The Times of India

The BJP has blamed alleged Muslim infiltrators from Bangladesh for recent violence in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills, citing demographic shifts and attempts to usurp tribal rights. Tensions escalated after tribals protested non-tribal nominations for council elections, following a high court ruling.

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.

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.

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.

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 Supreme Court has declined to mandate nationwide menstrual leave for women, citing concerns that it could reinforce gender stereotypes and harm employment prospects. While acknowledging voluntary policies are welcome, the court directed authorities to consider the petitioner's representation on the matter, emphasizing potential negative career impacts if made compulsory.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized Prime Minister Modi for his silence on the reported assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Ramesh alleged Modi fears antagonizing US and Israeli allies, contrasting this with the government's earlier mourning for former Iranian President Raisi. He highlighted India's condemnation of Iran's actions while remaining quiet on the alleged US-Israeli strike.

In a significant move for West Bengal's electoral process, the Election Commission has upgraded returning officers for 152 assembly constituencies to Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) level and above. This historic decision, aligning with national norms, aims to enhance the fairness and impartiality of upcoming assembly polls by appointing more senior officials.

The Supreme Court stated that public interest cannot justify broad access to private information of public officials, emphasizing a balance with the right to privacy. The court will consider a petition challenging the Digital Personal Data Protection Act's restrictions, which a petitioner argued nullifies RTI provisions for accessing background data of appointees and could enable state surveillance.