IRIS Lavan, a 2,500-ton Hengam-class landing ship, had developed severe technical issues while...
Govt invokes ESMA powers, orders refiners to ramp up LPG production
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued an emergency order on March 5, 2026, invoking powers under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (commonly ref...
Amid conflicts, countries will have to build their industrial complex, upgrade tech: Navy chief
Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, speaking at the Raisina Dialogue during a panel on "Forgers of Peace: Ordnance Factories for the Liberal Order," stated...
Prolonged Middle East crisis can impact exchange rate, fuel inflation: FinMin report
The Finance Ministry's February 2026 Monthly Economic Review cautioned that a prolonged Middle East crisis could have significant adverse implications for In...
Prolonged Iran war could impact rupee, inflation says BoB
Bank of Baroda (BoB) economists released an analysis warning that a prolonged US-Iran conflict and sustained high oil prices could weaken the Indian rupee si...
India's strategic autonomy under dire threat: Congress slams govt on US' Russian oil waiver
The Indian National Congress attacked the ruling BJP government over the US Treasury Department's 30-day waiver "allowing" India to buy Russian oil, calling ...
Watch: Sri Lanka evacuates 208 crew from second Iranian ship
A day after a US Navy submarine torpedoed and sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in international waters south of Sri Lanka (March 4, 2026), a second Iranian...
'Won’t repeat China mistake with India': US Deputy Secretary Landau says trade deal will keep ‘America First’
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi, stated that the upcoming India-US trade deal is "close t...
Shift from traditional to technology-driven farming - UP sees surge in agricultural productivity
Uttar Pradesh has experienced a dramatic agricultural transformation, with productivity surging by over 42% since 2016-17, driven by technology adoption, hyb...
India enters FY27 on strong footing but FinMin warns of 'long-lasting' impact from West Asia conflict
India's Finance Ministry released its monthly economic review for February 2026, noting that the country enters FY2026-27 on solid macroeconomic ground — dri...
Fertiliser stocks at record high, insulated from Middle East supply risks: Govt
India's overall fertiliser reserves reached 177.31 LMT (Lakh Metric Tonnes) as of March 6, 2026 — a 36.5% year-on-year jump from 129.85 LMT on the same date ...
RBI announces OMO Purchase of Government of India Securities
The Reserve Bank of India announced Open Market Operation (OMO) purchase auctions of Government of India securities for an aggregate amount of Rs 1,00,000 cr...
RBI Issues Draft Amendment Directions for ‘Review of Framework of Limiting Customer Liability in Digital Transactions’
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued draft amendment directions on March 6, 2026, proposing to revise its 2017 framework on customer liability in unauthori...
Was US legally right in sinking Iranian ship? What framework governing maritime conflict says
On 4 March 2026, a US Navy submarine torpedoed and sank the Iranian Navy frigate IRIS Dena in international waters approximately 40 nautical miles off the co...
As China revises GDP target to lowest figure in 30-plus years, is the country tired of chasing growth?
China set its 2026 GDP growth target at 4.5-5%, the most modest target since 1991, announced at the National People's Congress (NPC) session. Premier Li Qian...
Russian oil ‘waiver’ explained: How war in West Asia forced Trump’s hand, giving India short-term relief
The US, after months of pressuring India to stop buying Russian oil, granted a 30-day waiver (March 5 to April 4, 2026) allowing Indian refiners to purchase ...
India's 'moist heatwaves' getting worse, says study
A new study published in the Journal of Atmospheric Sciences has found that moist heatwaves over India are intensifying, with Rossby waves originating off th...
West Asia Crisis: How the Strait of Hormuz threatens India’s economy
Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz amid the escalating West Asia conflict has placed India's economy under acute stress, threatening energy supplies, fe...
Former diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu appointed Delhi L-G
President Droupadi Murmu appointed Taranjit Singh Sandhu, a retired Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 1988 batch, as the 23rd Lieutenant Governor o...
Fuel and remittances: How Iran conflict hits India at home
The escalation of the US-Israel conflict with Iran has triggered a cascade of economic consequences for India, hitting simultaneously through energy prices, ...
Nepal election: Voting concludes with preliminary turnout around 60%
Nepal's general election to elect 275 members of the House of Representatives concluded on March 5, 2026, with a preliminary voter turnout of approximately 6...
