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World
Thu, 26 Mar 2026
New Delhi is fast‑tracking new oil and LPG import agreements as conflict‑linked disruptions in the Middle East tighten global supply lines and raise concerns over fuel security. Government sources and energy officials told media outlets that India is renegotiating contracts, finalising fresh cargoes, and deliberately broadening its supplier base to avoid a serious domestic fuel shock in the coming weeks. The immediate trigger is the worsening instability around the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow sea lane through which a large share of India’s LPG imports and a significant portion of its crude oil shipments pass every month. Military activity, shipping advisories, and interruptions at key Gulf export terminals have already started to disrupt trade flows, forcing Indian refiners and trading houses to look for alternative routes and backup supplies. For India, this is especially sensitive because the Gulf region accounts for roughly 60–90 percent of the country’s imported LPG and more than half of its crude oil demand. Any prolonged blockage or rerouting via longer maritime paths can push up freight costs, insurance premiums, and benchmark prices, which would eventually filter down to domestic pump prices and cooking‑fuel bills. To cushion that impact, New Delhi has begun moving quickly to secure fresh import contracts and extend existing ones. Officials said the emphasis is on locking in “rates that suit India’s economic interests,” including flexible pricing, longer‑term supply commitments, and volume assurances that can act as a buffer if spot‑market prices spike. India is also renewing diplomatic and commercial outreach to countries beyond the traditional Gulf suppliers. The government has intensified talks with the United States and Russia, while also engaging global energy trading firms to secure additional crude and LPG cargoes from North America, Algeria, Canada, Australia, and Abu Dhabi’s Adnoc. The goal is to reduce vulnerability to any single route or political flashpoint in the Middle East. Among the two fuels, LPG—used widely for cooking in Indian households, schools, and hospitals—has emerged as a particular policy priority. With about 60 percent of India’s LPG imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz corridor, even a short‑term disruption can strain domestic stocks, especially since national storage capacity is limited to around 1 million tonnes, equivalent to only a few weeks of demand. To offset this, India is ramping up LPG offtake from US suppliers while also asking state‑owned refiners such as Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to maximise domestic production and refine heavier side‑stream yields. The aim is to keep household cylinders and institutional supplies flowing smoothly, even if seaborne shipments are delayed or rerouted. On the political front, the government has been at pains to balance stark warnings with a message of calm. In recent briefings and an all‑party meeting in Parliament, officials have said that while global supply chains are under strain, there is “no immediate crisis” in India’s petroleum supplies. They point to diversified crude sourcing, ongoing negotiations, and advance‑booked cargoes as evidence that the energy‑security framework remains intact. At the same time, senior leaders are using the episode to underline the need for long‑term changes in India’s energy strategy. This includes expanding strategic fuel reserves, accelerating refinery modernisation, boosting LNG‑linked diversification, and tightening coordination with the US and other partners on supply‑chain stability. In effect, the current Middle East‑driven supply shock is being treated as a stress test, not just a short‑term disruption. For the average Indian consumer, the immediate impact is likely to be felt more through price pressure than outright shortages, at least in the short term. Any sustained rise in international crude and LPG prices, freight costs, or insurance can push up the cost of cooking fuel and petrol‑diesel, although the government retains tax and subsidy levers to absorb part of the shock. For energy markets and traders, the broader lesson is that India’s once‑heavy dependence on the Gulf is becoming more politically and economically sensitive. The surge in negotiations with US and non‑Gulf suppliers signals a gradual shift toward a multi‑hub import model, where the Middle East remains important but is no longer the sole anchor of India’s energy security. Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.
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Aditya Kapoor
Aamir Khan extends his best wishes to the team of Dhurandhar: The Revenge, praising the film.

Director Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller Dhurandhar: The Revenge continues to perform strongly at the box office, and actor Aamir Khan has extended his best wishes to the team as the film draws large audiences to theatres. Speaking on the second day of the International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) 2026, Aamir revealed that he has been hearing nothing but praise for the film’s success.

