A tragic road accident in Gurugram claimed two lives after a speeding car driving on the wrong side rammed into a bike taxi. The collision was head-on and severe, leaving both victims with critical injuries. They were rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed during treatment. Police said the car driver fled the scene immediately after the crash, prompting a manhunt. An FIR has been registered for rash and negligent driving, and CCTV footage is being examined to identify the accused. The incident has once again raised concerns over reckless driving and poor traffic rule enforcement in the city. (PC: HT)

An earthquake of magnitude 5.9 struck Jammu and Kashmir on Friday at 9:46 pm, triggering tremors across North India, including Delhi NCR, Punjab, and adjoining areas. The quake, with a depth of 175 km, had its epicentre near Darawan (36.52°N, 71.01°E). Residents reported brief but noticeable shaking, causing momentary panic, especially in high-rise buildings. Eyewitnesses from Chandigarh and Zirakpur described strong jolts lasting a few seconds, though no immediate damage or casualties were reported. The incident highlights the region’s seismic sensitivity, as authorities continue to monitor aftershocks and assess any potential impact across affected areas.

Delhi will conduct a civil defence mock drill at 8 PM, organised by the Directorate of Civil Defence with participation from Delhi Police, Indian Army, and National Disaster Response Force. Residents may hear air raid sirens and must follow blackout protocols as part of preparedness measures. Authorities have urged people to remain calm, follow official instructions, and avoid spreading rumours or creating obstructions. The exercise aims to test emergency response and public readiness. Officials emphasised there is no real threat and the drill is purely precautionary, similar to previous nationwide exercises conducted to strengthen crisis management systems. (PC: HT)

Bhanu Chander Reddy, a software engineer, died by suicide in Bengaluru after losing his job during AI-led layoffs. Police said he was unemployed for nearly a year and was under treatment for depression. His wife Shazia died soon after, jumping from their building. The couple had kept their interfaith marriage secret due to family concerns. Reddy’s mother had stopped speaking to him after learning about the marriage. In a note, he wrote he had "caused trouble" and could not do justice to his wife. Before her death, Shazia messaged her mother, saying, "Forgive me, I have gotten married." (PC: India Today)

Surya Kant, the Chief Justice of India, criticised the West Bengal government after seven judicial officers were held hostage in Malda. He said he was monitoring the situation till 2 am. The officers were surrounded for over nine hours by people whose names were removed from voter lists. The Supreme Court of India called the act “calculated and motivated”. It asked the Election Commission of India to get a probe done by CBI or NIA. Justice Joymalya Bagchi said all leaders must condemn the incident. The court ordered strict security for officers. (PC: NDTV)

Indian benchmark indices BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 plunged sharply after Donald Trump warned of intensified military action against Iran, denting investor sentiment. The Sensex fell over 1,300 points while Nifty dropped significantly in early trade, tracking global market weakness. Trump’s remarks reduced hopes of de-escalation, triggering a risk-off mood across equities. Rising geopolitical tensions pushed Brent crude prices up nearly 5% above $105 per barrel, raising concerns over inflation and India’s import bill. Broad-based selling hit most sectors, while foreign investors continued heavy outflows. Analysts say uncertainty over the conflict, oil prices, and currency pressure will keep markets volatile in the near term. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level security meeting to review the impact of the Iran conflict on supplies. He stressed ensuring enough LPG and expanding sourcing from multiple countries. Officials said new LPG and LNG supplies are being arranged, while prices remain unchanged. The government also launched drives to stop hoarding and diversion. Coal stocks are adequate, and steps are taken to support power supply. Fertiliser availability was reviewed with focus on urea, DAP and NPK. Monitoring is being done under the Essential Commodities Act. States were asked to act against black marketing and ensure smooth supply. (PC: India Today)

Narendra Modi chaired a key security meeting to review fuel and energy supply amid the West Asia crisis. He discussed LPG and LNG supply, fuel duty cuts, and power measures. The government said steps are being taken to diversify energy and fertilizer sources. Officials also reviewed efforts to stop hoarding and black marketing. States have been asked to take strict action. The Centre said LPG prices remain unchanged. Food prices are also stable for now. Control rooms have been set up for monitoring. The government aims to ensure steady supply and avoid shortages during the crisis. 

An explosion occurred near a BJP office in Chandigarh Sector 37 on Wednesday evening, prompting a swift security response. Preliminary inputs indicate two individuals arrived on a two-wheeler and hurled a crude bomb or improvised explosive device before fleeing. Khalistani terrorist Sukhjinder Singh Babbar later claimed responsibility, describing the attack as retaliation and issuing further threats. No casualties were reported, though vehicles were damaged by shrapnel. Police cordoned off the area and recovered CCTV footage, while forensic teams, including the Central Forensic Science Laboratory, began analysis. The incident has raised serious concerns about targeted militant activity and security vulnerabilities near political establishments. 

IndiGo has increased fuel charges after a rise in aviation turbine fuel prices. The government raised ATF prices by 25%. IndiGo said fares will now be higher. Domestic fuel charges range from ₹275 to ₹950 based on distance. International charges range from ₹900 to ₹10,000. The highest increase is for routes to Europe and the UK. The new rates apply to bookings from April 2. The airline said fuel costs form a large part of expenses. The hike comes as global fuel prices rise due to the ongoing Iran conflict. Passengers may now face higher travel costs. (PC: HT)