FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 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. 14 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday April 3, 2026 India, U.S. Discuss Defense Ties, Military Hardware Cooperation New Delhi [India], March 25 (ANI): India and the United States on Wednesday discussed ways to further strengthen their defense ties during the 18th Defense Policy Group meeting held in New Delhi. The meeting was led by Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby. The two sides held discussions on ongoing defense deals, including India’s plans to acquire six additional P-8I anti-submarine warfare aircraft. “The 18th India-U.S. Defense Policy Group meeting was held in New Delhi today. Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby co-chaired the talks. Both sides reviewed ongoing initiatives, identified priority areas for co-development and co-production of defense equipment, and Remember: reaffirmed commitment to enhancing military-to-military cooperation through joint exercises, training visits, and strategic exchanges,” the Ministry of Defence said. The two sides also discussed the Excalibur precision-guided artillery ammunition, for which India has signed a Rs 300 crore deal under the emergency procurement route. The Indian side urged U.S. officials to ensure timely delivery of the precision-guided shells to the Indian Army. India is also looking to finalize a deal to procure Javelin anti-tank guided missiles from the United States through the emergency route. In addition, the Indian Navy is in discussions with the U.S. for the procurement of six more P-8I surveillance aircraft. The Rs 30,000 crore deal has been under negotiation for some time and is expected to be concluded soon. (ANI) At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever reach us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide. Abraham Lincoln Rupee hits record low to 95; Sensex down over 1600 points New Delhi [India], March 30–31 (ANI): Indian equity markets witnessed a sharp sell-off on Monday, with the BSE Sensex plunging 1,635.67 points, or 2.22 per cent, to close at 71,947.55. The NSE Nifty 50 also declined significantly, falling 488.20 points, or 2.14 per cent, to settle at 22,331.40. The downturn coincided with the Indian rupee weakening to near the 95 mark against the US dollar, hitting a record low and reflecting heightened risk-off sentiment across domestic markets. Market participants attributed the decline to intensifying geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices. Siddhartha Khem- ka, Head of Research, Wealth Management at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, described the session as “another day of carnage” on D-Street, noting that uncertainty continues to loom over investor sentiment. He highlighted that escalating tensions in West Asia, driven by the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, have entered their fifth week and expanded across the region, weighing heavily on markets. Khemka further pointed out that macroeconomic pressures compounded the situation, with Brent crude prices surging toward USD 108 per barrel. He added that the rupee’s depreciation past the 95 mark—despite intervention by the Reserve Bank of India—and its over 4 per cent fall in March have been key contributors to the negative sentiment. Meanwhile, India’s 10-year bond yield crossed 7 per cent, its highest level in over 21 months, adding to investor concerns. Sudeep Shah, Head of Technical and Derivatives Research at SBI Rupee see page 6 FCRA Amendment Bill Sparks Political Row as Lok Sabha Takes Up Key Legislative, Financial Agenda New Delhi [India], April 1 (ANI): The Lok Sabha on Wednesday convened for a packed agenda, taking up key legislative and financial matters, including the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, and the levy of Special Additional Excise Duty on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to move that the Bill to further amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, be taken into consideration. The proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 seeks to enhance transparency in the receipt and utilisation of foreign funds by organisations while easing compliance procedures for registered entities. The Bill, introduced on March 25, has been listed for discussion and passage in the House. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is slated to move a statutory resolution approving Noti- fication No. 07/2026-Central Excise, which imposes a Special Additional Excise Duty of Rs 50 per litre on ATF. The move comes amid rising global crude oil prices and increasing operational costs in the aviation sector. Proceedings began at 11 AM with Question Hour, followed by the laying of papers by ministers, including Jitendra Singh and Ravneet Singh. The House is also scheduled to take up reports of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for the fiscal year 2025–26. Presentations by BJP MPs Jagdambika Pal and Jai Prakash include the 39th to 44th reports covering issues such as excess grants, railway derailments, and GST/service tax collections. Other legislative business includes the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, moved by Jitin Prasada, which aims to decriminalise certain laws and improve ease of doing business. The House will also hear a statement from Harsh Malhotra correcting a reply related to the Ganga Expressway, along with matters raised under Rule 377. Meanwhile, the FCRA Amendment Bill has triggered strong political reactions. Opposition MPs staged protests at the Makar Dwar of fCRa See page 6
