Thousands of migrant workers from West Bengal are returning home to vote, fearing loss of voting rights and citizenship. Many say the recent SIR exercise and political messaging have raised concerns. “I don’t care even if I lose my job,” said Podda, a house help in Delhi. Workers from cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru are travelling despite ticket shortages. Some fear removal from voter lists or losing access to schemes. In places like Khurja and Mumbai’s Zaveri Bazaar, work has slowed as labourers leave. Around 60% of artisans in Mumbai have already gone back, citing an “urge to vote” after the SIR drive. (PC: India Today)

Strait of Hormuz may see partial relief as Iran considers allowing ships to transit via the Oman side during ongoing talks with the United States. According to Reuters, the proposal is part of Tehran’s negotiation framework following its blockade after February 28 airstrikes by the US and Israel, which disrupted global energy flows. The strait handles nearly 20% of global oil and LNG shipments. While Iran may permit safe passage on one side, uncertainties remain over naval mines and whether Israel-linked vessels will be allowed. The plan’s implementation depends on US acceptance of Iran’s conditions. No official confirmation has been issued by either side. (PC: Times Now)

Donald Trump announced a historic meeting between leaders of Israel and Lebanon, marking their first interaction in 34 years. The talks, expected Thursday, aim to ease tensions as the US pushes for de-escalation in West Asia. Though Trump did not name participants, he appeared to refer to Benjamin Netanyahu and Joseph Aoun. Israel and Lebanon lack formal diplomatic ties and have remained in conflict since 1948, with rare engagements including a 1983 US-mediated truce. The meeting comes amid possible ceasefire developments, though Israel continues operations against Hezbollah, and no final decision on a Lebanon ceasefire has yet been reached.

Tata Consultancy Services’s Nashik branch faces serious allegations after a male employee claimed sustained harassment, including religious coercion and personal abuse. The man alleged his team leaders forced him to offer namaz, recite the kalma, wear a skullcap, and mocked his Hindu beliefs. He said the abuse escalated into deeply offensive remarks about his childless marriage, including a suggestion to “send his wife.” The harassment allegedly began in 2022 and continued till March 2026. Multiple employees, including Tausif Attar and Danish Sheikh, have been named in FIRs linked to separate complaints by women. Police have registered nine cases and made several arrests. (PC: India Today)

Infosys has signed Carlos Alcaraz as its global brand ambassador under a multi-year deal, highlighting the growing convergence of sport and technology. The partnership will leverage Infosys’ AI-first platform, Infosys Topaz, to develop advanced match analytics and a personalised performance application for Alcaraz and his coaching team. These tools aim to enhance match preparation and real-time decision-making through data-driven insights. The collaboration also includes a social impact component via the Carlos Alcaraz Foundation. Infosys said the move aligns with its strategy of integrating AI into elite sports while expanding its footprint in tennis technology and innovation. (PC: CNBC TV18)

Russia has confirmed that President Vladimir Putin will visit India for the upcoming BRICS summit, signalling a major diplomatic engagement amid shifting global alignments. The Kremlin’s announcement, despite dates yet to be finalised, underscores the summit’s strategic importance as emerging economies deepen cooperation. The visit is expected to draw global attention, reflecting evolving geopolitical dynamics and partnerships within BRICS. With key leaders set to participate, the gathering is likely to address economic coordination, geopolitical tensions, and multilateral cooperation, positioning the summit as a critical platform in an increasingly multipolar world order. (PC: X)

The United States will not renew sanctions waivers allowing limited purchases of Russian and Iranian oil, affecting buyers including India. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the licence covering shipments loaded before March 11 has expired. Washington also warned of secondary sanctions on countries continuing Iranian oil imports, amid efforts to intensify economic pressure on Iran. Disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz have already strained supply chains. While India maintains diversified sourcing and adequate reserves, tighter restrictions could pressure markets. The move signals a shift toward aggressive financial measures alongside diplomacy as both sides prepare for further negotiations. (PC: India Today)

Tensions escalated in the Strait of Hormuz as Mohsen Rezaei warned the United States that Iranian forces could sink its naval vessels if Washington continues attempts to “police” the strategic route. Speaking ahead of renewed talks, the adviser to Mojtaba Khamenei said US ships are vulnerable to missile strikes, calling the situation dangerous for American forces. The warning comes amid an ongoing standoff over control of the waterway, a vital artery for global oil trade. The sharp rhetoric underscores fragile ceasefire conditions and highlights the risk of rapid escalation even as diplomatic efforts continue. (PC: X)

Under a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States, uncertainty dominates public sentiment as citizens cautiously return home after weeks of conflict. Many report that strikes targeted military sites, though some recount civilian suffering and ongoing fear. At border crossings with Turkey, returning Iranians express anxiety over the truce’s durability, with some doubting it will hold. Concerns persist over Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz and continued geopolitical tensions. With airports still shut and infrastructure damaged, daily life remains disrupted. Public opinion reflects deep mistrust of Washington and scepticism about prospects for a lasting agreement despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The White House has denied reports that the US asked to extend the Iran ceasefire. Karoline Leavitt said the claim was “not true at this moment.” She called earlier reports incorrect. However, she confirmed that talks with Iran are still ongoing. Donald Trump and senior officials remain involved in discussions. The ceasefire is set to end soon, but both sides continue to talk. The US said it is open to a deal if its conditions are met. Pakistan will continue to act as a mediator in the next round of talks. (PC: AP)