FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026 1 A We e kl y N e w s p a p e r Fe a tu r i ng N ew s an d Tren d s f ro m the In d ian Sub- Co n tin en t Pub li s hed From the U S Ca pi ta l Web Site: WWW.Indiathisweek.us Volume 35 No. 13 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday March 27, 2026 Lok Sabha passes Transgender Persons Amendment Bill 2026 New Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI): The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill 2026, amending the original 2019 Act, with a voice vote.The Bill was introduced by the Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, Virendra Kumar. The Bill alters the definition of transgender person to exclude several individuals.According to the statement of the objects and reasons for the bill, it is the legislative policy to recognise a specific class of transgender persons, who face social issues and to create a regime for their protection. The legislative policy was and is intended to protect only those who face severe social exclusion due to biological reasons for no fault of their own and no choice of their own. The definition of a transgender person as per the Bill reads, “a person having such socio-cultural identities as kinner, hijra, aravani and jogta, or eunuch, or a person with intersex variations specified below or a person who, at birth, has a congenital variation in one or more of the following sex characteristics as compared to male or female development:– (a) primary sexual characteristics; (b) external genitalia; (c) chromosomal patterns; (d) gonadal development; (e) endogenous hormone production or response, or such other medical conditions.” The Bill also includes transgender persons coerced into their gender identity by any sort of force; however, it excludes people who “self-perceive” as transgender persons, as Section 3 of the Amendment Bill omits Section 4(2) of the 2019 Act.With the amendments, the District Magistrate can issue a certificate of identity only after examining the recommendation of the authority and, after taking the assistance of other medical experts, if needed.The Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 11 am on Wednesday. The Bill was initially introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 14 and was met with protests from transgender persons across the nation. Earlier today, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed disappointment for the Bill not being sent to a standing committee.” I really think that it’s unfortunate that they are not sending it to the standing committee. What the community feels is that this bill is going to obliterate their identity, and therefore it was very, very important that they should have been consulted and that this bill that is being brought about should have taken place or should have been passed after proper consultation. I think it’s very unfair that the entire community feels like they have not been consulted, and such a big decision is being taken in their context. I wish the government had listened and put it on the standing committee,” she said. (ANI) Indian Railways announces five new reforms under ‘Reform Express’; Cargo, Construction, and Passenger Convenience in focus New Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI): Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting and Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Tuesday announced that in line with Indian Railways’ resolve to undertake reforms during 2026, five new reforms have been approved.With the approval of these new reforms, the total number of reforms for the year 2026 has reached nine. A s h w i n i Vaishnaw said that under the ongoing “Reform Express” initiative, four reforms had already been announced and five new reforms were being introduced.Out of the five new reforms, two are related to cargo, one to construction, and two to passenger INDIAN RAILWAY see page 3
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026 Former Punjab Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar arrested in Gagandeep Randhawa suicide case Chandigarh [India], March 24 (ANI): Former Punjab minister and AAP MLA Laljit Singh Bhullar was arrested on Monday in connection with the suicide of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, a District Manager at Punjab Warehousing Corporation in Amritsar.Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had already accepted Bhullar’s resignation following the controversy. CM Mann emphasised that his government maintains zero tolerance for corruption and assured that no bias will be shown in such matters. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation), Amritsar, Ravinder Pal Singh Sandhu, said that Bhullar has been arrested in connection with the suicide case and will be produced before a court on Tuesday.He added that Bhullar has been kept at the CIA staff facility and that charges related to abetment of suicide and criminal intimidation will be invoked against him. Speaking to ANI on Monday, DCP Sandhu said, “An arrest was made today. Our team has reached Amritsar. He (Laljit Singh Bhullar) has been kept in the CIA staff and will be presented in the court tomorrow. We have brought Laljit Singh Bhullar (to the CIA staff)… Sections related to abetment of suicide and threatening will be imposed on him.” The controversy sparked a political uproar after allegations surfaced that Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, a District Manager with the Punjab Warehousing Corporation in Amritsar, was subjected to harassment by Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, which allegedly drove him to take his own life. Meanwhile, the Punjab Police have registered an FIR