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2026 2.3 lakh electors of Kerala, Delhi: Man kills wife using gas Assam and Puducherry to cylinder in Pul Prahladpur avail home voting New Delhi [India]. March 30 (ANI): Over 2.37 lakh electors in Kerala, Assam and Puducherry have been approved so far by the Returning Officers (ROs) for the home-voting facility, the Election Commission of India said on Monday.The data has been issued till March 30.Home voting in different constituencies of Kerala, Assam & Puducherry has already commenced and will be completed by 5th April. A second visit will also be undertaken if the voter is not available on the first visit, Election Commission stated in a press release.Contesting candidates of recognised political parties are provided a list of electors availing the home voting facility. As per procedure, all candidates are informed about the schedule of the visits of the polling teams, and if they wish, they can depute their representative to accompany polling teams after intimation in Form 10 to the Returning Officer, the EC said. The release added that the remaining 85+ and PwD electors who have not opt- ed for the optional home voting facility will be provided with all necessary facilities at the polling stations, including volunteers, wheelchairs, and other assistance, to ensure a comfortable voting experienceThe Election Commission has announced the schedule for the General Election to Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and bye-elections in 6 states on March 15. Assam, Kerala and Puducherry are going to the polls on April 9.The Commission, as per Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, provides the optional facility of home voting for Elderly Voters above 85 years of age and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) flagged in Electoral Rolls who may cast their vote through postal ballot. Such electors have to apply to their concerned Returning Officer within 5 days from the date of notificationNotification has been issued for West Bengal Phase-I and Tamil Nadu on March 30. Notification for West Bengal Phase-II will be issued on April 2, the poll body said. New Delhi [India], March 30 (ANI): A man allegedly killed his wife by striking her with a gas cylinder in the Pul Prahladpur area of Delhi. Upon receiving the information, police reached the spot and are present at the scene. An ambulance was also called to the house. One of the residents in the area, Sukhpal Singh, spoke to ANI about the in- cident, explaining that they heard cries for help and promptly acted to assess the situation. “The neighbours told us that there was a fight upstairs, so we rushed there and forced open the door. We saw the gas cylinder lying there and the body on the ground,” he said. Further details about the incident are awaited. Earlier on February 28, a man was arrested for the alleged murder of his wife and three young daughters in the Chandan Park area of Samaypur Badli, police said. The accused was identified as Munchun Kewat.The arrest followed an intensive manhunt involving 15 specialised police teams after Kewat had been on the run, after the bodies of his wife and children, were found with their throats slit. (ANI)
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Friday, April 3, 2026 DAC clears proposals for procurement of S-400 Missile System, Medium Transport Aircraft, overhaul of Su-30 Aero engine New Delhi [India], March 27 (ANI): In significant decisions to augument defence capabilities, Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for various proposals worth an estimated cost of about Rs 2.38 lakh crore, granting approval for Dhanush Gun System for the Army and for procurement of Medium Transport Aircraft and S-400 Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile System for the Indian Air Force. The DAC meeting was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. An official release said that approval was accorded for the Air Defence Tracked System, Armoured Piercing Tank Ammunition, High Capacity Radio Relay, Dhanush Gun System and Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance System for the Indian Army.It said that Air Defence Tracked System will provide real time Air Defence Control and Reporting capability, while the High Capacity Radio Relay will provide reliable and fail proof communication. The Dhanush Gun System will enhance the artillery’s capabilities to engage targets at longer ranges in all terrains with enhanced lethality and accuracy. The Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance System will provide surveillance capabilities to the Army units, with the Armoured Piercing Tank Ammunition enhancing the lethality of Anti-Tank ammunition. For the Indian Air Force, proposals were cleared for the procurement of Medium