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)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting to review India’s energy readiness amid rising tensions in West Asia. The review came as oil prices remained volatile, with Brent crude easing to around $109 after touching $119 earlier. An LPG tanker from the United States also reached India’s western coast, offering some relief on supply concerns. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington may strike Iranian power infrastructure if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has also carried out strikes in Israel, while Houthi rebels have threatened shipping in the Red Sea and Suez Canal. (PC: HT)

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said rising fuel prices may impact airlines from April 1. He said, “The impact might be visible from April 1.” Aviation fuel makes up a large part of airline costs. Higher global oil prices are increasing expenses. Airlines have already started adding fuel surcharges on tickets. Naidu said the government is in talks with airlines and other ministries. He added, “We want to ensure safe operations.” Officials said they will try to limit the burden on passengers. Airlines are also taking longer routes, which increases fuel use. Ticket prices may rise in the coming weeks. (PC: PTI)

State‑run oil marketing companies have raised premium petrol prices in India by up to ₹2.35 per litre, effective March 20, 2026, amid global energy supply disruptions linked to Middle East tensions. The hike affects high‑octane variants like BPCL’s Speed, HPCL’s Power and IOCL’s XP95, while the price of regular petrol and diesel remains unchanged for now. Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma noted petrol and diesel prices are deregulated and set by companies. The move comes as international crude and gas markets react to geopolitical conflicts around the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global fuel costs. (PC: AFP)

India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the country is sourcing crude oil from multiple nations, including Russia, to ensure stable domestic energy supplies amid rising global market disruptions. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the government’s focus on diversifying import sources and reducing reliance on any single supplier. This strategy aims to maintain steady availability of crude and LPG for Indian consumers despite tensions in West Asia affecting shipping and fuel flows. The approach underscores India’s pragmatic energy security measures and readiness to navigate geopolitical uncertainties while safeguarding national energy needs. (PC: X)

A firing incident in Delhi left four people injured, including a father and his two children, after assailants arrived on motorcycles and opened fire at their residence. Authorities suspect the case may be linked to an ongoing gang rivalry, though investigations are still underway. The injured were immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where they are receiving treatment. Police teams have begun examining CCTV footage and gathering evidence from the scene to identify those involved. Security in the area has been increased, and officials are working to determine the motive while urging residents to remain calm.

Two school friends from Howrah, Arnava Chakraborty and Anik Bhattacharya, have built a drone component start-up called DarkMatter. The firm began in a small rented room in Bally Halt in 2022. It now makes flight controllers and electronic speed controllers. The founders say Bengal lacks a strong support system for drone makers. “There is no proper support… funds should be distributed to start-ups solving problems,” Bhattacharya said. The four-member team learnt through trial and error. They have supplied bulk orders to private buyers and Indian military divisions. The company says it is among only a few such firms in India. (PC: X)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned of retaliation after senior official Ali Larijani was killed in a strike blamed on the US and Israel. He said, “criminals will soon pay for his blood.” The killing marks a sharp rise in the ongoing conflict. Larijani was a key figure in Iran’s security and political system. Officials said his death could affect decision-making during the war. He had strong links with both political leaders and the security forces. The conflict has already seen several top leaders killed. Casualties continue to rise across Iran, Israel and the wider region. (PC: India Today)

The Centre has offered extra commercial LPG to states that speed up piped natural gas rollout during the current shortage. It said allocation can rise from 20% to 30% if states support faster PNG expansion. Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal said it would be a “smart move” to shift users to PNG. The shortage follows disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a key supply route. India depends heavily on LPG imports through this route. The government has prioritised household supply, while commercial users face shortages. States can get extra allocation by clearing approvals and helping gas companies expand networks quickly. (PC: The Indian Express)