naming former Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar in connection with the suicide case, officials said. family and will continue to raise its voice. “This is not just a case; it is a reflection of how deeply corruption has penetrated the system. Honest officers are being pushed to the edge while the powerful roam free,” he said. (ANI) Bhullar’s father, Sukhdev Singh Bhullar, and his PA, Dilbagh Singh, have also been booked in the case.The Punjab Congress held a protest outside the Chief Minister’s residence. Warring said that the agitation was not just for one individual but a strong message against a ‘corrupt and oppressive system’ under the AAP government. “ An honest officer has lost his life due to pressure and corruption, and instead of ensuring justice, the government is trying to suppress the truth,” he said.Warring alleged that the resignation of a minister is merely an eyewash and does not absolve the government of its responsibility. He questioned why no strict action has been taken so far and why those named by the victim are being shielded.” This clearly shows that the government is more interested in saving its image than delivering justice,” he remarked. As per the release, calling it a fight for truth, justice, and accountability, Warring said Congress stands firmly with the bereaved Ready for CBI probe into Punjab official suicide case: Amit Shah Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday expressed his readiness to transfer the investigation into the death of Punjab official Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, who was allegedly tortured by former Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). His statement came after Amritsar Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla raised the issue in the Lok Sabha, demanding a probe into the “wrongdoing” by Bhullar, who has resigned due to the video left by the Punjab Warehousing Corpora- tion (PWC) Officer before he committed suicide, in which he purportedly blamed the minister of harassment. “This is a matter of the Punjab state. I request all the MPs from Punjab to write to me formally that the case be transferred to the CBI. I will do it immediately,” Shah said. Punjab Police arrested Laljit Singh Bhullar on Monday after they registered an FIR naming him in connection with the suicide case earlier, the officials said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Investigation in Amritsar, Ravinder Pal Singh Sandhu said, “An arrest was made today. Our team has reached Amritsar. He (Laljit Singh Bhullar) has been kept in the CIA staff and will be presented in the court tomorrow. We have brought Laljit Singh Bhullar (to the CIA staff)… Sections related to abetment of suicide and threatening will be imposed on him.”
3 MORE Get from your retirement. 1. MORE for your money with predictable monthly spending. 2. MORE amenities, including a pool, fitness center, and restaurants. 3. MORE peace of mind with services to enhance your well-being. Discover more great reasons to choose an Erickson Senior Living®-managed community. I know that my needs will be taken care of.” —Marge V., A community resident • Ashby Ponds® Ashburn, VA • The Grandview℠ Bethesda, MD • Greenspring® Springfield, VA • Woodleigh Chase® Fairfax, VA • Riderwood® Silver Spring, MD 2323460 Call 1-800-691-2034 or visit EricksonSeniorLiving.com for your free brochure. “Moving was a great decision for me! I feel confident in my future, and Indian Railways announces five new reforms under ‘Reform Express’; Cargo, Construction, and Passenger Convenience in focus Indian Railway From page 1 convenience.Speaking on reform number five, which focuses on salt transportation, Vaishnaw said India is one of the largest producers and exporters of salt in the world. The three major producing states are Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. Out of nearly 35 million tonnes of salt produced annually in India, about 9.2 million tonnes per annum are transported by railways, reflecting a significant untapped opportunity. The Union Minister noted that the modal share of railways in salt transportation varies by use – approximately 25 per cent for industrial salt and around 65 per cent for salt meant for human consumption. He added that 62 per cent of all rail-based salt traffic covers distances of 1,000 to 2,500 kilometres, making it a segment well-suited for rail movement.He said detailed consultations were held with salt producers and transporters to understand the challenges. The study identified key issues, including unsuitable wagon design, corrosion of wagons caused by salt, water seepage in open wagons despite tarpaulin covers, and multiple handling stages leading to higher costs and losses. To address these issues, a stainless steel, top-loading and side-discharge container system has now been successfully developed. The container is made of stainless steel to prevent corrosion and is equipped with top-loading flaps and a hydraulic side-discharge mechanism, allowing easy unloading into trucks at the destination. The Union Minister explained that containers can be placed at salt production sites for direct loading. These containers can then be lifted and loaded onto container trains. At the destination, containers can be unloaded and placed at warehouses or godowns, with unloading done as per requirement. He said this system provides greater flexibility, supports seamless multimodal movement, reduces handling losses, and has been well-received by the industry.The Indian automobile market produces approximately 31 million units annually, of which passenger vehicles account for around 5 million units. The rail coefficient in passenger vehicle transport stands