The Indian rupee weakened past 95 against the US dollar for the first time on March 30. It touched a record low of 95.20, down 0.3% during the day. The fall came despite recent steps by the Reserve Bank of India to control volatility. The RBI had asked banks to cap open forex positions at $100 million. The move aimed to reduce speculation, but analysts said pressure remains strong. Foreign outflows and high oil prices continue to weigh on the currency. Global tensions have also reduced investor interest. The Nifty 50 fell about 2% during the session, reflecting weak market sentiment. (PC:  India Today)

Baltej Singh, a New Zealand businessman linked to one of the largest drug operations in the country, has lost his bid to keep his name secret. Singh is the nephew of an assassin of Indira Gandhi.   A court lifted name suppression after ruling there was an “appreciable public interest” in revealing his identity. Judges said the risk to his family was “very low.”   Authorities said Singh led a network that smuggled methamphetamine hidden in drink cans. Police seized over 700kg of drugs, the largest haul in New Zealand. Singh is serving a 22-year prison term. (PC: HT)

A photoshoot in Jaipur showing an elephant painted pink has triggered strong backlash online. Russian photographer Julia Buruleva shared images of a model posing on the painted animal at a temple site. Buruleva said, "We used organic, locally-made paint… it was absolutely safe for the animal." She added the idea came from Rajasthan’s cultural link with elephants. However, many users criticised the act. One comment said, "Turning an elephant into a pink prop… is deeply inappropriate." Others called it "animal abuse" and questioned using a live animal for art. Rajasthan forest officials said the matter will be investigated for any legal violations. (PC: Instagram)

Stock markets closed sharply lower on March 30, with heavy losses in banking shares pulling indices down. The Sensex dropped 1,635 points, while the Nifty fell below 22,400. Vinod Nair of Geojit Investments said markets remained cautious due to global tensions, rising oil prices, and continued foreign investor outflows. He added, "Banking stocks were among the key laggards" after RBI restrictions on banks’ foreign exchange positions. The move aimed to support the rupee but led to declines in major lenders. Analysts said valuations look better after the fall, but earnings outlook remains uncertain. Oil price swings and rupee weakness may increase cost pressures. (PC: India Today)

The US is preparing plans for possible ground action in Iran as the war continues. Officials said up to 10,000 more troops could be sent. The White House said no final decision has been made yet. Experts warned of risks based on past wars. Linda Robinson said, “The risks increase exponentially if US ground forces are deployed to Iran.” She added it could lead to “very high casualties”. Analysts pointed to earlier US wars since World War II, including Iraq and Afghanistan. These conflicts lasted long and caused heavy losses. Experts said similar patterns could repeat in Iran. (PC: India Today)

A Navy technician has been arrested for allegedly killing his partner and hiding her remains inside his rented flat in Visakhapatnam. Police said Chintada Ravindra called Mounika to his home, where an argument turned violent. Investigators said he had planned the act and arranged knives earlier. After the killing, he allegedly cut the body into parts. One part was stored in a fridge, while others were hidden inside the house and outside. He later surrendered at a police station after speaking to a friend. A police officer said, “This was not just a murder. It was what came after.” (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump said Iran’s new leaders were “very reasonable” as efforts began to open talks. He said the US and Iran had been in contact “directly and indirectly”. “I think we’ll make a deal,” he said, but added it may not happen. Pakistan said it is ready to host talks soon. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said discussions could take place “in the coming days”. It is not clear if both sides will attend. Iran warned it would not accept pressure. Parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said, “We will never accept humiliation.” (PC: The Indian Express)

Global oil prices rose sharply and Asian markets fell as the US-Israel war with Iran entered its fifth week. Brent crude climbed over $115 a barrel, while US oil reached $101.62. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 2.8%, and South Korea’s Kospi fell nearly 3%. Tensions increased after Houthi strikes on Israel and threats by Iran to widen attacks. Concerns over supply grew as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed. Shipping expert Lars Jensen warned the impact could be “substantially larger” than the 1970s crisis. He said, “We need to keep in mind” delays in supply are still affecting markets. (PC: BBC)

A new US missile, not tested in combat before, was likely used in a strike on a school in Iran’s Lamerd, a report said. The February 28 attack came on the first day of the war. The same day, a US Tomahawk missile hit a school in Minab, killing 175 people.   The report said damage at the Lamerd site matched the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). The weapon explodes above targets and releases metal pellets.   The US military confirmed PrSM was used in the war for the first time. But it has not confirmed if it was used in Lamerd.

A rare moment was seen in the Meghalaya Assembly when Mehtab Chandee A Sangma questioned her husband, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, during Question Hour. She asked about delays in setting up a veterinary college and two fisheries colleges approved in 2022. She also raised concerns over staff shortages. The Chief Minister said the projects are needed as “a large population” depends on livestock. He admitted shortages are “a matter of concern” and said steps are being taken. He added land has been identified and work will be fast-tracked. The exchange followed Assembly rules and later went viral online.