US eases sanctions on Russian oil sales to India during Iran conflict
The United States eased secondary sanctions on Russian oil sales to India by issuing a temporary 30-day waiver (OFAC General License 133), allowing Indian re...
Govt asks refiners to maximise LPG production, OMCs to prioritise supply to domestic consumers
The government issued a directive ordering all refiners to maximise LPG production, with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) instructed to prioritise supply exclu...
Bird flu emerges as significant threat to migratory wildlife, as species see decline of 5% in just 2 years: Report
A new report has identified highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 bird flu as a significant and growing threat to migratory wildlife populations glob...
From fertilisers to rice, pulses, tea and apples: Middle East conflict threatens India-Iran agri trade
The escalating conflict in West Asia involving Iran threatens shipments of key agricultural commodities between India and Iran, including rice, pulses, tea, ...
Congress questions Centre over U.S. ‘blackmail’ after 30-day waiver on Russian oil purchase
The Trump administration's Treasury Department issued a general license granting a 30-day temporary waiver allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian crude...
Pentagon says it is labeling AI company Anthropic a supply chain risk ’effective immediately’
The Pentagon officially designated AI company Anthropic and its products as a "supply chain risk" effective immediately on March 5, 2026, following through o...
In run-up to CMS COP15, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan urge inclusion of striped hyena in Appendix I and II of the Convention of Migratory Species
Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have jointly proposed listing the striped hyena (*Hyaena hyaena*) in both Appendix I and Appendix II of the Convention on the Conse...
U.S. issues 30-day waiver to allow India to purchase Russian oil amid West Asian supply woes
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a 30-day waiver — issued as Russia-related General License 133 by OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) — all...
West Asia supply hit, US ‘allows’ 30-day waiver to India for purchase of Russian oil stranded at sea
The US Treasury issued a 30-day licence (effective 5 March – 4 April 2026) permitting Indian refiners to purchase Russian crude oil sitting on tankers at sea...
Need to make agricultural products export-oriented, globally-competitive: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for making India's agricultural products export-oriented and globally competitive, urging farmers and agri-businesses to ...
Taranjit Singh Sandhu: the new Lieutenant Governor of Delhi
President Droupadi Murmu appointed former Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, as the new Lieutenant Governor of Delhi on March 5, 2026, repla...
India becoming tech ambitious agri-insurance market globally, says EDME insurance brokers’ official
India is now recognized as the most technologically ambitious agricultural insurance market globally, anchored by the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY...
U.S. “allowing” India to import Russian oil will help mitigate price spikes and delays, say analysts
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a 30-day waiver allowing India to purchase Russian crude oil currently stranded at sea, covering transactions f...
Karnataka says it will ban social media for children under-16
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced during the state's 2026 budget presentation that Karnataka would ban social media for children under 16 years...
Karnataka Budget 2026-27: State Government proposes to ban social media for children under 16 years
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced in the 2026-27 State Budget that the government will ban the use of social media by children under 16 years o...
Australian troops on board U.S. submarine that sank Iranian ship: PM Anthony Albanese
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that three Australian defence personnel were aboard a US nuclear-powered submarine that torpedoed and sa...
US grants India 30-day waiver to purchase Russian oil amid Iran's blockade of Strait of Hormuz
The US Treasury Department issued a 30-day sanctions waiver — General License 133 — permitting Indian refiners to receive Russian crude oil already loaded on...
‘This is a TV reality show, no understanding why US & Israel started this’—Iran’s deputy foreign minister
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh attended India's Raisina Dialogue 2026 (11th edition, March 5–7) and described the US-Israel attack on Iran ...
Trump demands say on Iran's next supreme leader as Israel-Iran war ripples across West Asia
Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran since 1989, was killed on 28 February 2026 during joint US-Israel military strikes on Iran. US President Donald Trump st...
India in touch with multilateral agencies, U.S. DFC for shipping insurance, to shield impact on fuel supplies
India is in active talks with the International Energy Agency (IEA) and oil-producing country ministers to secure fuel supply continuity amid the ongoing US-...
IMF chief says ready to act if countries crippled by Middle East conflict need help — ‘We recognise our responsibility’
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva declared the Fund's readiness to assist countries facing balance of payments crises due to the Middle East conflic...
