The central government on Friday assured that refineries across the country are operating at peak capacity with sufficient crude oil and LPG stocks, ensuring uninterrupted supply and normal deliveries despite a surge in booking levels.

While addressing the media, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said that nearly 93% of LPG bookings are now being made online, with deliveries authenticated to ensure transparency and efficiency in distribution.

“Consumers are being actively encouraged to shift towards Piped Natural Gas (PNG) as a cleaner and more reliable alternative. So far, over 7,500 consumers have already transitioned to PNG. To prioritise essential sectors, the government has allocated commercial LPG supplies across 18 states and Union Territories. Around 11,300 tonnes were supplied last week alone, catering primarily to hospitals and educational institutions” she said.

The government has also stepped up monitoring efforts to prevent irregularities and ensure smooth supply. Control rooms have been activated, district-level committees are on alert, and more than 4,500 raids have been conducted nationwide. Oil Marketing Companies are also carrying out regular inspections, Sharma said.

“While the situation remains under close watch, supplies are adequate,” Sharma said, urging citizens to avoid panic booking and rely only on official communication.

Consumers have been advised to wait for scheduled doorstep deliveries and cooperate with authorities, as the government continues efforts to maintain supply stability and promote alternative fuel options.

In a separate development, amid the West Asia tensions, the Indian government is exploring the creation of a dedicated Rs 1,000 crore fund to support insurers offering war-risk coverage for ships operating through high-risk waters such as the Strait of Hormuz.

In the first half of March, LPG consumption saw a steep decline. As per the preliminary industry data, the LPG consumption fell 17.7% year-on-year to 1.147 million tonnes during March 1–15, compared with 1.387 million tonnes in the same period last year. It was also down 26.3% from 1.557 million tonnes recorded in the first half of February.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led central government, alleging that the state is being pushed into an “undeclared President’s Rule” and democratic processes are being undermined ahead of the two-phased assembly elections.

Speaking at the Trinamool Congress party’s manifesto launch event in Kolkata, Banerjee cautioned people about alleged attempts by forces from outside the borders to create unrest and riots in the state, a situation she feared could lead to the imposition of the President’s Rule.

“My appeal to the people of Bengal: remain united and vigilant. Do not let fear stop you, and do not accept bribes or inducements. Forces from across the border are trying to bring money, arms, and unrest to create riots in our state. They aim to destabilise Bengal and impose indirect control through President’s Rule. We have fulfilled all our promises of development and progress. Now, it is your duty to protect Bengal’s unity and resist any attempts to undermine it. Stand together, remain strong, and ensure that the government accountable to the people prevails,” she said.

She said that the current situation gives impression of “an undeclared form of central control, almost like a President’s Rule without officially declaring it.”

“This raises serious questions about governance and fairness, especially during elections. Many people feel that the system is being disrupted and that there is a lack of clear, people-focused policies. At such a time, the responsibility lies with all of us as citizens to stay aware, think critically, and work towards protecting democratic values and the future of the country,” she said.

She said that her government’s governance model has been inclusive, asserting that Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians are equal for her.

Banerjee also criticised the central government’s policies, calling them anti-women and one-sided, and asserted that her administration had fulfilled all development promises.

“We reject politics that divide people–Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, all are equal in our Bengal. This government at the centre has failed women and is pushing one-sided policies that harm the people,” said the West Bengal Chief Minister.

The Bengal CM further alleged that key officials who are not familiar with local conditions have been deployed as observes. This, she claimed, may raise questions about accountability as such officials are not aware of the ground realities and may not be able to discharge their duties effectively.

“There are also reports that several Principal Secretaries from different departments have been reassigned as observers. The concern here is that officials who are unfamiliar with the local conditions of a state may find it difficult to effectively carry out their responsibilities. If something goes wrong, it becomes unclear who should be held accountable,” she said.

The Indian women’s team will tour South Africa in December for a three-match ODI series as part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2025–29 cycle that will determine qualification for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2029.

The tour will also include a one-off Test match between the two sides. It will be the fourth Women’s Test encounter between India and the South Africa and only the second women’s red-ball match to be staged in Gqeberha, the first since South Africa hosted England at the venue in December 1960.

