#Gravitas India's defence exports have surged by more than 62 percent, reaching a record Rs 38,424 crore or around 4.11 billion U.S. Dollars in the 2025-26 financial year. A sharp jump of Rs 14,802 crore or 1.58 billion U.S. dollars compared to last year’s fiscal.


India's Defence Exports Surge 62% to $4.1 Billion

Saudi Arabia and India pushed for the release of a key climate report in 2019, highlighting divisions among countries over how scientific findings on emissions and warming should be presented. The episode underscored tensions between developing economies and global climate policy expectations, as nations balanced environmental commitments with economic priorities.


Saudi, India Push for Report's Release in 2019 

In a major revelation, Indian Navy Chief Dinesh K Tripathi has said that the Navy was just minutes away from launching strikes on Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. The statement offers a rare glimpse into how close the situation came to a potential escalation at sea.


BREAKING: Indian Navy Was Minutes Away From Striking Pakistan During Op Sindoor, Says Navy Chief

In this gripping report, we break down how an Indian LPG tanker managed to escape the volatile Strait of Hormuz during escalating tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel.

The vessel, carrying thousands of tonnes of LPG, was forced to wait for weeks as missile strikes and drone activity intensified in the region. With traditional shipping lanes compromised, the tanker was guided through an unusual and rarely used route near Iran’s Larak Island—under the supervision of Iranian forces.

Indian LPG Tanker’s Dangerous Escape via Secret Hormuz Route

India's dependence on imported oil for over 85 percent of its needs makes the country extremely vulnerable to rising crude prices. The US-Israel war with Iran, now in its fifth week, has pushed oil prices over 50 percent this month. That has been the Achilles’ heel for Indian stocks and the rupee. The surge in crude to above 114 Dollars per barrel has raised concerns over inflation and macro stability. 


Indian Stock Market: Sensex, Nifty Post Worst Month Since 2020 Amid War Shock

Indian‑flagged LPG tanker Pine Gas loaded cargo, that left the United Arab Emirates’ ‌Ruwais port on Feb 27, took an alternate route to reach India as Iran-US-Israeli war broke out in the region. The vessel transited the Strait of Hormuz three weeks later, after Iran allowed ships through the narrow waterway. On Tuesday (Mar 31), Pine Gas Chief Officer Sohan Lal ​revealed that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) instructed the tanker to navigate a narrow channel north of ⁠Larak Island off Iran’s coast. Lal said Indian authorities and the ship’s owner, Mumbai‑based Seven Islands Shipping, agreed to proceed only if every crew member consented to the voyage.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-allows-india-to-use-strait-of-hormuz-amid-energy-crisis-pakistan-china-other-countries-on-the-list-1774504190136">Iran allows India, 4 other nations to use Strait of Hormuz amid energy crisis</a>&nbsp;According to reports, the ship’s 27 Indian crew had seen missiles and drones flying overhead every day as they waited. According to Reuters, a video taken from the vessel showed at least five projectiles streaking through the night. The ship was cleared to move on Mar 23, but not through the normal Hormuz shipping lanes. “They needed a yes or a no from all crew. Everyone onboard ​agreed.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-iran-s-threat-to-strike-american-companies-including-apple-microsoft-and-google-1774940943431">'BB guns': Trump mocks Iran’s threat to strike American companies including Apple, Microsoft and Google</a>&nbsp;​Lal added that the Larak route, not generally used by ​shipping, was recommended by the IRGC as the ‌regular passage through Hormuz was mined. Amid reports that Iran is charging ships for crossing the Hormuz strait, Lal said that they did not pay a fee for the transit and the IRGC did not board the vessel at any time. He also revealed that the Indian Navy guided the ship during the transit before four Indian warships escorted it for nearly 20 hours from the Gulf of Oman to the Arabian Sea. The Indian navy also confirmed it was escorting Indian-flagged ships after they crossed the strait.&nbsp;

Indian LPG tanker Pine Gas was delayed nearly three weeks amid the Iran-US war before crossing the Strait of Hormuz. Guided via a narrow IRGC-recommended route near Larak Island, the ship witnessed missile activity before being escorted safely by the Indian Navy into the Arabian Sea.

