The Supreme Court of India on March 24, 2026, asked the West Bengal government if the Enforcement Directorate (ED) could approach the state police for a remedy regarding the alleged interference by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the ED’s raids on the political consultancy firm I-PAC. This comes amid growing controversy surrounding the ED's legal plea under Article 32 of the Constitution, which seeks a CBI investigation into the alleged obstruction of its raids by Mamata Banerjee and

The Supreme Court of India, in a significant judgment delivered on March 24, 2026, has reaffirmed that individuals who convert to religions other than Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism cannot retain or claim Scheduled Caste status under the law. The ruling reinforces the constitutional framework governing caste-based reservations and legal protections in India. The verdict came in an appeal challenging an earlier decision of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, which had quashed criminal proceedings filed under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The complainant, who was born into a Scheduled Caste but had converted to Christianity and was functioning as a pastor, had alleged caste-based abuse and assault. However, the court held that his conversion disentitled him from invoking protections meant specifically for Scheduled Castes. A bench of the Supreme Court observed that the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, clearly restricts Scheduled Caste recognition to persons professing Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism. The court described this restriction as categorical, stating that conversion to any other religion results in the immediate and complete loss of Scheduled Caste status, regardless of birth. The court further clarified that a person cannot simultaneously profess a religion outside the specified categories and claim Scheduled Caste identity for statutory benefits. It emphasized that such positions are mutually exclusive within the constitutional scheme, and no statutory protection or reservation can be extended once a person ceases to fall within the legally defined category. In its interpretation, the court also highlighted that the term “profess” implies a public declaration and active practice of a religion. This interpretation played a key role in assessing the individual’s eligibility, particularly in cases where religious identity is visibly demonstrated through roles such as clergy or religious leadership. The judgment is expected to have wide-ranging implications for individuals who convert to religions outside the constitutionally recognised framework while seeking benefits or protections linked to Scheduled Caste status. While the ruling reinforces existing legal provisions, it also brings renewed attention to ongoing debates about caste discrimination and its persistence beyond religious boundaries.

The Supreme Court of India has granted permanent commission to women officers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, following a long-standing battle for gender equality within the Indian Armed Forces. This ruling comes after nearly 15 years of legal struggles, where women officers, especially Short Service Commission Women Officers (SSCWOs), faced systemic discrimination in securing permanent commissions and promotions. The Court delivered three key rulings on March 24, 2026, recognizin

A county judge in Texas has been found guilty on two counts of money laundering, marking a major development in a high-profile campaign finance case. KP George, the first Indian-origin judge in Fort Bend County, was convicted of third-degree felony charges and now faces up to 10 years in prison. He is expected to be removed from office following his sentencing. The case traces back to financial activities between 2019 and 2022, when George was actively raising and managing campaign

Tensions in the Middle East are escalating as multiple nations, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, face a series of drone and missile attacks. At Kuwait International Airport, a fuel tank was targeted, sparking a fire, but no casualties were reported. Bahrain also suffered a fire at a company facility due to missile strikes, allegedly launched by Iran. Kuwait’s military and other regional air defense systems have been actively intercepting these threats, with explosion so

On March 24, 2026, Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile assault targeting civilian areas across Ukraine, killing at least four people and injuring more than 35, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack marked one of the most intense aerial offensives in recent weeks and coincided with increased Russian efforts along front-line positions, raising concerns about the start of a broader spring offensive. Ukraine’s air force reported that nearly 400 long-range drones were d

An airstrike targeting a military installation used by the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in Iraq’s Anbar province has resulted in multiple fatalities, including a senior commander, amid rising regional tensions. The Iran-aligned group confirmed that Saad Duwai al-Baiji, its Anbar commander, was among those killed in the strike. Initial reports indicated that at least seven PMF fighters were killed and 13 others injured when the strike hit the base during what sources described

A loud explosion was reported over Jerusalem early Tuesday following two rounds of missile launches from Iran, heightening tensions in the already volatile Middle East region. Israeli authorities confirmed that air raid alerts were triggered across several areas, prompting residents to take shelter as defense systems responded to the incoming threats. According to the Israeli military, the missile launches occurred within a short interval, with the second wave followed by an audible

The Trump administration has filed a major lawsuit against Harvard University, alleging violations of civil rights protections for Jewish and Israeli students and faculty. The case, submitted by the Department of Justice in a federal district court in Boston on March 20, 2026, accuses the university of failing to address what officials describe as widespread antisemitism and discriminatory practices on campus. According to the complaint, Harvard is alleged to have ignored repeated incidents