Following the India series, Australia will travel to South Africa in March next year for a multi-format tour featuring three T20Is, three ODIs and a one-off Test.

The four-day Test will mark only the second time the Proteas women and Australia face each other in the longest format, after their previous meeting in Perth in February 2024, when Australia secured an emphatic innings and 284-run victory.

Reacting to the announcement, Cricket South Africa chief executive Pholetsi Moseki said the upcoming home summer promises high-quality cricket for fans.

“We are delighted to host two of the world’s leading teams in India and Australia for what promises to be a blockbuster home summer for the Proteas Women.”

“These tours will showcase the very best of international women’s cricket and build on the encouraging rise in fan attendance, as we continue to welcome growing crowds across the country to watch world-class players competing at some of our iconic venues.”

South Africa are currently playing a five-match T20I series against the New Zealand women’s team as part of their preparations for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 to be held in England and Wales in June.

Schedule:

India’s tour to South Africa

1st ODI – 9 December 2026, Potchefstroom
2nd ODI – 12 December 2026, Bloemfontein
3rd ODI – 15 December 2026, Cape Town

One-off Test – 20 to 23 December 2026, Gqeberha

Australia tour to South Africa

1st T20I – 18 March 2027, Kimberley
2nd T20I – 21 March 2027, Benoni
3rd T20I – 23 March 2027, KuGompo City

1st ODI – 27 March 2027, Gqeberha
2nd ODI – 31 March 2027, Paarl
3rd ODI – 3 April 2027, Durban

One-off Test – 8 to 11 April 2027, Potchefstroom

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday directed political parties to get their advertisements verified and certified by its media certification wing before releasing them on any electronic platform, including social media. It also asked candidates to share details of their authentic social media accounts in their affidavits while filing nominations.

Ahead of the assembly elections in four states and a Union Territory, and by-elections in six states, the poll panel said that “no political advertisements should be released on any internet-based media/websites, including social media websites, by political parties/ candidates without pre-certification from the respective Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC).”

Any registered political party or any group of organisation/association or any contesting candidate/individual should apply to the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) for pre-certification of all political advertisements on electronic media such as TV, Radio, AV displays at public places, e-papers, and bulk SMS/voice messages, including social media, before publication, it added.

“Individuals or contesting candidates can apply for certification of advertisements with the District MCMC. All registered political parties headquartered in a State/UT can apply for certification of such advertisements with the State-Level MCMC. The applications must be submitted within the specified timelines. An Appellate Committee headed by the CEO is also constituted at the State level to entertain appeals against the decisions of District/State MCMC,” it added, saying that the MCMCs will also keep a strict vigil on suspected cases of paid news in the media and take suitable action.

The candidates are also required to share the details of their authentic social media accounts in their affidavits at the time of filing nominations.

Quoting Section 77(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the directions of the Supreme Court, the EC said that political parties should also submit a statement of expenditure incurred on campaigning through the internet, including social media websites, to the ECI within 75 days of the completion of the assembly elections.

“Such expenditure, among other things, shall include payments made to internet companies and websites for carrying advertisements and campaign related expenditure on development of content and operational expenditure incurred to maintain their social media accounts,” the EC said following a meeting with CEOs, State Police Nodal Officers, State IT Nodal Officers of poll-bound States/UT and the representatives of Social Media Platforms (SMPs) on Thursday to sensitise them about “the provisions and to check and ensure timely action against reported instances of misinformation, disinformation and fake-news during elections.”

Captain Rishabh Pant has stressed the need for Lucknow Super Giants to strengthen their bowling unit ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League 2026, adding that the arrival of experienced bowling coach Bharat Arun has already begun to make a positive difference as the team aims to end its wait for an IPL title.

Pant said the team management had identified bowling as a major area requiring improvement following last season’s struggles, and believes Arun’s experience and communication have helped build confidence among the bowlers during the pre-season camp.

