The India‑flagged LPG tanker Green Asha has become the ninth Indian vessel to transit the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Gulf. The passage underscores New Delhi’s efforts to keep vital energy supply lines open despite disruptions to maritime traffic caused by the ongoing regional conflict.


Breaking: Green Asha is the Ninth India-Flagged Vessel to Cross Strait

Authorities in Himachal Pradesh have placed districts including Chamba, Kullu, and Shimla on high alert as forecasts warn of thunderstorms, hailstorms, lightning, and gusty winds linked to an active western disturbance.


India | Himachal Pradesh: Chamba, Kullu & Shimla On High Alert for Storms

India has confirmed it is sourcing crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Iran amid the ongoing energy supply disruptions in West Asia caused by war in the region. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a statement on Saturday addressing rumours of supply problems. “Amid Middle East supply disruptions, Indian refiners have secured their crude oil requirements, including from Iran; and there is no payment hurdle for Iranian crude imports,” it said.


India: Energy Supplies Remain Secured, Says Crude Supply Fully Secured for Coming Months

India successfully navigates a high number of vessels through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, ensuring uninterrupted trade and energy supplies amid regional tensions. The operation highlights India’s maritime capabilities and strategic planning in a critical international waterway.


India Manages to Get High Numbers of Vessels Through the Strait

Indian markets remained volatile this week, as investors watched global crude oil prices and the broader economic fallout from the conflict in West Asia. Take a look at this next report to find out what moved Indian stocks and for cues to watch in the following week.


What Moved Indian Markets This Week?

India has officially commissioned INS Aridhaman into the Indian Navy, marking a major boost to the country’s maritime strength and strategic deterrence capability. The indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine is the third in the Arihant-class fleet and strengthens India’s nuclear triad by enhancing its sea-based second-strike capability. 


India: INS Aridhaman Commissioned; Officially Inducted into Indian Navy

#Gravitas Leading private bottled water companies have reportedly increased prices by as much as 11 percent. The Brewers Association of India has reported a sharp 20 percent increase in glass bottle prices. It has asked its member companies to approach state governments for a 12 to 15 percent hike in beer prices.


West Asia War to Make Bottled Water & Beer Pricier for Indians

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hinted at the launch of INS Aridaman, India's third indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, in a social media post.


India Gets 3rd Nuclear Submarine | INS Aridhaman Commissioned 

Air travellers in India won’t see relief on seat selection charges just yet. The government has kept the proposed 60% free seat rule in abeyance, citing further review. Airlines had warned that reducing fees could hurt revenue and push ticket prices higher. For now, only a small portion of seats remain free to choose, leaving passengers to continue paying for preferred options.


Indian Govt Suspends 60% Free Flight Seat Rule

India’s energy strategy is rapidly shifting as imports from Russia surge nearly 90% in March, even as overall crude imports fall. Disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and a US waiver have pushed refiners to secure alternative supplies. The move reflects a pragmatic response to global volatility, but also signals a deeper realignment in India’s long-term energy sourcing strategy.


India's Russian Oil Imports Jump 90% In March: Report

Indian Govt Suspends 60% Free Flight Seat Rule, Only About 20% of Seats Are Free

India is taking a big leap in education as the Central Board of Secondary Education rolls out AI learning from Class 3 onwards. Launched by Dharmendra Pradhan at Vigyan Bhawan, the new curriculum aims to build computational thinking early. The move signals a shift toward future-ready skills, preparing students for a tech-driven world.


India: Students to Learn AI From Class 3 

Election Commission of India has handed over the investigation into the recent violence in Malda to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), marking a major step in the probe into the incident. The move comes amid heightened political tensions and security concerns following clashes linked to the election period.


Malda Violence: Election Commission Transfers Malda Violence Probe to NIA 

The Indian Government has suspended the rule requiring airlines to allocate 60% of seats for free or discounted travel, a policy aimed at promoting accessibility for students, senior citizens, and certain government scheme beneficiaries. Authorities cited operational challenges and rising costs as reasons for the suspension.


Indian Government Suspends 60% Free Flight Seat Rule

Strong winds and upcoming rain are affecting Delhi as the India Meteorological Department issues a storm alert for the capital region. Authorities have warned residents to remain cautious as gusty winds could disrupt transport, damage property, and affect daily life.


India: Strong Winds Sweep Delhi, Rain Ahead; IMD Issues Storm Alert

India To Commission Third Nuclear Submarine INS Aridhaman 

Malda Violence: Election Commission Hands Over Malda Case Investigation to NIA

A political firestorm has hit India with the Central government proposing key amendments to the country's foreign funding law- FCRA. Christian groups and opposition parties have raised concerns that the proposed amendments could enable undue interference in the functioning of minority institutions and NGOs.


India To Amend Foreign Funding Law: Here's How NGOs Will Be Impacted 

#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

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