Every day’s current affairs.

Parliamentary committee backs age-restrictions for social media platformsPolity & Governance Indus Water Treaty suspension speeding up projects, govt says J-K hydropower capacity to rise 46%International Relations Strait of Hormuz: Who gets through, who doesn’t — and can Iran charge ships for passage?International Relations Aligning MSP with the real cost of farming: Lessons from MaharashtraEconomics Bio-isobutanol : India’s answer to energy security for diesel economyScience & Technology France to host ‘No Money for Terror’ conference later this year as part of its G7 presidencyInternational Relations Two ships with petroleum products for India crossing Strait of Hormuz, more expected to follow: SourcesInternational Relations India signals openness to extending tariff-free deal on e-commerce, two diplomats sayEconomics Government revises PM e-DRIVE scheme, sets new deadlines for e-scooters, e-rickshawsEconomics PM E-DRIVE extends EV incentives for two-wheelers till July 2026; e-rickshaws gain till 2028Economics Thailand PM says reached deal with Iran for vessels to transit Hormuz StraitInternational Relations India relaxes rules for some state-run firms to procure critical equipment from ChinaEconomics ‘Area behind Charminar used as urinal’: House panel flags state of India’s monuments, staff crunchArt & Culture WTO is relevant, necessary guardrails must in place before plurilaterals’ inclusion: IndiaEconomics

Rajya Sabha clears Finance Bill 2026 | Excise duty cut to not burden citizens, says FM; poll move: OppositionPolity & Governance Prolonged disruption in West Asia to have global credit implications: Moody’sEconomics In photos: A pesticide tragedy that haunts an Indian stateEnvironment & Ecology Rs 2.38 lakh cr-defence push: DAC clears 5 S-400 missile systems from Russia, transport aircraftInternal Security A shade of dark: On the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026Polity & Governance NIA gets 10-day custody of 7 foreign nationals held for suspected Myanmar linksInternal Security India signs ₹858-crore defence deals with Russian, U.S. firmsInternal Security Hoping to paper cracks in BRICS over war, New Delhi sends out invitations for FMs’ meet and SummitInternational Relations 5 India-bound LPG ships stay anchored near Hormuz StraitInternational Relations PM calls for ‘Team India’ effort in meet with CMs over West Asia crisisPolity & Governance UN Creates Task Force Aimed at Addressing Hormuz ClosureInternational Relations Trade deal with India not far-off, but there are still gaps: U.S. officialInternational Relations Stronger trade corridors and supply chains needed, says JaishankarInternational Relations Centre to borrow ₹8.2 trillion in FY27 first half; no impact of Iran war — yetEconomics In reset of bilateral ties, Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister expected to visit India in AprilInternational Relations Courier export value limit to be scrappedEconomics Lok Sabha to discuss govt’s efforts to end Naxal problem on March 30Internal Security Press Note 3 of 2020 amendment provides for beneficial ownership definition: Govt to ParliamentEconomics India may face credit stress if Gulf conflict drags on: Moody'sEconomics India, US review next steps in trade pact talksInternational Relations RBI tightens norms on net open positions to curb rupee’s slideEconomics India, Europe eye deeper ties as PM Modi plans May-June visitsInternational Relations Tariff cuts fail to revive US demand for Indian export; Policy uncertainty, Section 301 probe delay recovery in shrimp, textilesEconomics Indian ships face GPS jams, mine alerts in HormuzInternational Relations Freedom of navigation important for global economic security: EAM JaishankarInternational Relations Def council clears Rs 2.4L cr proposals for procurement of more S-400 units, transport aircraft, desi BoforsInternal Security Defence ministry inks Rs 445cr deal for Tunguska missile systems with Russia, signs Rs 413cr P8I jet maintenance contract with BoeingInternal Security NCERT reset, AI push: Pradhan spells out education roadmapSocial Issues Explained: The Transgender Persons Amendment Bill and the debate over self-determinationPolity & Governance Oscillation trial of India’s first Hydrogen trainset completed: Ashwini VaishnawScience & Technology What Iran’s drone blitz says about the future of