“The camp with the fast bowlers has been fantastic. Bharat Arun, sir, has come on board, and since he arrived, he has been adding a lot of value. We’ve had a lot of conversations about what I want from the bowlers and what he thinks he can add. The energy is pure. He is one of the best bowling coaches, and I have that trust, having worked with him when he was with the Indian cricket team. He brings that experience,” Pant said on JioHotstar.

“The bowlers trust him and open up to him, which is exactly what you want from a bowling coach, adding value to the system. When we look back at last season, we felt we needed to add more to our bowling. He is definitely someone who can contribute a lot in that area, and I am really happy to have him,” he added.

Pant also emphasised the importance of maintaining a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere within the dressing room, noting that players perform better when they are able to enjoy the game.

“I think everyone is fun-loving these days because the environment is already so stressful. Everyone wants to enjoy each other’s company; you can feel that emotion, the love, the enjoyment. If you carry too much stress and don’t enjoy yourself, sometimes you won’t be able to give your best.

“You don’t want to treat it as work. I say this a lot, as kids, why did we play cricket? Yes, there is a lot at stake, a lot to lose, and the stakes will keep getting higher, but you shouldn’t stop enjoying the game and having fun. I think that is something that seems to be missing these days, and if players bring that back, they will be a lot happier,” he said.

The wicketkeeper-batter, who missed India’s ODI series against New Zealand national cricket team in January due to a side strain and has not played a match since, said he is currently in a positive frame of mind and focused on continuous self-improvement.

“I think I am in a good space, physically and mentally. I like to work on myself every day, and I enjoy that, because you have to spend time with yourself to keep improving. As long as you are playing cricket, that matters. All the seniors I speak to tell me that in cricket, you can’t take it lightly even for a day. Today could be your day, but tomorrow it might not be, and that could change again the day after. So, just keep working hard,” he said.

“Decision-making and handling situations are important, but consistently working on yourself to improve, even when things are going your way, is important. I believe there are only two scenarios in life, either you’re doing good or you’re doing okay, there is nothing called bad. A lot of times, you tend not to appreciate your journey, where you come from, and how hard you have worked to get where you are. At the same time, don’t take it for granted,” Pant added.

The Rishabh Pant-led LSG will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on April 1.

Security has been intensified amid high alert along the route of “Govardhan Parikrama” in Rajasthan’s Deeg district ahead of President Droupadi Murmu’s scheduled visit to “Poonchhari Ka Lautha” on Saturday.

The President, who is on a spiritual visit to Ayodhya, Mathura and Vrindavan in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, will also perform the “Saptkosi Parikrama”, a 1.5 km stretch of which traverses through the Deeg region.

President Murmu will perform the Govardhan Parikrama in a golf cart around 10 am on Saturday and offer prayers at Poonchhari Ka Lautha and Srinathji shrine along the route.

Adequate security arrangements have been made along the Parikrama route, with 400 police personnel deployed.

Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedam has reached Deeg to receive the President.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma is also likely to visit Deeg to welcome the President.

Earlier this week, official government sources said that despite a surge in global fuel costs amid the persisting West Asia crisis, prices of petrol and diesel in India were unlikely to increase. On Friday, however, oil marketing companies (OMCs) hiked premium petrol prices with immediate effect. Despite global energy disruptions, no change was made to the price of regular petrol.

Political analysts see the increase in premium fuel prices as a way to manage rising costs without triggering public outcry ahead of key elections in four states and a Union Territory. At the same time, even though the hike is limited to premium fuel variants, it reflects underlying economic and geopolitical pressures on the companies.

“By raising prices of high-octane variants while freezing regular petrol and diesel, the government is attempting a balancing act between fiscal realities and political considerations,” they say.

With Brent crude crossing $100 per barrel and no sign of an end to the Iran–Israel conflict, the move indicates that OMCs’ options are narrowing. India imports nearly 90% of its oil, and keeping prices stagnant is becoming increasingly difficult.

However, a blanket hike would have led to a spike in wholesale inflation, raising the cost of essentials—vegetables, milk, and transport—and, with major Assembly elections around the corner, it was clearly not an option.

While India officially has deregulated fuel prices, they are often kept artificially stable during election periods. Notably, fuel prices have remained largely unchanged for the past two years, since 2024.

