West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday criticised the Election Commission of India after several senior officials in the state were removed ahead of the assembly elections. The reshuffle included Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty. The poll body appointed IAS officer Dushyant Nariala as her replacement. Banerjee alleged the move was done at the request of the Bharatiya Janata Party. “A Bengali woman, Nandini Chakraborty, was serving as the chief secretary. You are not merely anti-Bengali; you are also anti-women,” Banerjee said at a rally in Kolkata. She also criticised the removal of the state police chief and other officials before the polls.

US fighter jets have reportedly struck military facilities on a mountain near the Chabahar trade zone in Chabahar, according to Al Jazeera citing Voice of America. Loud explosions were heard behind the trade zone, the report said. More details about the strike are still awaited. Some unverified videos circulating online claimed to show a US jet flying over the area. The development comes as the conflict between the United States and Iran continues to escalate. The strike was reported near the Chabahar Free Trade Zone, a key regional transit hub. The port is also important for India’s trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia. (PC: HT)

An Indian-flagged LPG tanker has reached Gujarat after crossing the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz. The tanker, Shivalik, arrived at Mundra Port on Monday after receiving transit clearance from Iranian authorities. Shipping Ministry Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha said two Indian LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, were allowed to pass through the strait. The ships were carrying about 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG. “Both vessels safely transited the Strait of Hormuz and are now proceeding towards India,” Sinha said. While Shivalik has reached Mundra, the second tanker, Nanda Devi, is expected to arrive at Kandla on March 17. Officials said 22 Indian-flagged ships remain in the Persian Gulf. (PC: India Today)

The United Arab Emirates has ordered the arrest of 35 people, including 19 Indians, for posting misleading content on social media related to the Iran war. Authorities said the suspects shared manipulated videos, AI-generated clips and false information online. UAE Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the action followed strict monitoring of digital platforms. He said the content aimed to “mislead the public and undermine national security and stability.” Officials said some clips falsely showed explosions or missile strikes in the UAE. Others praised a hostile state and promoted propaganda. The accused will face legal action under UAE law. (PC: AFP)

India on Monday said it has had “no such bilateral discussion” with the United States about joining a coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We are aware this matter is being discussed bilaterally by several countries. We have had no such bilateral discussion yet.” He was responding to questions about whether India could send naval ships to help reopen the key waterway. The strait carries about 20% of the world’s oil supply. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India’s talks with Iran have helped some Indian ships pass through the strait. Talks are continuing. (PC: PIB)

The government has assured that LPG supply across India remains steady despite concerns about shortages. Officials said oil companies are delivering around 50 lakh LPG cylinders every day. Consumers have been urged to avoid panic buying and use online booking systems for cylinder delivery. Authorities are also monitoring rumours, hoarding and black marketing of cooking gas. Meanwhile, LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi, carrying about 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG, have crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are on their way to India. The situation has affected some sectors, with restaurants, hostels and schools warning of possible disruptions if gas supplies tighten further.

India hopes its talks with Iran will help ease shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said. The narrow waterway is a key route for global oil trade. Jaishankar said discussions with Tehran have shown some results, though there is no full agreement yet for all Indian ships. Two Indian gas tankers passed through the strait on Saturday after diplomatic talks. However, 22 Indian vessels are still waiting for clearance. The route is crucial as about 40–50% of India’s crude oil imports pass through it. The conflict in West Asia has disrupted shipping and pushed global oil prices higher. (PC: Getty Images)

The government said the India-US trade agreement will be signed only after a new tariff framework is put in place. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the deal will move forward once the United States restores global tariff rates. He spoke during a trade data briefing on Monday. The issue comes after a US Supreme Court ruling struck down some reciprocal tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump. Soon after, Trump announced a temporary import surcharge on goods entering the United States. The levy was first set at 10 percent and later raised to 15 percent. India and the United States are continuing talks on the trade pact. Officials said discussions on tariff details are still ongoing. (PC: HT)

Donald Trump warned NATO that the alliance could face a “very bad” future if member countries do not help secure the Strait of Hormuz. He said protecting the key shipping route should not fall only on the United States. Trump urged NATO allies to take a bigger role in keeping the waterway open. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil routes. Many global energy shipments pass through it each day. Trump said the security of the strait affects global trade and energy supplies. He called on NATO partners to work together to protect the route and prevent further threats to ships moving through the area. (PC: BBC)

The Election Commission has replaced West Bengal’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police ahead of the Assembly elections. Senior IAS officer Dushyant Nariala will take charge as Chief Secretary. He replaces Nandini Chakravarty. IPS officer Siddh Nath Gupta has been appointed as the new Director General of Police. He replaces Peeyush Pandey. Gupta is a 1992-batch IPS officer with over three decades of service. The Commission also transferred three other senior officers, including the Kolkata Police Commissioner. Ajay Kumar Nand will now lead the Kolkata Police. The poll body said the decision followed a review of election preparedness. Voting in West Bengal will take place on April 23 and April 29. (PC: India Today)