at about 24 per cent, indicating that a large share of automobile movement still happens by road.He said feedback from the industry highlighted key design and operational constraints. The major automobile production hubs served by railways include Mahesana in Gujarat; Chinchwad and Bidadi in Maharashtra and Karnataka; Penukonda in Andhra Pradesh; Melpakkam and Walajabad in Tamil Nadu; and Farakhanagar in Gurugram, Haryana.He stated that earlier initiatives in- cluded converting existing passenger coaches into automobile carrier wagons and introducing new solutions. However, further consultations revealed that the primary issue lay in the design of automobile carrier wagons.The Union Minister said that the existing wagon designs were either suited for single-stack or double-stack configurations, limiting flexibility. He added that many routes face restrictions due to tunnels and bridges, where the Schedule of Dimensions (SOD) constraints prevent the movement of certain wagon types. To address this, Vaishnaw said the Railways has introduced a reform allowing special wagon designs while giving flexibility to the industry. Manufacturers can now design wagons based on specific origin-destination routes with high-capacity. Referring to the impact of the earlier bulk cement policy reform, he said that changes implemented led to an immediate increase in loading — bulk cement tonnage transported by rail rose sharply from approximately 37,000 tonnes in September 2025 to nearly 95,000 tonnes by January 2026. He expressed similar expectations that the reforms in salt and automobile transportation will significantly improve rail freight share in those sectors.Ashwini Vaishnaw said the next reform focuses on improving construction quality in railway projects, introducing seven major changes.The Union Minister said the first change relates to eligibility criteria. The threshold for assessing contractor capability through a single project has been increased from 35 per cent to 50 per cent of the project value. This ensures that only firms with proven capacity to execute large projects can bid for similar works. Additionally, at least 20 per cent of prior experience must be in rail- way-related work, recognising that different sectors such as highways, ports, and airports have distinct complexities. Within railway works, complexity levels have been defined, signalling being the most complex, followed by overhead electrical and track works and relevant experience will be required accordingly. The second change fixes bid security at 2 per cent of the project value. This is aimed at discouraging frivolous bids and ensuring only serious participants enter the tendering process. The third change introduces mandatory assessment of bid capacity for all projects above Rs 10 crore, while the fourth enforces strict punitive provisions banning corrupt, fraudulent, and anti-competitive practices. The fifth change mandates a detailed work plan before the start of any project, enabling improved monitoring and ensuring timely execution.
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026 Parliamentary Panel Pushes for Advanced Warfare Capabilities, Higher R&D Spending, and Timely Defence Procurement New Delhi, March 19 (ANI): A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has issued a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at strengthening India’s military preparedness amid rapidly evolving global warfare dynamics, emphasizing the urgent need to adopt advanced technologies, streamline procurement processes, and boost indigenous research and development. In its reports presented to Parliament, the Committee stressed that the Armed Forces must be fully prepared for modern warfare, including kinetic, non-kinetic, and hybrid forms of conflict. It urged the Ministry of Defence to explore new avenues to ensure that India remains “impenetrable” during future war-like situations. Highlighting the growing importance of hybrid warfare, the panel noted that preparedness in both conventional and unconventional domains is now essential. The Committee underscored the need for urgent technological upgrades, particularly in the Air Force, citing rapid global advancements in fighter aircraft. It recommended that the Ministry chart a clear trajectory toward the development and acquisition of sixth-generation aircraft, which would significantly enhance India’s air combat capabilities in an increasingly air-centric battlefield. It also pointed to a broader transformation in warfare, where the role of the Air Force now extends into space capabilities, calling for adequate financial resources to support nearspace operations so that India can remain competitive with global powers. The panel highlighted the importance of national initiatives such as the National Quantum Mission and AI-driven high-performance computing systems in building a robust digital military infrastructure. While appreciating ongoing modernization efforts, the Committee emphasized that all defence technology programs must adhere strictly to timelines to ensure timely deployment and operational readiness. On the naval front, the Committee praised the Indian Navy’s progress in indigenisation, noting a sharp increase in indige- nous projects—from just four in 2019 to 284 in 2025. It also highlighted the Navy’s major contribution to the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) ecosystem, accounting for roughly 35% of total challenges. However, it urged faster completion of ongoing projects to achieve greater self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The panel also recommended improvements in the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), stressing timely completion