Indian‑flagged LPG tanker Pine Gas loaded cargo, that left the United Arab Emirates’ ‌Ruwais port on Feb 27, took an alternate route to reach India as Iran-US-Israeli war broke out in the region. The vessel transited the Strait of Hormuz three weeks later, after Iran allowed ships through the narrow waterway. On Tuesday (Mar 31), Pine Gas Chief Officer Sohan Lal revealed that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) instructed the tanker to navigate a narrow channel north of ⁠Larak Island off Iran’s coast. Lal said Indian authorities and the ship’s owner, Mumbai‑based Seven Islands Shipping, agreed to proceed only if every crew member consented to the voyage. Also Read: Iran allows India, 4 other nations to use Strait of Hormuz amid energy crisis According to reports, the ship’s 27 Indian crew had seen missiles and drones flying overhead every day as they waited. According to Reuters, a video taken from the vessel showed at least five projectiles streaking through the night. The ship was cleared to move on Mar 23, but not through the normal Hormuz shipping lanes. “They needed a yes or a no from all crew. Everyone onboard agreed.” Also Read: 'BB guns': Trump mocks Iran’s threat to strike American companies including Apple, Microsoft and Google Lal added that the Larak route, not generally used by shipping, was recommended by the IRGC as the ‌regular passage through Hormuz was mined. Amid reports that Iran is charging ships for crossing the Hormuz strait, Lal said that they did not pay a fee for the transit and the IRGC did not board the vessel at any time. He also revealed that the Indian Navy guided the ship during the transit before four Indian warships escorted it for nearly 20 hours from the Gulf of Oman to the Arabian Sea. The Indian navy also confirmed it was escorting Indian-flagged ships after they crossed the strait.

Indian LPG tanker Pine Gas was delayed nearly three weeks amid the Iran-US war before crossing the Strait of Hormuz. Guided via a narrow IRGC-recommended route near Larak Island, the ship witnessed missile activity before being escorted safely by the Indian Navy into the Arabian Sea.

Indian LPG tanker escaped Strait of Hormuz mines via new route; did not pay fee for transit

A major overhaul of pan-related rules comes into effect from April 1, with the Indian Government tightening norms to track high-value transactions and curb tax evasion.
The new framework expands the role of pan across financial activities, while also revising thresholds for cash, property, and luxury spending.
From applying for a pan card to making big-ticket purchases, the changes will impact millions of taxpayers and businesses across India.
The motive behind these changes is to bring more transactions into the formal economy and improve transparency.
Let’s look what these changes are.

New Pan Rules to Tighten Financial Tracking

India on Monday (March 30) condemned recent attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon that left three Indonesians dead and injured three others in two incidents over the past 24 hours, amid Israel’s ground incursion and intense fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants. “We condemn the recent attacks on UN Peacekeepers deployed in UNIFIL, and pay our homage to the fallen Blue Helmets,” a statement issued by India’s permanent mission in New York said.


Three Indonesian UN Peacekeepers Killed Within 24 Hours in Lebanon; UNIFIL Probes Incidents

Fresh snowfall in the higher elevations of Kashmir has resulted in the closure of key national highways, as reported by the region's meteorological department. The affected routes include the Srinagar-Leh National Highway and the Bandipora-Gurez road, which closed due to adverse weather conditions.

On Sunday, significant snowfall was recorded in various areas, including popular tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Yousmarg, Gurez, Razdan Top, and the Sonamarg-Zojila Axis. This snowfall was attributed to an incoming western disturbance impacting the region.

India Braces For Wild Weather Mix; Kashmir, Ladakh See Fresh Snow Spell

At least 8 devotees, all women, were killed and more than a dozen injured in a stampede at the Maa Sheetla Temple in Nalanda district, Bihar during a crowded religious gathering. The incident occurred in Maghra village near Bihar Sharif when a large number of devotees rushed to offer prayers on the last Tuesday of the Hindu month of Chaitra.


Bihar Stampede: At Least 8 Devotees Killed In Crowd Crush In Bihar Temple In Nalanda 

As the financial year 2026 comes to a close, it’s fair to say that it has been an extremely turbulent fiscal year for the aviation industry. Starting with Operation Sindoor in April 2025 to the west Asia conflict in march 2026, the sector was marred with multiple internal and external shocks. Rating agency ICRA had earlier projected that the industry would undergo a loss of about 2.16 billion dollars. This was before the Iran war.