“The fact is, no political party, including the BJP, can afford the repercussions of a general price hike at this time. Increasing premium fuel prices allows companies to recover some costs from those who can afford to pay, while avoiding unrest among the middle class. However, today’s increase is also a warning that if geopolitical tensions do not ease soon, more severe measures may be required,” they add.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries on Friday released a Request for Proposal (RFP) to select beneficiaries for setting up integrated Sintered NdFeB Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM) manufacturing facilities in India, with a total planned capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA).

The move marks the formal rollout of the government’s ambitious scheme to boost domestic production of critical rare earth magnets, a key component in electric vehicles, wind energy systems, and advanced electronics.

Prospective applicants can now submit bids to establish integrated REPM manufacturing units and avail benefits, including capital subsidies and sales-linked incentives. The bidding process will be conducted online through the Central Public Procurement Portal using a transparent two-stage Least Cost System (LCS), comprising technical and financial bids.

According to the ministry, tender documents will be available from March 20, 2026, while a pre-bid conference is scheduled for April 7. The deadline for submission of bids is May 28, and technical bids will be opened on May 29.

The scheme was approved on November 26, 2025, by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a total financial outlay of Rs 7,280 crore. It is the first initiative of its kind aimed at developing a domestic ecosystem for rare earth permanent magnets.

Under the scheme, selected beneficiaries will be allocated manufacturing capacities ranging from 600 MTPA to 1,200 MTPA in multiples of 100 MTPA. The government has earmarked Rs 750 crore as capital subsidy and Rs 6,450 crore for sales-linked incentives.

Additionally, the three lowest bidders will be assured a limited supply of NdPr oxide from IREL (India) Limited, a key raw material for manufacturing these magnets.

Rare earth permanent magnets are among the most powerful magnets globally and are critical for sectors such as electric mobility, renewable energy, aerospace, defence, and high-end electronics.

By developing an end-to-end value chain—from NdPr oxide to finished magnets—within the country, the government aims to significantly reduce import dependence and position India as a major player in the global REPM market.

A citizen in Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh has lodged a police complaint against the latest Hindi movie ‘Dhurandhar,’ raising strong objections to the use of abusive and derogatory language in the film.

The complainant, Manoj Purohit, submitted his complaint at the Kotwali police station in Shajapur town of Ujjain, the home district of MP Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav.

“It is ironic that the police book any person for using abusive language in public, but no action is being taken against the actors, producers, and directors of ‘Dhurandhar,’ which contains numerous abuses and derogatory terms,” Purohit told media persons after lodging his complaint.

“The language of the film is shameful. No one can watch it with their family. I was extremely embarrassed and shocked while watching the movie,” he averred.

“I demand that the police register a case under BNS Section 296 against the film’s producer-director Aditya Dhar, its actors, and others involved in its making,” Purohit stated.

He also questioned the role of the censor board in clearing the film.

“Either the officials of the censor board are blind, or they are accepting money to clear such movies for public screening,” Purohit alleged.

Kotwali police station in-charge Santosh Waghela confirmed that a complaint has been received in the matter.

“We are investigating the matter, and further action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation,” the police official said.

The Government is enhancing access to application technology for nano fertilizers through the Namo Drone Didi (NDD) Scheme, with an outlay of Rs 1,261 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26.

“Under the scheme, the Department of Fertilizers, through fertilizer companies, has facilitated the distribution of 1,094 drones to Women Self Help Groups (SHGs), including beneficiaries in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh,” said Anupriya Patel, Minister of State in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

Out of these, 500 drones have been provided specifically under the NDD scheme.

No drones have been allocated to the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

All beneficiaries have received training at DGCA-authorized Remote Pilot Training Organisations (RPTOs), covering both drone operation and field applications such as spraying of liquid fertilizers and pesticides.

To further promote the use of drones in agriculture, Rs 52.50 crore has been provided to ICAR under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM). During 2022-23 to 2025-26 (as on 15 March 2026), ICAR institutions, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and State Agricultural Universities have procured 297 drones and conducted 36,882 demonstrations, covering 38,280 hectares and benefiting over 426,579 lakh farmers.