of pro- New Delhi [India], March 23 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said that nearly 375,000 passengers have returned to India from West Asia since February 28 amid the ongoing regional tensions. Addressing an interministerial briefing on the recent development in West Asia here, MEA Joint Secretary (Gulf), Aseem Mahajan, said that airlines are operating limited, non-scheduled flights between the UAE and India based on operational and safety considerations. Around 95 such flights are expected to operate from various UAE airports to India on Monday.” Since February 28, around 375,000 passengers have returned from the region to India. Airlines continue to operate limited, non-scheduled flights based on operational and safety considerations between UAE and India. Today, around 95 flights are expected to operate from various airports in UAE to India,” he said. He added that flight operations from Oman and Saudi Arabia to India are continuing, while Qatar’s airspace remains partially open, with Qatar Airways likely to operate around 8 to 10 non-scheduled commercial flights to India. However, airspaces in Kuwait and Bahrain remain closed amid the conflict.” Flights continue to operate from Oman and Saudi Arabia to India, with the Qatari airspace partially open. Qatar Airways is expected to operate around 8 to 10 non-scheduled commercial flights to India today. Kuwaiti and Bahraini airspaces remain closed,” the Joint Secretary said. Mahajan further said that India is facilitating the movement of its nationals stranded in Iran through alternative routes via Armenia and Azerbaijan. Several Indian students in Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz have also been relocated to safer areas.” Till date, 1,031 Indians, including 707 Indian students and 324 Indian citizens, have crossed out of Iran with our mission’s assistance,” he said, adding that the government continues to closely monitor the situation and assist affected citizens. The development comes amid the escalating conflict that began on February 28 with the killing of 86-year-old Iran‘s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel, after which Iran, in retaliation, targeted Israel and US assets in several Gulf countries, causing disruption in the waterways and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability. Due to the conflict in the region, Iran has virtually closed the Strait of Hormuz. (ANI) Around 375,000 passengers returned to India since Feb 28: MEA on West Asia conflict jects to enhance healthcare services for veterans and their families. In a separate report on defence spending, the Committee called for the creation of a dedicated budget head for critical and emerging technologies R&D, including glide missile technology, to ensure sufficient funding and timely execution. It suggested that additional funds be allocated at the revised estimates stage if required to maintain optimal combat readiness. The Committee welcomed the government’s efforts to adopt emerging technologies and recommended increased budgetary support for research and development over the next five years. It also encouraged greater participation of women in scientific and technical roles, particularly within the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), to strengthen innovation and diversity. Further, the panel praised the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for leveraging modern construction technologies in challenging terrains and called for wider adoption of such innovations to ensure time-bound completion of infrastructure projects. It also commended the Indian Coast Guard’s efforts to enhance cyber resilience through initiatives like Project Digital Coast Guard. Addressing defence land management, the Committee highlighted the use of GIS mapping, satellite imagery, and AIbased surveillance to prevent encroachments and recommended regular joint surveys with civil authorities. It also called for a comprehensive defence land lease policy to resolve longstanding disputes and reduce litigation. On defence procurement, the Committee stressed the need for clear timelines, transparency, and accountability, noting that delays could undermine operational readiness in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment. It highlighted a significant increase in the defence capital budget for 2026–27, with allocations for modernization witnessing a substantial rise, and urged that this upward trend be maintained. The panel also emphasized the importance of integrated defence planning through the Integrated Capability Development Plan (ICDP), which includes long-term and shortterm acquisition strategies. It called for alignment of such planning with modern warfare requirements, including automation, artificial intelligence, and rapid response capabilities. Additionally, the Committee encouraged greater participation of private enterprises in defence manufacturing to boost indigenous production and innovation, in line with the government’s Make in India initiative. Finally, the panel raised concerns over the proposal to bring disability pensions for armed forces personnel under income tax, recommending that the Ministry of Defence take up the issue with relevant authorities given its sensitivity. Overall, the Committee’s recommendations reflect a strong push toward technological modernization, self-reliance, and strategic readiness, aimed at equipping India’s Armed Forces to meet the challenges of next-generation warfare. (ANI) Remember: “Pride goeth before destruction, And an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: And whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.” Proverbs
5
