The Times of India

Government seeks clarity on recovering hefty penalties from carmakers for missing fuel efficiency targets. With stricter norms ahead, the PMO is pushing ministries to define who evaluates, approves, and recovers the dues. Over Rs 8,800 crore in penalties have been levied for past non-compliance, yet no recovery has occurred.

Indian Railways has boosted Kilometrage Allowance and Allowance in lieu of Kilometrage by 25% for over two lakh running staff, effective January 2024. This decision aligns compensation with the 50% Dearness Allowance hike, addressing long-standing demands for better financial benefits for essential operational personnel.

The March 31 deadline for eliminating Left-wing extremism may pass without fanfare, having successfully created a psychological impetus for stakeholders. This pressure led to the neutralization or surrender of most CPI(Maoist) leadership, fracturing the group and pushing remaining members towards surrender.

SC judge Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized that a developed India by 2047 requires greater tolerance for debate and dissent, without criminalizing them. He highlighted that thousands arrested under the UAPA with minuscule convictions indicate overuse or misuse of the law, hindering justice delivery and the ideal of a developed nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the longest-serving head of government, surpassing the record previously held by Pawan Kumar Chamling. This milestone marks 25 continuous years in leadership, beginning with his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister in October 2001 and continuing as Prime Minister since May 2014.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet committee on security discussed measures to diversify import sources for key sectors like chemicals and pharmaceuticals due to the West Asia conflict's global economic impact. The government is preparing short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to safeguard citizens and ensure the availability of essential goods like fertilizers and coal.

Former Pakistani envoy Abdul Basit stated that striking Indian cities like New Delhi and Mumbai would be Islamabad's default move if Pakistan were attacked by the US. He asserted that Pakistan's nuclear deterrence is India-specific, not aimed at the US, and that any aggression would be met with retaliation against India.

Veteran BJP leader Datta Meghe passed away at 89. A four-time Lok Sabha MP and former state minister, Meghe joined the BJP in 2014. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari remembered him as an elder brother, highlighting his significant contributions to education and healthcare in Vidarbha, particularly in tribal areas.

Released activist Sonam Wangchuk urged the Union government for win-win talks with Ladakhi leaders, emphasizing a give and take approach. He vowed to continue his struggle if necessary, highlighting his fight for Ladakh's culture and environment. Wangchuk expressed hope for justice regarding the September 24 firing and the release of arrested individuals.

Transgender community members, part of the National Council for Transgender Persons, met with ministry officials to reiterate that self-affirmation must remain the foundation of transgender identity.

AIMIM will contest the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. The party has formed an alliance with Humayun Kabir's Aam Janata Unnayan Party. AIMIM aims to strengthen its presence and represent the poor and oppressed. The alliance plans to contest 182 seats. AIMIM will participate in approximately eight of these seats.

A Russian oil tanker chartered by MRPL arrived off the Indian coast amid escalating West Asian tensions and volatile global energy markets. This arrival, along with an LPG cargo from the US, highlights India's efforts to secure energy supplies. Officials confirmed no port congestion and the safety of Indian vessels and sailors in the Persian Gulf.

Millions of women navigate monthly hormonal cycles and pain, often silently, while modern workplaces expect consistent performance.

Former Pakistani diplomat Abdul Basit's remarks suggesting Pakistan would strike Mumbai and New Delhi if its nuclear capabilities were threatened have drawn sharp criticism from the BJP. The party spokesperson stated these comments reveal Pakistan's continued reliance on terrorism and its rattled state, asserting that terrorism is ingrained in their nature.

Preparations are underway for flag hoisting ceremonies at six sub-temples within the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, following similar events on the main spire. The Hanuman temple ceremony is scheduled for Hanuman Jayanti on April 2, while the other five will occur in phases from March 22 to March 31. These events will be small gatherings of seers, engineers, and workers.

Amidst escalating Middle East tensions, PM Modi reviewed energy preparedness, focusing on uninterrupted supply of fuel and fertilizers. Iran's missile strikes and threats to oil facilities have heightened concerns. Meanwhile, foreign investors withdrew significantly from Indian equities in March due to global uncertainties and a weakening rupee.

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut and Congress's Rahul Gandhi have slammed the Modi government over the rupee's sharp fall against the dollar. They argue this decline reflects a loss of national prestige and signals impending inflation, accusing the government of prioritizing elections over economic stability and offering only rhetoric instead of solutions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a high-level meeting to review India's energy preparedness amid escalating West Asian tensions. The focus will be on ensuring uninterrupted supply, stable logistics, and efficient distribution of petroleum, power, and fertilisers across the nation. This comes as the ongoing conflict impacts global energy supplies and international supply chains.

