Prime Minister Narendra Modi said several Indians are stranded on vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. He called the situation a concern for the government. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, he said, “The lives of Indians are our top priority.” He added that the war in West Asia has lasted over three weeks. It has caused a global energy crisis. He said the conflict has affected India’s trade routes. Supplies of petrol, diesel, gas and fertilisers have also been hit. The government is closely watching the situation and focusing on the safety of Indian citizens in the region. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court has ruled that only Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists can claim Scheduled Caste (SC) status. It said conversion to any other religion leads to loss of SC status and related legal protection. “No person who professes a religion other than Hindu, Sikh or Buddhist shall be a member of the Scheduled Caste,” the court said. SC Status Limited to Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists, Says Supreme Court; Conversion Ends Eligibility The bench upheld an Andhra Pradesh High Court order in a case involving a pastor who had converted to Christianity. The court noted he continued to follow Christianity and had not returned to his original faith. It said SC status depends on religious identity. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court has ruled that women Short Service Commission (SSC) officers are entitled to Permanent Commission in the armed forces. It said the earlier denial was due to “systemic discrimination”.   The court struck down the cap of 250 women officers per year, calling it arbitrary. It also found flaws in the evaluation system, especially in Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs).   “The denial of Permanent Commission to women SSCOs was a result of discrimination,” the bench said.   The court directed a review of assessment methods. It also said affected women officers will be treated as having completed 20 years of service for retiral benefits. (PC: India Today)

Imnainla Jamir has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to be officially endorsed by Ibanez. The global guitar brand recognised her talent, unique playing style, and growing influence in the music scene. As an endorsed artist, she will represent the brand and perform using its guitars on international platforms. Jamir expressed gratitude to supporters and organisations like TaFMA for backing her journey. This milestone highlights rising global recognition for Indian musicians, especially from the Northeast, and is expected to inspire aspiring artists nationwide.

A tragic incident occurred in Prayagraj where a cold storage facility collapsed in the Phaphamau area, killing at least four people and injuring over a dozen. Several workers were trapped under debris when the structure suddenly caved in, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving police, fire services, NDRF, and SDRF teams. An ammonia gas leak from the facility further complicated rescue efforts, forcing emergency containment measures. Authorities have ordered a magisterial inquiry into the cause, while compensation has been announced for victims. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance and directed immediate relief efforts. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised E20 petrol as India faced rising oil prices due to the West Asia war. He said ethanol blending helped cut oil imports. India moved from 1% to nearly 20% blending in a decade. “We imported about 4.5 crore barrels less oil,” he said in Parliament. The policy aims to reduce costs and support farmers. However, some users have raised concerns over lower mileage and engine issues in older vehicles. The government has denied safety risks. Experts say E20 helps reduce dependence on crude oil. The debate over its impact continues across India. (PC: PTI)

The Indian Rupee fell to a record low of 93.83 against the US Dollar on March 23, extending its recent decline after the steepest single-day drop in four years. The currency weakened amid sustained foreign investor outflows, with nearly $9 billion exiting Indian equities in 2026 so far. Elevated crude oil prices Brent above $110 per barrel have increased import pressures, further straining the rupee. Offshore markets indicate continued weakness, while the Reserve Bank of India’s short dollar position has neared $100 billion. Analysts warn that persistent global volatility and energy costs could keep the rupee under pressure in the near term. (PC: News18)

Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting to review India’s fuel and food security. The meeting focused on the impact of the West Asia conflict. Ministers discussed steps to ensure steady supply of fuel, fertilisers and essential goods. The government said there is no shortage of coal or power. Plans were made to find new import sources and export markets. LPG supply has been increased, with priority for hospitals and schools. Officials said ports are working normally. Indian ships and sailors in the Gulf are safe. The government aims to control prices and prevent shortages in coming months.

Narendra Modi has become India’s longest-serving head of an elected government, completing 8,931 days in office. He passed Pawan Kumar Chamling, who served 8,930 days. Modi’s total includes his time as Gujarat Chief Minister and Prime Minister. He has been in power for nearly 25 years. He also won three Lok Sabha elections in 2014, 2019 and 2024. Modi is among the most followed global leaders online. He has over 100 million followers on Instagram and 106.4 million on X. The milestone shows his long political career and strong public support across the country.

A tragic ropeway accident occurred in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district during the Navratri rush, killing one woman and injuring several devotees. The incident happened around 10 am at the Khallari Mata temple when a trolley carrying pilgrims descended from the hilltop and its cable suddenly snapped. The trolley reportedly plunged from a height of 200–300 feet, causing panic among visitors. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, with some referred to Raipur for advanced treatment. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief and ordered a detailed probe, raising concerns over safety measures at crowded religious sites. (PC: X)