The Times of India

The Indian National Congress has unveiled its second list of 23 candidates for the upcoming Assam Legislative Assembly election in 2026. Key leaders are fielded across various constituencies. The party has strategically left 15 seats for its alliance partners as part of the seat-sharing agreement. This move sets the stage for the upcoming electoral battle in Assam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday commissioned the Haldia Bulk Terminal (HBT) and formally dedicated it to the nation.

A 24-year-old man allegedly injected HIV-infected blood into his 22-year-old relative in Hyderabad after her family cancelled their wedding upon discovering his positive status. The incident occurred on March 11, with police stating the accused forcibly administered the blood. He has been apprehended, and the woman is hospitalized.

Nearly 100 stray dogs were allegedly poisoned to death in Telangana's Mancherial district, with an animal welfare activist filing a complaint against village officials. Police have registered a case under relevant acts, investigating allegations of hired individuals administering poisonous injections and burying the animals. This incident follows a pattern of mass canine killings reported in Telangana last year.

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan, labeling them an act of aggression and emphasizing the need to respect Afghanistan's sovereignty. The strikes, which reportedly caused civilian casualties, follow accusations by the Afghan Taliban government against Pakistan. Pakistan claims its operations target Pakistani Taliban militants and their support networks.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared the BJP will contest the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections independently, aiming to form its own government. He asserted the party's growing vote share and criticized the AAP government's performance on law and order, drugs, and corruption. Shah also pledged to enact a law against religious conversions if the BJP wins.

Tragedy strikes as five Indians lose their lives and one remains missing amid escalating Middle East conflict. Meanwhile, two Indian LPG carriers have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, en route to India with vital fuel supplies. Missions are working tirelessly to aid affected nationals and ensure repatriation.

Indian LPG vessels safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz amid Middle East tensions, with the government assuring all Indian crew are secure. Despite panic booking, LPG supplies remain stable. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was released after his NSA detention was revoked.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a strong attack on the TMC in Kolkata, accusing the party of protecting rapists and insulting President Droupadi Murmu. He also alleged that the TMC opposes electoral roll revisions to shield infiltrators and deliberately alters demographics, making Hindus a minority in several areas.

Tamil Nadu is offering a Rs 2 per unit electricity subsidy for restaurants and food businesses switching from LPG to electric stoves, aiming to mitigate fuel shortage impacts. The state also provides subsidized loans for electric equipment and allows industries temporary use of alternative fuels. Measures are in place to support farmers and monitor LPG distribution.

Far-right activist Laura Loomer apologised for anti-India social media posts after facing backlash for racist remarks. While she expressed regret for offending people, Loomer stood firm on her opposition to the H-1B visa program, citing a need to protect American workers. She also criticized Pakistan, accusing it of supporting extremist networks.

Indian airlines are increasing ticket prices due to soaring aviation fuel costs, driven by Middle East geopolitical tensions. Akasa Air, following Air India and IndiGo, will implement fuel surcharges from March 15th, ranging from Rs 199 to Rs 1,300.

Tensions flared near Girish Park in Kolkata as TMC and BJP supporters clashed, pelting stones and raising slogans just before Prime Minister Modi's rally. Both parties accused each other of initiating the violence, with claims of damaged vehicles and hurled abuses. Police intervened to restore order in the area.

Pakistan grapples with an escalating economic crisis as Middle East conflict disrupts vital oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Soaring fuel prices are impacting farmers, urban commuters, and households, forcing difficult choices. With the nation already financially strained, prolonged energy shortages threaten to destabilize its economy further, affecting daily life and traditional celebrations.

Iran has strategically prepared to leverage the Strait of Hormuz, employing asymmetric warfare with drones and missiles to disrupt global oil flows. This approach, learned from past conflicts, aims to inflict economic pain and pressure the US, rather than engage in direct confrontation. The strategy focuses on survival and demonstrating that coercion cannot force compliance.

India is exploring increased production of dimethyl ether (DME) as an alternative to LPG amid global oil market disruptions. A government research institute has established a pilot plant and plans to scale up DME output, a fuel scientists say can be used with existing LPG infrastructure, addressing supply challenges and rising prices.