warfareInternal Security Prolonged West Asia conflict to cut growth in Asia by 1.3 points, spike inflation by 3.2 points over 2026-27: ADBEconomics Trump’s Iran war pushes India to rekindle old friendship with RussiaInternational Relations Arctic winter sea ice extent record low for two consecutive yearsEnvironment & Ecology Indian exports to West Asia come to a near-halt four weeks into the crisisEconomics Defence Acquisition Council approves proposals worth ₹2.38 lakh croreInternal Security Govt hikes commercial LPG allocation to 70% of pre-war levels, in sign of easing supply constraintsEconomics Indian farmers’ woes may rise as 50% of India’s key reservoirs half emptyEconomics New butterfly species recorded in Arunachal named after Zubeen GargEnvironment & Ecology India faces mounting pressure on investment pact at WTO as Türkiye withdraws objectionEconomics Government sanctions ₹31,000 crore to fence Myanmar borderInternal Security Centre cuts excise duty by Rs 10/litre to absorb global oil shock, levies export tax to steady supplyEconomics India’s fourth S-400 system ready in Russia, undergoing final testing before deliveryInternal Security India's carbon emissions in 2025 grew at slowest rate in two decades: CREA analysisEnvironment & Ecology U.S. weighs sending up to 10,000 troops to West Asia: reportsInternational Relations Rupee slumps to record low past ₹94 per dollar, set for worst fiscal in more than a decadeEconomics India greenlights procurement of 5 more S-400 air defence systems from RussiaInternal Security Cloud seeding, early warning, protected area expansion: How Saudi Arabia restored 1 million hectares of degraded landEnvironment & Ecology India, Mauritius, Pakistan: Bangladesh Foreign Minister to embark on 3-nation tour in AprilInternational Relations Develop indigenous Web browser, grab cash prizesScience & Technology Excise duty cut on petrol, diesel; hike in export duties to cost exchequer Rs 5,500 cr in fortnightEconomics India levies duties on diesel, jet fuel exports amid oil supply threat due to US-Iran warEconomics Goyal holds talks with USTR Jamieson Greer; discusses next steps in India-US BTA negotiationsInternational Relations Jan Vishwas Bill: Changes made to fines under DDA ActPolity & Governance West Asia crisis, sea route disruptions hit India’s coffee exports to the region, Europe, U.S.Economics China launches two 'reciprocal' probes into US trade practicesInternational Relations Middle East crisis: Rajnath Singh to head inter-ministerial group to monitor conflict-linked issuesInternal Security RBI plans shared liability for digital frauds, pushes open card ecosystem in Vision 2028Economics Unemployment rate falls to 3.1% in 2025; labour participation and wages improve: PLFSEconomics Standing committee on labour directs govt to track placement data on NCS portalPolity & Governance Union Budget 2026 gets Parliament nod; Finance Bill approvedEconomics Synergy, Team India spirit: What was discussed in key PM Modi-CMs meet amid Iran warPolity & Governance Army’s Southern Command conducts fusion drill to boost military-civil coordinationInternal Security Payments Vision 2028Economics RBI releases Master Direction on Unique Identifiers in Financial MarketsEconomics Implementation of Section 51A of UAPA, 1967: Updates to UNSC’s 1267/ 1989 ISIL (Da'esh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions List: Listing of 02 EntriesInternal Security Master Direction - Reserve Bank of India (Unique Identifiers in Financial Markets) Directions, 2026Economics Stock markets fall 1%, rupee falls past 94/$ on Iran war, crude oil pricesEconomics Excise duty on petrol slashed to Rs 3, diesel zero amid West Asia crisisEconomics Verdict holding Meta, YouTube accountable for addiction could encourage responsible designScience & Technology India’s new climate targets are modest, but significant. Here’s whyEnvironment & Ecology Nirav Modi case: Dismissing risk of torture and suicide, how UK court rejected plea against extraditionPolity & Governance A perfect storm: Why gold prices are down after 2025’s historic surgeEconomics How petrol, diesel excise duty cut provides some respite to oil companies, shields consumers from fuel price shockEconomics Lok Sabha sends Corporate Law Amendment Bill 2026 to JPCPolity & Governance WTO MC14: Reform discussions anchor agenda as Ministerial opens in CameroonInternational