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A top Sri Lankan lawmaker has offered a striking assessment of the current state of India-Sri Lanka ties, saying there is unprecedented positive sentiment toward New Delhi across the political spectrum in Colombo. S.M. Marikkar, Chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development in Sri Lanka’s Parliament, speaking to WION’s Sidhant Sibal, said that the bilateral relationship has reached a historic high point.&nbsp;“In my life, this is the first time I have seen no person, no political parties, no institution, against India,” Marikkar said. “Very first time, government, opposition, everyone is talking very positively about India.”&nbsp;Marikkar credited India’s steady support, both in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah and Sri Lanka’s devastating 2022 economic crisis, for fuelling this goodwill. “The coordination and the support India gave, no one can deny that, and no one can go against,” he said. He expressed hope that the two neighbours could navigate the crisis that emerged after the West Asia war together.&nbsp;&nbsp;Full interview:&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: How important this committee is...S.M. Marikkar: Parliament runs through the seven sectoral oversight committees, and the Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and the Strategic Development Committee is one of them, which I am chairing. Four main cabinet ministries and 50 government institutions are under this committee, basically power and energy, ports &amp; aviation, urban development and housing, and water resources and also highways and transport.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: If you can perhaps talk about the West Asia crisis, how is it impacting Sri Lanka? There are a lot of reports coming in from Sri Lanka, but we like to hear from you about the situation on the ground.S.M. Marikkar: It’s impacting a lot in Sri Lanka. Export, remittances, tourism, and FDI are getting impacted. Sri Lanka reserves only about $7 billion. It's a very small amount when it comes to our economy. So, it has impacted us, and we are seeking support from the neighbouring countries, regional leaders, and the other supporters. Even if this West Asia crisis finishes tomorrow, it will take some more time for us to recover from the situation and with the dollar revenue. I hope, like earlier, we as neighbours and extended family are working together with India. I heard that the Prime Minister of India had a chat with the Sri Lanka President. I think that is a kind of a relief for us. We remember, even during the last economic crisis in 2022, India came forward to support us, India being the largest trade partner, the largest tourism partner, and the cultural partner. Of course, in the last few years, they have rapidly increased the foreign direct investment that will be helping us. So in this difficult time, with energy and other stuff, India will help. We have taken, as a country, all the measures to control this situation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: How do you see the India-Sri Lanka partnership at this moment, when it comes to the West Asia crisisS.M. Marikkar: India-Sri Lanka partnership, in my life, this is the first time I have seen no person, no political parties, no institution, not against India. Very first time, government opposition, everyone is talking very positively about India. The coordination and the support India gave, no one can deny that and no one can go against. So I think this is the first time in the last half a century, or whatever, that the India and Sri Lanka partnership has been very strong. With this West Asia crisis, if as a regional unity, I think we can come out because India is one of the global leaders who are guiding us and who can support us.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: I like to probe you on the fact that you said that now there is no party, there is no anti-India sentiment in Sri Lanka. What has been the reason behind it? Is it that there is a certain assessment now in the Sri Lankan society, in politics, that this is a country that is playing an important role in terms of any crisis that is the Covid crisis, whether it is the economic crisis that you face and possibly upcoming support when it comes to the West Asia warS.M. Marikkar: Two reasons, when there was that Cyclonic Storm Ditwah and the economic crisis, India was the first country that was helping us. People of Sri Lanka realised that. Number two, whoever made the negative comment or the protest, they are in power. We are a centre-right party, we interact with the global community, so there’s no issue.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;My final question, sir, your visit. About your visit, essentially, how has it been? You've already talked about the committee as such, but how has been your conversations here, your meetings with other important stakeholders here in Delhi, and possibly soon in other leg of your visitS.M. Marikkar: I would say me and my committee are very impressed with how India is applying technology to infrastructure development in order to reduce corruption, focus on transparency, on-time delivery, follow-up, and maintenance. We have been visiting so many infrastructure institutions. We visited the National Highway Authority and Metro and so many other institutions, and it shows us how the public private partnership works when it comes to the infrastructure. Sri Lanka needs rapid development in the infrastructure sector that will boost the Sri Lankan economic sector. India is our neighbour country. They are applying technology and so many various things. We have a lot to learn. We will get further more support from the Indian experts, and, of course, Sri Lanka needs the investment. We have not much capital to spend on the capital expenditure. So definitely, not only the knowledge and the technology from India. We expect foreign direct investment as well in order to achieve our goal.

SM Marikkar credited India’s steady support, both in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah and Sri Lanka’s devastating 2022 economic crisis, for fuelling this goodwill. He expressed hope that the two neighbours could navigate the crisis that emerged after the West Asia war together. 

A top Sri Lankan lawmaker has offered a striking assessment of the current state of India-Sri Lanka ties, saying there is unprecedented positive sentiment toward New Delhi across the political spectrum in Colombo. S.M. Marikkar, Chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development in Sri Lanka’s Parliament, speaking to WION’s Sidhant Sibal, said that the bilateral relationship has reached a historic high point. “In my life, this is the first time I have seen no person, no political parties, no institution, against India,” Marikkar said. “Very first time, government, opposition, everyone is talking very positively about India.” Marikkar credited India’s steady support, both in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah and Sri Lanka’s devastating 2022 economic crisis, for fuelling this goodwill. “The coordination and the support India gave, no one can deny that, and no one can go against,” he said. He expressed hope that the two neighbours could navigate the crisis that emerged after the West Asia war together. Full interview: Sidhant Sibal: How important this committee is... S.M. Marikkar: Parliament runs through the seven sectoral oversight committees, and the Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and the Strategic Development Committee is one of them, which I am chairing. Four main cabinet ministries and 50 government institutions are under this committee, basically power and energy, ports & aviation, urban development and housing, and water resources and also highways and transport. Sidhant Sibal: If you can perhaps talk about the West Asia crisis, how is it impacting Sri Lanka? There are a lot of reports coming in from Sri Lanka, but we like to hear from you about the situation on the ground. S.M. Marikkar: It’s impacting a lot in Sri Lanka. Export, remittances, tourism, and FDI are getting impacted. Sri Lanka reserves only about $7 billion. It's a very small amount when it comes to our economy. So, it has impacted us, and we are seeking support from the neighbouring countries, regional leaders, and the other supporters. Even if this West Asia crisis finishes tomorrow, it will take some more time for us to recover from the situation and with the dollar revenue. I hope, like earlier, we as neighbours and extended family are working together with India. I heard that the Prime Minister of India had a chat with the Sri Lanka President. I think that is a kind of a relief for us. We remember, even during the last economic crisis in 2022, India came forward to support us, India being the largest trade partner, the largest tourism partner, and the cultural partner. Of course, in the last few years, they have rapidly increased the foreign direct investment that will be helping us. So in this difficult time, with energy and other stuff, India will help. We have taken, as a country, all the measures to control this situation. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see the India-Sri Lanka partnership at this moment, when it comes to the West Asia crisis S.M. Marikkar: India-Sri Lanka partnership, in my life, this is the first time I have seen no person, no political parties, no institution, not against India. Very first time, government opposition, everyone is talking very positively about India. The coordination and the support India gave, no one can deny that and no one can go against. So I think this is the first time in the last half a century, or whatever, that the India and Sri Lanka partnership has been very strong. With this West Asia crisis, if as a regional unity, I think we can come out because India is one of the global leaders who are guiding us and who can support us. Sidhant Sibal: I like to probe you on the fact that you said that now there is no party, there is no anti-India sentiment in Sri Lanka. What has been the reason behind it? Is it that there is a certain assessment now in the Sri Lankan society, in politics, that this is a country that is playing an important role in terms of any crisis that is the Covid crisis, whether it is the economic crisis that you face and possibly upcoming support when it comes to the West Asia war S.M. Marikkar: Two reasons, when there was that Cyclonic Storm Ditwah and the economic crisis, India was the first country that was helping us. People of Sri Lanka realised that. Number two, whoever made the negative comment or the protest, they are in power. We are a centre-right party, we interact with the global community, so there’s no issue. Sidhant Sibal: My final question, sir, your visit. About your visit, essentially, how has it been? You've already talked about the committee as such, but how has been your conversations here, your meetings with other important stakeholders here in Delhi, and possibly soon in other leg of your visit S.M. Marikkar: I would say me and my committee are very impressed with how India is applying technology to infrastructure development in order to reduce corruption, focus on transparency, on-time delivery, follow-up, and maintenance. We have been visiting so many infrastructure institutions. We visited the National Highway Authority and Metro and so many other institutions, and it shows us how the public private partnership works when it comes to the infrastructure. Sri Lanka needs rapid development in the infrastructure sector that will boost the Sri Lankan economic sector. India is our neighbour country. They are applying technology and so many various things. We have a lot to learn. We will get further more support from the Indian experts, and, of course, Sri Lanka needs the investment. We have not much capital to spend on the capital expenditure. So definitely, not only the knowledge and the technology from India. We expect foreign direct investment as well in order to achieve our goal.

SM Marikkar credited India’s steady support, both in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah and Sri Lanka’s devastating 2022 economic crisis, for fuelling this goodwill. He expressed hope that the two neighbours could navigate the crisis that emerged after the West Asia war together.&nbsp;

‘For the first time in my life, no one is against India’: Chair of top Sri Lankan Parliament panel S M Marikkar

As the Indian government urges citizens to move to PNG and ease pressure on LPG amid the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Israel and America's joint military operation against Iran has pushed the world toward an energy crisis. Back home, the LPG supply has been affected, as 90% of the country's requirement was procured from Gulf countries. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has assured that there is ample stock. When the war began, a wave of panic buying was reported, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum &amp; Natural Gas said in the press briefings. She alerted about panic refuelling cases that have come to the fore; she asked people to refrain from believing rumours floating in these times of crisis. &nbsp;&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-opposition-mps-protest-outside-parliament-over-lpg-shortages-1774447175733/embed&nbsp;Reiterating the energy situation, Sharma said, "Refineries operating at optimum capacity. We have the capacity to refine 26 crore tonne of crude oil annually. In the last two days, queues have been seen outside retail outlets and petrol pumps, and we observed panic buying. I want to assure the nation that we have adequate petrol and diesel. There is no scarcity in petrol pumps or the terminals supplying petrol to the pumps. Do not trust the rumours and avoid panic buying. Diesel and petrol prices have not been increased."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-war-why-iran-is-targeting-uae-bases-but-letting-abu-dhabi-oil-pass-on-friendly-ships-1773726079438">West Asia War: Why Iran is targeting UAE but letting Abu Dhabi oil pass on 'friendly' ships</a>&nbsp;The government has mandated transfer from LPG to PNG on Tuesday (Mar 24). Under Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026, the government has urged consumers to switch to PNG.&nbsp;"Domestic PNG connection is the government's priority, and 100 per cent supply is being made available to consumers. 100 per cent CNG is also being made available to consumers," she added.

Panic buying hits petrol pumps as rumors of a fuel hike spread. MoPNG debunks shortage claims, assuring 8 weeks of stock despite the Hormuz blockade.

As the Indian government urges citizens to move to PNG and ease pressure on LPG amid the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Israel and America's joint military operation against Iran has pushed the world toward an energy crisis. Back home, the LPG supply has been affected, as 90% of the country's requirement was procured from Gulf countries. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has assured that there is ample stock. When the war began, a wave of panic buying was reported, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas said in the press briefings. She alerted about panic refuelling cases that have come to the fore; she asked people to refrain from believing rumours floating in these times of crisis. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-opposition-mps-protest-outside-parliament-over-lpg-shortages-1774447175733/embed Reiterating the energy situation, Sharma said, "Refineries operating at optimum capacity. We have the capacity to refine 26 crore tonne of crude oil annually. In the last two days, queues have been seen outside retail outlets and petrol pumps, and we observed panic buying. I want to assure the nation that we have adequate petrol and diesel. There is no scarcity in petrol pumps or the terminals supplying petrol to the pumps. Do not trust the rumours and avoid panic buying. Diesel and petrol prices have not been increased." Also read: West Asia War: Why Iran is targeting UAE but letting Abu Dhabi oil pass on 'friendly' ships The government has mandated transfer from LPG to PNG on Tuesday (Mar 24). Under Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026, the government has urged consumers to switch to PNG. "Domestic PNG connection is the government's priority, and 100 per cent supply is being made available to consumers. 100 per cent CNG is also being made available to consumers," she added.

Panic buying hits petrol pumps as rumors of a fuel hike spread. MoPNG debunks shortage claims, assuring 8 weeks of stock despite the Hormuz blockade.

Panic buying at petrol pumps: Government debunks rumors assures ample stock amid Hormuz blockade

As the Election Commission's circular with a seal of the BJP Kerala Unit sparked a major controversy, an official clarification came explaining it was a “clerical error”. The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) submitted an old 2019 ECI guideline to the Chief Electoral Officer’s office to ask for clarification on the publication of criminal antecedents of candidates. The Election Commission suggested that the same document was mistakenly forwarded to other parties for the same clarification. The explanation raised more questions than it settled. Several posts reporting the story were deleted from Social media, under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act. Notices sent to some journalists by the Kerala Police said that the content reporting the story “undermines communal harmony.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-modi-foreign-policy-iran-crisis-india-1774348116061">'A universal joke': Rahul Gandhi attacks Narendra Modi over foreign policy amid Iran war</a><h2>Why official explanation raise more questions than it answers?</h2>Opposition parties like the Trinamool Congress, Indian National Congress and Communist Party of India (Marxist) alleged that earlier there were just allegations of collusion between Bharatiya Janata Party and the Election Commission, but now the seal proves that the Election Commission and BJP are working together. CPI(M) Kerala shared the image widely, asking the BJP to at least have the courtesy to have a “separate desk”.According to the official explanation, ECI forwarded the same ECI guidelines which the BJP submitted while seeking clarification on the same matter. It is baffling why the ECI would forward the same document which was sent by one political party seeking an explanation on any matter to other polictical party. If ECI was using the document as the master copy, does this imply that ECI takes BJP's confidence before issuing guidelines? Now it further raises the question of what else the ECI is seeking advice on from the ruling party, and if the apex poll body has forsaken its neutrality, as the opposition is claiming. Following the incident, as the story was reported, those reports were taken down, citing issues of communal harmony. Further, as ECI was suggesting that the incident was a “clerical error”, the BJP IT cell head was calling it “fake news”.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;

ECI’s “clerical error” explanation over a BJP Kerala circular has sparked controversy, with opposition questioning the poll body’s neutrality.

As the Election Commission's circular with a seal of the BJP Kerala Unit sparked a major controversy, an official clarification came explaining it was a “clerical error”. The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) submitted an old 2019 ECI guideline to the Chief Electoral Officer’s office to ask for clarification on the publication of criminal antecedents of candidates. The Election Commission suggested that the same document was mistakenly forwarded to other parties for the same clarification. The explanation raised more questions than it settled. Several posts reporting the story were deleted from Social media, under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act. Notices sent to some journalists by the Kerala Police said that the content reporting the story “undermines communal harmony.” Also Read: 'A universal joke': Rahul Gandhi attacks Narendra Modi over foreign policy amid Iran war Why official explanation raise more questions than it answers? Opposition parties like the Trinamool Congress, Indian National Congress and Communist Party of India (Marxist) alleged that earlier there were just allegations of collusion between Bharatiya Janata Party and the Election Commission, but now the seal proves that the Election Commission and BJP are working together. CPI(M) Kerala shared the image widely, asking the BJP to at least have the courtesy to have a “separate desk”. According to the official explanation, ECI forwarded the same ECI guidelines which the BJP submitted while seeking clarification on the same matter. It is baffling why the ECI would forward the same document which was sent by one political party seeking an explanation on any matter to other polictical party. If ECI was using the document as the master copy, does this imply that ECI takes BJP's confidence before issuing guidelines? Now it further raises the question of what else the ECI is seeking advice on from the ruling party, and if the apex poll body has forsaken its neutrality, as the opposition is claiming. Following the incident, as the story was reported, those reports were taken down, citing issues of communal harmony. Further, as ECI was suggesting that the incident was a “clerical error”, the BJP IT cell head was calling it “fake news”.

