The Times of India

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.

Petroleum ministry officials said that the govt has allocated 48,000 kilolitres (kl) of additional kerosene to states, in addition to the regular quota of one lakh kl, for use as cooking fuel. It has also asked the pollution control boards of respective states and Union Territories to allow the use of biomass, RDF pellets (produced from municipal, industrial and commercial waste) and coal as alternate fuel in the hospitality and restaurant segment for one month.

Prime Minister Modi downplayed the energy crisis, urging collective efforts and national interest over panic. He highlighted government initiatives like increased LPG connections and LNG terminals to boost self-reliance. Efforts are underway to shield citizens and farmers from the impact of global conflicts, with measures to manage LPG distribution and supply.

According to the aviation ministry, over 1.5 lakh people have flown from GCC to India between Feb 28 and March 11. Indian carriers resumed Riyadh flights from Thursday, with Day One seeing four flights by Air India, IndiGo and AI Express. The Indian embassy in Qatar said on X Thursday 1-2 flights of Qatar Airways are expected for India daily in the coming days.

Lok Sabha witnessed a heated exchange as Rahul Gandhi's speech on the energy crisis was cut short by Speaker Om Birla. Gandhi was questioned for targeting Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and deviating from the stated notice regarding gas shortages. The opposition had previously accused the Chair of limiting Gandhi's speaking time.

A crude oil tanker has reached Mumbai Port after navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The Liberia-flagged Shenlong Suezmax brought crude from Saudi Arabia. It temporarily went off tracking systems in the high-risk strait. Iran has intensified shipping restrictions. Over 20 million barrels of oil pass through the strait daily.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held three recent talks with his Iranian counterpart, focusing on maritime shipping safety and India's energy security amid rising Middle East tensions. Iran has ensured safe passage for Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil trade and India's energy imports.