The Times of India

The ongoing conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel has triggered a severe LPG cylinder shortage across India, leading to black marketing, price hikes, and widespread business closures. Restaurants and educational institutions are forced to reduce operations and meals, while families resort to traditional cooking methods to cope with the crisis.

Deendayal Port in Kandla is preparing to welcome 22 vessels in the next three days, including foreign-flagged ships rerouted from the conflict-hit Gulf region. The port will serve as a transhipment hub for cargo destined for West Asian countries. Preparations are underway to manage this surge due to 'change of voyage' orders.

Two crude oil tankers have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, heading towards Indian ports. This offers some relief to energy supplies. Several tankers carrying Russian oil are also rerouting to India. Shipping operations in the Gulf remain challenging, with increased costs due to diversions and higher insurance premiums.

A tragic accident in Doda district claimed the lives of a Jammu and Kashmir Police head constable and his wife. Their SUV skidded off the road and plunged into a stream. The couple died instantly. Their two sons sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention. The family was traveling to Bhaderwah when the incident occurred.

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court quashed a preventive detention under the Public Safety Act for a Pulwama resident due to significant contradictions in official records. Justice Rahul Bharti cited discrepancies, including a detainee being held months before the detention order was issued, highlighting carelessness in the application of the stringent law.

Security forces in Jammu seized 503g of heroin, allegedly drone-dropped from Pakistan, near the international border in RS Pura sector. This follows a larger seizure of 2kg heroin just a day prior in Bishnah. The latest recovery was made in a farm following information from two arrested individuals.

Authorities closed Srinagar's historic Jamia Masjid on the last Friday of Ramzan. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief cleric, was placed under house detention. This marks the seventh consecutive year of closure for the mosque on Jumat-ul-Vida. Congregational prayers were held at other locations like Hazratbal Shrine. Protests were also held in solidarity with Palestinians.

The Ladakh administration has appealed to the Leh Apex Body to reconsider its proposed March 16 procession, emphasizing commitment to dialogue. Citing the upcoming tourist season and potential economic impact, officials urged a broad consensus on demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion. The administration highlighted the need for extensive deliberation before any significant decisions are made.

Vinai Kumar Saxena took oath as the fourth Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. He previously served as the LG of Delhi. Saxena pledged to work for the people's aspirations and visit villages to find solutions. He aims to boost tourism and develop Ladakh into a progressive Union Territory. He will collaborate with the public for this transformation.

India is responding to urgent fuel requests from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. These nations face shortages due to Middle East supply disruptions. India, a major refiner, is assessing its domestic needs before deciding on exports. This situation highlights India's growing role as a regional energy partner.

Home Secretary Govind Mohan urged law enforcement agencies to ensure prompt and coordinated responses to online crimes against women and children. He also called on IT intermediaries to adhere to legal provisions for a secure digital space. The national dialogue aims to strengthen mechanisms for preventing and responding to these evolving cyber threats.

As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh approaches its centenary, it's prioritizing expanding its 'shakhas' and intensifying public outreach. The organization aims for broader social engagement, focusing on harmony and transformation. Extensive 'grihasampark' programs have already reached millions of homes nationwide, including diverse communities in Kerala, signaling a significant push for wider societal connection.

India is temporarily reviving kerosene and coal for cooking as Middle East disruptions strain LPG supply chains. The nation is vulnerable due to significant energy imports transiting the Strait of Hormuz, forcing commercial users to switch to alternate fuels while new LPG cargoes are arranged.

Iran's Ambassador to India indicated that Indian vessels could soon receive safe passage through regional maritime routes, emphasizing strong bilateral ties. This development comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia affecting shipping and energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. Discussions are also underway for Indian ships to transport energy resources.

The numbers are staggering: on February 27 the combined market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies was Rs 46,325,200.41 crore. As of March 13, 2025, it has fallen to Rs 42,939,960.29 crore. Thats a loss of almost Rs 33 lakh crore in investor wealth over a span of two weeks and nine trading sessions!

Addressing the concerns over the supply squeeze of the LPG cylinders, both commercial and domestic, the central government assured the uninterrupted supply to households, claiming that domestic LPG output was up 30 per cent compared to March 5. The ministry, responsible for looking petroleum and natural gases, said LPG supplies are also being provided to hospitals and educational institutions.

Gold prices saw a significant dip on Friday, with futures trade closing at Rs 1.59 lakh per 10 grams. This decline was influenced by weaker international trends and a stronger US dollar. Analysts highlight the strengthening dollar as a key pressure point, while geopolitical risks and economic signals remain under close observation by traders.

President Trump's stance on rising oil prices has shifted, now framing them as beneficial for the US as a major oil producer. This change follows strikes against Iran, which triggered a surge in global oil and petrol prices, impacting the Strait of Hormuz. The administration is grappling with economic consequences and political considerations ahead of midterm elections.

India's IT stocks are facing an eighth consecutive week of losses, wiping out significant market value and sparking debate. While some fear AI's disruptive impact, others see a buying opportunity amid historical rebounds. Foreign investors have exited, but a domestic fund is increasing its IT holdings, betting on a recovery.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor praised Prime Minister Modi and EAM Jaishankar for engaging with Iran amidst escalating West Asian tensions. He urged a collective push for peace, highlighting the risks to Indian citizens in the Gulf and the nation's role as a constructive voice.

The scarcity of commercial LPG has emerged after shipments from the Gulf region were disrupted amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. India relies heavily on imports from this region for its LPG requirements.

Global oil markets are reeling from Middle East tensions, with the Strait of Hormuz facing disruptions. Nations like India are securing Russian crude, while the US and other IEA members release emergency reserves. China eyes its reserves and Russia, as countries worldwide implement measures to stabilize prices and ensure supply.

US envoy Sergio Gor voiced grave concerns over escalating tensions at the Strait of Hormuz, warning of potential global oil supply disruptions. He highlighted Iran's actions targeting commercial vessels, including those with Indian casualties, and stressed India's crucial role in maintaining stable oil prices.