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.

In a significant development, Rohit Pawar, nephew of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has filed a complaint in Bengaluru alleging a criminal conspiracy behind the January 28 plane crash that killed Pawar and four others. He claimed Maharashtra Police refused to register an FIR despite repeated requests, prompting him to seek a Zero FIR in Bengaluru. The complaint calls for a full criminal investigation beyond the ongoing technical probe. Bengaluru Police have registered the Zero FIR and transferred it to Maharashtra authorities. The move intensifies demands for a transparent probe into the crash, amid growing political scrutiny and allegations of foul play. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Rajya Sabha, cautioned that the ongoing US–Iran war could have long-lasting global and domestic consequences, urging the nation to be prepared. He highlighted disruptions in energy supplies, trade routes, and rising inflation risks affecting India’s economy. Modi described the situation as serious, noting that the conflict has already shaken global markets and may take time to stabilise. He called for coordinated action by states, protection of vulnerable groups, and strict measures against black marketing. The government is also focusing on reducing dependency on external resources and strengthening supply chains to manage the crisis effectively. 

Harish Rana, the first Indian to be granted passive euthanasia, has died at AIIMS Delhi after over 13 years in a coma. He was 31. Rana suffered severe brain injuries in 2013 after falling from a building in Chandigarh. He remained in a vegetative state and was on life support. On March 11, the Supreme Court allowed withdrawal of treatment, calling it the “right to die with dignity.” A team of doctors then carried out the process under medical supervision. Rana was shifted to palliative care before support was gradually withdrawn. He died peacefully nearly two weeks after the court’s order. (PC: X)

The Delhi government has set aside ₹260 crore to give free LPG cylinders on Holi and Diwali. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta made the announcement while presenting the budget. Each household will get one cylinder on each festival. The total budget is ₹1,03,700 crore. Gupta said the plan is part of public support measures. She also called it a “green budget” and spoke about changes in the city. “Our aim is safe roads, climate corridors and flawless connectivity,” she said. The war in West Asia has also affected supplies, she noted. Funds were also allocated for civic services, water, roads and power. (PC: India Today)

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)