Friday, March 27, 2026 India’s first passive euthanasia recipient Harish Rana dies New Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI): Harish Rana, the first person in India to be granted passive euthanasia, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, at AIIMS-Delhi.In an official statement, AIIMS confirmed that Rana died at 4:10 PM at the institute in New Delhi. He had been under the care of a dedicated medical team in the Palliative Oncology Unit (IRCH), headed by Dr. (Prof.) Seema Mishra, HoD of Onco-Anaesthesia. The institute also extended its heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”Harish Rana passed away at 4:10 PM on 24th March 2026 at AIIMS, New Delhi. He was under the care of a dedicated team of doctors and was admitted to the Palliative Oncology Unit (IRCH), led by Dr. (Prof.) Seema Mishra, HoD, Onco-Anaesthesia. AIIMS extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the press release said. Meanwhile, Harish Rana’s corneas and heart valves have been donated by his family, AIIMS sources said. Earlier this month, in a landmark first, the Supreme Court permitted passive euthanasia for a 31-year-old man from Ghaziabad who has been in a persistent vegetative state for over a decade, observing that continuing life-sustaining treatment would no longer be in the patient’s best interest. A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Vishwanathan allowed the withdrawal of clinically The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- March 27, 2026 Men Who Loved Power By Rajan George Men who loved power could ne’er keep it too long. for they died like all other mortals though they claimed to be gods, Possessed no divine attributes, nor immortal life Blind to the realities of life Ignored other mighty powers— Both Divine and human—who could bedevil And shatter their utopian dreams. Caius was the Roman emperor Who came to power and ruled as a brute, Claimed divinity, but was cut off Only four years into his reign. Nero was drunk with power, Killed his own mother who Enabled his coronation As the emperor of Rome. Herod was cruel; executed His own own, whom he feared Would challenge his throne— Even sons born from his bowels. But his end was sad; he could not bear The agonizing pain in the end, sought but failed, kill himself, and died a helpless hack— Divine retribution visited paying his dues. Tyrants of the modern world who overlook To learn from history will reap the same fate, History has proven time and again, Divine Justice will ne’er relent paying for their deeds. They are thrown to the ash heap of history, Where they gather dust and are forgotten, Yet remembered as a case study Of why one should not be like them. There is no thrill in dying a hated man; Killing for your gain wins no friends. Leaders who sacrifice for their people Are admired and remembered forever. assisted nutrition and hydration (CANH) for Harish Rana, who has remained in a vegetative state since suffering an accidental fall from a building in 2013. Passive euthanasia refers to the withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining treatment to allow a patient with no reasonable prospect of recovery to die naturally. Expressing profound sadness while delivering the judgment, the court noted that all stakeholders, including the patient’s family and the medical boards constituted to assess his condition, were in agreement that continuing aggressive medical support would serve no meaningful purpose.” In light of the unanimous consensus arrived at by the parents/next of kin and the constituted medical boards respectively, we are of the opinion that the medical treatment ought not to be prolonged any further,” the court observed. Reflecting on the gravity of the case, the bench said the proceedings had highlighted the fragility of life and the profound suffering endured by the patient over the past thirteen years.”Throughout the adjudication of this matter, we have been gripped by profound sadness. The issues in this matter have once again brought to the fore the fragility and transient nature of the life we live, and how swiftly the tide can turn for the worse. For the past thirteen years, the applicant has lived a life defined by pain and suffering. A suffering made all the more cruel by the fact that, unlike most of us, he was stripped of the ability to even give voice to his anguish,” the court noted in its judgment. The bench also INDIA THIS WEEK Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Dr. Babu Stephen Chief Editor: Rajan George Contributing Editors: Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online Remember: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” Jesus Christ placed on record its appreciation for the patient’s family, observing that they had remained steadfast in caring for him throughout the years.”We note with immense respect that the applicant’s parents and siblings have stood as unyielding pillars of support. They have exhausted every effort to care for him and continue to do so with unwavering dedication. We can only place on record our deepest appreciation for their boundless love, endurance, and kindness in the face of such adversity,” the judgment said. Addressing the family directly, the court acknowledged the emotional burden of the decision and expressed that by seeking passing euthenasia for their son, they were allowing him to leave with dignity.” To Harish’s family, we want to acknowledge the deep emotional weight this decision carries. This decision can feel like an act of surrender, but we believe it is, in truth, an act of profound compassion and courage. You are not giving up on your son. You are allowing him to leave with dignity. It reflects the depth of your selfless love and