Addressing the media at the festival, the 3 Idiots star said, “I haven’t seen the film yet, but I hear only praises about it. Dhurandhar 1 and now Dhurandhar 2 have both done exceptionally well. My very best wishes to the entire team.” Starring Ranveer Singh, the film has been a hit since its release, beginning with paid previews on March 18 and consistently filling theatres. The sequel, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, follows Dhurandhar (2025), which was the highest-grossing Hindi film of its year. Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the multi-starrer cast includes Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi, and Arjun Rampal.

Aamir also spoke about his own film, Sitaare Zameen Par, being screened at the festival. Expressing his delight over the festival’s inaugural year and the chance to connect with audiences, he said, “It’s a real pleasure that Sitaare Zameen Par is being shown at the Delhi Film Festival. Prasanna directed the film, and both of us are very proud of it and what it represents. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to engage with the audience here, mostly young film lovers.”

Organised by the Delhi Tourism & Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC) in collaboration with the Government of Delhi, and with KPMG as knowledge partner, the International Film Festival of Delhi is a government-led, city-wide event celebrating Indian and international cinema. Running from March 25 to 31, the week-long festival features screenings, discussions, and industry events across New Delhi, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences from around the world.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Entertainment
Thu, 26 Mar 2026
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Rohit Sengupta
The Petroleum Ministry has stated that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG in the country.

On Thursday, the Petroleum Ministry assured that India’s energy supply remains stable and secure, with no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG anywhere in the country. It stated that all retail outlets are functioning normally and have sufficient stock. The Ministry dismissed reports of shortages as misinformation and urged citizens to rely only on official updates while avoiding rumors and panic buying. It reiterated its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted energy access for all.

A day earlier, the Ministry highlighted that the government is prioritizing Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and confirmed that petrol and diesel are available in adequate quantities, with no change in fuel prices. During an inter-ministerial briefing, Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma emphasized that efforts are underway to ensure full domestic PNG supply, supported by a streamlined and time-bound framework for expanding pipeline infrastructure across the country.

Addressing concerns about possible fuel shortages due to the West Asia conflict, she urged the public not to believe rumors or engage in panic buying. Sharma noted that refineries are operating at optimal capacity, with the ability to process 26 crore tonnes of crude oil annually. She acknowledged recent queues at petrol pumps caused by panic buying but reassured that there is no shortage at retail outlets or supply terminals. She also confirmed that both PNG and CNG supplies are being provided fully to consumers.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

News
Thu, 26 Mar 2026
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Naina Kapoor
Opposition claims the government is planning a special session to amend the Women's Quota Act.

Official sources stated that the Union Cabinet did not take up a draft proposal to amend the Women’s Reservation Act during its meeting on Wednesday. Despite this, the Opposition alleged that the government is preparing to introduce the amendment in Parliament through a “special session” expected to be held soon.

Parliament is likely to conclude the Budget proceedings for the financial year 2026–27 by Friday, with the Rajya Sabha expected to pass the Finance Bill 2026 on that day. There will be no sitting on Thursday due to a scheduled holiday. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju informed the Rajya Sabha that the Finance Bill, given its significance, has been scheduled for discussion and approval on Friday, March 27.

The Congress claimed that the government is planning to implement the women’s reservation law without completing key processes such as delimitation and the national census. According to the party, this may be done by introducing amendments during a “special two-day session” of Parliament in the coming fortnight. The Congress criticized the move, calling it a “weapon of mass diversion” aimed at shifting focus away from pressing issues, including alleged foreign policy setbacks and the ongoing LPG and energy crisis in the country.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh further alleged that the government is also considering a proposal to increase the size of the Lok Sabha and various state legislative assemblies by 50 percent. He emphasized that such a significant change would require detailed discussion, consultation, and careful consideration before any decision is made.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.

Politics
Thu, 26 Mar 2026
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Neha Verma
Indian Air Force Looks for Portable High-Altitude UAV for Garud Commandos

The Indian Air Force has released a Request for Information (RFI) for a lightweight, portable micro drone system intended to enhance the surveillance capabilities of its elite Garud commandos. This compact UAV is designed to be carried in a backpack and weigh less than 25 kg, making it well-suited for special operations in difficult terrains. It is specifically built for extreme high-altitude environments above 16,000 feet, where traditional surveillance systems often struggle, enabling effective monitoring in rugged areas such as India’s northern borders.

