Top News

Morning Digest: West Asia troubles to delay Indias FTA talks with GCC countries and Israel; Netanyahu claims Iran no longer has uranium enrichment capacity, and more

Here is a select list of stories to start the day.

Japan's Takaichi tries to reaffirm alliance with Trump as he seeks help securing Strait of Hormuz

Ms. Takaichi, who met with Mr. Trump at the White House, told the Republican President that Japan has opposed Iran's development of its nuclear p

EU asks for reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and no more strikes on energy, water sites

European leaders have deflected entreaties from U.S. President Donald Trump to send military assets to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterwa

Six allies ready to help efforts to ensure safe passage through Hormuz Strait

The declaration came as an effective Iranian blockade of the strait has paralysed commercial shipping through the crucial maritime chokepoint, wh

U.S. may remove sanctions on Iranian oil stranded in tankers, Bessent says

Bessent said the addition of sanctioned Iranian oil into global supplies would help keep oil prices down for the next 10 to 14 days.

Iranian attack hits Israeli oil refinery in Haifa, some damage reported

Energy Minister Eli Cohen said power was briefly disrupted, with electricity restored to most of those who were affected

Resolve pending issues of allotted lands before fresh allotments: BBIA to authorities

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 19: Bari Brahmana Industries Association (BBIA) has stated that all the pending issues relating to previously

Dr Jitendra lays foundation of BioFoundry at Chandigarh, underscores future of smart foods

Excelsior Correspondent CHANDIGARH, Mar 19: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh today laid t

Union Minister inaugurates NHPC Pavilion at Bharat Electricity Summit 2026

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 19: Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs today inaugurated the NHPC Pavilion at th

J&K Bank opens special cash counter at SMVD Bhawan for Navratra pilgrims

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 19: To facilitate devotees during Navratra, Jammu and Kashmir Bank today set up a special cash and note exchan

Rehabilitating Terror Victims

For more than three and a half decades, terrorism cast a long and painful shadow over Jammu and Kashmir. Innocent families lost their loved ones,

Booth level workers backbone of organisation: Sat Sharma

Koul throws light on party programme Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 19: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Jammu & Kashmir, president and Rajya Sab

A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life

Dr Gautam Sharma Every year on March 20, the global community observes World Oral Health Day (WOHD) to highlight the importance of maintaining go

Indias Bioeconomy from $10 bn to $195 bn since 2014: Dr Jitendra

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Mar 19: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Pe

Navreh celebrated with fervour, gaiety by KPs across Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 19: Navreh the beginning of new year as per the Saptrishi Calendar was celebrated by Kashmiri Pandits with tra

Air Indias New York-Mumbai flight diverted to Medina after fire indication

After inspection, the plane was cleared for operations and took off for Mumbai, an official said

California, Arizona gripped by major heatwave as western parts of United States witness record high temperatures

U.S. weather forecast, temperatures: Scientists say there is overwhelming evidence that heat waves such as the one pummeling the western United S

As Iran intensifies Gulf energy attacks, Netanyahu says it can no longer enrich uranium

Despite heavy losses, Iran retains the ability to launch missile and drone attacks, keeping global markets volatile and energy security under thr

President Murmu visits temples, attends several programmes in Mathura

MATHURA (UP), Mar 19: President Droupadi Murmu, who is on a three-day visit to Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday visited temples and attended several pr

Israeli Foreign Minister Saar briefs Jaishankar on West Asia conflict

JERUSALEM, Mar 19 : Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday and briefed him about the

Stakeholders cooperation can help minimise disruption in maritime trade amid West Asia crisis: Minister Sonowal

MUMBAI, Mar 19 : Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday emphasised that stakeholders cooperation can help ensure minimal disruption amid u

Modi discusses West Asia situation with heads of France, Jordan, Oman, Malaysia

NEW DELHI, Mar 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to leaders of France, Jordan, Oman and Malaysia on Thursday, and discussed the West Asia s

Silver crashes Rs 17,800/kg, gold dives Rs 7,000 on global selloff

NEW DELHI, Mar 19: Silver prices tanked Rs 17,800 to Rs 2.38 lakh per kilogram in the national capital on Thursday, while gold dropped Rs 7,000 t

