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)

Fuel prices have increased in Delhi, raising costs for consumers and airlines. Premium petrol now costs Rs 160 per litre, up from Rs 149. Premium diesel prices also saw a small rise. Jet fuel prices were briefly doubled before being revised for domestic airlines. Even after the cut, rates remain high. Commercial LPG cylinder prices have also increased sharply since March. Officials linked the rise to global oil price surge and supply issues. The government had earlier reduced excise duty to control normal fuel prices. However, premium fuel and aviation costs continue to rise due to ongoing global disruptions.

India is grappling with a worsening energy situation as LPG shortages and soaring jet fuel prices hit consumers and industries. Disruptions in global oil supply—largely due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia—have constrained LPG availability, affecting both households and businesses. At the same time, aviation turbine fuel prices have surged sharply, raising airline operating costs. Commercial LPG rates have also increased, putting pressure on small businesses and hotels. While domestic LPG prices remain relatively stable, the broader fuel crisis highlights India’s dependence on imports and growing vulnerability to global energy market fluctuations. (PC: The Hindu)

A tragic stampede at the Sheetla Mata temple in Bihar’s Nalanda district on March 31, 2026, killed at least nine devotees, mostly women, and injured several others. The incident occurred during a crowded religious gathering, where mismanagement and overcrowding led to panic. Authorities identified major security lapses and inadequate crowd control as key causes. Following the tragedy, the local Station House Officer was suspended, and a Special Investigation Team was formed to probe the incident. The state government announced compensation for victims, while officials continue investigating responsibility and measures to prevent recurrence.

Oracle has reportedly initiated large-scale layoffs impacting up to 30,000 employees globally, including around 12,000 in India, amid an AI-driven restructuring. Affected staff across regions such as India and Mexico received sudden termination emails early morning, some between 5–6 am, with little or no prior notice. While Oracle has not officially confirmed the total scale, widespread reports on platforms like Reddit, Blind, and X indicate significant workforce reductions, particularly in its computing business. The abrupt communication and scale of job cuts have triggered shock among employees, highlighting growing concerns over job security as companies increasingly adopt automation and artificial intelligence strategies worldwide. (PC: India Today)