ECI’s “clerical error” explanation over a BJP Kerala circular has sparked controversy, with opposition questioning the poll body’s neutrality.

Why ECI’s 'clerical error' explanation on BJP Kerala Circular is facing scrutiny?

The Indian alcoholic beverage industry on Wednesday urged state governments to approve price increases of up to 15 per cent. The demand of the two of India's most powerful industry bodies has come amid soaring raw material costs triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict. The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), the supreme body of the alcoholic beverage sector of India, has written to state governments demanding to revise the price for Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) products. The body is seeking to increase the amount between Rs 100 and Rs 150 per case of 9 litres, based on bottle weight and product segment. Anant S. Iyer, Director General of CIABC, told the news agency ANI, "We would like a price increase anywhere ranging from 100 rupees to about 150 rupees, depending on the segment of the product that it operates in." &nbsp;Meanwhile, the Brewers Association of India (BAI), the top body representing beer giants such as AB InBev, United Breweries (a Heineken company), and Carlsberg, has requested the state governments to increase up to Rs 25-30 per case (12 bottles of 650 ml) in beer prices. Painting a ferocious picture of the finances of the sector, Vinod Giri, Director General of BAI, said, "Beer companies are in a loss in many states today. They will not survive if the prices are not increased." He also urged both the government and consumers to share the burden, despite putting it completely on the industry. The trigger for the crisis escalated amid the Middle East conflict that has sent shockwaves through global supply chains, putting the cost of crude oil, energy, packaging materials, and industrial inputs that the beverage industry highly depends on. With the alcohol and beverage industry contributing nearly Rs 350 lakh crore annually to government revenues, industry leaders say the sector urgently needs policy support. "I hope the government will decide in this regard at some point -- but that must be immediate and now. So we are requesting the state governments to help us," said Giri.<h3>Why alcoholic beverage industry demanding a hike in price?</h3>The severity of the cost pressures becomes evident from the sharp rise in input prices. Domestic polymer manufacturers, such as BPCL, RIL and IOCL, have been revising prices repeatedly as naphtha costs climb and supplies from the Middle East face disruptions. Polypropylene (PP), used in plastic caps, has increased by Rs 35 per kg, a 36 per cent jump, since late February 2026, including a one-day surge of Rs 12 per kg on March 10. HDPE, another material used for bottle caps, has gone up by per kg (around 31 per cent), with supplies tightening after imports from Iran were affected by force majeure conditions in the Gulf. PET resin, a key packaging material, has risen by Rs 34.50 per kg, about 40 per cent in just a month, driven by higher crude-linked inputs such as PTA and MEG. Paperboard costs have also climbed, as freight charges for imported wastepaper from the US and Europe have increased sharply, ranging between $400 and $1,500 per container. Meanwhile, aluminium prices on the LME, used for ROPP bottle caps, have risen 8 per cent to $3,406 per metric tonne since late February, with premiums staying high as shipping routes avoid the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-turkiye-sign-typhoon-training-deal-in-major-8-billion-defence-agreement-uk-turkiye-typhoon-deal-pilot-training-nato-defence-2026-1774445387992">UK-Turkey sign Typhoon training deal in major £8 billion defence agreement</a>

The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), the supreme body of the alcoholic beverage sector of India, has written to state governments demanding to revise the price for Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) products. 

The Indian alcoholic beverage industry on Wednesday urged state governments to approve price increases of up to 15 per cent. The demand of the two of India's most powerful industry bodies has come amid soaring raw material costs triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict. The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), the supreme body of the alcoholic beverage sector of India, has written to state governments demanding to revise the price for Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) products. The body is seeking to increase the amount between Rs 100 and Rs 150 per case of 9 litres, based on bottle weight and product segment. Anant S. Iyer, Director General of CIABC, told the news agency ANI, "We would like a price increase anywhere ranging from 100 rupees to about 150 rupees, depending on the segment of the product that it operates in." Meanwhile, the Brewers Association of India (BAI), the top body representing beer giants such as AB InBev, United Breweries (a Heineken company), and Carlsberg, has requested the state governments to increase up to Rs 25-30 per case (12 bottles of 650 ml) in beer prices. Painting a ferocious picture of the finances of the sector, Vinod Giri, Director General of BAI, said, "Beer companies are in a loss in many states today. They will not survive if the prices are not increased." He also urged both the government and consumers to share the burden, despite putting it completely on the industry. The trigger for the crisis escalated amid the Middle East conflict that has sent shockwaves through global supply chains, putting the cost of crude oil, energy, packaging materials, and industrial inputs that the beverage industry highly depends on. With the alcohol and beverage industry contributing nearly Rs 350 lakh crore annually to government revenues, industry leaders say the sector urgently needs policy support. "I hope the government will decide in this regard at some point -- but that must be immediate and now. So we are requesting the state governments to help us," said Giri. Why alcoholic beverage industry demanding a hike in price? The severity of the cost pressures becomes evident from the sharp rise in input prices. Domestic polymer manufacturers, such as BPCL, RIL and IOCL, have been revising prices repeatedly as naphtha costs climb and supplies from the Middle East face disruptions. Polypropylene (PP), used in plastic caps, has increased by Rs 35 per kg, a 36 per cent jump, since late February 2026, including a one-day surge of Rs 12 per kg on March 10. HDPE, another material used for bottle caps, has gone up by per kg (around 31 per cent), with supplies tightening after imports from Iran were affected by force majeure conditions in the Gulf. PET resin, a key packaging material, has risen by Rs 34.50 per kg, about 40 per cent in just a month, driven by higher crude-linked inputs such as PTA and MEG. Paperboard costs have also climbed, as freight charges for imported wastepaper from the US and Europe have increased sharply, ranging between $400 and $1,500 per container. Meanwhile, aluminium prices on the LME, used for ROPP bottle caps, have risen 8 per cent to $3,406 per metric tonne since late February, with premiums staying high as shipping routes avoid the Strait of Hormuz. Also read: UK-Turkey sign Typhoon training deal in major £8 billion defence agreement

The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), the supreme body of the alcoholic beverage sector of India, has written to state governments demanding to revise the price for Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) products.&nbsp;

Here's why your next beer or whisky could burn hole in your pocket. Deets inside

India and Morocco are deepening their strategic partnership across trade, defence, agriculture and tourism, with bilateral trade reaching a record $4.2 billion in 2023, Morocco's Ambassador to India, Mohamed Maliki, has said. In an interview with WION's Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Maliki, one of the longest-serving envoys in New Delhi and Dean of both the African and Arab diplomatic corps, described the trajectory of the relationship as "tremendous," tracing it back to King Mohammed VI's landmark visit to India in 2001.&nbsp;"In 2000 we had around $300 million in exchanges," said the Ambassador. "By 2015 we were at $1.1 billion. By 2023, we reached a record high of $4.2 billion." He attributed the growth to over 50 bilateral agreements signed since 2015 and a sharp rise in Indian corporate presence in Morocco, from 12-13 companies a decade ago to more than 45 today.&nbsp;Ambassador Maliki described Morocco as an ideal gateway for Indian businesses into Africa and beyond, citing the country's more than 50 free trade agreements, including with the United States. "When new tariffs have been imposed on many countries, Morocco is becoming a very good alternative," he said, pointing to the strategic importance of the Strait of Gibraltar for global trade and security.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-dr-padma-gurmet-modern-architect-of-india-s-ancient-sowa-rigpa-medicine-system-1774423084598">Meet Dr Padma Gurmet- Modern architect of India's Sowa-Rigpa medicine system</a>&nbsp;On tourism, the envoy highlighted Morocco's appeal to Indian travellers, noting that the e-visa scheme, offered to Indian passport holders without conditions, had helped fuel one of the fastest-growing tourist segments.&nbsp;"Indians find a lot of things in Morocco," he said, citing shared values around food, family and hospitality, as well as a growing trend of Indian destination weddings in Marrakesh.&nbsp;Ambassador Maliki also discussed his book, What If… Why Not?, which carries a foreword by the late Ratan Tata. Describing it as a "non-conformist biography," he said it was a call for readers to reconnect with core values. "The value of the thing, not the price of the thing," he said. "Be yourself, and enjoy your life, because it is very short."On his bond with the Tata patriarch, Maliki was candid. "My relation with Mr. Tata was not based at all on business. It was based on friendship. He used to call me 'your true friend.'"&nbsp;Both countries expect trade figures to break new records in the coming year, with the Ambassador expressing confidence that the relationship, now elevated to a strategic partnership, still has significant room to grow.

Bilateral trade between India and Morocco reached a record $4.2 billion in 2023. Ambassador Mohamed Maliki highlighted deepening strategic ties across defence, agriculture, and tourism, positioning Morocco as India’s African gateway.

India and Morocco are deepening their strategic partnership across trade, defence, agriculture and tourism, with bilateral trade reaching a record $4.2 billion in 2023, Morocco's Ambassador to India, Mohamed Maliki, has said. In an interview with WION's Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Maliki, one of the longest-serving envoys in New Delhi and Dean of both the African and Arab diplomatic corps, described the trajectory of the relationship as "tremendous," tracing it back to King Mohammed VI's landmark visit to India in 2001. "In 2000 we had around $300 million in exchanges," said the Ambassador. "By 2015 we were at $1.1 billion. By 2023, we reached a record high of $4.2 billion." He attributed the growth to over 50 bilateral agreements signed since 2015 and a sharp rise in Indian corporate presence in Morocco, from 12-13 companies a decade ago to more than 45 today. Ambassador Maliki described Morocco as an ideal gateway for Indian businesses into Africa and beyond, citing the country's more than 50 free trade agreements, including with the United States. "When new tariffs have been imposed on many countries, Morocco is becoming a very good alternative," he said, pointing to the strategic importance of the Strait of Gibraltar for global trade and security. Also read: Meet Dr Padma Gurmet- Modern architect of India's Sowa-Rigpa medicine system On tourism, the envoy highlighted Morocco's appeal to Indian travellers, noting that the e-visa scheme, offered to Indian passport holders without conditions, had helped fuel one of the fastest-growing tourist segments. "Indians find a lot of things in Morocco," he said, citing shared values around food, family and hospitality, as well as a growing trend of Indian destination weddings in Marrakesh. Ambassador Maliki also discussed his book, What If… Why Not?, which carries a foreword by the late Ratan Tata. Describing it as a "non-conformist biography," he said it was a call for readers to reconnect with core values. "The value of the thing, not the price of the thing," he said. "Be yourself, and enjoy your life, because it is very short." On his bond with the Tata patriarch, Maliki was candid. "My relation with Mr. Tata was not based at all on business. It was based on friendship. He used to call me 'your true friend.'" Both countries expect trade figures to break new records in the coming year, with the Ambassador expressing confidence that the relationship, now elevated to a strategic partnership, still has significant room to grow.

Bilateral trade between India and Morocco reached a record $4.2 billion in 2023. Ambassador Mohamed Maliki highlighted deepening strategic ties across defence, agriculture, and tourism, positioning Morocco as India’s African gateway.

India-Morocco trade hits record $4.2bn as Ambassador Maliki eyes stronger ties

AIADMK, Tamil Nadu’s Principal Opposition party and the leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state, has allocated 65 assembly constituencies to its allies. AIADMK will contest the remaining 169 constituencies of Tamil Nadu’s 234. The Southern Indian State goes to the polls on 23rd April. The completion of these seat-sharing arrangements marks the formal consolidation of the NDA in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;With 27 seats allocated to it, India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has emerged as the AIADMK ally with the most number of seats. This is a marked increase from the 20 seats that the AIADMK had allocated to the BJP in 2021 Assembly poll, when the BJP won four of the 20 seats.&nbsp;Among the major allies, PMK led by Anbumani Ramadoss has been allocated 18 seats, while the AMMK led by TTV Dinakaran has been allocated 11 seats. Further, AIADMK has distributed nine seats among four small parties that are part of their alliance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK is also nearing finalization of its seat-sharing process. So far, the DMK has allocated 66 seats to its allies. The DMK has allocated 28 seats to the Congress, which is India’s principal opposition party. DMDK, the party of late actor-politician Vijayakanth has been allocated 10 seats in the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. Left parties have been allocated 10 seats. Further, 16 seats have been distributed among four parties.&nbsp;While actor-politician Kamal Haasan’s MNM Party continues to be an ally of the DMK, the actor said that his party would not be contesting the assembly polls this time around. However, he expressed support for the DMK-led front and assured his full support. Haasan termed his decision to extend support without his party contesting in the elections was not a “sacrifice” but a “duty”.&nbsp;Elaborating on why he took such a decision, Haasan said that he and his party members were not satisfied about the number of seats allocated to them and the recommendation of having to contest on the DMK symbol instead of their own.&nbsp;&nbsp;The actor, who has become a Parliamentarian in India’s Upper House with the support of the DMK, stated that the DMK alliance’s overall victory is paramount at a time when “religious forces are trying to capture Tamil Nadu”.

Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK is also nearing finalization of its seat-sharing process. So far, the DMK has allocated 66 seats to its allies. The DMK has allocated 28 seats to the Congress, which is India’s principal opposition party.

AIADMK, Tamil Nadu’s Principal Opposition party and the leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state, has allocated 65 assembly constituencies to its allies. AIADMK will contest the remaining 169 constituencies of Tamil Nadu’s 234. The Southern Indian State goes to the polls on 23rd April. The completion of these seat-sharing arrangements marks the formal consolidation of the NDA in Tamil Nadu. With 27 seats allocated to it, India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has emerged as the AIADMK ally with the most number of seats. This is a marked increase from the 20 seats that the AIADMK had allocated to the BJP in 2021 Assembly poll, when the BJP won four of the 20 seats. Among the major allies, PMK led by Anbumani Ramadoss has been allocated 18 seats, while the AMMK led by TTV Dinakaran has been allocated 11 seats. Further, AIADMK has distributed nine seats among four small parties that are part of their alliance. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK is also nearing finalization of its seat-sharing process. So far, the DMK has allocated 66 seats to its allies. The DMK has allocated 28 seats to the Congress, which is India’s principal opposition party. DMDK, the party of late actor-politician Vijayakanth has been allocated 10 seats in the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. Left parties have been allocated 10 seats. Further, 16 seats have been distributed among four parties. While actor-politician Kamal Haasan’s MNM Party continues to be an ally of the DMK, the actor said that his party would not be contesting the assembly polls this time around. However, he expressed support for the DMK-led front and assured his full support. Haasan termed his decision to extend support without his party contesting in the elections was not a “sacrifice” but a “duty”. Elaborating on why he took such a decision, Haasan said that he and his party members were not satisfied about the number of seats allocated to them and the recommendation of having to contest on the DMK symbol instead of their own. The actor, who has become a Parliamentarian in India’s Upper House with the support of the DMK, stated that the DMK alliance’s overall victory is paramount at a time when “religious forces are trying to capture Tamil Nadu”.

Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK is also nearing finalization of its seat-sharing process. So far, the DMK has allocated 66 seats to its allies. The DMK has allocated 28 seats to the Congress, which is India’s principal opposition party.