Relations While the US retreats, India steps up on climate: Union Cabinet announces new NDCEnvironment & Ecology Hormuz disruption risks ripple across global agri markets, says Goldman SachsEconomics AI is giving bad advice to flatter its users, says new study on dangers of overly agreeable chatbotsScience & Technology Banas Bio-CNG model gains national traction; Gujarat allocates ₹60 crore for expansionEnvironment & Ecology ICAR-IVRI ranked in QS World University Rankings 2026, placed in 51–100 band for veterinary scienceScience & Technology Centre cuts special additional excise duty on petrol, diesel by ₹10; retail prices unchangedEconomics India eyes China pivot for edible oil supplies to rein in pricesEconomics Trump extends deadline for Iran to open Strait of Hormuz to April 6International Relations Beyond oil: The crucial exports blocked by Hormuz closureInternational Relations The Transgender Persons Amendment Bill and the question of identity: Who gets to define a trans life?Social Issues “PM wanted consumer prices not to rise”: Sitharaman hails fuel excise cutsEconomics From hills to markets: Indigenous seeds make a comeback in Andhra PradeshEnvironment & Ecology Rupee crashes, hits record low of 94.56 against U.S. dollarEconomics India sends medical supplies to AfghanistanInternational Relations Iran-Israel war LIVE: U.N. Security Council to meet on Iran on March 27, says Russian state mediaInternational Relations Centre cuts excise duty for petrol to Rs 3/litre & zero for diesel amid global oil shockEconomics What we know so far about the Supreme Court’s ruling on reservation for converted DalitsPolity & Governance Israel launches new wave of strikes on Iran with no sign of diplomatic breakthroughInternational Relations India seeks steelmaking raw material from Argentina, Indonesia, Oman, sources sayEconomics ICRA revises Indian aviation outlook to negativeEconomics From beer to cosmetics, Asia feels full force of war-fuelled energy crisisEconomics Iran-Israel war highlights: Trump delays Strait of Hormuz deadline as Wall Street has biggest loss of warInternational Relations China's top chipmaker has supplied chipmaking tech to Iran military, U.S. officials sayInternational Relations G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meet: Jaishankar, Canada’s Anita Anand discuss trade, West Asia on sidelinesInternational Relations CAG flags gaps in Gujarat’s financial oversight; ₹7,400 crore in UCs pendingPolity & Governance Govt reduces excise on petrol, diesel by ₹10 per litre each to cushion pressure on OMCsEconomics ‘Will address sensitive issues with India in all sincerity & candour’—envoy on Bangladesh National DayInternational Relations Cabinet approves ₹33,660 crore BHAVYA scheme for 100 new industrial parks by 2032Economics Oil drops as Trump pauses Iran strikes, but stock traders nervousInternational Relations Heatwaves will be worst for rural parts of Africa — new model shows tens of millions face dangerous warming by 2100Environment & Ecology As ‘Ladki Bahin’ spends crores, malnutrition deaths persist in Melghat, Bombay HC asks State for explanationSocial Issues Bangladesh envoy calls for amicable resolution of 'sensitive' issues between New Delhi, DhakaInternational Relations The recipe behind China’s EV boom: Technology over priceScience & Technology U.S. judge blocks Pentagon's Anthropic blacklisting for nowScience & Technology U.S.-Israel-Iran war: List of countries allowed to cross the Strait of HormuzInternational Relations Govt asks auto industry to optimise production as Iran war hurts energy suppliesEconomics Mosquitoes carrying malaria are evolving more quickly than insecticides can kill them — researchers pinpoint howScience & Technology Balen Shah to take oath as Nepal PM today; releases 'Jay Mahakali' rap song ahead of swearing-in | WatchInternational Relations Govt slashes excise duty on petrol to Rs 3/litre, exempts dieselEconomics T.N. election 2026: When an ‘underdog’ MGR stunned many with his 1980 victory in Tamil NaduPolity & Governance Reserve Bank of India to hold interest rates until at least mid-2027: Reuters pollEconomics Govt cuts excise duty on petrol, diesel; windfall tax on fuel export backEconomics Rupee hits record low of 94.56 against US dollarEconomics Rolling back rights: Karnataka’s gender minority communities question Trans Bill 2026Social Issues Rupee slides past 94 