Delhi’s Uttam Nagar is on high alert for Navratri. Police are monitoring markets, social media, and public movement after past clashes. Barricades and checks are in place, online funds frozen, and community coordination ongoing. Residents and traders are cautious, but authorities say the situation is under control and peaceful.
Piyush Goyal arrived in Chennai to finalize NDA seat-sharing. Meeting BJP and alliance leaders, he expressed confidence the coalition will “sweep” elections in TN and Puducherry. Goyal emphasized that seat-sharing will be resolved collectively, highlighting the NDA’s close-knit, family-like functioning under leaders including AIADMK’s.
BRS leaders protested near Gunpark, Hyderabad, demanding immediate release of ₹12,000 crore in pending student fee reimbursements. MLAs KP Vivekanand Goud and Palla Rajeshwar highlighted that delays over 2.5 years are affecting poor, SC, ST, BC, and minority students, urging the government to release funds promptly to safeguard students’ education and futures.
The Supreme Court issued notices to the Haryana government, DGP, and others on a plea seeking a CBI or SIT investigation into the rape of a four-year-old in Gurugram. The bench asked the police commissioner, investigating officer, and district judge to appear with case records and the magistrate’s response by March 25.
EAM Jaishankar held a constructive discussion with German FM Johann Wadephul on the West Asia conflict, emphasizing continued diplomatic engagement. Both sides highlighted the need for dialogue, coordination, and humanitarian support, reflecting India’s and Germany’s commitment to regional security amid rising tensions affecting millions in the region.
YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for completing 8,931 days in public life. He acknowledged Modi’s long journey, first as Gujarat’s chief minister and later as India’s prime minister, highlighting his dedication and service to the nation over more than two decades in various leadership roles.
The Lt Governor of Puducherry has declared April 9 a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act for the territorial Assembly election. The holiday applies to all government offices, institutions, local bodies, and commercial establishments, ensuring employees can vote. Daily-wage workers will also receive a paid holiday to exercise their franchise.
Pakistan’s government approved a PKR 200-per-liter hike on high-octane fuel for luxury vehicles, raising prices from PKR 100 to PKR 300, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed. Earlier petrol and diesel rates were also increased due to global crude prices. Airlines raised domestic fares by PKR 2,800-5,000 and international tickets by PKR 10,000-28,000.
Iran’s semiofficial media, linked to the Revolutionary Guard, indirectly threatened Middle East power and desalination facilities, including the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant. The warning endangers electricity and water supplies in Gulf states. Rising tensions, coupled with a US 48-hour deadline, have disrupted global energy markets, spiking fuel prices.
The center will launch the seventh tranche of critical mineral auctions today, offering 19 blocks under mining leases and composite licenses. Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy and Satish Chandra Dubey will inaugurate the round, boosting India’s self-reliance in clean energy, advanced technologies, and strategic sectors amid global supply challenges.
NDA candidates from four Guwahati constituencies held a rally, showcasing alliance unity while filing nominations. BJP’s Pradyut Bordoloi (Dispur), Diplu Ranjan Sharma (New Guwahati), Vijay Gupta (Central Guwahati), and AGP’s Tapan Das (Dimoria) led the procession. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma contests from the fifth Kamrup Metropolitan seat.
Maharashtra’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Chhagan Bhujbal, announced a 20% increase in PNG supply to commercial establishments. Effective from March 23, the decision aims to ease operations for restaurants and eateries. The govt stated that this enhanced PNG distribution will continue until further notice, providing much-needed relief to businesses.
The Delhi government held a ‘kheer’ ceremony at the Assembly ahead of the Budget Session. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the upcoming budget will focus on development, infrastructure, and improving quality of life. Farmers, doctors, teachers, ministers, and MLAs attended the event, highlighting inclusive planning for better civic amenities.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid tribute to Ram Manohar Lohia on his birth anniversary. In a post, he praised Lohia’s role as a freedom fighter and socialist thinker, highlighting his commitment to social justice, equality, and promotion of Hindi, calling his ideals an inspiration for building a strong nation.
An Air Canada Express CRJ-900 flight from Montreal collided with a fire truck on LaGuardia Airport’s runway. Four firefighters were critically injured, while around 100 passengers onboard were evaluated for safety. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, and photos show damage to the aircraft’s front section, raising serious safety concerns.