At least five people were killed and several injured after a massive avalanche struck the Srinagar-Leh highway at Zoji La in Ladakh, burying multiple vehicles and blocking the strategic route. The avalanche hit vehicles at Captain-turn at Zojila Pass in Drass on Friday afternoon. Authorities said 12–15 vehicles were trapped under snow, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving police, army, BRO, SDRF, and local administrations from Sonamarg and Drass. Over 100 personnel and heavy machinery were deployed, though traffic congestion hindered efforts from the Kashmir side. Officials warned casualties may rise as some vehicles remain fully buried. Rescue operations, ongoing for hours, are expected to continue further into the night ahead.

Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with state leaders to review India’s preparedness amid the West Asia crisis. He emphasised maintaining supply chain stability, preventing hoarding, and ensuring energy security as key priorities. States were directed to activate control rooms, monitor essential supplies, and plan ahead for the Kharif season, especially fertiliser availability. The government also stressed tackling misinformation and safeguarding citizens, including Indians in the Gulf. Despite global disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, officials assured no immediate fuel shortage, citing adequate reserves and alternative sourcing, while markets remain sensitive to rising oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty. (PC: India Today)

The Government of India has firmly denied rumours suggesting a nationwide lockdown, calling them “completely false” and baseless. Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri clarified that no such proposal is under consideration and urged citizens not to panic or spread misinformation. The clarification comes amid rising concerns linked to global tensions and fuel supply fears. Authorities emphasized that India has adequate fuel reserves and supply chains remain stable. The government reassured that all necessary measures are in place to ensure uninterrupted availability of essential commodities, urging people to remain calm and rely only on official information. (PC: PTI)

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that a married man living in a live-in relationship with an adult woman does not constitute a criminal offence under Indian law. The court stressed that legal protection cannot be denied based on societal or moral views, drawing a clear line between law and social morality. The observation came while hearing a plea from a couple seeking protection from police action and threats. The court reaffirmed that consenting adults have the constitutional right to live together, and authorities must safeguard their life and liberty irrespective of marital status. (PC: Moneycontrol)

The Indian government has sharply reduced excise duties on fuel, cutting petrol tax from ₹13 to ₹3 per litre and eliminating diesel duty entirely from ₹10. The move comes amid rising global crude oil prices and supply disruptions linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. The decision aims to shield consumers from price shocks and support oil marketing companies facing heavy losses. However, despite the tax cuts, fuel prices at the pump may not immediately decrease, as the benefit is likely to offset industry losses rather than directly reduce retail rates. 

The Indian rupee plunged to a historic low of ₹94.24 against the US dollar on March 27, 2026, pressured by surging global oil prices and कमजोर financial markets. The decline is largely driven by escalating Middle East tensions, which have pushed crude oil above $100 per barrel, increasing India’s import bill. Persistent foreign investor outflows and a stronger US dollar further weakened the currency. Equity markets also fell sharply, reflecting negative investor sentiment. Analysts warn the rupee may depreciate further if geopolitical tensions and energy price volatility continue, raising concerns over inflation and economic stability. (PC: Instagram)

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)