per dollar to record low as prospect of prolonged Iran war deepens energy risksEconomics Parliament panel calls for preserving British-era heritage sites not under ASI ambitArt & Culture Watch: Multiple drones strike U.S. embassy in BaghdadInternational Relations SC: Vague allegations no basis for dowry casePolity & Governance Nagaland Assembly refers FNTA Bill back to govtPolity & Governance India’s 2026 wheat output seen higher, but misses estimates after weather hitEconomics In veiled dig at US, Beijing says India and China's growth built on hard work, not due to foreign generosityInternational Relations Assam Rifles personnel injured in firing by militants during fencing work at India-Myanmar borderInternal Security Army puts to test its new ‘Shaurya’ drone squadron for tank unitsInternal Security India’s FY27 fiscal deficit target faces oil price risks amid Iran war: ICRAEconomics

India’s power demand hits five-year high in early 2026Economics Iran hands Hormuz pass to India, Pak, Russia, China, IraqInternational Relations Jaya Bachchan’s fiery standoff in Rajya Sabha as controversial Transgender Bill clears ParliamentPolity & Governance We are working jointly for security of Strait of Hormuz: India, FranceInternational Relations ​Tepid promises: On India and non-fossil capacityEnvironment & Ecology ​Faiths and fences: On reservation benefits, religious groupsPolity & Governance S-400 deliveries accelerated as India enhances air defence capabilityInternal Security China warns U.S. against building arms facility in PhilippinesInternational Relations Relying on limited number of launch pads for rockets poses operational risks: panelScience & Technology JN Port cargo traffic hits record 100 million tonnes in FY26Economics Indian Navy launches ‘Operation Urja Suraksha’ to secure energy lifelines through Strait of HormuzInternal Security ‘Trade deal not far-off, but there are still gaps’: U.S. officialInternational Relations India calls for Inclusive WTO reforms at MC14Economics Steel ministry seeks intervention for mills facing LPG shortages, source saysEconomics What is driving the fall in gold prices? | ExplainedEconomics Willing to work with India for ‘common interests’ in Global South, BRICS: ChinaInternational Relations Dowry claims lives of thousands, do not give bail for such deaths mechanically: SCPolity & Governance CBI arrests human trafficking ‘kingpin’ in Myanmar-based cyber scam compounds caseInternal Security WTO's dispute settlement system should be fully functional, says Piyush GoyalEconomics Iran-India fuel trade begins after strait open sesame. Traffic of 'friendly' India can pass, says Araghchi; first LPG cargo due this weekInternational Relations 46 pc of CSR spends in Maharashtra, aspirational districts need more attention: CrisilPolity & Governance At WTO meet, Piyush Goyal says plurilateral agreements must not be imposedInternational Relations Terror recruitment case: Raids in 10 locations in 3 Kashmir districtsInternal Security Gulf conflict puts FY27 growth at riskEconomics Turkiye lifts objection to IFD pact incorporationInternational Relations CSR spends up but aspirational districts fail to get bigger shareEconomics India has begun process to take a leap from 5G to 6G: ScindiaScience & Technology President urged not to grant assent to transgender billPolity & Governance Kenya faces hotter, riskier year after one of its warmest years in 2025Polity & Governance West Asia war: As India’s oil imports from Gulf countries crash, Russian oil flows surge 82% to near-peak levelsEconomics SC-appointed panel urges Govt to withdraw Transgender Persons Amendment BillPolity & Governance Young voters in focus, EC plans on reviving electoral literacy clubs in schools and collegesPolity & Governance Explained: Amid Iran war, the rise of Israeli settler violence in West BankSocial Issues How Karnataka is looking to curb screen time among studentsPolity & Governance Social media addiction trial: Why Meta and YouTube were held guiltyInternal Security Can Parsi women be excommunicated for marrying non-Parsis? SC to examinePolity & Governance WTO conference begins: What’s at stake for the world body, and for India?International Relations Mass death of African penguins owing to overfishing and warm seas | Green Humour by Rohan Chakravarty­­International Relations Researchers use deep transfer learning to study nest site