Centre ensuring fuel security despite global turmoil, says Ramchander Rao

Mr. Rao was speaking at the BJP State office after participating in the Ugadi celebrations marking the advent of the Sri Parabhava Nama Samvatsar

Farmers cautioned as light rain and thunderstorms are likely across Andhra Pradesh till March 22

India Meteorological Department, Amaravati, says there will be widespread rain until March 22 in the State, and thereafter isolated rainfall is e

China and the U.S. Continue to Leverage Trade Consultation Mechanism: Chinese Commerce Ministry

Beijing, March 20: The Chinese Ministry of Commerce provided updates on the recent trade discussions between China and the United States during a

Xi Jinping Meets Turkmenistans National Leader in Beijing

Beijing, March 20: Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of Turkmenistan and Chairman of the Peopl

Modi speaks to Macron, Omans Sultan, Malaysian PM

India denounces strikes on gas hubs *Discusses West Asia situation NEW DELHI, Mar 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke to French Presiden

J&K emerges epicentre of anti-drug awareness, leads NMBA campaigns

Scale of outreach higher than Punjab, HP, Haryana Mohinder Verma JAMMU, Mar 19: In an aggressive and unprecedented push against drug abuse, the U

Drone, counter-drone technologies will play pivotal role in future warfare: DM

India must work in mission mode NEW DELHI, Mar 19: India must develop a robust ecosystem for drone manufacturing to enhance its defence preparedn

NIA Files Charges Against Ninth Accused in Gurugram Club Bombing Case

New Delhi, March 20: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against a ninth accused in the bombings that occurred at two

Moon not sighted, Eid on Saturday

Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Mar 19: The Shawwal moon was not sighted anywhere across Jammu and Kashmir this evening, and Eid-ul-Fitr will b

2 held for sending info of key locations to Pak

HAPUR (UP), Mar 19: Two alleged operatives linked to a Pakistan-based gangster network were arrested from the Dhaulana area of Hapur district for

6 arrested in arms smuggling module

CHANDIGARH, Mar 19: Six people, including a juvenile, have been apprehended in connection with a cross-border arms smuggling module, Punjab Polic

Court grants 11-day NIA custody of 7 foreigners

NEW DELHI, Mar 19: Observing that criminal conspiracy is hatched in secrecy, a Delhi court has granted the NIA 11-day custody of six Ukrainians a

Two die of suspected drug overdose

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 19: Two individuals have died of suspected drug overdose in separate areas under the jurisdiction of Police St

Strengthening China-UAE Relations: Ting Shweiyang Meets UAE Envoy

Beijing, March 20: In a significant diplomatic meeting, Ting Shweiyang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the CPC Central Co

Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Malampuzha poised for LDF-BJP rematch, UDF takes desperate gamble

Though the Bharatiya Janata Party has been making visible inroads in this left bastion, the Left Democratic Front continues to dominate in most p

Top 5 Bowlers with the Most Dot Balls in IPL History

New Delhi, March 20: The T20 format is primarily designed for batsmen, yet bowlers have made their mark in this arena. The Indian Premier League

China-Europe Railway Express Boosts Global Economy, Survey Reveals

Beijing, March 20: In the first two months of this year, the China-Europe Railway Express operated a total of 3,501 trains, transporting 352,000

Rift widens among Bihar Opposition after Rajya Sabha poll defeat

The ruling NDA leaders now have dared Opposition RJD to expel its legislator from the party while, coalition Communist Party of India-Marxist-Len

Supreme Court dismisses plea seeking enquiry into CITES violation by Jamnagar-based animal rescue centre and trust

The petition had sought a judicial direction to the Union government, Central Zoo Authority, Directorate General of Foreign Trade and the Wildlif

Tragic Fire in Palam Claims Nine Lives, Urgent Action Demanded

New Delhi, March 20: Devendra Yadav, the President of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee, expressed deep concern over the tragic fire incident

Alia Bhatt Promises to Launch Outsiders, Karan Johar Expresses Pride in Her Initiative

Mumbai, March 20: The ongoing debate of insiders versus outsiders in Bollywood has gained new momentum with actress Alia Bhatts recent statement.