devotion towards him,” the bench said.The court also directed the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to facilitate the patient’s transfer to its palliative care department, where the withdrawal of medical support will be carried out in a structured and dignified manner. The bench also noted the absence of a comprehensive law on end-of-life care and urged the Union government to consider bringing legislation in line with the principles laid down in Common Cause v. Union of India (2018) in which the topcourt had recognised the right to die with dignity as part of the right to life under Article 21 and had laid down guidelines permitting passive euthanasia.” The prolonged absence of comprehensive legislation on end-of-life care has compelled this Court, time and again, to step in to fill the vacuum,” the court said. It further added a dedicated law, which, in this regard, would bring greater clarity and certainty to such emotionally complex issues. (ANI) dia], March 24 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Tuesday spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor informed of the development saying the two leaders discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East, including the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.The ongoing conflict in West Asia has entered its fourth week, disrupting trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, US President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route, will be “open very soon” amid the conflict in West Asia and suggested that he envisions it being managed jointly by the US and Iran. Trump said that the strait will be “open very tions with Tehran continue successfully. He added that he and the newly appointed Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, will “jointly” control the critical shipping and global energy route.”It’ll be jointly controlled. Me and the Ayatollah, whoever the Ayatollah is, whoever the next Ayatollah is,” the US President added.The Strait of Hormuz is a critical transit route that normally handles 15 million barrels per day of crude oil and 5 million barrels per day of oil products, representing roughly 25 per cent of global seaborne oil trade. \ However, due to the conflict in the region, the waterway has been considered high-risk for transit, choking the global energy supply. PM Modi speaks to US President Trump, discuss importance of keeping Strait of Hormuz open New Delhi [In- soon” if ongoing negotia-
7
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026 West Asia Conflict Disrupts Energy Supply Chains; India Leveraging Diplomacy to Secure Oil, Gas Flows: Experts Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 21 (ANI): The ongoing conflict in West Asia has disrupted global energy supply chains, affecting crude oil and gas flows through key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. Experts say India has managed the situation through strategic energy diplomacy and diversified sourcing, but caution that continued hostilities could intensify supply pressures. Anindya Banerjee, Vice President at Kotak Mahindra Securities, said India is sourcing its energy requirements from a diverse set of countries amid the disruptions. “This is a global disruption, and it is not our war. It is a conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran. However, the impact is being felt worldwide. Through our energy diplomacy, we are able to engage with parties that may be adversaries to one another. We are able to secure passage for our ships through the Strait of Hormuz. India is among the few countries capable of doing this at a global scale,” he told ANI. Banerjee noted that India is also procuring oil from Russia, highlighting the availability of floating storage. “Russia has a large amount of oil at sea, which is now being directed toward Asian partners such as China and India,” he said. He added that India is not currently facing a sharp price shock but is experiencing supply constraints. “About 10 to 12 percent of oil flows and nearly 20 percent of gas flows are disrupted,” he said. On inflation, Banerjee said the impact may remain limited if disruptions are short-lived. “Consumer Price Index (CPI), currently around 3 to 3.2 percent, may inch toward the Reserve Bank of India’s lower band of 4 percent. However, the impact is likely to remain largely confined to headline inflation if the disruption lasts only a few months,” he said. He added that the Reserve Bank of India has tools to support the rupee through spot and forward interventions, buy-sell swaps, and the non-deliverable forward (NDF) market. Looking ahead, Banerjee said India is pur- suing long-term strategies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, including investments in solar energy, small modular nuclear reactors, green hydrogen, and green ammonia. RN Bhaskar, founder of AsiaConverge, said India continues to receive crude supplies from alternative sources, particularly Russia. “India will continue to receive oil from Russia even during the international crisis. Freight costs from Russia remain low, helping India save significantly, and insurance costs are also lower compared to supplies from Australia or South America,” Bhaskar said. However, he cautioned that the crisis is putting pressure on India’s energy import bill and overall economy. “India’s import bill could double, while exports remain weak due to financial strain in Europe and the United States and limited trade with Islamic countries,” he said. Bhaskar also warned that disruptions in gas supply from the Gulf region could pose additional challenges. “India will need to secure longterm gas deals with Russia, Australia, or the United