fidelity in painted stork in Delhi zooScience & Technology OECD cuts India’s growth forecast to 6.1% in FY27Economics Ragam-26 fest begins at NIT-CInternational Relations Milkweed is a toxic treat for monarch butterfliesEconomics Reliance Industries refutes purchasing any Iranian oilPolity & Governance Global initiative marks taking steps to curb illegal and unsustainable taking of migratory wildlifeEnvironment & Ecology New India bill to amend transgender rights sparks protestsScience & Technology India, US face off over e-commerce moratorium at WTO meetInternational Relations Cabinet nod for 50% waiver of property tax arrears in Andhra PradeshPolity & Governance Israel took Iran's Araghchi, Qalibaf off hit list on Pakistan request: reportInternational Relations Karnataka govt. announces 60-day age relaxation for 2026-27 class 1 admissionPolity & Governance Iran’s Parliament working on bill to impose fees on ships in Strait of HormuzInternational Relations KPCC delegation fails to placate rebel candidate Sadiq PahilwanInternational Relations Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: 890 candidates in the fray in Kerala as deadline for withdrawal of nominations endsEconomics Toothless ban: Single-use plastic rules 84% of surveyed sites in four citiesEnvironment & Ecology India’s strategic oil reserves tell a tale of structural constraints & stalled expansion. Here’s whyEconomics British Airways adds extra flights to Delhi, MumbaiScience & Technology The judicial push for environmental CSREconomics Rupee, inflation, GDP growth under pressure as Iran escalation fuels oil, inflation risksPolity & Governance Nipah virus could turn into something “far more severe”, scientists warnInternational Relations Chinese Envoy assures Pakistan of 'continued support' in meeting with PM Shehbaz SharifScience & Technology SpaceX IPO leaves some private share buyers unsure what they ownInternal Security Supreme Court voices concern over growing 'menace' of citing AI-generated non-existent judgementsScience & Technology India eyes local currency payments for West Asian oil amid price surge; rupee fall hurts financesEconomics India’s Resilient Production Systems in AgriculturePolity & Governance Iran, U.S. harden their positions as Tehran keeps its grip on Strait of HormuzInternational Relations Over 8,000 complaints on MCC violations received through cVIGIL app in KozhikodeScience & Technology ICICI Bank projects India’s FY27 growth at 6.9% amid energy supply strainEconomics ‘Giving sectarian colour to support from India’—Iran embassy’s selective tweets play on ‘Kashmir angle’Environment & Ecology Israel Defence Minister claims Iran Guards navy commander killed in strikeEnvironment & Ecology ‘Designated authority’, takeover clause: What FCRA Amendment Bill means for NGOs under govt lensEnvironment & Ecology North Korea, Belarus sign ‘friendship’ treaty during Lukashenko visitInternational Relations Fertiliser production to dip 10-15% if Middle East issues persist: Crisil RatingsEconomics General Elections and bye-elections 2026: Scrutiny of Nominations concludesEnvironment & Ecology Cabinet to promote use of PNG, targets to give 10 lakh connections in Andhra PradeshInternal Security Updates on Key Sectors in View of Developments in West AsiaInternational Relations Blue-collar salaries outpace white-collar entry-level jobs: ReportEconomics India to scale up critical mineral exploration and build strong domestic value chains to reduce import dependence and meet strategic needs: Dr. Jitendra SinghEconomics 15 women professionals term menstrual leave policy ‘benevolent sexism’, move Karnataka High CourtSocial Issues West Asia war may hit fertilizer output by 10-15%, raise subsidy burden, says Crisil reportEconomics Within a year of getting powers, MHA agency issued 290 takedown notices a day on average for online contentPolity & Governance OECD lowers India’s FY27 growth outlook to 6.1% amid global uncertaintyEconomics Death of winter: In Ladakh, a fading cold season is rewriting life in the high HimalayasEnvironment & Ecology Consensus key to include plurilaterals, careful reconsideration of ecomm moratorium: India at WTO MC14Economics Groups urge President not to grant assent to ‘regressive’ Transgender Amendment BillSocial Issues India holds bilateral meetings with EU, Russia, NZ, others on MC14 sidelinesInternational Relations SC