The drone is expected to detect human movement from distances of up to 1 km and track vehicles from around 1.5 km, ensuring dependable intelligence collection. It must also function in harsh temperature conditions ranging from -20°C to over +50°C at ground level, proving its adaptability across varied operational settings.

To support stealth missions, the UAV should maintain a noise level below 40 dB, allowing discreet deployment. It will feature vertical take-off and landing capabilities, eliminating the need for runways and enabling operations from almost any terrain—ideal for commando use. Additionally, it must include anti-jamming features and the ability to operate without GPS, ensuring reliability in electronically contested environments.

This initiative aligns with India’s broader “Make in India” program, encouraging domestic companies to develop advanced UAV technologies. With this capability, Garud commandos are expected to gain improved situational awareness, boosting their effectiveness in counter-terrorism, border monitoring, and high-altitude combat scenarios.

Recent defence updates and social media reports indicate that the RFI was issued around March 2026, reflecting ongoing modernization efforts in response to regional security concerns. The move also highlights the IAF’s emphasis on portable systems tailored for special forces, setting them apart from larger drones typically used by the Army.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.

Military
Thu, 26 Mar 2026
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Juries in the first U.S. trials over social media’s impact on children found Meta and Google liable, awarding $6 million and $375 million in separate cases. The plaintiffs argued the companies’ platform designs, not user content, caused harm, challenging Section 230’s legal protections. Both Meta and Google plan to appeal, which could reshape how U.S. law shields tech firms and affect lawsuits against other online platforms.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Technology
Thu, 26 Mar 2026
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Podcasts
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Neelam Joshi
Andrew Hastie Critiques Trump's Overconfidence in Handling Iran Conflict

This week, as the repercussions of the US-Israel conflict with Iran continue, Australians are feeling the pinch from a worsening fuel crisis. At the same time, the Liberal Party faces a critical moment as voters increasingly shift toward One Nation. In this edition of the Guardian’s Australian Politics podcast, political editor Tom McIlroy talks with Andrew Hastie, shadow minister for industry and sovereign capability, about Australia’s approach to the global fuel shock, the need for reindustrialisation, and his perspective on how the Liberal Party should respond to the rise of One Nation.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

News
Thu, 26 Mar 2026
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Arjun Nair
Iran Conflict Sends Shockwaves Through Global Energy Markets

As tensions rise in Iran, the global energy system is being tested like never before. Critical chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, along with concentrated LNG infrastructure in hubs like Ras Laffan, highlight the inherent rigidity and vulnerability of oil and gas markets. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman explore what “market adjustment” looks like when long-term contracts offer little flexibility, and why Europe could once again face a challenging scramble for energy supplies. Their analysis includes insights from Pang Lu Ming, Vice President of Gas & LNG Research at Rystad Energy.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Economy
Tue, 24 Mar 2026
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Kavya Saxena
What we can learn about grooming from the Epstein case

Journalist and author of The Lasting Harm, Lucia Osborne-Crowley, discusses the grooming strategies used by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Speaking to Annie Kelly, Lucia emphasizes that Epstein isn’t unique or mysterious. “Viewing him as special distracts from the reality,” she says. “There are many others like him. These abuses occur in communities and institutions worldwide, following the same patterns repeatedly.”

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

World
Mon, 23 Mar 2026
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Lavanya Raghavan
When Porsche Collaborates with Priscilla: Local Artist Joins Forces with the Iconic Sports Car Brand

In Destination Anywhere, Melanie Oliveiro explores Jewel Changi Airport, where visitors can admire a wall mural by local multimedia artist Priscilla Tey alongside the historic Porsche 956 in its iconic blue-and-white Rothmans livery. Tey and Yannick Ott, Marketing Director at Porsche Asia Pacific, share the story behind their collaboration and explain how the mural blends Year of the Horse motifs with Porsche’s motorsport heritage and design. They also point out hidden “Easter eggs” in the artwork and showcase the exclusive limited-edition merchandise available to fans.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Lifestyle
Fri, 20 Mar 2026