Ghaziabad Man Jumps To Death From 13th Floor, Mother Found Dead At Home

A 42-year-old man allegedly ended his life by jumping from the 13th floor of a building here on Thursday, while his elderly mother was found dead

BHEL to Invest 3,064 Crore in Coal India Joint Venture

New Delhi, March 20: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), a leading engineering company, announced on Thursday its plan to invest approximate

Taylor Frankie Paul video forces ABC Bachelorette 2026 cancelled: What happened between Paul and Dakota Mortensen?

Taylor Frankie Paul video, ABC Bachelorette 2026: A 2023 video of an altercation between Paul and Dakota Mortensen was published by TMZ on Thursd

Neem Flowers: A Natural Remedy for Summer Health Challenges

New Delhi, March 20: The summer season has officially arrived, bringing with it scorching heat and relentless sun. Staying healthy during this ti

Strict Action Against LPG Misuse and Black Marketing in Gautam Buddh Nagar

Noida, March 20: The administration in Gautam Buddh Nagar has adopted a stringent approach to curb the misuse of LPG gas for commercial purposes,

Delhi court acquits two booked under UAPA after they spent eight years in jail

Additional Sessions Judge Amit Bansal of the Patiala House Courts observed that the prosecution has failed to prove the charges slapped on the ac

Gudi Padwa marked by processions across Maharashtra

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended a procession in Nagpur

Indigenous drone production ecosystem needed for strategic autonomy: Rajnath

Six Ukrainian Citizens Arrested in India: MEA Confirms Legal Investigation

New Delhi, March 20: The arrest of six Ukrainian citizens has been confirmed as a legal matter by Indian authorities. The Ministry of External Af

Sanju Samson Cannot Be Replaced Like Kohli and Rohit, Says Ryan Parag

Jaipur, March 20: Ryan Parag, the new captain of Rajasthan Royals, believes that Sanju Samson cannot be replaced, much like cricket icons Virat K

Bob Christo: The Fearsome Villain of Bollywoods Golden Era

Mumbai, March 20: The 1980s and 90s were a defining era for Hindi cinema, marked by heroes as powerful as the villains they faced. Among the fore

Israel flags Iran 'naval terror', briefs India

Hrithik Roshan Seeks Production Tips from Karan Johar at Prime Video Event

Mumbai, March 20: In Bollywood, its common for major stars to expand their roles beyond acting, often stepping into production. Recently, Hrithik

U.S. Stock Market Today: S&P 500, Dow Jones, Nasdaq down. Check Nvidia, Tesla stocks' performance

Wall Street Today: Brent crude was up but well off session highs of $119 per barrel. Nvidia, the world's most valuable company, lost 1 per cent.

Eid ul-Fitr 2026 namaz timings in Bengaluru: Complete list of mosques and Eidgahs

Here's the complete guide for Eid ul-Fitr prayer timings in Bengaluru as Muslims in India prepares for Eid celebrations on Saturday, March 21, 20

16 US Military Aircraft Destroyed Since Start Of Iran War

Five other KC-135s were reportedly damaged by an Iranian missile strike while parked at an airfield in Saudi Arabia.

Congress Announces 22 Candidates for Assam Assembly Elections

New Delhi, March 20: The Congress party has released another list of candidates for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, featuring 22 names fro

31 Rajya Sabha MPs billionaires, 73 face criminal cases: ADR analysis

ED Seizes 97.92 Lakhs in Assets from Former SBI Manager in Jharkhand Banking Fraud Case

Ranchi, March 20: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made a significant move in a banking fraud and money laundering case involving the State B

Delhi HC issues notice on plea seeking removal of Indias patent head

The petition has been filed by the All India Patent Officers Welfare Association (AIPOWA) alleging that Mr Pandits appointment was illegal and ar

Exciting Job Opportunity at IIM Visakhapatnam for Project Associate Position

Visakhapatnam, March 20: A fantastic opportunity has emerged for young individuals aspiring to join the Indian Institute of Management (IIM). IIM

Facing evictions, Gulmarg hoteliers withdraw petitions to settle issue with J&K Govt.