No demonstrations have been conducted in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

The Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has reported a substantial surge in the adoption of nano-fertilizers, with cumulative sales reaching 1,593.37 lakh bottles of 500 ml each since their inception. This total includes 1,219.27 lakh bottles of Nano Urea and 374.10 lakh bottles of Nano DAP.

Field trials conducted by institutions under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) have demonstrated the effectiveness of nano fertilizers.

Studies indicate that the application of Nano Urea as a foliar spray, along with the recommended basal dose of conventional fertilizers, can achieve comparable yields while reducing urea consumption by 25–50 per cent, with yield gains ranging from 3 to 8 per cent in various crops.

Similarly, trials on Nano DAP have shown that partial substitution of phosphorus fertilizers (up to 50 per cent), combined with appropriate application methods, can result in comparable crop yields in certain cases, such as potato cultivation.

To ensure the long-term effectiveness of these inputs, the Government has initiated several research projects, including a Phase-II study with the National Productivity Council signed on November 14, 2025, to evaluate the extent of replacement of conventional urea.

Additionally, a five-year network project was launched with ICAR on November 3, 2025, to evaluate nitrogen use efficiency across diverse agro-ecological zones.

While studies have shown comparable productivity with partial substitution, the Government is addressing concerns regarding inconsistent performance and nutrient deficiencies observed at higher substitution levels, such as 50 per cent, particularly in low-fertility soils.

Corrective measures include standardizing application protocols and promoting balanced fertilizer use through extensive awareness programmes and demonstrations.

The Government has taken several corrective measures, including undertaking long-term, multi-locational research through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to evaluate crop response, nutrient use efficiency, and soil impacts; standardizing application protocols; and promoting balanced fertilizer use through farmer awareness programmes, demonstrations, and training.

Further, efforts are being made to improve access to appropriate application technologies such as foliar spray systems, including drone-based spraying, to ensure proper and efficient use of nano fertilizers in the country.

In order to promote the use of Nano Fertilizers among farmers across the country including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, the following measures have been undertaken:

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Indian National Congress are in advanced stages of talks for a possible alliance in the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, even as Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has kept alternative options open if seat-sharing negotiations fail.

The discussions gathered pace following the recent visit of senior Assam Congress leaders, including MP Gaurav Gogoi and AICC general secretary in-charge of Assam Jitendra Singh, who met Soren in Ranchi as part of efforts to strengthen coordination among INDIA bloc partners.

JMM leaders said talks with the Congress have progressed, with the party preparing to contest around 25 to 30 seats in the 126-member Assam Assembly. However, no formal announcement on seat-sharing has been made so far.

JMM central general secretary Manoj Pandey said the party is committed to contesting the Assam polls, citing what he described as growing support among tribal communities, particularly tea tribes. He said Soren is closely monitoring developments, and a final decision will be taken soon.

At the same time, the party has indicated a fallback strategy. Pandey said that if talks with the Congress do not yield a satisfactory outcome, JMM could explore alliances with other parties. He added that the party’s objective is to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party from returning to power in the state.

The Congress, while expressing willingness for an alliance, stressed the need for a realistic assessment of ground strength. State party spokesperson Jagdish Sahu said the Congress is capable of defeating the BJP on its own but remains open to an alliance with JMM as part of the INDIA bloc. He added that seat-sharing should be based on ground realities in Assam.

A failure to reach an agreement could split votes among tribal and tea tribe communities, both of which the two parties are seeking to consolidate, potentially affecting the opposition’s prospects.

JMM has stepped up its presence in Assam, with Soren visiting the state in recent months and the party announcing a list of star campaigners. The party is learnt to be focusing on constituencies reserved for Scheduled Tribes, which number 19 after delimitation.

Leaders from other parties have also reacted to the development, with the BJP dismissing it as insignificant, while some opposition leaders cautioned against a division of anti-BJP votes.

With negotiations still underway, the final shape of the opposition’s strategy in Assam is expected to become clear in the coming days.

An Indian national was killed in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, taking to six the number of Indian fatalities in the ongoing war in West Asia.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said it is in touch with the family of the deceased and the local authorities.