Transport Aircraft, S-400 Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile System, Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft and overhaul of Su-30 Aero engine Aggregates. The induction of Medium Transport Aircraft by replacing the transport fleet of AN32 and IL76 will meet the strategic, tactical and operational airlift requirements of the Services. The S-400 system will counter enemy longrange air vectors targeting vital areas, while the Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft will enable undertaking Offensive Counter and Coordinated Air Operations, also providing stealth Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance activities. The overhaul of Su-30 aero engine and its aggregates will increase the service life of the aircraft and fulfil the operational requirement of the Air Force.For the Indian Coast Guard, AoN was accorded for Heavy Duty Air Cushion Vehicles. These vehicles will be used for multi- purpose maritime coastal operational roles, including high-speed coastal patrolling, reconnaissance, search and rescue operations, rendering assistance to ships and carrying personnel and stores including logistics. In the financial year 2025-26, AoN for 55 proposals amounting to Rs 6.73 lakh crore has been accorded by the DAC. Capital procurement contracts have been signed for 503 proposals amounting to Rs 2.28 lakh crore in the current fiscal year. Both the quantum of AoN given and capital contracts signed, so far, have been the highest in any given financial year, the release said. (ANI) cohol. The driver has been sent for a medical examination to confirm this claim.”The family members of the victims have expressed suspicion that the driver was under the influence of alcohol and was driving at a high speed. He is currently in police custody, and his medical examination is being conducted,” CSP Soni further said.At present, the driver remains in police custody, and further investigations are underway. (ANI) Markapuram (Andhra Pradesh) [India], March 26 (ANI): Thirteen people were killed and 20 others rescued after a private bus collided with a tipper lorry near Rayavaram in Prakasam district on Thursday.The incident involved a tragic road accident near slab quarries that took place between a private travel bus and a tipper lorry. The private bus operated by Harikrishna Travels was travelling from Nirmal in Telangana to Nellore.Following the collision, the bus caught fire and was completely gutted. According to officials, several passengers were feared to have been burnt alive in the incident. Earlier, speaking to officials, the Chief Minister enquired about medical assistance being provided to the injured. District police informed him that around 20 injured persons have been shifted to various hospitals for treatment. Chandrababu Naidu expressed concern over reports that the death toll could rise further. He directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the causes of the accident and submit a detailed report. The incident comes just a day after a major fire broke out near the Chief Secretary’s bungalows at Rayapudi in Amaravati. According to police, the fire reportedly started in pipes stored by Megha Engineering Company, with firefighters and police personnel deploying three fire engines to control the blaze amid thick smoke and intense flames. In a separate development, three people were killed as two cars collided on the national highway near Ernagudem in the East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, on Sunday. According to a police official, five people were injured in the incident.Further information on both of the above incidents is awaited as well. (ANI) MP: Five dead in Gwalior as speeding car collides with auto-rickshaw Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) [India], March 27 (ANI): Five people were killed while several others were injured after a speeding car collided with an auto-rickshaw near the Jain temple in the Thatipur area of Gwalior, police said on Friday.The incident, which occurred around 3:00 AM, involved a speeding car that first collided with another car near the bus stand, prompting a police pursuit by First Response Vehicle (FRV). The driver of the speeding car continued to drive recklessly, and after hitting the auto-rickshaw carrying nine passengers, it crashed into a tree.According to the police, the collision occurred near the Jain temple in Thatipur, ahead of the Parshuram intersection, when the speeding car hit the auto-rickshaw, which was returning from the Sheetla Mata Temple. “Around 3:00 am tonight, a speeding Scorpio vehicle coming from the bus stand hit a car. Following this, the police vehicle FRV pursued it, but it continued at a high speed. Near the Jain temple in Thatipur, ahead of the Parshuram intersection, it hit an auto-rickshaw carrying passengers returning from the Sheetla Mata temple. The collision caused the auto to crash into a tree,” Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Atul Kumar Soni told ANI. According to CSP, there were a total of nine passengers in the auto, of whom five have died, while four others are currently receiving treatment at the Trauma Centre. Post-mortem procedures for the deceased are also being carried out. The deceased, all residents of Suresh Nagar, Thatipur, and some from Murar, were part of a family travelling back after visiting the Sheetla Mata Temple. The driver of the speeding car, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, fled the scene after the initial collision but was later apprehended by the police.When asked about the possible cause of the accident, CSP Soni revealed that family members of the victims had expressed suspicion that the speeding car driver may have been under the influence of al- Andhra Pradesh: 13 dead in Markapuram road accident