Tamil Nadu polls: AIADMK to contest 169 seats; allocates 65 to allies

The Indian Government's Department of Space(DoS) is "actively working for operationalisation of NAVIC and associated satellite systems for providing secure navigation service," the country's Space Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said in Parliament on Wednesday (25th March). His comments come at a time when the NAVIC satellite fleet, India's own system to provide Position, Navigation &amp; Timing services, has gone defunct. Executed by the Space agency ISRO(which operates under the Department of Space), NAVIC is a strategic Indian Government project meant to serve civilian and defence applications within India and 1,500 km beyond Indian borders. Confirming what has already been known about NAVIC, Minister Singh stated in Parliament that only eight of the eleven NAVIC satellites are functional. Of these eight, only three satellites are broadcasting navigation signals, while five satellites are capable of broadcasting signals for one-way messaging, it was added. Back in July 2025, this author had reported that NAVIC faced the risk of going defunct, as multiple failure-hit satellites were not being replaced in a timely manner. On 13th March 2026, space agency ISRO officially revealed that another NAVIC satellite had stopped functioning, which left only three NAVIC satellites operational for providing Position, Navigation &amp; Timing services. NAVIC requires a bare minimum of four satellites for providing Position, Navigation &amp; Timing.<h3>Why NAVIC failed and what remains now...</h3>According to data shared by ISRO, six NAVIC satellites suffered failure in all three on-board atomic clocks. Atomic clocks are highly precise and sophisticated timekeeping instruments, which are fundamental to the operation of Navigation satellites. When all atomic clocks in a satellite fail, it implies a total loss of that satellite's capability to offer Position, Navigation &amp; Timing. According to the Indian Government, these imported atomic clocks were made by the Swiss firm SpectraTime. SpectraTime's atomic clocks that were used in Europe's Galileo satellite fleet had also suffered failures, it was added. &nbsp;Even among the three satellites that are presently functional, two satellites are at the end of life: IRNSS-1B has exceeded its expected life of 10 years, while IRNSS-1I has about two years of life remaining and faces the risk of premature failure. Considering long-term utility, only the NVS-01 is truly functional. Launched in May 2023, NVS-01 has at least ten years of life ahead of it, provided it functions glitch-free. Therefore, NAVIC is effectively reduced to one satellite, NVS-01, when it needs at least four. "The roadmap for further strengthening satellite navigation architecture includes completion of the NAVIC base layer constellation and suitable enhancement in services to meet the user requirements, and induction of indigenous technologies, including a space-grade atomic clock for technological self-reliance," Minister Singh said in Parliament. However, the Minister did not specify by when this would be accomplished.<h3>How many satellites are needed to revive NAVIC?</h3>If the Indian Government wishes to revive and sustain NAVIC in its basic form, it must have a total of four satellites. For this, the country's Space agency ISRO must urgently launch three satellites: NVS-03, NVS-04 and NVS-05, which can work together with the existing NVS-01. Launched in the year 2025, the NVS-02 satellite has been stuck in its initial orbit and is unable to fulfil its core purpose. Having a fleet of four operational satellites (NVS-01, 03, 04, 05) is just the basic requirement. For higher reliability and coverage, India would have to rapidly build and launch backup satellites in the NVS-series. Eventually, a fleet of six or seven NVS-series satellites would have to be maintained to reliably operate a regional Navigation system such as NAVIC.<h3>About American and Chinese Navigation systems</h3>For context, the American Global Positioning System(GPS), which supports trillion-dollar civilian and military applications worldwide, requires a fleet of 24 satellites in orbit for optimum performance and round-the-clock global coverage. Considering how crucial GPS is to the global economy, the US Government maintains at least 30 GPS satellites in orbit at any given point in time. The six additional satellites are meant to ensure that the service remains reliable and robust, even when a few satellites fail or encounter unexpected glitches. To meet its own national requirements, China operates a fleet of Beidou satellites, which serve as an alternative to America's GPS. While Beidou's global network requires a fleet of 30 satellites in orbit, around 35 satellites are believed to be in orbit. Likewise, India too must have a proportional number of satellites.<h3>Sluggish launch pace threatens NAVIC's revival</h3>In July 2025, the Indian Government had said in Parliament that the remaining NVS-series satellites would be launched by the end of 2026. However, this seems like an unrealistic timeline, given ISRO's pace so far. ISRO launched NVS-01 in May 2023; NVS-02 was launched in January 2025, which shows a gap of 19 months between the two launches. It has been more than a year since the NVS-02 failure, and its successor, NVS-03, has not been launched. ISRO has also faced three failures in six missions executed between January 2025 and January 2026, further slowing down the overall pace of activity.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/60x-further-5x-faster-china-just-shook-starlink-with-a-tiny-laser-that-shattered-speed-records-1774274595342">China just shook Starlink with a 5 times faster laser from a distance of 36,000km</a>

Executed by the Space agency ISRO(which operates under the Department of Space), NAVIC is a strategic Indian Government project meant to serve civilian and defence applications within India and 1,500 km beyond Indian borders.

The Indian Government's Department of Space(DoS) is "actively working for operationalisation of NAVIC and associated satellite systems for providing secure navigation service," the country's Space Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said in Parliament on Wednesday (25th March). His comments come at a time when the NAVIC satellite fleet, India's own system to provide Position, Navigation & Timing services, has gone defunct. Executed by the Space agency ISRO(which operates under the Department of Space), NAVIC is a strategic Indian Government project meant to serve civilian and defence applications within India and 1,500 km beyond Indian borders. Confirming what has already been known about NAVIC, Minister Singh stated in Parliament that only eight of the eleven NAVIC satellites are functional. Of these eight, only three satellites are broadcasting navigation signals, while five satellites are capable of broadcasting signals for one-way messaging, it was added. Back in July 2025, this author had reported that NAVIC faced the risk of going defunct, as multiple failure-hit satellites were not being replaced in a timely manner. On 13th March 2026, space agency ISRO officially revealed that another NAVIC satellite had stopped functioning, which left only three NAVIC satellites operational for providing Position, Navigation & Timing services. NAVIC requires a bare minimum of four satellites for providing Position, Navigation & Timing. Why NAVIC failed and what remains now... According to data shared by ISRO, six NAVIC satellites suffered failure in all three on-board atomic clocks. Atomic clocks are highly precise and sophisticated timekeeping instruments, which are fundamental to the operation of Navigation satellites. When all atomic clocks in a satellite fail, it implies a total loss of that satellite's capability to offer Position, Navigation & Timing. According to the Indian Government, these imported atomic clocks were made by the Swiss firm SpectraTime. SpectraTime's atomic clocks that were used in Europe's Galileo satellite fleet had also suffered failures, it was added. Even among the three satellites that are presently functional, two satellites are at the end of life: IRNSS-1B has exceeded its expected life of 10 years, while IRNSS-1I has about two years of life remaining and faces the risk of premature failure. Considering long-term utility, only the NVS-01 is truly functional. Launched in May 2023, NVS-01 has at least ten years of life ahead of it, provided it functions glitch-free. Therefore, NAVIC is effectively reduced to one satellite, NVS-01, when it needs at least four. "The roadmap for further strengthening satellite navigation architecture includes completion of the NAVIC base layer constellation and suitable enhancement in services to meet the user requirements, and induction of indigenous technologies, including a space-grade atomic clock for technological self-reliance," Minister Singh said in Parliament. However, the Minister did not specify by when this would be accomplished. How many satellites are needed to revive NAVIC? If the Indian Government wishes to revive and sustain NAVIC in its basic form, it must have a total of four satellites. For this, the country's Space agency ISRO must urgently launch three satellites: NVS-03, NVS-04 and NVS-05, which can work together with the existing NVS-01. Launched in the year 2025, the NVS-02 satellite has been stuck in its initial orbit and is unable to fulfil its core purpose. Having a fleet of four operational satellites (NVS-01, 03, 04, 05) is just the basic requirement. For higher reliability and coverage, India would have to rapidly build and launch backup satellites in the NVS-series. Eventually, a fleet of six or seven NVS-series satellites would have to be maintained to reliably operate a regional Navigation system such as NAVIC. About American and Chinese Navigation systems For context, the American Global Positioning System(GPS), which supports trillion-dollar civilian and military applications worldwide, requires a fleet of 24 satellites in orbit for optimum performance and round-the-clock global coverage. Considering how crucial GPS is to the global economy, the US Government maintains at least 30 GPS satellites in orbit at any given point in time. The six additional satellites are meant to ensure that the service remains reliable and robust, even when a few satellites fail or encounter unexpected glitches. To meet its own national requirements, China operates a fleet of Beidou satellites, which serve as an alternative to America's GPS. While Beidou's global network requires a fleet of 30 satellites in orbit, around 35 satellites are believed to be in orbit. Likewise, India too must have a proportional number of satellites. Sluggish launch pace threatens NAVIC's revival In July 2025, the Indian Government had said in Parliament that the remaining NVS-series satellites would be launched by the end of 2026. However, this seems like an unrealistic timeline, given ISRO's pace so far. ISRO launched NVS-01 in May 2023; NVS-02 was launched in January 2025, which shows a gap of 19 months between the two launches. It has been more than a year since the NVS-02 failure, and its successor, NVS-03, has not been launched. ISRO has also faced three failures in six missions executed between January 2025 and January 2026, further slowing down the overall pace of activity. Also read: China just shook Starlink with a 5 times faster laser from a distance of 36,000km

Executed by the Space agency ISRO(which operates under the Department of Space), NAVIC is a strategic Indian Government project meant to serve civilian and defence applications within India and 1,500 km beyond Indian borders.

'Working for operationalization,' Indian Govt says on defunct NAVIC satellite fleet

Srinagar: Former Chief Minister and PDP supremo Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday called for a review of the sentences awarded to Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi and her associates, citing humanitarian concerns despite ideological differences.&nbsp;Speaking during a plantation drive by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kashmir, Mufti said, “We disagree with their ideology, but there is also a humanitarian aspect to this, as they are advanced in age and have spent a long time in prison.” She also said that Andrabi’s husband has spent over three decades in jail.&nbsp;Mufti urged authorities to consider conditional relief, stating that Andrabi and her associates should be granted parole on humanitarian grounds and that their sentences deserve reconsideration.Her remarks come a day after a special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Delhi sentenced Andrabi to life imprisonment. The verdict, delivered on March 24 by Additional Sessions Judge Chandrajit Singh at the Karkardooma Court, found Andrabi guilty of multiple offences, including conspiracy to commit terrorist acts and waging war against the state.&nbsp;Two of her associates, Sofie Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen, were also sentenced to 30 years in prison. The court-imposed fines of ₹8 lakh on Andrabi and ₹7 lakh each on Fehmeeda and Nasreen.&nbsp;Andrabi is the founder of the banned separatist organisation Dukhtaran-e-Millat.&nbsp;During the event, Mufti also highlighted the environmental message behind the PDP’s plantation drive. Referring to a well-known saying and Islamic teachings, she emphasised the importance of environmental stewardship, stating that planting trees remains a virtuous act even in the face of the end of times.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti urged authorities to consider conditional relief, stating that Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi and her associates should be granted parole on humanitarian grounds and that their sentences deserve reconsideration.

Srinagar: Former Chief Minister and PDP supremo Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday called for a review of the sentences awarded to Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi and her associates, citing humanitarian concerns despite ideological differences. Speaking during a plantation drive by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kashmir, Mufti said, “We disagree with their ideology, but there is also a humanitarian aspect to this, as they are advanced in age and have spent a long time in prison.” She also said that Andrabi’s husband has spent over three decades in jail. Mufti urged authorities to consider conditional relief, stating that Andrabi and her associates should be granted parole on humanitarian grounds and that their sentences deserve reconsideration. Her remarks come a day after a special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Delhi sentenced Andrabi to life imprisonment. The verdict, delivered on March 24 by Additional Sessions Judge Chandrajit Singh at the Karkardooma Court, found Andrabi guilty of multiple offences, including conspiracy to commit terrorist acts and waging war against the state. Two of her associates, Sofie Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen, were also sentenced to 30 years in prison. The court-imposed fines of ₹8 lakh on Andrabi and ₹7 lakh each on Fehmeeda and Nasreen. Andrabi is the founder of the banned separatist organisation Dukhtaran-e-Millat. During the event, Mufti also highlighted the environmental message behind the PDP’s plantation drive. Referring to a well-known saying and Islamic teachings, she emphasised the importance of environmental stewardship, stating that planting trees remains a virtuous act even in the face of the end of times.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti urged authorities to consider conditional relief, stating that Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi and her associates should be granted parole on humanitarian grounds and that their sentences deserve reconsideration.

Mehbooba Mufti urges review of Asiya Andrabi’s sentence on humanitarian grounds

Indian Oil Refineries has reportedly secured the purchase of approximately 60 million barrels of Russian oil to be delivered in April. Bloomberg reported that the cargoes were snapped up at premiums between $5 and $15 per barrel, citing an unnamed source. The surge in buying was enabled by the 30-day US-Treasury waiver allowing India to take delivery of Russian oil. The purchase was intended to make up for the energy scarcity, as the war in West Asia continues to disrupt the energy flow to India and other Southeast Asian countries.The Bloomberg report also emphasised that India was desperate for Russian crude despite losing the heavy discounts to the global benchmark it was enjoying previously. The volume of the purchase was almost consistent with its monthly requirements, but twice the volume of purchase in February, when there was no waiver. The US issued the waiver to ease the burden of the war in Iran, as oil prices surged in the future and the spot market.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-insider-trading-allegations-oil-sp500-futures-iran-truce-1774425101072">Insider trading suspicions after Trump’s Iran U-turn and $2 billion pre-announcement trades</a>According to shipping data from earlier this month, as the Washington announced waiver, the Indian appetite for Russian crude surged, with several China-bound tankers being redirected towards India. In the first two weeks of March, the volume of Russian crude on the sea dropped by nearly 20 million barrels, which is equivalent to 2 million barrels per day. This has resulted in a windfall for Putin's oil revenue, the highest since March 2022, returning it to the number one position, as reported by Reuters.&nbsp;Bloomberg reported that Indian refiners, including Mangalore Refinery &amp; Petrochemicals Ltd. (MRPL) and Hindustan Mittal Energy Ltd., which had earlier shifted to the purchase of Iraqi and Saudi Arabian crude in recent months, have again shifted to Russian crude. India is also looking to diversify its sourcing as the war is refusing to die down, according to the Bloomberg report, citing Kpler data, Indian imports of Venezuelan crude for April are projected at 8 million barrels, marking the highest level since October 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India has secured 60 million barrels of Russian oil for April delivery under a US waiver, as war-driven disruptions push refiners to diversify supply sources.

Indian Oil Refineries has reportedly secured the purchase of approximately 60 million barrels of Russian oil to be delivered in April. Bloomberg reported that the cargoes were snapped up at premiums between $5 and $15 per barrel, citing an unnamed source. The surge in buying was enabled by the 30-day US-Treasury waiver allowing India to take delivery of Russian oil. The purchase was intended to make up for the energy scarcity, as the war in West Asia continues to disrupt the energy flow to India and other Southeast Asian countries. The Bloomberg report also emphasised that India was desperate for Russian crude despite losing the heavy discounts to the global benchmark it was enjoying previously. The volume of the purchase was almost consistent with its monthly requirements, but twice the volume of purchase in February, when there was no waiver. The US issued the waiver to ease the burden of the war in Iran, as oil prices surged in the future and the spot market. Also Read: Insider trading suspicions after Trump’s Iran U-turn and $2 billion pre-announcement trades According to shipping data from earlier this month, as the Washington announced waiver, the Indian appetite for Russian crude surged, with several China-bound tankers being redirected towards India. In the first two weeks of March, the volume of Russian crude on the sea dropped by nearly 20 million barrels, which is equivalent to 2 million barrels per day. This has resulted in a windfall for Putin's oil revenue, the highest since March 2022, returning it to the number one position, as reported by Reuters. Bloomberg reported that Indian refiners, including Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals Ltd. (MRPL) and Hindustan Mittal Energy Ltd., which had earlier shifted to the purchase of Iraqi and Saudi Arabian crude in recent months, have again shifted to Russian crude. India is also looking to diversify its sourcing as the war is refusing to die down, according to the Bloomberg report, citing Kpler data, Indian imports of Venezuelan crude for April are projected at 8 million barrels, marking the highest level since October 2020.