Indian Aviation Faces Stormy FY26 Amid Rising Costs & Delays 

India has proposed new rules to tighten oversight of major tech platforms by making government advisories legally binding. The move would apply to companies like Meta, Google and X under amendments to the IT framework.

Currently, such advisories function as guidance without legal consequences. Under the proposed changes, failure to comply could lead to loss of “safe harbour” protection, exposing platforms to liability for user-generated content.

The government says the changes aim to strengthen enforcement and improve legal clarity, while also building on recent measures such as faster content takedown timelines and new rules on AI-generated content and deepfakes.

Public feedback on the proposal has been invited before the rules are finalised.

India Moves To Tighten Tech Rules, Plans To Make Advisories Legally Binding | WION

India has received three new warships as part of its ongoing naval modernisation push, significantly enhancing maritime combat capabilities. Among them is the stealth frigate INS Dunagiri, built under Project 17A.

The warships are designed to strengthen the Indian Navy with advanced stealth features, improved surveillance systems and enhanced combat readiness.

The induction marks a key step in India’s efforts to bolster its presence and operational strength in the Indian Ocean region.

India Receives 3 Warships, INS Dunagiri Stealth Frigate Boosts Naval Power | WION

Torrential rains have battered parts of South Kashmir, including Anantnag, causing waterlogging and disruptions in daily life. Authorities have warned residents to remain cautious as heavy rainfall continues across the region. Weather officials predict intense showers are likely to persist for the next 48 hours.


Jammu-Kashmir: Torrential Rains Hit South Kashmir And Anantnag, Intense Showers Expected For 48 Hrs

Pakistan's terror face has been exposed yet again by a latest report by U.S. Congressional research service. The report not only identified Pakistan as a base for numerous terrorist groups but also nailed their role in carrying out attacks on Indian soil. 


US Congress Report Nails Pakistan's Role in Formenting Terrorism on India

The Telangana government on Sunday passed the Telangana Employees Accountability and Monitoring of Parental Support Bill, 2026, in the Legislative Assembly. The Bill proposes to bring about salary deductions for private and public sector employees deemed to be neglecting and failing to support their parents.

The law will also be applicable to MLAs and MPs, as well as nominated members and elected representatives of local bodies.

Telangana: State Govt Mandates Employees Care For Their Elderly Parents

The Government of India has allowed the sale of kerosene through select petrol pumps as part of emergency measures to ease pressure on LPG supplies.

Under the new rules, public sector oil marketing companies can store and distribute kerosene via designated fuel stations across multiple states for household use such as cooking and lighting.

The move includes temporary relaxation of petroleum safety and licensing norms and will remain in effect for 60 days. It comes amid global energy disruptions impacting LPG availability, with the government aiming to ensure continued access to essential fuel.

India: Centre Allows Kerosene Sale At Petrol Pumps To Ease LPG Supply Pressure

Amid global energy uncertainty in view of the West Asia crisis, the Union government has rolled out a 60-day emergency measure to reintroduce PDS kerosene, including in 21 “kerosene-free” States and Union Territories. Select petrol pumps in every district will be permitted to store and distribute limited quantities of superior kerosene oil (SKO) under the relaxed norms.


Energy Crisis: Indian Government Allows Kerosene Sale at Petrol Pumps

Indian equity markets saw a severe crash on March 30, 2026, with the Sensex plummeting over 1,000 points and the Nifty dropping below 22,500 due to intensifying conflict in West Asia, rising crude oil prices, and sustained foreign investor selling. Asian markets also experienced a broader sell-off, driven by fears of economic disruption. 


Iran War: India's Sensex Drops Over 1000 Points; Sell-Off Across Asian Markets

India: Centre Allows Kerosene Sale At Petrol Pumps To Ease LPG Supply Pressure | WION

The surge in global crude prices is widely expected to raise inflation,
Widen india's fiscal deficit and hit growth.
Emkay research had predicted that if brent rises to 100 dollars a barrel,
The country's growth rate would fall to 6 percent,
From the above 7 percent pre-war baseline bets.