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Rupee hits record low; Sensex down over 1600 points Rupee from page 1 Securities, said the market structure remained fragile throughout the session. He explained that the Nifty opened with a gap down on the final trading day of FY26 and attempted an early recovery, but the rebound lacked follow-through. The index broke key intraday support levels of 22,470– 22,450, marking the eighth session in the March series where it closed with losses exceeding 1 per cent. The banking sector bore the brunt of the sell-off, with the Bank Nifty underperforming broader indices and dropping nearly 3.82 per cent to close at 50,275. Shah noted that the index extended its downtrend and fell below its previous swing low of 51,324. This decline fol- lowed the Reserve Bank of India’s move to tighten position limits on onshore rupee forex exposures, triggering volatility among financial stocks. Market breadth also remained weak, with 442 stocks in the Nifty 500 ending in the red, while foreign institutional investors continued to remain net sellers, offloading Rs 4,367 crore in the previous session. Meanwhile, a report by the State Bank of India suggested that the recent depreciation of the rupee is broadly in line with movements in other global currencies and does not indicate excessive weakness. According to the report, the rupee’s decline since February 27—marking the start of the current West Asia conflict—reflects global uncertainty rather than domestic insta- The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- April 3, 2026 Be in Time Hymn: Publick Domain Life at best is very brief, Like the falling of a leaf, Like the binding of a sheaf, Be in time. Fleeting days are telling fast That the die will soon be cast, And the fatal line be passed, Be in time. Be in time, be in time, While the voice of Jesus calls you, be in time. If in sin you longer wait, You may find no open gate, And your cry be just too late, be in time. Fairest flowers soon decay, Youth and beauty pass away, Oh, you have not long to stay, Be in time. While God’s Spirit bids you come, Sinner, do no longer roam, Lest you seal your helpless doom, Be in time. Time is gliding swiftly by, Death and judgment draweth nigh, To the arms of Jesus fly, Be in time. Oh, I pray you count the cost, Ere the fatal line be crossed, And your soul in hell be lost, Be in time. Sinner, heed the warning voice, Make the Lord your final choice, Then all Heaven will rejoice, Be in time. Come from darkness into light, Come, let Jesus make you right, Come, and start for Heav’n tonight, Be in time. bility. It noted that currencies which had appreciated earlier have corrected more sharply, and the rupee has performed relatively better in comparison. The report emphasised that India’s external position remains strong, with foreign exchange reserves exceeding USD 700 billion—sufficient to cover more than 10 months of imports—while short-term debt remains below 20 per cent of reserves. This robust buffer, it said, provides adequate protection against speculative pressures and enables effective market intervention by the Reserve Bank of India. To manage volatility, the report recommended several policy measures, including providing oil marketing companies with a special window to handle their daily dollar demand of USD 250–300 million separately from the broader market. It also suggested that the RBI could consider conducting “Operation Twist” to better manage yield dynamics by raising short-term yields while moderating longterm rates. Additionally, the report noted that recent RBI steps to rationalise banks’ open positions may have contributed to divergences between onshore and offshore currency markets. It stressed the importance of careful liquidity management to support the rupee amid ongoing global uncertainties. Overall, while financial markets remain under pressure due to geopolitical tensions and rising commodity prices, the SBI report underscored that India’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals and substantial forex reserves provide a significant cushion against sustained volatility. (ANI) 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 Friday, April 3, 2026 Telangana government passes bill to deduct salary of employees who neglect their parents Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], April 1 (ANI): The Telangana government passed the Telangana Employees Accountability and Monitoring of Parental Support Bill, 2026, in the Legislative Assembly. The legislation seeks to impose salary deductions on both public and private sector employees who are found neglecting or