India has secured 60 million barrels of Russian oil for April delivery under a US waiver, as war-driven disruptions push refiners to diversify supply sources.

India snaps up 60 million barrels Russian crude despite higher premiums amid Iran war

Srinagar: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has directed security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir to significantly strengthen security across major tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley. Following the directive and a comprehensive security audit, authorities have rolled out extensive deployments and heightened surveillance at key tourist hubs to ensure the safety of visitors. The move comes as tourism in the region shows strong signs of recovery after a prolonged setback.&nbsp;Security has been intensified at prominent tourist destinations, including Gulmarg in north Kashmir, Sonamarg in central Kashmir, and Pahalgam in south Kashmir. In Srinagar, special focus has been placed on high-footfall areas such as the Dal Lake and Asia’s Largest Tulip Garden.&nbsp;Officials said the Union Home Secretary has instructed agencies to tighten security grids around all tourist sites. Personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and other paramilitary units have been deployed in large numbers at strategic locations across the Valley.&nbsp;At the Tulip Garden, security arrangements have been significantly scaled up. All entry and exit points are under strict surveillance, with a visible presence of armed personnel to prevent any untoward incidents.&nbsp;“There is no comparison to the beauty of Kashmir, it truly lives up to its reputation as a paradise. We feel completely safe here, with a strong security presence everywhere and no sense of tension or concern. We’ve been able to move around freely and enjoy every moment. We visited Gulmarg and Sonamarg, and every place was wonderful. I would encourage everyone to come and experience it for themselves,” said Amarjeet Singh, a tourist.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tourists visiting the Valley have expressed confidence in the enhanced security measures, with many appreciating the government’s efforts to ensure their safety.&nbsp;“Kashmir is truly no less than a paradise. From the stunning Tulip Garden to the serene Dal Lake, everything here is simply beautiful. It feels incredibly safe and calm, with a strong security presence throughout. This is my fourth visit, and every time I come here, I feel a deep sense of peace. I would encourage many more people to visit, Kashmir is a place you don’t just see once but return to again and again,” said another tourist Brajesh Patel.&nbsp;&nbsp;The renewed focus on security comes at a crucial time for Kashmir’s tourism sector, which has been recovering after being severely impacted by the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. In recent months, tourist inflow has steadily increased.&nbsp;Officials noted that the opening of the Tulip Garden has already drawn significant crowds, with around 85,000 visitors recorded within the first ten days. The surge in tourist arrivals has been a key factor behind the decision to further tighten security across the Kashmir Valley.

Security arrangements have been beefed up at prominent tourist destinations, including Gulmarg in north Kashmir, Sonamarg in central Kashmir, and Pahalgam in south Kashmir. In Srinagar, special focus has been placed on high-footfall areas such as the Dal Lake and Asia’s Largest Tulip Garden.

Srinagar: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has directed security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir to significantly strengthen security across major tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley. Following the directive and a comprehensive security audit, authorities have rolled out extensive deployments and heightened surveillance at key tourist hubs to ensure the safety of visitors. The move comes as tourism in the region shows strong signs of recovery after a prolonged setback. Security has been intensified at prominent tourist destinations, including Gulmarg in north Kashmir, Sonamarg in central Kashmir, and Pahalgam in south Kashmir. In Srinagar, special focus has been placed on high-footfall areas such as the Dal Lake and Asia’s Largest Tulip Garden. Officials said the Union Home Secretary has instructed agencies to tighten security grids around all tourist sites. Personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and other paramilitary units have been deployed in large numbers at strategic locations across the Valley. At the Tulip Garden, security arrangements have been significantly scaled up. All entry and exit points are under strict surveillance, with a visible presence of armed personnel to prevent any untoward incidents. “There is no comparison to the beauty of Kashmir, it truly lives up to its reputation as a paradise. We feel completely safe here, with a strong security presence everywhere and no sense of tension or concern. We’ve been able to move around freely and enjoy every moment. We visited Gulmarg and Sonamarg, and every place was wonderful. I would encourage everyone to come and experience it for themselves,” said Amarjeet Singh, a tourist. Tourists visiting the Valley have expressed confidence in the enhanced security measures, with many appreciating the government’s efforts to ensure their safety. “Kashmir is truly no less than a paradise. From the stunning Tulip Garden to the serene Dal Lake, everything here is simply beautiful. It feels incredibly safe and calm, with a strong security presence throughout. This is my fourth visit, and every time I come here, I feel a deep sense of peace. I would encourage many more people to visit, Kashmir is a place you don’t just see once but return to again and again,” said another tourist Brajesh Patel. The renewed focus on security comes at a crucial time for Kashmir’s tourism sector, which has been recovering after being severely impacted by the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. In recent months, tourist inflow has steadily increased. Officials noted that the opening of the Tulip Garden has already drawn significant crowds, with around 85,000 visitors recorded within the first ten days. The surge in tourist arrivals has been a key factor behind the decision to further tighten security across the Kashmir Valley.

Security arrangements have been beefed up at prominent tourist destinations, including Gulmarg in north Kashmir, Sonamarg in central Kashmir, and Pahalgam in south Kashmir. In Srinagar, special focus has been placed on high-footfall areas such as the Dal Lake and Asia’s Largest Tulip Garden.

Kashmir witnesses tourism spike, authorities ramp up security

The government has mandated transfer from LPG to PNG amid ongoing crisis. The West Asia war has impacted both Indian households and commercial setups. Under Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026, the government has reiterated that consumers switch to PNG.&nbsp;In the routine briefing by the ministry, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum &amp; Natural Gas had been emphasising that domestic cylinders will be a priority and moving to PNG should be prioritised by consumers.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/philippines-declares-energy-emergency-as-fuel-crisis-deepens-nationwide-1774432766906/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/philippines-declares-energy-emergency-as-fuel-crisis-deepens-nationwide-1774432766906/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Under the new order, the expansion on the gas network is being focused on to reduce the reliance on LPG cylinders. Days after the war broke out, peak of panic booking was recorded on March 13, which has only come down over the days. The ministry has advised commercial LPG cylinder users to switch to PNG to reduce their reliance on cylinders alone. Subsidies at the state level have been announced for consumers moving to PNG.has&nbsp;The government has requested the states to allocate five kg FTL cylinders for migrant labourers. States have urged restaurants, dhabas, hotels, industrial canteens, food processing, dairy units, subsidised canteens or outlets run by state government or local bodies for food and community kitchens for assistance.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/50-of-menu-slashed-90-year-old-ambala-restaurant-retreats-to-bhattis-amid-lpg-crisis-1773405763735">50% of menu slashed: 89-year-old Ambala restaurant retreats to 'bhattis' amid LPG cylinder shortage</a>&nbsp;Addressing the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday (Mar 24), PM Modi acknowledged the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and said it is "worrisome"; the country is all the more tense as Indian seafarers are stranded in the conflict region. "The war is affecting our trade routes; petrol, diesel, gas and fertilisers' routine supply is being impacted."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-10-days-and-waiting-customers-wait-as-petroleum-minister-assures-lpg-cylinder-delivery-in-2-5-days-1773332064916">'10 days' and waiting...: Customers wait as petroleum minister assures LPG cylinder delivery in 2.5 days</a>&nbsp;He mentioned the well-being of over one crore Indians living in the Gulf is the country's priority. “We have urged for de-escalation, and we aim to bring about peace in the region.” PM Modi objected to the attack on the commercial vessels and the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, a global trade route. India stands for diplomacy through dialogue in these trying times, the PM assured the House.

India mandates PNG switch for households with pipeline access. 

The government has mandated transfer from LPG to PNG amid ongoing crisis. The West Asia war has impacted both Indian households and commercial setups. Under Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026, the government has reiterated that consumers switch to PNG. In the routine briefing by the ministry, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas had been emphasising that domestic cylinders will be a priority and moving to PNG should be prioritised by consumers. https://www.wionews.com/videos/philippines-declares-energy-emergency-as-fuel-crisis-deepens-nationwide-1774432766906/embed Under the new order, the expansion on the gas network is being focused on to reduce the reliance on LPG cylinders. Days after the war broke out, peak of panic booking was recorded on March 13, which has only come down over the days. The ministry has advised commercial LPG cylinder users to switch to PNG to reduce their reliance on cylinders alone. Subsidies at the state level have been announced for consumers moving to PNG. has The government has requested the states to allocate five kg FTL cylinders for migrant labourers. States have urged restaurants, dhabas, hotels, industrial canteens, food processing, dairy units, subsidised canteens or outlets run by state government or local bodies for food and community kitchens for assistance. Also read: 50% of menu slashed: 89-year-old Ambala restaurant retreats to 'bhattis' amid LPG cylinder shortage Addressing the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday (Mar 24), PM Modi acknowledged the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and said it is "worrisome"; the country is all the more tense as Indian seafarers are stranded in the conflict region. "The war is affecting our trade routes; petrol, diesel, gas and fertilisers' routine supply is being impacted." Also read: '10 days' and waiting...: Customers wait as petroleum minister assures LPG cylinder delivery in 2.5 days He mentioned the well-being of over one crore Indians living in the Gulf is the country's priority. “We have urged for de-escalation, and we aim to bring about peace in the region.” PM Modi objected to the attack on the commercial vessels and the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, a global trade route. India stands for diplomacy through dialogue in these trying times, the PM assured the House.

India mandates PNG switch for households with pipeline access.&nbsp;

Government mandates households to switch from LPG to PNG amid Hormuz blockade

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, on Wednesday (Mar 25) extended his condolences on Genocide Day, which is observed in his country to commemorate the victims of March 25, 1971. On this night, the Pakistani military launched Operation Searchlight, a brutal crackdown intended to curb the Bengali nationalist movement in then-East Pakistan.&nbsp;Rahman recounted how Pakistan killed Bangladeshis under this operation. He termed March 25, 1971, one of the most disgraceful and brutal days.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a lengthy post on X, he said, "March 25, 1971, is observed as Genocide Day. On the occasion of Genocide Day, I pay my deepest respect to all the martyrs. In the history of freedom-loving Bangladesh, 25 March 1971 remains one of the most disgraceful and brutal days. On that dark night, the Pakistani occupation forces carried out one of the most heinous genocides in history against the unarmed people of Bangladesh in the name of 'Operation Searchlight". "The genocide of 25 March was a pre-planned massacre. Why this organised killing spree could not be resisted remains a matter of historical research regarding the visible role of the political leadership of that time," he added. Rahman called for people to honour the sacrifices made by those who died.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-will-cooperate-in-matters-of-national-interest-tarique-rahman-meets-jamaat-chief-shafiqur-rahman-ahead-of-swearing-in-1771225807798">'Will cooperate in matters of national interest': Tarique Rahman meets Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman ahead of swearing-in</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">March 25, 1971 is observed as Genocide Day. On the occasion of Genocide Day, 1 pay my deepest respect to all the martyrs. In the history of freedom-loving Bangladesh, 25 March 1971 remains one of the most disgraceful and brutal days. On that dark night, the Pakistani occupation… <a href="https://t.co/ENyyvnz8Tw">pic.twitter.com/ENyyvnz8Tw</a>&mdash; Tarique Rahman (@trahmanbnp) <a href="https://twitter.com/trahmanbnp/status/2036485539444982074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-sheikh-hasina-and-her-awami-league-find-space-in-tarique-rahman-s-new-bangladesh-amid-jamaat-s-rise-1771229273915">Will Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League find space in Tarique Rahman’s ‘new Bangladesh’ amid Jamaat’s rise?</a>&nbsp;Recalling the sequence of events, he said that Pakistani forces had indiscriminately opened fire on teachers, intellectuals and innocent civilians at locations including Dhaka University, Pilkhana and Rajarbāgh Police Lines, killing many people. He described the genocide of March 25 as a pre-planned massacre and noted that the failure to resist the organised killing spree remains a subject of historical research regarding the role of the political leadership at the time. He added that on the same night, the 8th East Bengal Regiment in Chattogram formally initiated armed resistance by declaring “We Revolt,” marking the beginning of the nine-month Liberation War. He called on citizens to work together to build a just, developed, prosperous, self-reliant and democratic Bangladesh.&nbsp;<h2>Why is the statement important?</h2>The statement is significant as it comes amid a shifting political landscape in Bangladesh following the 2024 uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina and the rise of Jamaat. The post calling out Pakistan's act reaffirms that the foundation of the Bangladeshi state is tied to the 1971 Liberation War. Under Muhammad Yunus’s interim leadership, Bangladesh has moved to "repair ties" with Pakistan, including the first Foreign Office Consultations in 15 years. Yunus in his Victory Day speech made no mention of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader. Moreover, the "July Declaration" by Yunus pitched to give constitutional recognition to the 2024 student uprising as a "second independence," which critics argue attempts to eclipse the historical weight of the 1971 war. &nbsp;

Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman marked Genocide Day (Bangladesh), recalling atrocities during Operation Searchlight and urging citizens to uphold Liberation War ideals of justice, equality, and democracy.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, on Wednesday (Mar 25) extended his condolences on Genocide Day, which is observed in his country to commemorate the victims of March 25, 1971. On this night, the Pakistani military launched Operation Searchlight, a brutal crackdown intended to curb the Bengali nationalist movement in then-East Pakistan. Rahman recounted how Pakistan killed Bangladeshis under this operation. He termed March 25, 1971, one of the most disgraceful and brutal days. In a lengthy post on X, he said, "March 25, 1971, is observed as Genocide Day. On the occasion of Genocide Day, I pay my deepest respect to all the martyrs. In the history of freedom-loving Bangladesh, 25 March 1971 remains one of the most disgraceful and brutal days. On that dark night, the Pakistani occupation forces carried out one of the most heinous genocides in history against the unarmed people of Bangladesh in the name of 'Operation Searchlight". "The genocide of 25 March was a pre-planned massacre. Why this organised killing spree could not be resisted remains a matter of historical research regarding the visible role of the political leadership of that time," he added. Rahman called for people to honour the sacrifices made by those who died. Also Read: 'Will cooperate in matters of national interest': Tarique Rahman meets Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman ahead of swearing-in

Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman marked Genocide Day (Bangladesh), recalling atrocities during Operation Searchlight and urging citizens to uphold Liberation War ideals of justice, equality, and democracy.

Bangladesh PM calls out Pakistan's 'pre-planned massacre' under Op Searchlight: What happened on Mar 25, 1971

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has cancelled his visit to Kerala on Wednesday (Mar 25) after his mother Sonia Gandhi was hospitalised late Tuesday (Mar 24). The Senior Congress leader was admitted to Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital over health concerns. According to reports, she is undergoing treatment and is currently in a stable condition with doctors monitoring her health.According to reports, Rahul Gandhi has cancelled his visit to Kerala to hold a major rally in Kozhikode as part of his election campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. Senior Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge will now be visiting the state in place of Gandhi.Sonia Gandhi was admitted to the hospital after feeling unwell due to the change in weather and is under observation, PTI reported. A team of doctors is monitoring her treatment, although there are no serious concerns, it added.The Rajya Sabha MP was also hospitalised due to respiratory issues earlier in January. At that time, doctors had said it was due to deterioration in her health, along with cold weather and high pollution levels in Delhi. She reportedly suffers from bronchial asthma that was mildly exacerbated during her previous hospitalisation.<h2>Rahul Gandhi’s rally in Kozhikode</h2>Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Kerala was planned ahead of the polls in Kerala. His rally was expected to take place at the Kozhikode beach in the evening on Wednesday (Mar 25), kickstarting his campaign tour in state ahead of the polls on April 9.Last week, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, who heads the election campaign committee, said that Rahul Gandhi was set to elaborate on the key promises of the United Democratic Front (UDF), including the proposed “guarantee card.” Several other leaders of the party were expected to join the event.

Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was hospitalised in Delhi after sudden health concerns. Due to her health, Rahul Gandhi has cancelled his visit to Kerala ahead of the polls. Here’s what we know about her health.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has cancelled his visit to Kerala on Wednesday (Mar 25) after his mother Sonia Gandhi was hospitalised late Tuesday (Mar 24). The Senior Congress leader was admitted to Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital over health concerns. According to reports, she is undergoing treatment and is currently in a stable condition with doctors monitoring her health. According to reports, Rahul Gandhi has cancelled his visit to Kerala to hold a major rally in Kozhikode as part of his election campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. Senior Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge will now be visiting the state in place of Gandhi. Sonia Gandhi was admitted to the hospital after feeling unwell due to the change in weather and is under observation, PTI reported. A team of doctors is monitoring her treatment, although there are no serious concerns, it added. The Rajya Sabha MP was also hospitalised due to respiratory issues earlier in January. At that time, doctors had said it was due to deterioration in her health, along with cold weather and high pollution levels in Delhi. She reportedly suffers from bronchial asthma that was mildly exacerbated during her previous hospitalisation. Rahul Gandhi’s rally in Kozhikode Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Kerala was planned ahead of the polls in Kerala. His rally was expected to take place at the Kozhikode beach in the evening on Wednesday (Mar 25), kickstarting his campaign tour in state ahead of the polls on April 9. Last week, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, who heads the election campaign committee, said that Rahul Gandhi was set to elaborate on the key promises of the United Democratic Front (UDF), including the proposed “guarantee card.” Several other leaders of the party were expected to join the event.

Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was hospitalised in Delhi after sudden health concerns. Due to her health, Rahul Gandhi has cancelled his visit to Kerala ahead of the polls. Here’s what we know about her health.

Sonia Gandhi hospitalised: Rahul Gandhi cancels Kerala rally over mother’s health – Here’s what we know

After a debate lasting over seven hours, the Gujarat assembly on Tuesday passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, with the ruling party, the BJP, marking it as a landmark reform to promote equality. However, the Congress party strongly opposed the bill, calling it an "anti-Muslim" and also violating fundamental rights. The bill, which passed with a majority voice vote, proposes a common legal framework governing marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships irrespective of religion. The opposition Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) did not approve the bill in the assembly and demanded it be sent to the select committee, according to a report by the PTI. The bill was tabled by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, days after a state-appointed panel submitted its final report on the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). After the passage of the bill, Gujarat became the second state of India after Uttarakhand to pass the UCC. Uttarakhand passed the UCC Bill in February 2024.<h3>What does the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill say</h3>The proposed legislation, titled the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code, 2026, is intended to apply across the entire state, including to residents of Gujarat living outside its geographical boundaries. However, the bill specifies that it will not cover members of Scheduled Tribes (ST) and certain communities whose customary practices are safeguarded by the Constitution. According to its “Objects and Reasons” section, the bill seeks to establish a uniform legal framework. It includes provisions for the registration of live-in relationships and their dissolution through a formal declaration. The draft law also outlaws bigamy, meaning an individual cannot marry again while their spouse is still alive, and clarifies that a marriage will be recognised as valid only if neither party has a living spouse at the time.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-illegal-politically-motivated-congress-asked-to-vacate-iconic-24-akbar-road-office-occupied-since-1978-by-march-28-1774419539835">'Illegal, politically motivated': Congress asked to vacate iconic 24 Akbar Road office occupied since 1978 by March 28</a>

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, which passed with a majority voice vote, proposes a common legal framework governing marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships irrespective of religion.

After a debate lasting over seven hours, the Gujarat assembly on Tuesday passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, with the ruling party, the BJP, marking it as a landmark reform to promote equality. However, the Congress party strongly opposed the bill, calling it an "anti-Muslim" and also violating fundamental rights. The bill, which passed with a majority voice vote, proposes a common legal framework governing marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships irrespective of religion. The opposition Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) did not approve the bill in the assembly and demanded it be sent to the select committee, according to a report by the PTI. The bill was tabled by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, days after a state-appointed panel submitted its final report on the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). After the passage of the bill, Gujarat became the second state of India after Uttarakhand to pass the UCC. Uttarakhand passed the UCC Bill in February 2024. What does the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill say The proposed legislation, titled the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code, 2026, is intended to apply across the entire state, including to residents of Gujarat living outside its geographical boundaries. However, the bill specifies that it will not cover members of Scheduled Tribes (ST) and certain communities whose customary practices are safeguarded by the Constitution. According to its “Objects and Reasons” section, the bill seeks to establish a uniform legal framework. It includes provisions for the registration of live-in relationships and their dissolution through a formal declaration. The draft law also outlaws bigamy, meaning an individual cannot marry again while their spouse is still alive, and clarifies that a marriage will be recognised as valid only if neither party has a living spouse at the time. Also read: 'Illegal, politically motivated': Congress asked to vacate iconic 24 Akbar Road office occupied since 1978 by March 28

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, which passed with a majority voice vote, proposes a common legal framework governing marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships irrespective of religion.

Gujarat passes UCC Bill after 7-hour debate, becomes second state after Uttarakhand

A day after a man claiming to be a Japanese soldier forcefully attempted entering the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo, Japan has said that the incident was “regrettable". Japan’s top government spokesman Minoru Kihara said that investigation on the matter is underway. This comes after China lodged strong protest over the incident and raised the issue of safety with the Japanese government. Beijing also said that the incident showed rise of new militarism in Japan. Soon after Japanese statement, China urged Japan to “bring the full weight of law” against the perpetrator. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the incident threatened diplomatic security and warned of rising far-right and militarist trends.&nbsp;Government spokesman Minoru Kihara was quoted by AFP saying, “It is truly regrettable that a Self-Defence Forces member, who is expected to comply with the law, has been arrested on suspicion” of entering the embassy premises. "Police are already conducting an investigation to clarify what happened and have implemented necessary measures to strengthen security of the embassy. We will take necessary steps to prevent any recurrence of such incidents," he told a press conference.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-and-japan-embroiled-in-major-diplomatic-war-over-taiwan-what-triggered-it-and-what-s-happening-now-1763456353464">China-Japan tensions escalate as Tokyo announces plans to deploy missiles on island near Taiwan: What's happening</a>&nbsp;A police spokeswoman was also quoted by AFP saying that the<a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/update4-gsdf-officer-arrested-over-alleged-entry-into-chinese-embassy-in-tokyo?ref=inline-article"> </a>suspect has been identified as 23-year-old Kodai Murata. Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun also reported that he was arrested for trespassing. He allegedly told investigators he wanted to meet the Chinese ambassador and, if refused, planned to kill himself inside the embassy. A knife was also reportedly found at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The suspect told police investigators that he was hoping to meet the ambassador to tell him to refrain from making hardline remarks, and if that request was rejected, I wanted to surprise him by killing myself,” the Yomiuri Shimbun reported, citing unnamed sources.<h2>What was the incident?</h2>An individual claiming to be an active-duty officer of Japan's Self-Defense Forces reportedly scaled the wall and forcibly entered the Chinese embassy in Japan on Tuesday (Mar 24), prompting the Chinese foreign ministry to issue a sharp reaction. Speaking at a news briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian expressed his country's deep shock over the incident and informed that China has lodged a strong protest with the Japanese side. The ministry did not reveal the identify of the person or their gender. Stating that the incident threatens the personal safety of Chinese diplomatic personnel and the security of diplomatic facilities in Japan, he slammed the Japanese government, claiming that “erroneous policies” of the Takaichi-led government is the major cause of concern in the Sino-Japanese relations. Jian said that the case reflected the rampant growth of far-right thinking and forces in Japan, adding that the resurgence of militarism had become a serious danger.<h2>China and Japan tensions</h2>China and Japan have been embroiled diplomatic faceoff after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi linked a hypothetical Taiwan contingency with the possible deployment of Japanese forces. On Nov 14, 2025, Takaichi was asked by an opposition lawmaker in parliament about “survival-threatening situations.” In response, Takaichi gave an example that an attempt to bring Taiwan completely under the control of Beijing using battleships and military force could constitute such a situation. Beijing condemned the remarks as a challenge to its sovereignty, triggering a diplomatic fallout. In response, Japan returns pandas to China, while Beijing reimposes a ban on Japanese seafood, issues travel warnings, and raises the issue at the UN, demanding an apology. Tourism from China to Japan also drops sharply.

Japan called the Chinese Embassy break-in by a Japan Self-Defense Forces member “regrettable” as China lodged a protest and demanded strict action. The suspect allegedly planned suicide inside. The incident adds to rising tensions between Japan and China.

A day after a man claiming to be a Japanese soldier forcefully attempted entering the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo, Japan has said that the incident was “regrettable". Japan’s top government spokesman Minoru Kihara said that investigation on the matter is underway. This comes after China lodged strong protest over the incident and raised the issue of safety with the Japanese government. Beijing also said that the incident showed rise of new militarism in Japan. Soon after Japanese statement, China urged Japan to “bring the full weight of law” against the perpetrator. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the incident threatened diplomatic security and warned of rising far-right and militarist trends. Government spokesman Minoru Kihara was quoted by AFP saying, “It is truly regrettable that a Self-Defence Forces member, who is expected to comply with the law, has been arrested on suspicion” of entering the embassy premises. "Police are already conducting an investigation to clarify what happened and have implemented necessary measures to strengthen security of the embassy. We will take necessary steps to prevent any recurrence of such incidents," he told a press conference. Also Read: China-Japan tensions escalate as Tokyo announces plans to deploy missiles on island near Taiwan: What's happening A police spokeswoman was also quoted by AFP saying that the suspect has been identified as 23-year-old Kodai Murata. Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun also reported that he was arrested for trespassing. He allegedly told investigators he wanted to meet the Chinese ambassador and, if refused, planned to kill himself inside the embassy. A knife was also reportedly found at the scene. "The suspect told police investigators that he was hoping to meet the ambassador to tell him to refrain from making hardline remarks, and if that request was rejected, I wanted to surprise him by killing myself,” the Yomiuri Shimbun reported, citing unnamed sources. What was the incident? An individual claiming to be an active-duty officer of Japan's Self-Defense Forces reportedly scaled the wall and forcibly entered the Chinese embassy in Japan on Tuesday (Mar 24), prompting the Chinese foreign ministry to issue a sharp reaction. Speaking at a news briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian expressed his country's deep shock over the incident and informed that China has lodged a strong protest with the Japanese side. The ministry did not reveal the identify of the person or their gender. Stating that the incident threatens the personal safety of Chinese diplomatic personnel and the security of diplomatic facilities in Japan, he slammed the Japanese government, claiming that “erroneous policies” of the Takaichi-led government is the major cause of concern in the Sino-Japanese relations. Jian said that the case reflected the rampant growth of far-right thinking and forces in Japan, adding that the resurgence of militarism had become a serious danger. China and Japan tensions China and Japan have been embroiled diplomatic faceoff after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi linked a hypothetical Taiwan contingency with the possible deployment of Japanese forces. On Nov 14, 2025, Takaichi was asked by an opposition lawmaker in parliament about “survival-threatening situations.” In response, Takaichi gave an example that an attempt to bring Taiwan completely under the control of Beijing using battleships and military force could constitute such a situation. Beijing condemned the remarks as a challenge to its sovereignty, triggering a diplomatic fallout. In response, Japan returns pandas to China, while Beijing reimposes a ban on Japanese seafood, issues travel warnings, and raises the issue at the UN, demanding an apology. Tourism from China to Japan also drops sharply.

Japan called the Chinese Embassy break-in by a Japan Self-Defense Forces member “regrettable” as China lodged a protest and demanded strict action. The suspect allegedly planned suicide inside. The incident adds to rising tensions between Japan and China.

Japan regrets, China fumes as man who stormed Chinese embassy in Japan ‘planned to kill...'

