Power demand surge to strain India’s energy system
India is bracing for record electricity demand this summer, with peak usage expected to hit 283 GW – up 13 per cent from 2024 levels, reported Reuters.
The power ministry is coordinating with coal suppliers and railways to ensure adequate fuel supply.
The surge comes amid disruptions in global energy markets due to the Iran conflict, raising concerns over supply stability and pressure on already strained infrastructure.
India denies talks with Iran over tanker release
The Indian government has rejected reports of negotiations with Iran to release three seized tankers in exchange for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The foreign ministry termed the claims “baseless”, clarifying that the vessels are not Iranian-owned.
The issue comes amid escalating tensions in the Gulf, where shipping disruptions have significantly impacted global energy flows.
Cheap weight-loss drugs may transform India’s healthcare market
India’s pharmaceutical sector is set for a major shift as the patent for semaglutide – used in blockbuster weight-loss drugs – expires on March 20.
Domestic firms are expected to launch cheaper generics, potentially halving prices and expanding access.
Analysts predict a rapid market expansion, with up to 50 versions entering soon, making obesity treatment more accessible and positioning India as a global supplier.
US national held over links to anti-India groups
The National Investigation Agency has arrested American citizen Matthew VanDyke along with six Ukrainians for alleged links to anti-India insurgent groups.
Authorities said they entered India on tourist visas and crossed into Myanmar for training activities.
Investigations are ongoing to determine their network and objectives. The US embassy confirmed awareness of the case but declined further comment.
10 dead in Odisha hospital fire
At least 10 patients died after a fire broke out in a hospital trauma care unit in Odisha on March 16.
The blaze, suspected to have been caused by a short circuit, erupted early morning as patients were being shifted.
Several others were injured. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said medical staff risked their lives during rescue efforts.
Nine killed in Delhi residential fire
A devastating fire in a residential building in Delhi’s Palam area on March 18 killed at least nine people, including three children. Several others were injured as rescue operations continued.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident, expressing deep distress over the tragedy.
Police arrests third suspect in Bangladeshi leader’s killing
Police in West Bengal have arrested a third suspect, Philip Sangma, linked to the killing of Bangladeshi student leader Sharif Osman Hadi.
The accused allegedly helped two prime suspects - Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Hossain - enter India illegally after the December shooting in Dhaka.
The case has drawn cross-border attention, with investigations continuing into the network that aided their escape into West Bengal.
Actor Vijay’s party to go solo in Tamil Nadu polls
Actor-turned-politician Vijay has ruled out alliances for the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections, confirming his Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) will contest independently.
Speaking at an Iftar event on March 18, he stressed commitment to secularism and social justice.
The move sets up a three-cornered contest between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led alliance, the National Democratic Alliance and the TVK, with the elections scheduled for April 23 and campaigning expected to begin soon.
State polls to test Modi amid energy crisis
Upcoming state elections across five regions will test Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership as India faces an energy crunch linked to the Middle East conflict.
The Election Commission on March 15 announced the schedule: West Bengal (April 23 and 29), Tamil Nadu (April 23), Kerala (April 9), Assam (April 9), and Puducherry (April 9). Counting for all of them is on May 4.
With voting beginning on April 9, opposition parties are targeting rising fuel costs and shortages. Analysts say the crisis could influence voter sentiment in what is seen as a key political moment.
Cabinet approves US$3.6 billion to develop industrial parks
The Union cabinet has approved spending US$3.63 billion to develop 100 industrial parks, Information Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on March 18, in a move aimed at boosting the country’s domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The industrial parks will be developed through joint ventures with state governments and a state-run company, he said.
Industry Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia said the government expects to develop about 33,000 acres of land for manufacturing over six years.
Three medical students killed in Kerala accident
Three first-year MBBS students died in a road accident in Kerala’s Kozhikode district after their scooter lost control and fell into a drainage canal.
The victims, aged 19 to 22, were students of Malabar Medical College.
Police are investigating the incident, with initial reports suggesting a possible collision, though no CCTV footage is available.
Top court rejects menstrual leave petition
India’s Supreme Court has rejected a plea seeking mandatory menstrual leave, warning it could hurt women’s employment prospects.
The judges said such policies might reinforce gender stereotypes and discourage hiring.
While acknowledging the issue’s sensitivity, the court suggested the government could consider a policy after wider consultation with stakeholders.
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12 Mar 2026 18:26