failing to provide support to their parents. The bill proposes that dependent parents can claim up to 15 per cent of their employed child’s gross monthly salary, capped at Rs 10,000, to meet essential needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and medical care. The legislation will cover all state government employees as well as individuals working in private and public organisations within Telangana. In cases of neglect, senior citizens will be able to approach desig- nated authorities, such as the District Collector, to seek a share of their child’s salary. To ensure proper implementation, the bill also provides for the creation of a dedicated Senior Citizens Commission. Headed by a retired High Court judge, the commission will handle appeals and exercise quasi-judicial powers, including conducting inquiries and imposing penalties. A state-level monitoring body will also be set up to oversee the execution of the Act and promote awareness about family responsibility and moral accountability. The existing Central Act, “The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007,” empowers Tribunals to order neglecting children to provide monthly maintenance of up to Rs 10,000 to meet their old-age parents’ basic needs and also for the cancellation of Gift Deed registration. FCRA Amendment Bill Sparks Political Row as Lok Sabha Takes Up Key Legislative, Financial Agenda key debates FCRA From Page 1 Parliament, demanding its withdrawal. Congress MP Hibi Eden termed the Bill “draconian,” alleging it could adversely affect minorities and NGOs. Congress MP Dharamvir Gandhi said the legislation should be impartial and benefit all sections of society, while Revolutionary Socialist Party MP NK Premchandran accused the government of pursuing an agenda targeting minority rights. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also criticised the proposed law, calling it “rigged” and questioning the Centre over funds received through the PM CARES Fund, electoral bonds, and NGOs. He raised concerns over transparency and alleged selective regulation of foreign funding, accusing the government of attempting to control non-governmental organisations. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed apprehension that the amendment could impact social service organisations and reduce support for the poor and marginalised. He warned that the move may restrict services in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and relief work, and alleged that it reflects a broader attempt to suppress dissent and control civil society. The second leg of the ongoing Parliament Budget Session is scheduled to conclude on April 2. (ANI)
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UP: People queue for fuel with canisters in Lakhimpur Kheri even as Govt appealed against panic buying Lakhimpur Kheri (Uttar Pradesh) [India], March 27 (ANI): People were seen queued up in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri on Friday with canisters to buy fuel even after the Central government has appealed to citizens to avoid panic buying of petrol, diesel, and LPG. The panic among the general public is a result of a global energy crisis due to the US-Israel war on Iran and the consequent Tehran-imposed blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s crude oil and gas supply, between 20 and 25 million barrels per day, is shipped. Earlier today, the government slashed the excise duties for petrol and diesel, bringing them down to Rs 3 per litre of petrol and zero for a litre of diesel. Windfall tax on export of diesel has been set at 21.5 rupees/litre. This move brings relief to oil marketing companies who were losing money on the marketing side because the cost of crude oil was shooting up. Retail prices of Petrol and Diesel remain unchanged as of now.Earlier, the Government of India said that fuel supply across the country remains stable and retail fuel outlets are operating normally despite the ongoing developments in West Asia, urging the public not to believe rumours or resort to panic buying. ficial sources and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information,” the statement added. The fatal nature of the interception became clear on Thursday after falling debris struck a busy thoroughfare, resulting in the deaths of the two individuals and leaving three others injured. These casualties occurred specifically on Sweihan Street following the activation of air defence protocols to neutralise the incoming threat. While the primary missile was successfully neutralised by the defence systems, the subsequent rain of fragments over a populated area caused significant distress and damage. Emergency services were deployed to the scene immediately to assist the victims and manage the wreckage caused to several vehicles.This event underscores the inherent risks posed by falling shrapnel during high-altitude interceptions, even “Religious polarisation creating hatred, shifting focus away”: Assam’s Raijor Dal leader Gyanashree Bora when defence systems perform as intended. C o n s e q u e n t l y, officials have indicated that further updates will be provided as the investiga- tion progresses, while reiterating the importance of relying on credible, official