Basmati rice stuck at ports as Iran crisis hits flows
Thousands of tonnes of Indian basmati rice are stranded at ports after shipping disruptions caused by United States and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Exporters say 181,000 to 226,000 tonnes of cargo cannot be shipped as vessels avoid the region.
The All India Rice Exporters’ Association has urged the government to waive port charges. India exports billions of dollars’ worth of basmati annually, mainly to the Middle East.
Indian refiners may embrace Russian oil again following Iran crisis
India is reconsidering purchases of Russian oil as tensions around Iran threaten supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for half of its imports.
Officials say state refiners are reviewing contingency plans, including buying Russian cargoes currently in Asian waters.
India has reserves lasting about two weeks, but may seek flexibility from the United States if the crisis worsens.
India and Canada reset ties, agree on defence and energy cooperation
India and Canada have begun rebuilding relations during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to New Delhi, launching a new defence dialogue and expanding cooperation in energy and critical minerals.
The visit marks an effort to repair ties strained after the 2023 killing of a Sikh activist in Canada.
Both countries also aim to diversify economic partnerships amid growing global uncertainty.
Police clash with pro-Khamenei protesters in Kashmir
Police fired teargas in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, as thousands protested the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during clashes for a second day.
Authorities shut schools, restricted movement and barricaded key roads after calls for a strike. Demonstrators waved Iranian flags and portraits of Khamenei, shouting anti-Israel and anti-US slogans across the Kashmir valley.
Modi faces backlash over Israel trip days before Iran attacks
India’s opposition parties have criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Israel, saying it signalled support for air strikes on Iran that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Congress leaders accused the government of abandoning India’s traditional neutrality in West Asia.
With millions of Indians working in the Gulf and heavy dependence on oil imports, analysts warn the crisis could impact India’s economy.
Delhi court discharges Kejriwal, Sisodia in excise policy case
A Delhi court has discharged former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and 21 others in the controversial liquor policy case.
The judge ruled that the Central Bureau of Investigation relied largely on hearsay and procedural lapses.
The Aam Aadmi Party called the verdict proof of a political conspiracy, while the CBI said it would challenge the ruling.
NHRC seeks report over surge in missing persons in Delhi
The National Human Rights Commission has sought a report from Delhi authorities after 807 people, including 191 minors, were reported missing in the first two weeks of 2026.
Data shows nearly 24,500 people went missing in Delhi in 2025, with about 60 per cent women.
The commission said the figures raise serious concerns and require urgent scrutiny.
Modi inaugurates Micron semiconductor facility in Gujarat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Micron Technology’s semiconductor assembly and testing facility in Gujarat, marking a milestone in India’s semiconductor ambitions. The Sanand plant will produce memory modules for global markets.
Officials say the project strengthens India’s role in the semiconductor supply chain and could help position Gujarat as a future hub for chip manufacturing.
18 killed, over 20 injured in Nagpur factory blast
At least 18 people were killed and more than 20 injured in an explosion at an ammunition manufacturing unit in Maharashtra’s Nagpur district. The blast occurred in the packing section of a factory operated by SBL Energy Limited.
Several victims remain unidentified. Police have registered an accidental death case while authorities investigate the cause of the explosion.
21 killed in firecracker factory explosion
At least 21 people died and eight others were injured when a firecracker factory exploded in Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. Around 30 workers were inside the unit when the blast occurred.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, while Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu called the incident heartbreaking. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion.
Top court bans textbook over reference to judicial corruption
The Supreme Court has banned a school social science textbook after a chapter referred to corruption in the judiciary.
The book, published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training, was criticised by Chief Justice Surya Kant as damaging the institution’s reputation.
NCERT apologised and withdrew the book, but the court ordered a complete halt to its publication.
Supreme Court angry after judge cites fake AI rulings
The Supreme Court has warned of legal action after a junior judge cited fake AI-generated judgments in a property dispute ruling in Andhra Pradesh.
The court said such misuse threatens the integrity of the judicial process.
The case has drawn national attention as another example of artificial intelligence creating false legal references in court proceedings.
High Court seeks explanation over RTE students made to do labour
The Chhattisgarh High Court has sought an explanation after reports that students admitted under the Right to Education quota were forced to perform construction and painting work at a school.
The court directed the state education secretary to submit a report by March 11.
Parents alleged the children were threatened with transfer certificates if they refused.
Jammu and Kashmir win historic Ranji Trophy title
Jammu and Kashmir have won their first-ever Ranji Trophy title, defeating Karnataka in the 2025-26 final.
Fast bowler Auqib Nabi starred with the ball, while centuries from Shubham Pundir and Qamran Iqbal powered the victory.
The triumph marks a historic turnaround for a team that had struggled for decades in India’s premier domestic first-class cricket tournament.
RELATED STORIES
5 Mar 2026 19:16
