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)

Iran has set firm conditions to end hostilities with the United States following a temporary pause in strikes announced by Donald Trump. Iranian military adviser Mohsen Rezaei said the war will continue until all sanctions are lifted and damages caused by US actions are fully compensated. Tehran also seeks binding guarantees against future US interference in its internal affairs. Trump earlier ordered a five-day halt on attacks targeting Iranian energy infrastructure, citing “productive conversations” toward resolving the conflict. Meanwhile, potential talks, possibly in Islamabad, remain unconfirmed, with the White House calling the situation fluid. The conflict, which began on February 28, continues to escalate despite tentative diplomatic signals. (PC: X)

Oil traders executed high-value bets shortly before Donald Trump announced “productive” talks with Iran, triggering sharp market reactions. Around 6,200 Brent and West Texas Intermediate futures contracts worth approximately $580 million were traded within a one-minute window about 15 minutes before Trump’s Truth Social post. The announcement sent crude prices tumbling and sparked volatility across global assets. The timing of the trades has drawn scrutiny, as it suggests that some market participants may have anticipated the policy signal. Data compiled from Bloomberg indicates concentrated activity in oil futures just ahead of the announcement, amplifying concerns over information asymmetry and potential market-moving positioning during a highly sensitive geopolitical moment. (PC: X)

Amid the escalating US–Iran conflict, Donald Trump suggested Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was among the first to advocate military action against Iran, adding to shifting narratives on how the war began. Conflicting explanations within the administration range from nuclear threats to inevitability of intervention. Trump also claimed Iran’s retaliation was unexpected, despite reports of prior warnings. While Hegseth remains central to the war effort, internal divisions persist, with some officials urging caution. Meanwhile, Trump has floated possible negotiations, though Iran denies talks. As deadlines shift and messaging evolves, uncertainty continues over the conflict’s origins, direction, and accountability.

Indian markets opened higher on March 24 after Monday’s sharp decline, tracking global optimism following Donald Trump’s claim of “productive talks” with Iran and a five-day pause on planned strikes. The BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 rebounded, while the rupee strengthened 34 paise to 93.63 against the dollar after hitting a record low earlier. US markets also closed over 1% higher overnight, supporting sentiment. Meanwhile, gold and silver prices fell over 3% amid easing geopolitical tensions. Analysts note gold’s decline is driven by rising oil prices, inflation fears, stronger US yields, and a firmer dollar, which are outweighing safe-haven demand despite ongoing uncertainty. (PC: NDTV)

An Air Canada CRJ 900 flight AC8646 collided with a Port Authority firefighting vehicle on the tarmac at LaGuardia Airport around 11:40pm Sunday after landing from Montreal. The truck had been responding to a separate aircraft odour issue when both vehicles converged. Air traffic control audio captured a last-second warning to stop before impact. The cockpit was nearly sheared off and the fire truck overturned. Two pilots were killed, while 72 passengers and four crew were onboard. Forty-one people were hospitalised, most later discharged. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched a probe into speed, coordination, and staffing levels.

Amid the ongoing US–Iran conflict, Donald Trump suggested the Strait of Hormuz could be “jointly controlled” by the US and Iran’s leadership, including the “Ayatollah,” if talks succeed. He also announced a five-day pause on strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure following what he described as “productive conversations.” However, Iran denied any direct or indirect communication. The conflict, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has killed over 2,000 people and severely disrupted global energy flows. Markets reacted positively to Trump’s remarks, with oil prices falling and equities rising, though uncertainty persists amid ongoing military exchanges and unclear diplomatic progress.

Amid the escalating US–Iran conflict, Iran has confirmed receiving key proposals from the United States through intermediaries, signalling ongoing indirect diplomacy. A senior official said Tehran is reviewing the points while maintaining there are no direct talks. Donald Trump delayed planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure for five days after describing discussions as “productive.” Mediation efforts led by Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan have helped exchange messages and prevent further escalation. Despite this, Iran continues to deny negotiations and warns of continued retaliation. Markets reacted positively, with oil prices easing after fears of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: Reuters)

Residents across Kashmir, especially in Budgam and Baramulla, have launched a large humanitarian campaign to support people affected by the ongoing conflict in Iran. Volunteers conducted door-to-door collections after Eid, gathering cash, gold, silver jewellery, livestock, and traditional copper items. People from all sections of society, including women and children, contributed—some even donating lifelong savings and sentimental valuables. The Iranian Embassy in India publicly thanked Kashmiris, saying their “kindness will never be forgotten.” The collected aid will be routed through official channels to ensure it reaches victims of the war.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has strongly rejected US President Donald Trump’s claims of ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington, calling them “fake news.” He alleged the statements were aimed at manipulating global financial and oil markets and distracting from challenges faced by the US and Israel. Trump had earlier said “productive talks” were underway and hinted at a possible deal to ease tensions. However, Iranian officials denied any direct or indirect discussions, reinforcing a hardline stance amid the ongoing conflict. The dispute highlights deep mistrust between the two sides as geopolitical tensions continue to impact global markets. (PC: India Today)