In the 8th century, a healing tradition born in India -preached, according to its foundational text, by Lord Buddha himself at Bodh Gaya -crossed the Himalayas into Tibet. It flourished there for centuries, adapted, innovated, and grew into one of the world's most sophisticated traditional medical systems. Back in mainland India, it faded into the shadows. In Ladakh, however, it never left. And today, one man more than any other is responsible for bringing it back -not as folklore, not as a cultural curiosity, but as a formally recognised, scientifically engaged, institutionally anchored medical system with colleges, research laboratories, public health deployments, and a seat at the table of India's national health architecture. That man is Padma Shri Dr Padma Gurmet, Director of the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa in Leh -and in an exclusive interview with WION, he has spoken for the first time in full about the 30-year battle that made it possible.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-china-claimed-it-india-will-own-it-the-battle-for-sowa-rigpa-s-unesco-status-1774337789118">'China claimed it, India will own it': The battle for Sowa-Rigpa's UNESCO status</a><h2>The World He Grew Up In</h2>Long before policy files and parliamentary committees, there was a father, a lantern, and a call in the night. "My father was a famous healer," Dr Gurmet told WION. "From childhood I saw his practice, the way he dealt with patients, and the way he made medicine. During those days, modern medical facilities were quite weak in Ladakh. I remember he used to get calls at night from different villages, and he had to go to those places."What struck the young Gurmet was not the medicine itself, but the spirit behind it. "I saw his practice as service. He practiced with a pure heart. For him, it was not a business; it was more of a religious practice. Serving patients was the main motto of his life."&nbsp;Growing up, he helped grind herbs, collect medicinal plants from the mountains, and assist in the preparation of formulations. Yet, like many young men of his generation facing a modernising Ladakh with limited job prospects, he was not initially drawn to following in his father's footsteps. "As a young school-going child, I was not very keen to pursue that kind of practice," he admitted. What changed his mind was watching the tradition itself begin to disappear.<h2>A Tradition Without a Safety Net</h2>By the time Dr Gurmet completed his six-year degree in 1996–97, Sowa-Rigpa existed in a legal and institutional no-man's land. It was practised, yes -he estimates that even before formal recognition, nearly 50 percent of Ladakh's population&nbsp;relied on traditional Amchi&nbsp;practitioners. But it was unrecognised, unregulated, and increasingly unsustainable. The consequences were immediate and personal. After joining the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences as a research officer in 1997, every attempt to expand the small Leh-based unit he worked in was blocked by the same institutional wall. "Whenever I moved a file requesting more manpower or more research infrastructure, the only answer was: your system is not formally recognised, so expansion is difficult."&nbsp;Then came the ultimatum. The unit was to be wound up and its staff relocated to a mainstream Ayurvedic institution in Jammu. "We faced great difficulty, but with resistance and the help of social and political leaders, we managed to save that unit," Dr Gurmet recalled. “That day I decided that the ultimate goal was to formally enter the AYUSH system of medicine so that growth and further progress could be achieved.” It would take more than a decade.<h2>The 30-Year Campaign -Conference by Conference, File by File</h2>What followed was one of the most methodical, persistent advocacy campaigns in the history of Indian traditional medicine -conducted not from the corridors of power in Delhi, but largely from Leh, at 11,000 feet. Dr Gurmet and his colleagues organised five to six major national conferences in Delhi, bringing together practitioners, policymakers, politicians, and ministers. They built parliamentary committees. They engaged Buddhist parliamentary forums. They produced evidence. And they kept encountering resistance -including from government committees that dismissed Sowa-Rigpa as merely a translation of Ayurveda. "Two or three committees made such negative reports in 2008," Dr Gurmet said. “They did not go into detail.”&nbsp;The turning point came when then-Health Minister Dr Ambani Ramdas visited Ladakh and saw the system firsthand. On returning to Delhi, he directed his secretary, Madam Anita Das, to constitute a dedicated committee for Sowa-Rigpa -separate from the broader traditional medicine review bodies. Dr Gurmet was made its convener. "There were members from diverse fields: allopathic medicine, Ayurveda, and Buddhist scholars," he said. "We prepared a 350-page report&nbsp;after inspecting the entire Himalayan belt. That report became one of the key bases that went to the parliamentary committee."&nbsp;The result, when it finally came, was unambiguous. "With a full majority in both Houses, the bill passed without any objection, and we became a part of AYUSH." The 2010 amendment to the Indian Medicine Central Council Act&nbsp;formally recognised Sowa-Rigpa as a full-fledged Indian medical system. But recognition on paper was only the beginning.<h2>What the System Looks Like Today</h2>The distance between where Sowa-Rigpa stood in 1997 and where it stands today is, by any measure, remarkable. When Dr Gurmet entered the first formal batch of students at the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies in Ladakh, there were 15 students. Only five passed the final examination after six years. Today, six to seven colleges across the Himalayan region run Sowa-Rigpa programmes -and every seat in every college is filled. "Now, after recognition, the door has opened," Dr Gurmet said. "Almost 70 people are now employed in the main health system in Ladakh, which is a big number considering our limited resources."&nbsp;Those 70 Amchis&nbsp;-traditional Sowa-Rigpa physicians -are now deployed at primary health centres across Ladakh, working alongside allopathic doctors in what Dr Gurmet describes as a "cafeteria approach" to healthcare. “You can choose whichever medical system suits you. That opportunity exists.” He is clear-eyed about where each system has its strengths. "There are many illnesses where allopathy has limitations. For example, arthritis and other lifestyle disorders can often only be controlled by allopathy. In many cases, traditional medicine manages them better, and there are no side effects."&nbsp;On cancer -a question the world increasingly asks of traditional systems -he is measured and honest. “We cannot say we can completely treat cancer, but we can manage it better, without side effects or complications. At least we can increase lifespan and improve quality of life.”<h3>The "Padma Shri" - Caught Live, Mid-Lunch</h3>On 25th January 2026, Dr Gurmet received a call from the Ministry of Home Affairs. He had been empanelled -possibly shortlisted, nothing confirmed. He thought little of it and went about his day. Later that afternoon, an unknown Delhi number called while he was having lunch. He answered, expecting a ministry official. “He said, 'Sir, congratulations, you have been selected for the Padma.' I said, 'No, I don't know. Thank you so much.' Then he asked what I thought about it. I said I would call him back later, but he said I was on live TV.” In that unscripted, unrehearsed moment, Dr Gurmet said what he truly felt. “I told him that this is not only respect for me, but recognition for the entire system of medicine. This award was not just for me, but for the entire community and our cultural heritage, for everyone who has practised this system for such a long time.” And then, in that same moment, a face came to mind. "I was remembering my father, who had passed away five or six years earlier. His face was in front of me. He was one of the most famous Amchis&nbsp;of Ladakh. Amchi Tashi was his name, and he was the one who put me into this system."His father had defied the sceptics. “When he put me into practice, many of our relatives told him, 'Why are you spoiling your child's life? This is a profession with no scope.'” Amchi Tashi, it turns out, had better vision than the sceptics.<h2>The Work That Remains</h2>The Padma Shri, Dr Gurmet is quick to point out, is not a conclusion. It is a deadline. At NISR-Leh, the next ambition is to achieve deemed university status -giving the institute the autonomy to design its own curriculum and set its own research agenda. The Trans-Himalayan herbal garden he established over 15 years now holds more than 100 medicinal plant species, cultivated at 11,000 feet and studied for their phytochemical profiles under changing climate conditions. A second garden at higher altitude is already in planning. On the economic frontier, the gap remains stark. India's Sowa-Rigpa industry is currently valued at approximately 11 million US dollars. China's Tibetan medicine industry generates billions of dollars annually. The recent inclusion of Sowa-Rigpa formulations under India's Drugs and Cosmetics Act -just six months ago -has, for the first time, opened the door to licensed commercial production. Internationally, Dr Gurmet is in active dialogue with WHO's Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, and has opened collaborative channels with Bhutan, Nepal, and Mongolia -all nations where Sowa-Rigpa is practised and where a shared research and conservation framework could be built.&nbsp;India's UNESCO nomination for Sowa-Rigpa as Intangible Cultural Heritage -filed in 2019, with Dr Gurmet leading the dossier preparation -remains under consideration, with amendments being prepared for resubmission. "Our ambition is to make the National Institute at least a deemed university," he said. “The second focus must be research. It is an ambitious project.” At 11,000 feet in Ladakh, where plants that once flowered in August at higher elevations now bloom in April under Dr Gurmet's cultivation programme, an ancient medicine is learning to adapt. So, under his watch, is the system that carries it.&nbsp;

Padma Gurmet led the revival of Sowa-Rigpa in India, securing its AYUSH recognition and building institutions in Ladakh, transforming it into a modern, research-backed healthcare system with global ambitions.

In the 8th century, a healing tradition born in India -preached, according to its foundational text, by Lord Buddha himself at Bodh Gaya -crossed the Himalayas into Tibet. It flourished there for centuries, adapted, innovated, and grew into one of the world's most sophisticated traditional medical systems. Back in mainland India, it faded into the shadows. In Ladakh, however, it never left. And today, one man more than any other is responsible for bringing it back -not as folklore, not as a cultural curiosity, but as a formally recognised, scientifically engaged, institutionally anchored medical system with colleges, research laboratories, public health deployments, and a seat at the table of India's national health architecture. That man is Padma Shri Dr Padma Gurmet, Director of the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa in Leh -and in an exclusive interview with WION, he has spoken for the first time in full about the 30-year battle that made it possible. Also Read: 'China claimed it, India will own it': The battle for Sowa-Rigpa's UNESCO status The World He Grew Up In Long before policy files and parliamentary committees, there was a father, a lantern, and a call in the night. "My father was a famous healer," Dr Gurmet told WION. "From childhood I saw his practice, the way he dealt with patients, and the way he made medicine. During those days, modern medical facilities were quite weak in Ladakh. I remember he used to get calls at night from different villages, and he had to go to those places." What struck the young Gurmet was not the medicine itself, but the spirit behind it. "I saw his practice as service. He practiced with a pure heart. For him, it was not a business; it was more of a religious practice. Serving patients was the main motto of his life." Growing up, he helped grind herbs, collect medicinal plants from the mountains, and assist in the preparation of formulations. Yet, like many young men of his generation facing a modernising Ladakh with limited job prospects, he was not initially drawn to following in his father's footsteps. "As a young school-going child, I was not very keen to pursue that kind of practice," he admitted. What changed his mind was watching the tradition itself begin to disappear. A Tradition Without a Safety Net By the time Dr Gurmet completed his six-year degree in 1996–97, Sowa-Rigpa existed in a legal and institutional no-man's land. It was practised, yes -he estimates that even before formal recognition, nearly 50 percent of Ladakh's population relied on traditional Amchi practitioners. But it was unrecognised, unregulated, and increasingly unsustainable. The consequences were immediate and personal. After joining the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences as a research officer in 1997, every attempt to expand the small Leh-based unit he worked in was blocked by the same institutional wall. "Whenever I moved a file requesting more manpower or more research infrastructure, the only answer was: your system is not formally recognised, so expansion is difficult." Then came the ultimatum. The unit was to be wound up and its staff relocated to a mainstream Ayurvedic institution in Jammu. "We faced great difficulty, but with resistance and the help of social and political leaders, we managed to save that unit," Dr Gurmet recalled. “That day I decided that the ultimate goal was to formally enter the AYUSH system of medicine so that growth and further progress could be achieved.” It would take more than a decade. The 30-Year Campaign -Conference by Conference, File by File What followed was one of the most methodical, persistent advocacy campaigns in the history of Indian traditional medicine -conducted not from the corridors of power in Delhi, but largely from Leh, at 11,000 feet. Dr Gurmet and his colleagues organised five to six major national conferences in Delhi, bringing together practitioners, policymakers, politicians, and ministers. They built parliamentary committees. They engaged Buddhist parliamentary forums. They produced evidence. And they kept encountering resistance -including from government committees that dismissed Sowa-Rigpa as merely a translation of Ayurveda. "Two or three committees made such negative reports in 2008," Dr Gurmet said. “They did not go into detail.” The turning point came when then-Health Minister Dr Ambani Ramdas visited Ladakh and saw the system firsthand. On returning to Delhi, he directed his secretary, Madam Anita Das, to constitute a dedicated committee for Sowa-Rigpa -separate from the broader traditional medicine review bodies. Dr Gurmet was made its convener. "There were members from diverse fields: allopathic medicine, Ayurveda, and Buddhist scholars," he said. "We prepared a 350-page report after inspecting the entire Himalayan belt. That report became one of the key bases that went to the parliamentary committee." The result, when it finally came, was unambiguous. "With a full majority in both Houses, the bill passed without any objection, and we became a part of AYUSH." The 2010 amendment to the Indian Medicine Central Council Act formally recognised Sowa-Rigpa as a full-fledged Indian medical system. But recognition on paper was only the beginning. What the System Looks Like Today The distance between where Sowa-Rigpa stood in 1997 and where it stands today is, by any measure, remarkable. When Dr Gurmet entered the first formal batch of students at the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies in Ladakh, there were 15 students. Only five passed the final examination after six years. Today, six to seven colleges across the Himalayan region run Sowa-Rigpa programmes -and every seat in every college is filled. "Now, after recognition, the door has opened," Dr Gurmet said. "Almost 70 people are now employed in the main health system in Ladakh, which is a big number considering our limited resources." Those 70 Amchis -traditional Sowa-Rigpa physicians -are now deployed at primary health centres across Ladakh, working alongside allopathic doctors in what Dr Gurmet describes as a "cafeteria approach" to healthcare. “You can choose whichever medical system suits you. That opportunity exists.” He is clear-eyed about where each system has its strengths. "There are many illnesses where allopathy has limitations. For example, arthritis and other lifestyle disorders can often only be controlled by allopathy. In many cases, traditional medicine manages them better, and there are no side effects." On cancer -a question the world increasingly asks of traditional systems -he is measured and honest. “We cannot say we can completely treat cancer, but we can manage it better, without side effects or complications. At least we can increase lifespan and improve quality of life.” The "Padma Shri" - Caught Live, Mid-Lunch On 25th January 2026, Dr Gurmet received a call from the Ministry of Home Affairs. He had been empanelled -possibly shortlisted, nothing confirmed. He thought little of it and went about his day. Later that afternoon, an unknown Delhi number called while he was having lunch. He answered, expecting a ministry official. “He said, 'Sir, congratulations, you have been selected for the Padma.' I said, 'No, I don't know. Thank you so much.' Then he asked what I thought about it. I said I would call him back later, but he said I was on live TV.” In that unscripted, unrehearsed moment, Dr Gurmet said what he truly felt. “I told him that this is not only respect for me, but recognition for the entire system of medicine. This award was not just for me, but for the entire community and our cultural heritage, for everyone who has practised this system for such a long time.” And then, in that same moment, a face came to mind. "I was remembering my father, who had passed away five or six years earlier. His face was in front of me. He was one of the most famous Amchis of Ladakh. Amchi Tashi was his name, and he was the one who put me into this system." His father had defied the sceptics. “When he put me into practice, many of our relatives told him, 'Why are you spoiling your child's life? This is a profession with no scope.'” Amchi Tashi, it turns out, had better vision than the sceptics. The Work That Remains The Padma Shri, Dr Gurmet is quick to point out, is not a conclusion. It is a deadline. At NISR-Leh, the next ambition is to achieve deemed university status -giving the institute the autonomy to design its own curriculum and set its own research agenda. The Trans-Himalayan herbal garden he established over 15 years now holds more than 100 medicinal plant species, cultivated at 11,000 feet and studied for their phytochemical profiles under changing climate conditions. A second garden at higher altitude is already in planning. On the economic frontier, the gap remains stark. India's Sowa-Rigpa industry is currently valued at approximately 11 million US dollars. China's Tibetan medicine industry generates billions of dollars annually. The recent inclusion of Sowa-Rigpa formulations under India's Drugs and Cosmetics Act -just six months ago -has, for the first time, opened the door to licensed commercial production. Internationally, Dr Gurmet is in active dialogue with WHO's Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, and has opened collaborative channels with Bhutan, Nepal, and Mongolia -all nations where Sowa-Rigpa is practised and where a shared research and conservation framework could be built. India's UNESCO nomination for Sowa-Rigpa as Intangible Cultural Heritage -filed in 2019, with Dr Gurmet leading the dossier preparation -remains under consideration, with amendments being prepared for resubmission. "Our ambition is to make the National Institute at least a deemed university," he said. “The second focus must be research. It is an ambitious project.” At 11,000 feet in Ladakh, where plants that once flowered in August at higher elevations now bloom in April under Dr Gurmet's cultivation programme, an ancient medicine is learning to adapt. So, under his watch, is the system that carries it.

Padma Gurmet led the revival of Sowa-Rigpa in India, securing its AYUSH recognition and building institutions in Ladakh, transforming it into a modern, research-backed healthcare system with global ambitions.

Exclusive: Dr Padma Gurmet- Modern architect of India's Ancient Sowa-Rigpa medicine system

As the patent for semaglutide expired on Friday (Mar 20), Indian pharmaceutical companies rolled out their versions of the drug the same day. Semaglutide, a potent GLP-1 receptor agonist primarily used to treat Type 2 diabetes, has been popularised for its weight loss capabilities. The government has now issued an advisory against unauthorised sale and promotion of the drug.&nbsp;Reports of it being misused as a lifestyle drug have been doing the rounds for a while now. In its statement, the government said, “With the recent introduction of multiple generic variants of GLP-1-based weight loss drugs in the Indian market, concerns have emerged regarding their on-demand availability through retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers, and wellness clinics. These drugs, when used without proper medical supervision, may lead to serious adverse effects and related health risks.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/what-is-ozempic-are-celebrities-really-using-this-drug-side-effects-uses-and-more-all-you-need-to-know-8948876">Ozempic: Are celebrities using this drug? Is it available in India? Side effects, uses, and more - all you need to know</a>&nbsp;India’s Drugs Controller has collaborated with state regulators and initiated a series of targeted actions to curb possible malpractices across the pharmaceutical supply chain and prevent unauthorised sales and use.

Following the March 20 patent cliff, the Indian government has intensified surveillance on GLP-1 weight loss drugs, targeting unauthorized sales at wellness clinics and online pharmacies.

As the patent for semaglutide expired on Friday (Mar 20), Indian pharmaceutical companies rolled out their versions of the drug the same day. Semaglutide, a potent GLP-1 receptor agonist primarily used to treat Type 2 diabetes, has been popularised for its weight loss capabilities. The government has now issued an advisory against unauthorised sale and promotion of the drug. Reports of it being misused as a lifestyle drug have been doing the rounds for a while now. In its statement, the government said, “With the recent introduction of multiple generic variants of GLP-1-based weight loss drugs in the Indian market, concerns have emerged regarding their on-demand availability through retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers, and wellness clinics. These drugs, when used without proper medical supervision, may lead to serious adverse effects and related health risks.” Also read: Ozempic: Are celebrities using this drug? Is it available in India? Side effects, uses, and more - all you need to know India’s Drugs Controller has collaborated with state regulators and initiated a series of targeted actions to curb possible malpractices across the pharmaceutical supply chain and prevent unauthorised sales and use.

Following the March 20 patent cliff, the Indian government has intensified surveillance on GLP-1 weight loss drugs, targeting unauthorised sales at wellness clinics and online pharmacies.