flags 'menace' of AI-generated fake judgments, cautions lawyersScience & Technology Mega anti-Naxal operation launched as March 31 deadline nears, CoBRA units shifted to JharkhandInternal Security Health insurance sector records Strong growth momentum with premiums exceeding ?1.2 lakh crore in 2024-25Economics BJP got highest donations in 2024-25, over 10 times all other national parties combined: ADRPolity & Governance Parliament panel flags funding gap in uranium hunt, seeks priority boost for AMDERScience & Technology PM Modi to attend G7 summit in France from June 15-17, focus on global economy and Hormuz securityInternational Relations West Asia conflict to strain India's FY27 fiscal math, says ICRAEconomics West Asia turmoil to swell fertiliser subsidy by up to Rs 25,000 Crore, hit output: Crisil RatingsEconomics WTO’s dysfunctional dispute settlement system deprives countries of effective redressal: GoyalInternational Relations With modern tech and an old-fashioned oath, Puri’s Jagannath Temple opens treasure trove for first time in 48 yearsArt & Culture Naxalism on its last legs, what happens to 200-plus police camps in Chhattisgarh?Internal Security India’s CO2 emissions grew at the slowest pace in over two decades in 2025: AnalysisEnvironment & Ecology News Today Live Updates, 26 March | SC status on Dalit Christians: Why Chinthada Anand verdict isn’t the final word despite recent outcryPolity & Governance From biometric checks to cap of 9 SIM cards per person, Centre moves to tighten SIM issuance to curb digital arrest fraudScience & Technology After Galwan clashes, ITBP strengthens presence with 29 new outposts along China borderInternal Security War in West Asia: Why Pakistan’s peacemaker role is filled with landminesInternational Relations Are India’s forex reserves really ‘adequate to provide cushion against external shocks’?Economics Meta, YouTube found liable for ‘addiction’ in the US. Could it have implications in India?Polity & Governance IMA Haryana flags ₹400 crore dues under Ayushman BharatPolity & Governance Why is Chennai’s microplastic problem bigger than it looks? | ExplainedEnvironment & Ecology Infrastructure projects see ₹5.66 lakh crore cost overrun, says government reportEconomics Names of 13 lakh Bengal voters under adjudication deleted, say sourcesPolity & Governance India's fertiliser supplies under strain as war disrupts shipmentsEconomics Litani river as marker, Israel’s plan for ‘security zone’ within Lebanon & its implications for HezbollahInternational Relations Iran denies toll claims as report alleges strict controls in Strait of HormuzInternational Relations Transnational terror case: J&K Police's Counter Intelligence Wing carries out raids in three districtsInternal Security NPPA allows 0.64% MRP hike on essential medicines based on WPIEconomics European lawmakers push WTO to review Israel’s most-favoured-nation statusInternational Relations Iran says it is reviewing a U.S. ceasefire plan but no talksInternational Relations G7 allies meet in France to narrow transatlantic Iran splitInternational Relations India rejects Pakistan’s condemnation of life term to Kashmiri separatist Asiya AndrabiInternal Security Iran-Israel war highlights: Israel strikes Tehran as Trump says U.S. negotiating to end warInternational Relations Climate study shows drying of Cauvery to persist until 2050, even as other rivers swellEnvironment & Ecology India among five nations granted passage through Strait of Hormuz by TehranInternational Relations Why has Madras High Court ordered eradication of seemai karuvelam? | ExplainedEnvironment & Ecology Transgender persons Amendment Bill opposed by community collectivesPolity & Governance When drinking water became a revolution | Mahad SatyagrahaModern History From India to South Korea, Asia is getting crushed between oil prices and the dollar amd Iran warEconomics Middle East crisis: Amit Shah heading informal GoM on 'overall strategic issues'Polity & Governance Space co Agnikul successfully tests 3D-printed ‘Agnite’ booster engineScience & Technology BRO entrusted with task of developing infra along 1600-km Myanmar border: Rajnath at parl panel meetInternal Security Freight surge, LPG shortage amid West Asia crisis hit eastern India's exportsEconomics Op Urja Suraksha: Navy deploys 5 warships to guide cargo vessels exiting troubled Strait of HormuzInternal Security