The Government of India has slashed special additional excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre each in response to rising crude prices driven by the US–Israel–Iran war and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Under the move, the excise duty on petrol has been reduced from ₹13 to ₹3 per litre and on diesel from ₹10 to zero, according to official orders. The reduction aims to cushion Indian consumers and oil companies against international fuel cost pressures, potentially slowing domestic price spikes. (PC: India Today)

The Delhi government has scrapped its controversial plan to purchase two ₹6.2 crore luxury VIP boats for inspections of the Yamuna River after public criticism and media scrutiny. The vessels, featuring air‑conditioned cabins, pantry, and premium seating, were deemed unnecessary for official use. An inquiry revealed procedural lapses in issuing the tender, leading to the suspension of an executive engineer and an assistant engineer. Authorities have mandated that any future boat acquisitions be strictly for essential purposes such as river surveillance, pollution monitoring, and flood management, avoiding luxury amenities. (PC: HT)

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia disrupting global oil and gas supply chains, concerns have risen in India over a possible fuel crisis. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, however, has assured that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG across the country. India currently has around 60 days of crude oil reserves and continues to diversify imports from multiple global sources to offset disruptions, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. While panic buying and misinformation have triggered local supply pressures and increased LPG demand, authorities maintain that distribution remains stable and sufficient, urging citizens to avoid hoarding. (PC: The Hindu)

The Indian government has reassured citizens that there is no shortage of fuel, stating that crude oil supplies for the next 60 days have already been secured. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas confirmed that Oil Marketing Companies have tied up imports in advance, ensuring zero supply gap despite disruptions in West Asia. India currently holds around 60 days of fuel stock, including crude, refined products, and strategic reserves. Refineries are operating at over 100% capacity, while petrol, diesel, and LPG supplies remain stable nationwide. Authorities also dismissed shortage rumours as misinformation aimed at triggering panic buying. (PC: India Today)

A Singapore court has ruled that Zubeen Garg died due to drowning near Lazarus Island in September 2025. The coroner called it an “unfortunate and tragic drowning.”   The singer had gone on a yacht trip and entered the sea. Witnesses said he had consumed alcohol before swimming. He wore a life jacket during his first swim but removed it later. He also refused to wear one again.   Friends asked him to return, but he became motionless in the water. He was pulled back to the yacht, but revival efforts failed.   A report showed high alcohol levels in his blood. Police found no foul play. (PC: NDTV)

Nayara Energy has raised petrol prices by up to ₹5.30 per litre and diesel by ₹3 across India. The move comes as global supply disruptions linked to the Iran-US conflict push input costs higher.   Sources said private retailers get no government support to absorb losses, unlike state-run firms. “Mounting losses have left them with little choice but to raise retail prices,” they said.   Prices now vary by state due to local taxes. Hyderabad reported petrol at ₹107.46 per litre.   Amid shortage fears, long queues were seen at petrol pumps in several cities despite government assurances of adequate supply. (PC: HT)

Amid an LPG shortage triggered by disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, India has turned to Argentina for support, marking a new phase in energy cooperation. Argentina exported 50,000 tonnes of LPG to India in early 2026, more than double its 2025 supply, with shipments from Bahia Blanca travelling nearly 20,000 km to Gujarat’s Dahej port. The crisis has pushed India to diversify sourcing beyond traditional routes, now extending to over 40 countries. While logistical challenges persist, the partnership is strategically significant. Domestically, India has increased LPG allocation and accelerated the shift to piped natural gas to stabilise supply and strengthen long-term energy security. (PC: Reuters)

India will discontinue LPG supply within three months for households refusing to switch to piped natural gas (PNG) where available, under a new order by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The move aims to expand pipeline infrastructure, promote fuel diversification, and free LPG for areas without connectivity amid global supply disruptions. Exceptions apply where PNG is technically infeasible with a valid NOC. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board will oversee implementation. The government clarified no changes to LPG refill rules and assured adequate supplies, urging citizens to avoid panic amid ongoing energy concerns.

Parliament has passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, introducing significant changes to the 2019 law. The legislation redefines “transgender persons,” narrowing its scope and removing the earlier provision for self-perceived gender identity. It introduces a mandatory medical verification process, requiring certification by a medical board and approval from a district magistrate. The government says the changes aim to ensure targeted welfare delivery and prevent misuse. However, opposition leaders and activists have criticised the move as regressive, arguing it undermines dignity, privacy, and rights guaranteed by the Supreme Court’s landmark NALSA judgment on gender self-identification. (PC: The Hindu)

Indian police have been deployed at petrol pumps, particularly in Gujarat, to manage large crowds as panic buying intensifies over fears of fuel shortages. The anxiety is linked to the ongoing global crisis, where disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—through which India imports a significant share of crude oil—have raised supply concerns. Long queues and traffic congestion have been reported as people rush to secure fuel, despite authorities repeatedly assuring that supplies remain stable. Officials emphasize that misinformation and rumours are largely driving the panic rather than any immediate shortage. Across several regions, similar scenes of overcrowding at fuel stations have prompted increased police presence to maintain order and prevent chaos.