Not a lifestyle drug: Govt issues stern advisory as generic weight loss jabs flood Indian market

The Congress party may soon be required to empty its long-standing office at 24 Akbar Road, which it has occupied since 1978. The location is closely linked to its presence in the national capital’s Lutyens’ zone. Party officials confirmed that an eviction notice was recently served, directing them to leave the premises by March 28. According to a report by the Time of India, a similar notice has also been issued to the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) for its office at 5 Raisina Road, with the same deadline. Congress leaders indicated they are likely to move to court to challenge any forced eviction. Even though the party has already moved its main operations to its new headquarters, Indira Bhavan, near ITO, it has continued to hold on to the Akbar Road address because of its symbolic and political significance. Senior Congress leader and MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi has criticised the decision, describing it as “illegal and politically motivated,” and stated that the party would explore all legal avenues. “This is illegal and politically motivated, and all legal recourses would be taken against the notices," he said.<h3>Restructuring the bungalow’s allotment</h3>Party officials stressed that the Akbar Road property is a key part of the organisation’s legacy, adding that the Congress has been paying market rent for it. They also noted that after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, there were attempts to have the bungalow allotted to a senior Congress MP, but these efforts were unsuccessful. Additionally, they pointed out that the Raisina Road bungalow had been allotted in the party’s name for use by its youth wing. Meanwhile, the Congress is also considering requesting more time from the government to handle the transition. One option being discussed is restructuring the bungalow’s allotment, possibly by moving a senior leader to the Rajya Sabha and securing the property in their name to retain its use under existing rules. However, this would require swift political and legal steps ahead of the March 28 deadline.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-bring-law-mandating-75-jobs-for-resident-tamils-aiadmk-manifesto-1774364506460">Will bring law mandating 75% jobs for resident Tamils: AIADMK manifesto</a>

A similar notice has also been issued to the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) for its office at 5 Raisina Road, with the same deadline. Congress leaders indicated they are likely to move to court to challenge any forced eviction.

The Congress party may soon be required to empty its long-standing office at 24 Akbar Road, which it has occupied since 1978. The location is closely linked to its presence in the national capital’s Lutyens’ zone. Party officials confirmed that an eviction notice was recently served, directing them to leave the premises by March 28. According to a report by the Time of India, a similar notice has also been issued to the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) for its office at 5 Raisina Road, with the same deadline. Congress leaders indicated they are likely to move to court to challenge any forced eviction. Even though the party has already moved its main operations to its new headquarters, Indira Bhavan, near ITO, it has continued to hold on to the Akbar Road address because of its symbolic and political significance. Senior Congress leader and MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi has criticised the decision, describing it as “illegal and politically motivated,” and stated that the party would explore all legal avenues. “This is illegal and politically motivated, and all legal recourses would be taken against the notices," he said. Restructuring the bungalow’s allotment Party officials stressed that the Akbar Road property is a key part of the organisation’s legacy, adding that the Congress has been paying market rent for it. They also noted that after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, there were attempts to have the bungalow allotted to a senior Congress MP, but these efforts were unsuccessful. Additionally, they pointed out that the Raisina Road bungalow had been allotted in the party’s name for use by its youth wing. Meanwhile, the Congress is also considering requesting more time from the government to handle the transition. One option being discussed is restructuring the bungalow’s allotment, possibly by moving a senior leader to the Rajya Sabha and securing the property in their name to retain its use under existing rules. However, this would require swift political and legal steps ahead of the March 28 deadline. Also read: Will bring law mandating 75% jobs for resident Tamils: AIADMK manifesto

A similar notice has also been issued to the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) for its office at 5 Raisina Road, with the same deadline. Congress leaders indicated they are likely to move to court to challenge any forced eviction.

'Illegal, politically motivated': Congress asked to vacate iconic 24 Akbar Road office occupied since 1978 by March 28

The Maharashtra Government has registered eight FIRs against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat following multiple complaints alleging sexual assault, extortion and circulation of objectionable material.Confirming the development, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the police acted promptly after receiving complaints from several victims, leading to cases being filed across different jurisdictions.He emphasised that the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness and that authorities have been directed to ensure a thorough and time-bound investigation.According to police sources, the allegations point to a disturbing pattern of abuse of power, with Kharat accused of exploiting his position as a spiritual figure to gain the trust of followers.Many of the complainants were allegedly manipulated or coerced under the pretext of spiritual guidance, with some accusing him of sexual exploitation and financial extortion.Investigators are currently examining digital evidence, including mobile phones and electronic records, in connection with claims that objectionable material was created or circulated.Officials said statements from multiple complainants have been recorded, and efforts are underway to identify additional victims who may not yet have come forward.Senior officers indicated that more charges could be added as the probe progresses, depending on the evidence gathered. Police teams are also looking into whether there were associates involved in facilitating the alleged crimes.The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on crimes against women and misuse of religious influence. “No individual, irrespective of their position or following, will be above the law,” Fadnavis said, assuring strict action against those found guilty.The case has triggered wider concerns about the unchecked influence of self-styled godmen and the potential for exploitation under the guise of faith. Social activists and legal experts have called for stricter monitoring and regulatory frameworks to prevent such incidents.Meanwhile, authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward, assuring protection and confidentiality to victims and witnesses. The investigation remains ongoing.

According to police sources, the allegations point to a disturbing pattern of abuse of power, with Kharat accused of exploiting his position as a spiritual figure to gain the trust of followers.

The Maharashtra Government has registered eight FIRs against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat following multiple complaints alleging sexual assault, extortion and circulation of objectionable material. Confirming the development, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the police acted promptly after receiving complaints from several victims, leading to cases being filed across different jurisdictions. He emphasised that the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness and that authorities have been directed to ensure a thorough and time-bound investigation. According to police sources, the allegations point to a disturbing pattern of abuse of power, with Kharat accused of exploiting his position as a spiritual figure to gain the trust of followers. Many of the complainants were allegedly manipulated or coerced under the pretext of spiritual guidance, with some accusing him of sexual exploitation and financial extortion. Investigators are currently examining digital evidence, including mobile phones and electronic records, in connection with claims that objectionable material was created or circulated. Officials said statements from multiple complainants have been recorded, and efforts are underway to identify additional victims who may not yet have come forward. Senior officers indicated that more charges could be added as the probe progresses, depending on the evidence gathered. Police teams are also looking into whether there were associates involved in facilitating the alleged crimes. The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on crimes against women and misuse of religious influence. “No individual, irrespective of their position or following, will be above the law,” Fadnavis said, assuring strict action against those found guilty. The case has triggered wider concerns about the unchecked influence of self-styled godmen and the potential for exploitation under the guise of faith. Social activists and legal experts have called for stricter monitoring and regulatory frameworks to prevent such incidents. Meanwhile, authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward, assuring protection and confidentiality to victims and witnesses. The investigation remains ongoing.

According to police sources, the allegations point to a disturbing pattern of abuse of power, with Kharat accused of exploiting his position as a spiritual figure to gain the trust of followers.

Self-styled Godman Ashok Kharat booked in 8 cases across Maharashtra

The Jagannath Temple at Puri is set to begin its first treasury audit of jewellery and other valuables from Wednesday (Mar 25), marking the comprehensive verification of its gold, diamonds, and other ornaments in over 40 years. The Ratna Bhandar (temple treasury), which dates back to the 12th century, will be opened for the process during an auspicious window between 12:09 pm and 1:25 pm Chaitra Shukla Saptami, the seventh day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Chaitra, which is often dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. The exercise is to be completed within three months, according to the Orissa High Court order.According to an HT report, citing retired Orissa High Court judge Biswanath Rath, who heads the temple’s inventorisation committee, said that the exercise will verify every ornament against the nearly 50-year-old register and determine what survives, what is missing and what has been added.“The inventory will cover three distinct categories of treasure. First to be counted are the Chalanti Ratna Bhandar, or the outer, movable treasury, which holds ornaments used in the daily adornment of the Holy Trinity of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra. It has crowns, garlands, earrings, armlets, ankle ornaments, forehead marks, and celestial symbols,” Justice (retd) Rath told HT.Once the documentation for the outer treasury is completed, the audit will move to the Bhitara Ratna Bhandar, or the inner chamber, which holds the temple’s original and most ancient valuables. Since the compilation of the list by the servitors in 1978, it has not been entered.The administration has said that the Lord’s Niti Kanti, Bhog Aarti, or darshan for devotees will not be affected by the audit process. It added that the counting will be conducted in phases or a time-staggered manner to ensure crowd management and the temple’s decorum.A six-member supervising committee, including renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, will oversee the process and ensure procedural compliance. Another handling committee of 12 categories of members will assist in identifying and authenticating the ornaments. It will include representatives from recognised commercial banks and the Reserve Bank of India, temple servitors, administrative officials and temple goldsmiths.

Jagannath Temple begins its first treasury audit in 40 years, verifying jewellery and ornaments. Outer and inner chambers will be checked under court order without affecting darshan, ensuring transparency.

The Jagannath Temple at Puri is set to begin its first treasury audit of jewellery and other valuables from Wednesday (Mar 25), marking the comprehensive verification of its gold, diamonds, and other ornaments in over 40 years. The Ratna Bhandar (temple treasury), which dates back to the 12th century, will be opened for the process during an auspicious window between 12:09 pm and 1:25 pm Chaitra Shukla Saptami, the seventh day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Chaitra, which is often dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. The exercise is to be completed within three months, according to the Orissa High Court order. According to an HT report, citing retired Orissa High Court judge Biswanath Rath, who heads the temple’s inventorisation committee, said that the exercise will verify every ornament against the nearly 50-year-old register and determine what survives, what is missing and what has been added. “The inventory will cover three distinct categories of treasure. First to be counted are the Chalanti Ratna Bhandar, or the outer, movable treasury, which holds ornaments used in the daily adornment of the Holy Trinity of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra. It has crowns, garlands, earrings, armlets, ankle ornaments, forehead marks, and celestial symbols,” Justice (retd) Rath told HT. Once the documentation for the outer treasury is completed, the audit will move to the Bhitara Ratna Bhandar, or the inner chamber, which holds the temple’s original and most ancient valuables. Since the compilation of the list by the servitors in 1978, it has not been entered. The administration has said that the Lord’s Niti Kanti, Bhog Aarti, or darshan for devotees will not be affected by the audit process. It added that the counting will be conducted in phases or a time-staggered manner to ensure crowd management and the temple’s decorum. A six-member supervising committee, including renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, will oversee the process and ensure procedural compliance. Another handling committee of 12 categories of members will assist in identifying and authenticating the ornaments. It will include representatives from recognised commercial banks and the Reserve Bank of India, temple servitors, administrative officials and temple goldsmiths.

Jagannath Temple begins its first treasury audit in 40 years, verifying jewellery and ornaments. Outer and inner chambers will be checked under court order without affecting darshan, ensuring transparency.

Jagannath Temple to begin treasury audit today for first time in 40 years – What we know

In a heartbreaking incident, a nine-year-old girl from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region lost her life to rabies months after being scratched by a stray dog, highlighting the deadly consequences of delayed treatment and incomplete vaccination.The victim was identified as Kashish Sahini, who was studying in the fourth standard.&nbsp;The incident was reported from Nalasopara in neighbouring Palghar district, where the child had reportedly been scratched by a stray dog nearly five to six months ago. According to local health officials, the wound initially did not appear serious, and although she was taken for medical attention, she did not complete the full course of anti-rabies vaccination.For months, the child remained stable. However, her condition has suddenly deteriorated in recent days. She began showing symptoms associated with rabies, including difficulty in swallowing, refusal to eat or drink, and unusual behavioural changes. Alarmed by her condition, the family rushed her to a local hospital before she was shifted to Kasturba Hospital in Mumbai, which specialises in infectious diseases.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-assembly-passes-anti-conversion-bill-amid-political-uproar-opposition-calls-it-unconstitutional-what-next-1773732249109">Maharashtra assembly passes 'anti-conversion' bill amid political uproar, opposition calls it 'unconstitutional': What next?</a>Despite medical efforts, the child succumbed during treatment. Doctors reiterated that rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making timely intervention critical.Health experts say the case underlines a dangerous misconception — that minor scratches or superficial wounds from animals are harmless. In reality, even small exposures can transmit the virus if left untreated. Immediate washing of the wound and completing the full vaccination schedule remain the only effective safeguards.The incident has once again brought attention to gaps in public awareness and the ongoing challenge of managing stray dog populations in urban and suburban areas. Authorities are urging parents and caregivers to treat every animal bite or scratch as a medical emergency and ensure timely, complete treatment to prevent such tragedies.

A 9-year-old girl from Nalasopara died of rabies months after a stray dog scratch and incomplete vaccination, highlighting the dangers of delayed treatment.

In a heartbreaking incident, a nine-year-old girl from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region lost her life to rabies months after being scratched by a stray dog, highlighting the deadly consequences of delayed treatment and incomplete vaccination. The victim was identified as Kashish Sahini, who was studying in the fourth standard. The incident was reported from Nalasopara in neighbouring Palghar district, where the child had reportedly been scratched by a stray dog nearly five to six months ago. According to local health officials, the wound initially did not appear serious, and although she was taken for medical attention, she did not complete the full course of anti-rabies vaccination. For months, the child remained stable. However, her condition has suddenly deteriorated in recent days. She began showing symptoms associated with rabies, including difficulty in swallowing, refusal to eat or drink, and unusual behavioural changes. Alarmed by her condition, the family rushed her to a local hospital before she was shifted to Kasturba Hospital in Mumbai, which specialises in infectious diseases. Also Read: Maharashtra assembly passes 'anti-conversion' bill amid political uproar, opposition calls it 'unconstitutional': What next? Despite medical efforts, the child succumbed during treatment. Doctors reiterated that rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making timely intervention critical. Health experts say the case underlines a dangerous misconception — that minor scratches or superficial wounds from animals are harmless. In reality, even small exposures can transmit the virus if left untreated. Immediate washing of the wound and completing the full vaccination schedule remain the only effective safeguards. The incident has once again brought attention to gaps in public awareness and the ongoing challenge of managing stray dog populations in urban and suburban areas. Authorities are urging parents and caregivers to treat every animal bite or scratch as a medical emergency and ensure timely, complete treatment to prevent such tragedies.

A 9-year-old girl from Nalasopara died of rabies months after a stray dog scratch and incomplete vaccination, highlighting the dangers of delayed treatment.