communication to prevent the spread of unconfirmed reports. (ANI) Mariani (Assam) [India], March 27 (ANI): Raijor Dal’s candidate from Assam‘s Mariani, Gyanashree Bora, shared her insights on various issues in the state politics, including alliances, leadership, infiltration, and religious polarisation on Friday. Speaking to ANI, Bora acknowledged the alliance between the Indian National Congress and Raijor Dal in Assam but made it clear that their leader is Akhil Gogoi, the MLA from Sibsagar, not Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. She stated, “Our leader is Akhil Gogoi, not Rahul Gandhi.” On social concerns, Bora expressed deep concern over the growing religious polarisation, which she believes is fostering hatred within society and shifting the focus away from development. “Religious polarisation is creating hatred in society and shifting focus away from development,” she told ANI. Bora also addressed the issue of infiltration in Assam, asserting that there are infiltrators in the state who need to be identified and expelled. She emphasised that this process should be carried out fairly and without any religious discrimination, ensuring that all infiltrators, regardless of their background, are dealt with New Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was on Tuesday unanimously elected as President of the Janata Dal (United), after no other candidate filed nomination for the post. The announce- ment was made in the national capital by JD(U) leader Anil Hegde during a press conference, who outlined the election process. He stated that the last date for filing nominations was March 22, scrutiny was conducted on March 23, and the deadline for with- drawal of nominations was today at 11 am. With only Nitish Kumar’s nomination in contention, he was declared elected unopposed.” The last date for filing nominations was on the 22nd, scrutiny took place on the 23rd, and to- According to a statement released by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, “All retail outlets are operating normally across the country”, even as there were reports of panic buying in some areas due to rumours.The ministry clarified that the country has adequate fuel supplies. “There are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available at all Petrol Pumps in the country,” the statement said, reiter- ating its advice to citizens “not to believe rumours. ”The government also said that all refineries are operating at high capacity to ensure an uninterrupted energy supply.” All refineries are operating at high capacity, with adequate crude inventories in place,” the ministry said, adding that domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption. (ANI) Abu Dhabi: Indian national among two killed by missile debris Abu Dhabi [UAE], March 26 (ANI): An Indian national is among two individuals who tragically lost their lives following a ballistic missile interception over Abu Dhabi on Thursday. One Indian national is also injured in the incident.In a post on X, the Abu Dhabi Media Office stated that the fatalities occurred “as part of the ongoing follow-up to the previously reported incident caused by falling debris following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems.” The incident “has resulted in the deaths of two individuals of Pakistani and Indian nationality, and in injuries ranging from serious to moderate sustained by three individuals of Emirati, Jordanian, and Indian nationality.”In response to the situation, authorities have urged caution regarding the dissemination of news. “The public is advised to obtain information only from of- Friday, April 3, 2026 appropriately. “There are infiltrators in the state who need to be identified and expelled,” she said.She further explained that alliances between parties with differing ideologies are not uncommon in Indian politics. She pointed to the example of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Asom Gana Parishad, highlighting that such partnerships are often formed for broader political objectives. She also revealed that the escalating religious tensions and the societal impact were the primary reasons she decided to leave her job as a college professor and joins poitics to bring change. The Raijor Dal candidate also emphasised the need for a generational change in politics, stating that society no longer requires “old leaders.” She stressed that it is time for young leadership to come forward and take charge, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to address the challenges of the present and future. In discussing the regional context, Dr. Bora pointed to neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Nepal, stating that both nations are grappling with issues stemming from religious polarisation. She highlighted that, as a result of these issues and conflicts, both countries have failed to focus on development. (ANI) Nitish Kumar elected unopposed as JD(U) president day was the last date for withdrawal of nominations until 11 AM. Since only one nomination was filed–that of the current president, Nitish Kumar–I hereby declare Nitish Kumar as the National President of the party,” Hegde said.
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