The INDIA bloc faces internal strife post-Rajya Sabha elections, with allies like SP, CPM, and CPI(ML) criticising Congress. Cross-voting and state-level rivalries, particularly in Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, have frayed the alliance. Regional parties question Congress's leadership, suggesting a need for independent rebuilding before any grand coalition.

World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 highlights Trisomy 21, a genetic condition affecting millions. While biology is understood, outcomes depend on care, early intervention, and societal perception. Early diagnosis and therapies are crucial for individuals to achieve milestones and participate fully in life.

Women make up less than 17 percent of the paid water workforce globally but in India's villages, they are already running the systems. This is the story of how grassroots networks and government schemes are turning water's biggest burden-bearers into its most effective managers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become India's longest-serving head of government, completing 8,931 days in office. This milestone surpasses the previous record held by Pawan Kumar Chamling. Modi's extensive public service includes over 13 years as Gujarat's Chief Minister and his tenure as Prime Minister since 2014.

US Congressman Greg Landsman has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives seeking to recognise the atrocities committed by the Pakistani army and its allies against Bengali Hindus in 1971 as war crimes and genocide. The resolution cites the 'Blood Telegram' and details the systematic targeting of Hindus for extermination, urging condemnation of these actions

The BJP has finalized its Puducherry assembly election candidates, naming M Arulmurugan for Karaikal South. This completes their list for the April 9 polls, where they contest 10 seats alongside allies AINRC, AIADMK, and LJK. Preparations are in full swing for the 30-seat election, with EVMs and VVPATs readied for over 9.44 lakh voters.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, discussing the ongoing West Asian conflict and its regional implications. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also engaged with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing concern over regional stability and condemning attacks that threaten global supply chains and freedom of navigation.

The National Highways Authority of India is deploying AI-powered dashcams across 40,000 km of its network to address a significant rise in commuter complaints regarding road conditions. These dashcams will monitor over 30 types of defects, including pavement issues and safety concerns, with reports generated daily to facilitate prompt repairs.

Raises Voter Roll Deletion Issue, Calls For Unity

Pezeshkian Urges India To Use Brics Role To End Hostilities

Outreach Comes After PM's Greetings

'No Country, Including India, Will Be Spared'

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced nine candidates for the Puducherry Legislative Assembly elections, contesting in alliance with the All India NR Congress. The Election Commission of India has also completed the first randomisation of EVMs and VVPATs for the upcoming polls in Puducherry, Assam, and Kerala, as well as for bye-elections in other states.

Mumbai, Delhi, and Noida power companies lead in performance for 2024-25. Adani Electricity Mumbai, TPDDL, and NPCL secured top positions. Delhi's discoms also excelled in consumer service. These rankings highlight operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The surveys aim to drive improvements across the power sector.

Iranian President Pezeshkian urged the India-led BRICS to play an independent role in halting aggressions against Iran amid escalating Middle East tensions. He highlighted alleged US and Israeli unlawful attacks and crimes, emphasizing Iran's opposition to nuclear weapons. PM Modi condemned attacks on energy infrastructure and called for dialogue and peace.

AIADMK, a key NDA ally in Puducherry, has agreed to contest from two constituencies, Uppalam and Orleanpet, to uphold coalition dharma. The party expressed confidence in winning both seats and asserted its claim for a share in power if the alliance secures victory in the upcoming Assembly polls. This decision follows seat-sharing talks with ruling AINRC and BJP.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan sharply criticized Congress and Rahul Gandhi, labeling them the B-team of BJP and accusing them of failing to learn from past experiences. He highlighted their repeated allegations against Arvind Kejriwal despite court dismissals and claimed Congress aligns with the BJP at both national and state levels.

Addressing a public gathering here on the completion of four years of the Uttarakhand government, the Defence Minister expressed pride and confidence in the government led by CM Dhami and attributed the state's growth to him.

Assam's election campaign is set to be dominated by key issues including eviction policies, infiltration concerns, and development projects. Political parties will debate the government's actions on land reclamation and child marriage, while illegal immigration and the CAA remain contentious. The ruling alliance will highlight welfare schemes and job recruitment, facing opposition critiques on development disparities and crime against women.