Child dies of rabies in Mumbai region after incomplete vaccination

Veering into geopolitical issues between India and Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu's principal opposition party AIADMK said in its manifesto that firm steps will be taken to retrieve Katchatheevu, an islet near Tamil Nadu that the Indian government ceded to the neighbouring island nation Sri Lanka, back in 1974. Retrieving Katchatheevu has been a regular political demand of the fishing community in Tamil Nadu. AIADMK also added that they will urge the Central government to grant ‘dual citizenship’ to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees living in India. About 89,000 Sri Lankan Tamils have been living in the Southern Indian state, after having fled their home country.&nbsp;&nbsp;AIADMK leads the National Democratic Alliance in Tamil Nadu, which comprises the BJP, India's ruling party. Tamil Nadu is to vote on April 23. A law mandating that a minimum of 75 per cent of jobs in all private companies, factories, and commercial establishments operating in Tamil Nadu must be provided to Tamils belonging to the state, was also mentioned in the manifesto. &nbsp;&nbsp;The major welfare measures announced in the manifesto include: one-time compassionate assistance of Rs.10,000 for every household in the state, waiver of education loans obtained from banks for those who are unable to repay EMIs owing to unemployment, monthly assistance of Rs. 2,000 for unemployed graduate youth and young women registered in employment exchanges; Rs. 1,000 per month for those who have studied up to class 12 and registered in employment exchanges.&nbsp;&nbsp;On issues pertaining to centre-state relations it was said: it is our policy that the Central government must provide&nbsp;proper financial and administrative devolution to the state fovernments and this will be pressed always, we will continuously insist that Tamil Nadu's current proportional &nbsp;representation is not reduced during the delimitation of constituencies, we continuously assert that clauses detrimental to the &nbsp;two-language policy envisioned by Arignar Anna are unacceptable. There is no change in this stance. We will continue to adhere to our position that no clauses detrimental to the rights and policies of Tamil Nadu can be accepted, said the manifesto."&nbsp;&nbsp;"We will increase the financial resources accordingly. Just like we managed to overcome the revenue deficit during the COVID-19 period, we will increase the financial support and properly implement the projects we announced," AIADMK chief Edappadi Palaniswami said when queried about how the welfare measures mentioned in the manifesto could be implemented amid the heavy debt burden on the state.&nbsp;

Will bring law mandating 75% jobs for resident Tamils: AIADMK manifesto

Veering into geopolitical issues between India and Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu's principal opposition party AIADMK said in its manifesto that firm steps will be taken to retrieve Katchatheevu, an islet near Tamil Nadu that the Indian government ceded to the neighbouring island nation Sri Lanka, back in 1974. Retrieving Katchatheevu has been a regular political demand of the fishing community in Tamil Nadu. AIADMK also added that they will urge the Central government to grant ‘dual citizenship’ to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees living in India. About 89,000 Sri Lankan Tamils have been living in the Southern Indian state, after having fled their home country. AIADMK leads the National Democratic Alliance in Tamil Nadu, which comprises the BJP, India's ruling party. Tamil Nadu is to vote on April 23. A law mandating that a minimum of 75 per cent of jobs in all private companies, factories, and commercial establishments operating in Tamil Nadu must be provided to Tamils belonging to the state, was also mentioned in the manifesto. The major welfare measures announced in the manifesto include: one-time compassionate assistance of Rs.10,000 for every household in the state, waiver of education loans obtained from banks for those who are unable to repay EMIs owing to unemployment, monthly assistance of Rs. 2,000 for unemployed graduate youth and young women registered in employment exchanges; Rs. 1,000 per month for those who have studied up to class 12 and registered in employment exchanges. On issues pertaining to centre-state relations it was said: it is our policy that the Central government must provide proper financial and administrative devolution to the state fovernments and this will be pressed always, we will continuously insist that Tamil Nadu's current proportional representation is not reduced during the delimitation of constituencies, we continuously assert that clauses detrimental to the two-language policy envisioned by Arignar Anna are unacceptable. There is no change in this stance. We will continue to adhere to our position that no clauses detrimental to the rights and policies of Tamil Nadu can be accepted, said the manifesto." "We will increase the financial resources accordingly. Just like we managed to overcome the revenue deficit during the COVID-19 period, we will increase the financial support and properly implement the projects we announced," AIADMK chief Edappadi Palaniswami said when queried about how the welfare measures mentioned in the manifesto could be implemented amid the heavy debt burden on the state.

AIADMK also added that they will urge the Central government to grant ‘dual citizenship’ to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees living in India. About 89,000 Sri Lankan Tamils have been living in the Southern Indian state, after having fled their home country.

A Delhi court on Tuesday (March 24) sentenced Kashmiri separatist and Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM) chief Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment. The sentencing follows her conviction earlier this year for waging war against India and conspiring to commit terrorist acts.&nbsp;&nbsp;Along with Andrabi, two of her close associates, Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen, were also awarded 30-year prison terms for their involvement in the same case.&nbsp;Karkardooma Court Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh pronounced the verdict after hearing detailed arguments on the quantum of punishment. The NIA (National Investigation Agency) had pushed for the maximum penalty, arguing that Andrabi was involved in a deep-rooted conspiracy to destabilise &nbsp;India.&nbsp;&nbsp;The court noted that the convicts used social media and public platforms to incite hatred, glorify armed militancy, and advocate for the secession of Jammu and Kashmir to merge with Pakistan.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-sc-status-after-conversion-to-religion-other-than-hinduism-buddhism-or-sikhism-supreme-court-1774342546796">No SC status after conversion to religion other than Hinduism, Buddhism or Sikhism: Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The case against the three women dates back to 2018, when the NIA registered an FIR alleging that the banned all-women outfit DeM was soliciting support from Pakistan-based terror entities. Investigations revealed that Andrabi was in regular contact with high-level Pakistani officials and designated global terrorists, including Hafiz Saeed.&nbsp;&nbsp;The court noted that while the accused claimed to fight for self-determination, their actions were primarily aimed at promoting an armed uprising and establishing a religious caliphate, thereby posing a direct threat to the integrity of the nation.

Along with Andrabi, two of her close associates, Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen, were also awarded 30-year prison terms for their involvement in the same case.

A Delhi court on Tuesday (March 24) sentenced Kashmiri separatist and Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM) chief Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment. The sentencing follows her conviction earlier this year for waging war against India and conspiring to commit terrorist acts. Along with Andrabi, two of her close associates, Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen, were also awarded 30-year prison terms for their involvement in the same case. Karkardooma Court Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh pronounced the verdict after hearing detailed arguments on the quantum of punishment. The NIA (National Investigation Agency) had pushed for the maximum penalty, arguing that Andrabi was involved in a deep-rooted conspiracy to destabilise India. The court noted that the convicts used social media and public platforms to incite hatred, glorify armed militancy, and advocate for the secession of Jammu and Kashmir to merge with Pakistan. Also Read: No SC status after conversion to religion other than Hinduism, Buddhism or Sikhism: Supreme Court The case against the three women dates back to 2018, when the NIA registered an FIR alleging that the banned all-women outfit DeM was soliciting support from Pakistan-based terror entities. Investigations revealed that Andrabi was in regular contact with high-level Pakistani officials and designated global terrorists, including Hafiz Saeed. The court noted that while the accused claimed to fight for self-determination, their actions were primarily aimed at promoting an armed uprising and establishing a religious caliphate, thereby posing a direct threat to the integrity of the nation.

Along with Andrabi, two of her close associates, Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen, were also awarded 30-year prison terms for their involvement in the same case.

Delhi court sentences Kashmir separatist Asiya Andrabi to life in terror case

Indian LPG tankers Jag Vasant and Pine Gas had transited through the Strait of Hormuz. This comes amid the US-Israel war on Iran, which resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation. Videos and Photos of the vessels were shared by the News agency ANI, after the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed that two Indian LPG carriers have crossed the vital trade choke point.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Visuals of Pine Gas LPG Carrier, which crossed the Strait of Hormuz Two Indian LPG carriers, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, carrying 92,612.59 MT of LPG, have transited through the Strait of Hormuz. The vessels have 33 and 27 Indian seafarers onboard, respectively. These vessels are… <a href="https://t.co/nkc12f3Tnh">pic.twitter.com/nkc12f3Tnh</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2036373866784928120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>All we know about Jag Vasant and Pine Gas</h2>The two vessel started their journey from the Persian Gulf on Monday, March 22, carrying roughly 92,612 metric tonnes, a day of India's supply of Liquid Petroleum Gas and 60 Indian seafarers together. Jag Vasant, owned by the Great Eastern Shipping, is expected to arrive at Kandla port on March 26, and Pine Gas Owned by Seven Islands Shipping, is scheduled to arrive at New Mangalore port on the morning of March 27. &nbsp;Chartered by Bharat Petroleum, Jag Basant loaded its cargo in Kuwait, while Pine Gas, chartered by Indian Oil Corporation, loaded its cargo at the Ruwais port in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as reported by Reuters. Both the ship transited through Iranian territorial waters between Iran's Larak and Qeshm islands, to make their identity known to the Iranian authorities as they navigated close to the strait.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/narendra-modi-india-oil-reserves-west-asia-conflict-1774352194750">Narendra Modi says India has enough crude oil reserves- How much oil does India have?</a><h2>Which Indian ships have reached, and how many are stranded?</h2>&nbsp;MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi, carrying about 92,712 tonnes of LPG, have reached Indian ports in Mundra, Gujarat, and Kandla port, Gujarat, on March 16 and March 17, respectively. While two other Indian-flagged oil tankers, Jag Laadki reached Mundra on March 18, and Jag Prakash previously crossed the Hormuz, is en route to Tanzania. 24 other Indian-flagged vessels are on the 22 are on the West side of the Strait, that is, they are still stuck on the Strait. &nbsp;

Indian LPG tankers Jag Vasant and Pine Gas cross the Strait of Hormuz amid Iran conflict, ensuring fuel supply as several vessels remain stranded.

Indian LPG tankers Jag Vasant and Pine Gas had transited through the Strait of Hormuz. This comes amid the US-Israel war on Iran, which resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation. Videos and Photos of the vessels were shared by the News agency ANI, after the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed that two Indian LPG carriers have crossed the vital trade choke point.

Indian LPG tankers Jag Vasant and Pine Gas cross the Strait of Hormuz amid Iran conflict, ensuring fuel supply as several vessels remain stranded.

Indian LPG tankers Jag Vasant and Pine Gas cross Strait of Hormuz amid Iran conflict disruption

US President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (March 24) to review the evolving situation in West Asia, according to US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. Sharing the update on X, Gor said that both leaders underlined the need to ensure uninterrupted operations in the Strait of Hormuz. The discussion followed Trump’s announcement of a temporary five-day pause on proposed US strikes targeting Iran’s energy sector. He described recent engagements with Tehran as ‘productive’, suggesting ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions that have unsettled global markets and triggered concerns over energy supplies.<h2>What did Modi and Trump discuss during the call?</h2>In a post on X, Indian PM wrote, “Received a call from President Trump and had a useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia. India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest. Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world. We agreed to stay in touch regarding efforts towards peace and stability.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Received a call from President Trump and had a useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia. India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest. Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world.…&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/2036433142815523128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha, warning that the conflict in West Asia could have lasting consequences, particularly for energy availability, inflation, and trade. He urged citizens to stay prepared for potential disruptions, while assuring that the government remains vigilant and committed to protecting national interests.&nbsp;Modi also appealed to state governments to coordinate closely, similar to their approach during the COVID-19 crisis, to safeguard vulnerable populations such as migrant workers and to curb hoarding or black marketing. Speaking in the Lok Sabha a day earlier, the Prime Minister had termed the situation ‘concerning’, pointing to India’s reliance on the region for energy imports. He reassured the public that supplies of petrol, diesel, and LPG are being secured through diversified sourcing strategies, and reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable paths to resolving the conflict, despite the possibility of prolonged instability.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Donald Trump just spoke with Prime Minister Modi. They discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East, including the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.&mdash; Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbIndia/status/2036423869033058696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

'Ensuring Strait of Hormuz remains open': Modi, Trump hold talks for first time on West Asia conflict

US President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (March 24) to review the evolving situation in West Asia, according to US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. Sharing the update on X, Gor said that both leaders underlined the need to ensure uninterrupted operations in the Strait of Hormuz. The discussion followed Trump’s announcement of a temporary five-day pause on proposed US strikes targeting Iran’s energy sector. He described recent engagements with Tehran as ‘productive’, suggesting ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions that have unsettled global markets and triggered concerns over energy supplies. What did Modi and Trump discuss during the call? In a post on X, Indian PM wrote, “Received a call from President Trump and had a useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia. India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest. Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world. We agreed to stay in touch regarding efforts towards peace and stability.”

Donald Trump and Narendra Modi discussed West Asia tensions, stressing open Hormuz routes as India prepares for potential energy, trade, and inflation impacts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the budget session of the Parliament, addressing the escalating conflict in West Asia, assured that India has adequate crude oil supply and storage arrangements. The war in West Asia has reached its fourth week, creating a major disruption in the global energy market. India, which is dependent on the Middle East for roughly 40 per cent of the country’s oil imports and 60 per cent of its gas are also gradually facing the squeeze.&nbsp;“West Asian war has impacted us all. I want to express the government's stance on this war in front of the House and the people of India. This war has been going on for over 3 weeks. It has created a serious fuel issue in the world. The situation in India is worrying too. This has impacted our ways of business,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-modi-foreign-policy-iran-crisis-india-1774348116061">'A universal joke': Rahul Gandhi attacks Narendra Modi over foreign policy amid Iran war</a><h2>How much oil does India have?</h2>Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that there is no energy security crisis in India. He said that the supply of petrol and diesel remains smooth across the country. He suggested that India has more than 5.3 million metric tonnes of strategic petroleum reserves, and is also working on arranging an additional 6.5 million metric tonnes of storage.&nbsp;"Along with that, India's refining capacity has also been increased in the past 10 years. I want to assure the country that India has enough crude oil storage and non-stop supply arrangements,” said Modi. He also claimed that the Union Government is constantly in contact with suppliers from different countries, and the effort is to ensure that oil and gas supplies continue from the sources wherever possible.Junior Petroleum Minister Suresh Gopi told Parliament on Monday, citing data released by the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd, India has 3.372 million tons of Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), which is two-thirds of its maximum capacity. These number is excluding the total refined petroleum products like petrol and diesel. According to various estimates, India needs 5.5 million barrels of crude oil daily. According to Gopi, the SPR can last for 74 days. Further, India holds 4.98 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, 0.28 per cent of global oil reserves and an Indian production capacity that meets only 15-18 per cent of total Indian demand.&nbsp;"Govt has constituted 7 empowered groups to evolve strategies on fuel, supply chains, fertilisers, among others," said PM Modi. He further assured that, irrespective of the crisis, maintaining growth is their responsibility.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;

PM Narendra Modi assures India has sufficient crude oil reserves and a stable fuel supply despite disruptions caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the budget session of the Parliament, addressing the escalating conflict in West Asia, assured that India has adequate crude oil supply and storage arrangements. The war in West Asia has reached its fourth week, creating a major disruption in the global energy market. India, which is dependent on the Middle East for roughly 40 per cent of the country’s oil imports and 60 per cent of its gas are also gradually facing the squeeze. “West Asian war has impacted us all. I want to express the government's stance on this war in front of the House and the people of India. This war has been going on for over 3 weeks. It has created a serious fuel issue in the world. The situation in India is worrying too. This has impacted our ways of business,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Also Read: 'A universal joke': Rahul Gandhi attacks Narendra Modi over foreign policy amid Iran war How much oil does India have? Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that there is no energy security crisis in India. He said that the supply of petrol and diesel remains smooth across the country. He suggested that India has more than 5.3 million metric tonnes of strategic petroleum reserves, and is also working on arranging an additional 6.5 million metric tonnes of storage. "Along with that, India's refining capacity has also been increased in the past 10 years. I want to assure the country that India has enough crude oil storage and non-stop supply arrangements,” said Modi. He also claimed that the Union Government is constantly in contact with suppliers from different countries, and the effort is to ensure that oil and gas supplies continue from the sources wherever possible. Junior Petroleum Minister Suresh Gopi told Parliament on Monday, citing data released by the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd, India has 3.372 million tons of Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), which is two-thirds of its maximum capacity. These number is excluding the total refined petroleum products like petrol and diesel. According to various estimates, India needs 5.5 million barrels of crude oil daily. According to Gopi, the SPR can last for 74 days. Further, India holds 4.98 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, 0.28 per cent of global oil reserves and an Indian production capacity that meets only 15-18 per cent of total Indian demand. "Govt has constituted 7 empowered groups to evolve strategies on fuel, supply chains, fertilisers, among others," said PM Modi. He further assured that, irrespective of the crisis, maintaining growth is their responsibility.

PM Narendra Modi assures India has sufficient crude oil reserves and stable fuel supply despite disruptions caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Narendra Modi says India has enough crude oil reserves- How much oil does India have?

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India has no fuel crisis, says PM Modi- How much oil does India have?