Official sources said the J&K government, unlike the Lieutenant Governor administration, intended to form a committee to look into the lease issu

Unapproved drops for dry eyes pose risks: Govt

Sam Curran May Miss IPL 2026 Season Due to Injury Concerns

New Delhi, March 20: The Rajasthan Royals have received a significant setback ahead of the IPL 2026 season. England all-rounder Sam Curran may be

Delhi HC tells police to ensure peaceful, dignified Id in Uttam Nagar

According to the petition, tensions escalated after a violent incident in JJ Colony on March 4 involving two families, in which a youth was alleg

Taha Shah Badusha Takes Flight with Karan Johars Nazdeekiyan After Heeramandi Success

Mumbai, March 20: The world of OTT and films is rapidly evolving, and some artists are steadily carving out a strong identity through their hard

IPL 2026: Punjab Kings Face Setback as Lockie Ferguson Misses Initial Matches

New Delhi, March 20: New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson will miss the initial matches of IPL 2026 for the Punjab Kings. Recently becoming a

Railways retires 6 officers over non-performance

India Balances Domestic Energy Needs While Assisting Neighboring Countries, Says Ministry of External Affairs

New Delhi, March 20: India announced on Thursday that it is assisting neighboring countries like Bangladesh with their energy supply needs while

SC to Sebi: Why hold up court-ordered closure of Sandesara fraud case?

Denied Tickets, 74 TMC MLAs Turn Rebels

Another TMC leader, Arabul Islam, joined the Indian Secular Front, a new minority-oriented outfit in the opposition with one MLA. Known to be the

BJP Confident of Victory in Tripura By-Election, Says Chief Minister Manik Saha

Agartala, March 20: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed confidence on Thursday that the BJP will secure victory in the Dharmanagar by-ele

New GDP series, charting the path ahead

Updating the ASI sampling frame and refining the ASUSE survey methodology can further enhance the accuracy and reliability of GDP and GSDP estima

AI-powered tax governance in India and its challenges

Artificial Intelligence in Indias tax administration is improving outcomes, but safeguards are needed

Odisha Reports 416 Fire-Related Deaths in Three Years, Natural Disasters Claim 6,500 Lives

Bhubaneswar, March 20: In a recent statement to the state assembly, Odishas Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, revealed tha

Over 20K Paramilitary Personnel Arrive in TN

The large-scale deployment is aimed at boosting voter confidence and preventing any untoward incidents during the elections.

Cops Honour Labourer Who Returned Bag With Gold Jewels Found on Road

The police called Murugan, Seenivasan and Revathi to the police station on Thursday and returned the bag to its owner.

Alka Yagnik: A Unique Voice in Bollywoods Musical Landscape

Mumbai, March 20: In the world of Bollywood music, some voices resonate deeply over time. One such voice is Alka Yagnik, who has touched millions

'Dont do that': Trump details private warning to Netanyahu on oil strikes, gets immediate response

Fire and fury: On the ill-conceived war on Iran

Donald Trumps miscalculation in Iran is hurting the whole world

Petroleum Dealers Seek Clear SOP During Poll Period

The transporters are required to carry a copy of the daily sales summary and a photocopy of the authorised persons Aadhaar card to ensure full tr

U.S. Defense Secretary Questions Medias Coverage of Military Successes

Washington, March 20: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth raised serious concerns about the medias approach during a press conference on Thursday

What is happening in Mexico? 11 killed in anti-Sinaloa cartel operation. Details here

Mexico: Navy also located the daughter of a crime boss during the operation, but she was released to her family after determining she had no ties

Weather Forecast and Prayer Timings for March 20, 2026

Maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 34 C and 22 C respectively.

Jana Nayagan Ball in EC Court Now

The further stated that candidates can file nominations online but must submit physical copies to the returning officer.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Wife Declare Assets Exceeding 1 Crore

Kannur, March 20: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his wife Kamala have declared assets totaling over 1 crore, according to the affidav