The Indian government has assured that petrol and diesel are adequately available across the country despite concerns triggered by the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States. Authorities said fuel supply chains remain stable and oil marketing companies have sufficient stocks to meet domestic demand. Citizens have been urged not to panic-buy or hoard fuel, as such actions could disrupt normal distribution. India has also increased crude sourcing from regions outside the Strait of Hormuz to reduce dependence on Middle East routes. Officials added that strict measures are in place to prevent black marketing and ensure uninterrupted fuel availability nationwide. (PC: Representative Image)

Akasa Air has announced a fuel surcharge on domestic and international flight tickets starting March 15 as rising oil prices strain the aviation sector. The increase comes amid global energy market volatility triggered by the Iran–Israel war 2026, which has disrupted crude oil and LPG supply routes. Meanwhile, the Indian naval vessel INS Shivalik is escorting an LPG tanker carrying about 55,000 tonnes of cargo—roughly equivalent to nearly one day of India’s LPG imports. Authorities are closely monitoring energy supplies as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten global shipping and fuel availability. (PC: The Hindu)

The Indian government has revoked the detention of Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act, drawing mixed reactions from political leaders and activists. Vinai Kumar Saxena welcomed the decision, urging peaceful dialogue and stressing that violence should have no place in the region. Meanwhile, activist Sajjad Kargili said the release is positive but the movement for Ladakh’s rights and autonomy will continue. Wangchuk had been detained since September 2025 after protests in Leh turned violent, resulting in four deaths and several injuries, intensifying demands for constitutional safeguards for the region. (PC: HT)

Amid escalating tensions and travel disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict, Government of India has announced a free 30-day visa extension for foreign nationals currently in the country. The decision aims to help travellers stranded due to airspace closures and flight cancellations across the region. Authorities said overstay penalties from February 28 will be waived, and affected visitors will receive exit permits without additional charges when flights resume. India will also provide Temporary Landing Permits for passengers whose flights are diverted to the country. The move seeks to ease difficulties faced by international travellers during the ongoing crisis affecting regional aviation. (PC: X)

A new survey by India Karuna Collaborative and YouGov reveals that a significant portion of young Indians place high importance on animal welfare. The study found that 54% of respondents aged 18–30 consider animal welfare crucial, and more than half are willing to pay higher prices for ethically sourced meat, dairy, and eggs. While many youth recognise farmed animal sentience and demand greater transparency in farming conditions, misconceptions about industrial agriculture persist. The findings suggest a growing empathy-driven consumer mindset among India’s youth and point to potential support for welfare‑focused reforms in policy and business practices. 

The Supreme Court of India rejected a plea seeking a law mandating menstrual leave for women workers and students, saying compulsory leave could harm women’s careers by making employers reluctant to hire them. The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, observed that mandatory provisions might reinforce gender stereotypes and negatively affect job opportunities. While acknowledging menstrual health issues, the court suggested interested authorities could consider policies after stakeholder consultation but declined the Public Interest Litigation (PIL). Judges stressed that voluntary practices are welcome, but legal compulsion may be counterproductive. (PC: X)

IT companies in Kerala’s Technopark are considering shifting to work‑from‑home as local food services struggle due to a commercial LPG shortage triggered by surging oil prices and supply disruptions. The lack of cooking gas has hit eateries and canteens relied upon by tech employees, prompting contingency planning. Internationally, the Trump administration has issued a temporary 30‑day waiver allowing the purchase of Russian oil stranded at sea to stabilize global energy markets amid the ongoing U.S.‑Iran war and rising crude costs. The move aims to ease supply tightness caused by conflict‑related disruptions at key shipping chokepoints. (PC: The Hindu)

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told Parliament that India faces no fuel or energy shortage despite the ongoing Middle East tensions and disruptions in global oil markets. He assured that the government has taken measures to secure crude supplies and maintain stable fuel availability for consumers. However, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi questioned why India appeared to need approval from Donald Trump to purchase Russian oil. Gandhi raised concerns about India’s energy independence during the debate. The exchange comes amid global uncertainty triggered by the Iran-related conflict affecting oil routes and supplies. (PC: X)

An oil tanker bound for India reached Mumbai after briefly going “dark” while crossing the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz. The Liberia-flagged Shenlong Suezmax tanker, carrying Saudi crude, docked at Mumbai Port on Wednesday evening. The ship loaded oil at Ras Tanura Port on March 1 and sailed two days later. Tracking data showed its last signal inside the strait on March 8 before it disappeared from monitoring systems. The signal returned the next day after the vessel cleared the waterway. “Going dark” means switching off the Automatic Identification System that shares a ship’s identity and location. Officials said the tanker is carrying 1,35,335 metric tonnes of crude and unloading has started. (PC: NDTV)

LPG shortages in several cities are forcing food stalls and restaurants to shut or raise prices, with many workers losing jobs. People say the crisis feels similar to the Covid lockdown. Queues outside LPG agencies have grown in cities like Noida. Some cylinders are being sold on the black market for up to Rs 3,000. Small vendors say rising costs are hurting their business. “If the cylinder doesn’t come, we won’t open the shop,” a street vendor said. A gig workers’ union said delivery work has fallen by 50–60% in some cities. The government says domestic supply is being prioritised and urged people to avoid panic buying. (PC: India Today)