In a social media post on X, the Embassy said, ‘’The Embassy of India expresses its deepest condolences on the tragic demise of an Indian national in Riyadh due to recent events on March 18th. The Embassy is in touch with the family and local authorities. We remain committed to extending all possible assistance in this matter.’’

At an inter-ministerial meeting in New Delhi, Aseem Mahajan, senior official of the Ministry of External Affairs, said his ministry received the confirmation about the death late on Thursday night.

He further informed that a total of six Indian nationals have lost their lives so far during the conflict while one continues to be missing.

“Our missions in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq and the UAE are in regular touch with the concerned authorities regarding the missing Indian national and for the early repatriation of mortal remains of the deceased Indian nationals to India,” Mahajan said.

A 23-year-old BSc student was shot dead in broad daylight inside the campus of Uday Pratap College on Friday, triggering panic and unrest among students.

The incident occurred outside the Arts and Social Sciences Faculty building, where the accused allegedly fired four rounds at the victim, identified as Surya Pratap Singh, a resident of Ghazipur. He collapsed on the spot after being hit by the bullets.

Singh was immediately taken to the trauma centre at Banaras Hindu University, where doctors declared him dead.

According to eyewitnesses, the accused, identified as Manjeet, a second-year BA student and a resident of Chandmari in Varanasi, also threatened other students at gunpoint before fleeing.

He reportedly discarded the pistol in a garbage heap while escaping. Witnesses claimed that one or two accomplices may have been present.

A fellow student said they initially mistook the gunshots for an explosion.

“When we came outside, we saw Manjeet firing. When I tried to intervene, he pointed the gun at me. I had to run. By the time I returned, he had escaped,” the student said.

The incident caused chaos on campus, with angry students vandalising property and raising slogans in protest. Police personnel from multiple stations were deployed, and the campus was turned into a high-security zone.

Authorities sealed the main gate and ordered the closure of more than 150 nearby shops to maintain law and order. A forensic team has begun its investigation.

The motive behind the killing remains unclear, and police are actively searching for the accused and his associates.

The ongoing West Asia crisis has so far failed to trigger a sharp correction in global financial markets. However, risks to energy-dependent economies such as India could escalate if disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz persist, according to a report by Jefferies.

The report noted that markets have shown surprising resilience despite intensifying geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, stating that investors have largely held steady even amid “historic news flow” from the region.

A key factor behind this stability is the continued flow of energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil and gas shipments.

The report highlighted that nearly 85 per cent of energy traffic passing through the strait is destined for Asia, with countries such as India, China, and other South Asian economies accounting for around 60 per cent of these flows.

According to Jefferies, Iran’s decision to allow selective passage of ships has helped ease immediate supply concerns, thereby preventing a spike in market volatility. This controlled movement has reduced pressure on global energy supply chains in the short term.

However, the report cautioned that the situation remains fragile, particularly for energy-importing nations. It warned that any prolonged disruption or closure of the Strait of Hormuz could have severe and lasting economic consequences.

“Economic growth is energy consumed,” the report noted, underscoring the direct link between energy availability and growth trajectories. A sustained disruption could therefore weigh heavily on economies like India that rely significantly on imported energy.

From a broader regional perspective, Jefferies observed that markets have increasingly treated geopolitical shocks as temporary disruptions. Investors, it said, have grown accustomed to viewing such events as buying opportunities rather than long-term threats.

While the report did not single out India in detail, it flagged the country’s heavy dependence on energy flows routed through the Strait of Hormuz as a key vulnerability, especially in the event of oil price shocks or supply interruptions.

For now, continued energy transit and investor confidence are supporting market stability. However, the report emphasized that any escalation leading to a prolonged blockade or wider military conflict could act as a major trigger for volatility, potentially fuelling inflation and slowing growth across Asia, including India.

As part of his ongoing nationwide investment outreach campaign to position Madhya Pradesh as one of India’s most reliable and emerging investment destinations, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav will interact with industry leaders during the ‘Interactive Session on Investment Opportunities in Madhya Pradesh’ on 21 March at ITC Rajputana, Jaipur.