States, as gas production cannot be easily halted once started,” he said. Navneet Damani, Head of Research Commodities at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, highlighted the volatility in global oil markets. “In commodity markets, geopolitical shocks often lead to swift and dramatic price reactions. In early March 2026, crude prices surged more than 50 percent, marking one of the fastest rallies in recent years as tensions in the Middle East escalated into a broader regional conflict,” Damani said. He noted that Brent crude briefly climbed to around USD 120 per barrel, while WTI reached USD 113, reflecting a shift from supply surplus to supply anxiety. Despite increased production by OPEC+ and stronger demand projections by the International Energy Agency (IEA), Damani said geopolitical developments drove the sharp price movements. He added that oil markets remain highly sensitive to disruptions in the Middle East, which accounts for nearly a third of global crude exports. “After briefly surging to USD 120 per barrel, prices retreated toward the USD 100–105 range due to profit booking and early signs of coordinated efforts by governments and producers to cushion supply shocks,” he said. Measures such as Japan tapping its strategic petroleum reserves, discussions among G7 nations on coordinated stock releases, and additional spot cargoes from Saudi Aramco have helped stabilize immediate concerns, he added. Damani noted that while alternative export routes such as Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline and the UAE’s Fujairah pipeline exist, they can handle only a limited share of total exports. As a result, the outlook remains closely tied to developments in the Strait of Hormuz. Any prolonged disruption to tanker traffic could keep prices elevated, increase inflation risks, and intensify diplomatic efforts to restore stability. He also pointed out that domestic prices could be influenced by volatility in the USD-INR exchange rate, which has remained elevated in recent months. (ANI) New Delhi [India], March 19 (ANI): Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Thursday hailed India’s significant progress in maternal and newborn healthcare, citing a nearly 70 per cent decline in the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) over the past 34 years.Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda, in a post on X, said, “India emerges as a leading global exemplar in the UN IGME 2025 report for accelerating child mortality reduction. As per the UN IGME 2025 report, Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) has declined by nearly 70%–from 57 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 17 in 2024–reflecting sustained improvements in maternal and newborn healthcare services. Sim- ilarly, the Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) has registered an even steeper reduction of 79%, declining from 127 in 1990 to 27 in 2024. Key initiatives– Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs), Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), and expanded immunization combined with robust health systems have been driving this transformation. Under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @ narendramodi ji, India’s focussed comprehensive approach on neonatal care has paved the way for eliminating preventable child deaths and securing healthy future for our children.”Meanwhile, India has emerged as a key contributor to global progress in reducing child mortality, according to the latest United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME) Report 2025. The report highlights India’s sustained and large-scale efforts in improving child survival outcomes, particularly across neonatal and under-five mortality indicators. Over the past two decades, India has played a pivotal role in reducing child mortality in the South Asia region, which has witnessed a 76% decline in under-five deaths since 1990 and 68% decline since 2000. This sharp reduction is largely driven by countries like India through targeted public health interventions, improved institutional delivery systems, and expanded immunisation coverage. The region’s under-five mortality rate has fallen significantly, from 92 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2000 to nearly 32 in 2024, reflecting sustained progress in child health outcomes.India remains committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets, with the under-five mortality rate below 25 per 1,000 live births. Neonatal mortality rate below 12 per 1,000 live births. With accelerated interventions, India is well-positioned to further reduce preventable deaths and contribute significantly to global child survival goals.The report underscores that a majority of child deaths are preventable or treatable, and India’s scaling up of interventions such as the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), Facility-based newborn care, and Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses (IMNCI) has significantly improved survival rates. India’s progress stands as a strong example of how policy prioritisation, scale, and sustained public health efforts can drive transformative outcomes. As global progress slows, India’s momentum offers both hope and a replicable model for other nations.Neonatal Mortality Rate records a decline of 70% from 1990. In 1990, India had an NMR of 57, which has now fallen to 17 in 2024.Under 5 Mortality Rate witnesses a sharp fall of 79% from the 1990s data. In 1990, the U5MR stood at 127, while in 2024 it declined to 27. (ANI) India’s neonatal mortality rate declined by nearly 70 per cent in 2024: Union Health Minister JP Nadda hails UN report
9
Fleepit Digital © 2021