Iran missile fire sparks explosions over Tel Aviv, no reported injuries
Iran launched multiple waves of ballistic missiles at Israel, including strikes targeting the Tel Aviv area, causing explosions; initial reporting indicated ...
Australia forces porn sites to block under-18s from March 9
Australia began enforcing mandatory age verification for pornographic websites from 9 March 2026, requiring users to prove they are over 18 before accessing ...
Trump urges Iranian Kurds to attack Iran as war widens
President Donald Trump urged Iranian Kurdish militia groups to launch attacks on Iran's security forces in the country's western provinces, as the US-Israel ...
Maharashtra cabinet clears draft anti-conversion bill; 60-day notice, registration proposed
The Maharashtra Cabinet (Mahayuti government) approved a draft anti-conversion bill titled the "Maharashtra Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam, 2026" (Maharashtra F...
BJP claims ₹39,000 crore of SCSP-TSP funds diverted for guarantee schemes by Congress government in Karnataka
The Opposition in Karnataka alleged that the state government systematically diverted funds from the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP...
Centre asks refiners to prioritise Propane, Butane streams for LPG production
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a directive on March 5, 2026, compelling all oil refiners to maximise production of propane and butane strea...
Karnataka Budget 2026-27: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presents his 17th budget, with an outlay of ₹4,48,004 crore
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented Karnataka's Budget 2026-27 with a total outlay of ₹4,48,004 crore — his record 17th state budget, the most by any finan...
Oil slips as US grants 30-day waiver for Indian refiners to buy stranded Russian crude
The US Treasury Department, through its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), issued a 30-day waiver on March 6, 2026, allowing Indian refiners to purchas...
Trump takes forceful steps to pressure Latin American leaders to reduce China ties
Under sustained pressure from US President Donald Trump, Panama's government moved to oust Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings from operating two ports at ...
February saw lowest rainfall in northwest India in five years. Reason: weaker western disturbances
February 2026 recorded the lowest rainfall in northwest India in five years, with an 81% rainfall shortfall — one of the worst deficits in six decades for th...
Why north Karnataka’s under-nutrition burden stays high
North Karnataka districts continue to report persistently high rates of child undernutrition spanning decades, driven by overlapping inter-generational and s...
'Do we need permission from US?': Congress questions Centre over sovereignty as US allows waiver to buy Russian oil
An opposition Congress MP raised questions about India's sovereignty after the United States granted a 30-day waiver allowing India to purchase Russian oil s...
A trailblazer for the rights of Dalits and the empowerment of women
A profile of Annai Meenambal Sivaraj (1904-1992) highlights her pioneering role in the Dalit rights movement and women's empowerment in colonial and post-ind...
STs following Hindu customs can't be excluded from Hindu marriage law: High court
The Chhattisgarh High Court ruled that Scheduled Tribe (ST) members who voluntarily follow Hindu customs and marry according to Hindu rites cannot be exclude...
Is the Supreme Court doing enough to tackle hate speech?
A growing debate has emerged over whether the Supreme Court is adequately addressing the rising menace of hate speech in India. The Court recently moved to c...
Intense Israeli strikes hit Iran, Lebanon as U.S. warns bombardment will 'surge dramatically'
Israel launched what was described as "the most intense day of strikes inside Iran," hitting targets in Tehran and multiple Iranian military installations, w...
Amit Shah unveils mascots ‘Pragati’ and ‘Vikas’ for India’s first digital Census
Union Home Minister Amit Shah soft-launched four digital platforms and unveiled two official mascots — "Pragati" (female) and "Vikas" (male) — for India's fi...
Millions of barrels of Russian oil are already close to India
The US Treasury Department issued a 30-day waiver on March 5, 2026 allowing the sale and delivery of sanctioned Russian oil already loaded on vessels to Indi...
Agriculture a strategic pillar for India’s long-term growth: PM Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated that agriculture is a "strategic pillar" for India's long-term economic growth, not merely a subsistence sector. The ...
West Asia crisis could raise energy risks for India but domestic flows, growth outlook remain resilient: Jefferies
Global brokerage Jefferies warned that the West Asia crisis could raise near-term energy risks for India via higher oil prices and supply disruptions, partic...
Bulldozers on Bhoodan lands kick up political dust
Nearly 600 houses were demolished in a village near Khammam city in Telangana on February 24, rendering over 1,800 people homeless. State authorities justifi...