Anatomy of Fuel Prices in India | Surging Crude Hits Indian Refiners Hard

A major India-Russia co-production is bringing cultural collaboration to the big screen, with the film shot across Mumbai, Udaipur and Jodhpur. The musical comedy, Persimmon of My Love, marks the first large-scale cinematic collaboration between the two countries in decades.

Filmed entirely in India using Bollywood-style production, the project blends Russian storytelling with Indian cinematic elements. Locations in Mumbai studios and Rajasthan’s Udaipur and Jodhpur were used to create a visually rich setting, highlighting India’s cultural and architectural heritage.

The film is seen as a step forward in cultural and creative ties between India and Russia, reviving a long-standing cinematic connection.

India-Russia Film Showcases Cultural Ties, Shot Across Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur | WION

Narendra Modi’s government has shipped 38,000 metric tons of petroleum products - including petrol and diesel - to Sri Lanka to help ease a severe energy shortage. The delivery comes amid global fuel supply disruptions tied to rising tensions in West Asia and widening energy price pressures.

India Sends Emergency Fuel to Sri Lanka, Colombo Thanks New Delhi Amid Energy Crisis

The Government of India has confirmed that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel in the country. Officials state that petrol pumps across India have sufficient supply, ensuring that citizens can access fuel without disruption.

Fuel Crisis: India Govt Assures No Petrol & Diesel Shortage | Fuel Supply Stable Nationwide

The Government of India has issued an update on energy supplies, stating that petrol pumps across the country have sufficient fuel availability. The government sought to reassure the public amid concerns over supply disruptions.


US-Iran War: India Govt Says Petrol Pumps Have Sufficient Fuel Supplies Nationwide | WION

Naval officers from across the Indian Ocean gathered in the southern Indian city of Kochi last week for a major table-top exercise aimed at tackling growing maritime threats. The Indian Navy hosted the IONS Maritime Exercise (IMEX) Table-Top Exercise 2026 on 27 March at the Maritime Warfare Centre in Southern Naval Command. Delegates sat around simulation screens rather than heading out to sea, working through imaginary crises in a safe but realistic setting.


Indian Navy Hosts I.O.N.S Maritime Table-Top Exercise 2026

The Indian Government has assured that the country has sufficient energy reserves, including crude oil, petrol, diesel, and LPG, to manage potential disruptions arising from geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have stated that the country’s energy supply is fully secure, dismissing rumors of shortages as misinformation.


Energy Crisis: Indian Government Says Country Has Enough Energy Reserves

Narendra Modi delivered his annual monthly address, highlighting key national priorities, public initiatives, and citizen participation in India’s development journey. The Prime Minister reflected on major achievements across sectors, encouraged grassroots innovation, and emphasised collective efforts toward nation-building.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Annual Monthly Address 

Spring has painted Srinagar in vibrant colours as the iconic Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden attracts nearly 1 lakh visitors in just two weeks. The annual bloom has transformed Asia’s largest tulip garden into a major tourist hotspot, drawing travellers from across India and abroad. Nestled against the scenic Zabarwan Range and overlooking Dal Lake, the festival highlights Kashmir’s growing tourism revival and seasonal charm. Here’s how the tulip spectacle is boosting local travel, culture, and the regional economy this spring.


Tulip Magic in Srinagar: 1 Lakh Visitors in 2 Weeks

On March 28, 2026, India dispatched a 38,000 metric tonne (MT) emergency fuel shipment—comprising 20,000 MT of diesel and 18,000 MT of petrol—to Sri Lanka via Lanka IOC. This aid, aimed at easing severe energy shortages, follows high-level talks between Indian PM Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake after regional volatility disrupted Sri Lanka's supplies. 


India Steps In With Emergency Fuel Shipment to Neighboring Countries

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Saudi Arabian counterpart and Crown Price HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saturday and discussed the war in West Asia which has been going on for over a month.

Modi said that during the call, he reiterated that India condemns attacks on energy infrastructure of the West Asia region.

“Spoke with Crown Prince and PM of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed the ongoing conflict in West Asia. I reiterated India’s condemnation of attacks on regional energy infrastructure,” Modi wrote in a post on X.

PM Modi, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Discuss Iran War Developments

india

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news