During the session, the CM will highlight investment opportunities, new industrial policies and robust infrastructure, while inviting investors to establish industries in the state.

As per state government officials, the Jaipur session will witness participation from industrialists and representatives of industry bodies across key sectors, including agriculture, food processing, dairy, textiles and garments, automobiles, electric vehicles, renewable energy, mining and minerals and tourism. The session will feature direct interaction with the Chief Minister and one-on-one meetings with selected investors, focusing on sector-specific opportunities, project-level collaboration, and time-bound investment implementation.

The primary objective of the event is to provide industrialists and investors from Jaipur and nearby regions of Rajasthan with first-hand and factual information about the industrial opportunities, advanced infrastructure, progressive policies and attractive incentive schemes available in Madhya Pradesh, thereby encouraging them to invest in the state.

Chief Minister Dr Yadav said through an official statement today that Madhya Pradesh is no longer a state of mere potential, but has emerged as a leading state that translates investment opportunities into reality through policy clarity, swift decision-making and a strong industrial base. He stated that investment is not just a flow of capital but a means of generating employment, enhancing skills, facilitating technology transfer and ensuring comprehensive regional development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his congratulations to Anutin Charnvirakul on his election as the Prime Minister of Thailand, expressing confidence in further advancing bilateral ties.

In a message shared on X, Modi said, “Heartiest congratulations to Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul on his election as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand. I look forward to working closely with him,” while affirming that both nations would continue efforts to deepen their engagement.

Emphasising the deep-rooted connections between the two countries, the Prime Minister highlighted their shared civilizational links and strong cultural bonds. “Our ties are rooted in shared civilizational heritage, close cultural connect and vibrant people-to-people ties,” he said.

Modi also pointed to the broader alignment in goals between the two nations, stating that India and Thailand remain united in their aspirations for peace, progress, and prosperity. “Together, we will further deepen the multifaceted India-Thailand Strategic Partnership,” he added.

India and Thailand share longstanding diplomatic relations encompassing cooperation in trade, defence, connectivity, and cultural exchanges. In recent years, the partnership has been elevated to a strategic level, reflecting expanding engagement in the Indo-Pacific and a mutual interest in ensuring regional stability.

The Prime Minister’s message comes amid India’s continued outreach to Southeast Asia under its Act East policy, where Thailand holds a key position due to its strategic location and role in regional connectivity.

Officials indicated that the leadership transition in Thailand offers fresh momentum to expand cooperation across sectors, building on existing frameworks and strengthening collaboration between the two countries.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday met Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta in the presence of Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht, Cabinet Minister Parvesh Verma and MLA Abhay Verma, ahead of the upcoming budget session.

The Chief Minister shared that a meaningful dialogue took place on the occasion regarding the upcoming budget session, while various legislative matters concerning the national capital’s development were also discussed during the meeting.

Taking to the social media platform X, the CM assured that her government is committed to presenting a budget that ensures Delhi’s progress and fulfils the aspirations of the people of the national capital.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Assembly has confirmed that the budget for the national capital will be presented on March 24. Notably, the budget session of the Delhi Assembly is scheduled from March 23 to March 25, as per an earlier decision of the Delhi Cabinet.

The Economic Survey report will be tabled in the House on March 23, followed by the presentation of the budget by the Delhi government on the next day.

On Thursday, the Delhi Assembly Speaker had announced that the legislature will roll out ‘Vidhan Sathi’, a dedicated AI-based legislative research and assistance tool, during the upcoming budget session.

According to Gupta, the AI-enabled tool will ensure that MLAs are supported with clarity, context, and credible information, enabling discussions in the House to be thoughtful and purposeful.

Significantly, the Delhi Assembly is set to become the first legislative body in the country to introduce a dedicated AI-enabled Chatbot for its members, developed in alignment with its procedures and institutional framework.

Over the past few days, the Chief Minister has been holding consultations with public representatives from various walks of life, including teachers, students, gig workers, businessmen, and traders, to ensure that the budget meets the expectations of all sections of society and promotes inclusive growth and development.

Earlier, CM Gupta had also indicated that the upcoming budget is likely to include several initiatives for women and girls.