India has dispatched a 2.5-ton consignment of emergency medicines, medical disposables, kits, and equipment to Afghanistan to assist victims of a devastating airstrike in Kabul that claimed more than 400 lives and left over 250 injured. The humanitarian aid was delivered on March 20 as part of India’s continued support for the Afghan people during a period of crisis. According to officials, the supplies are intended to support the treatment and recovery of those affected by the March 16 attack on a drug addiction treatment facility in Kabul. The strike targeted the Omid Drug Addiction Treatment Hospital, which Afghan authorities described as housing one of the most vulnerable sections of society. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation due to the high number of civilian casualties. India strongly criticized the airstrike, calling it a barbaric and unjustifiable act of violence against civilians. In an official statement, New Delhi emphasized that a medical facility cannot be considered a legitimate military target and reaffirmed its solidarity with Afghanistan. The government reiterated its commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and helping address the immediate needs arising from the crisis. Afghanistan confirmed that over 408 individuals undergoing treatment at the facility were killed, while more than 265 sustained injuries. The scale of the casualties has intensified regional tensions and raised concerns about escalating conflict in South Asia. Afghan leaders have condemned the attack and indicated that while diplomatic efforts remain a priority, a response to the incident is under consideration. Amid rising tensions, Pakistan and Afghanistan have announced a temporary ceasefire following mediation efforts by international partners. The pause in hostilities coincides with the Eid al-Fitr period, although officials have warned that military operations could resume if security conditions deteriorate. Both sides continue to exchange accusations regarding cross-border militancy, further complicating the fragile situation in the region.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has confirmed the death of Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib following an Israeli airstrike in Tehran, describing the incident as a “cowardly assassination” that has intensified tensions in an already volatile Middle East conflict. The confirmation came on Wednesday,

A major fire broke out in a high-rise building in Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday morning, sending thick plumes of black smoke across the New York skyline just hours before the city’s St Patrick’s Day parade. Authorities said the incident began shortly before 10 am near East 43rd Street and Madison Avenue, a busy area close to Grand Central Terminal. Emergency crews from the Fire Department of New York responded swiftly, dispatching multiple fire engines and ladder companies to the scene. D

The conflict in West Asia has entered its third week, with hostilities intensifying across multiple fronts and raising concerns about a broader regional escalation. Israeli President Isaac Herzog called on European nations to support Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hezbollah, as Israeli forces continued ground operations in southern Lebanon. The situation in Lebanon deteriorated further after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel earlier this month, following the reported killing of Iran’s

Iran on Tuesday claimed responsibility for a missile strike that it said landed near the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, marking a sharp escalation in tensions between the two regional rivals. The claim, reported by state-affiliated media, comes amid heightened hostilities and conflicting narratives surrounding recent military developments between Israel and Iran. Israeli authorities reported that missile fragments fell across parts of Jerusalem, including areas within the Old City, prompting air raid sirens in the capital and several central regions. While debris was said to have landed near prominent religious landmarks, officials confirmed that the Prime Minister’s office did not sustain any damage. Emergency response teams were deployed to assess the impact and ensure public safety in affected zones. According to multiple reports, shrapnel from the strike caused minor damage near significant religious sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and areas close to the Temple Mount. These locations, revered by multiple faiths, heightened concerns over the broader implications of the incident and the risk of further escalation in a sensitive region. The developments follow Israeli claims that Ali Larijani, described as Iran’s national security chief, was killed in a targeted operation. Tehran has not confirmed his death, adding uncertainty to the situation. In a televised statement, Netanyahu asserted that the operation was part of a broader effort to weaken Iran’s leadership structure and encourage internal change. He stated that sustained pressure could create conditions for citizens to determine their own political future. Earlier in the day, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office released images showing Netanyahu inside a military command centre, appearing to oversee ongoing operations. The move was seen as a response to widespread speculation circulating on social media regarding his status, as authorities sought to reinforce confidence and counter misinformation during a period of heightened tension. The exchange of claims and counterclaims underscores the fragile security environment in the region, with both sides maintaining assertive positions as the situation continues to evolve.

A series of drone attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates’ critical energy infrastructure has intensified concerns over prolonged supply disruptions as regional tensions linked to the Iran conflict continue to escalate. The incidents have struck key oil and gas facilities, disrupted shipping routes, and heightened volatility in global energy markets. Operations at the Shah gas field, one of the world’s largest ultra-sour gas developments, remained suspended after a drone stri

A drone-related incident triggered a fire near Dubai International Airport on Monday, prompting authorities to temporarily suspend flight operations as a precautionary safety measure. Officials confirmed that the incident occurred in the vicinity of the airport and affected one of the fuel storage tanks, leading to an emergency response by Dubai Civil Defence teams. Authorities said firefighters were quickly deployed to the scene to contain the blaze and prevent further damage. According to

Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply after coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel targeted Iran on February 28, reportedly killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with several senior Iranian officials. The operation, named “Epic Fury” by the United States and “Lion’s Roar” by Israel, came during a period of heightened friction between Washington and Tehran, particularly surrounding negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and regional secu

Tensions across the Middle East escalated sharply on Thursday as the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict intensified with new drone and missile attacks reported across several locations in the region. Iranian authorities claimed responsibility for launching drone strikes targeting Israel’s Shin Bet headquarters in Tel Aviv as well as the Palmachim and Ovda air bases, signalling a significant escalation in hostilities between the two countries. Israeli officials confirmed that missiles we

In a tragic development amidst the ongoing conflict in West Asia, an Indian sailor was killed following an underwater drone attack on the US-owned crude oil tanker, Safesea Vishnu. The attack occurred near Basra, Iraq, on March 12, 2026, as the vessel was entering the Persian Gulf. Iranian forces have claimed responsibility for the strike, which also targeted another vessel, the Maltese-flagged Zefyros. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that the attack resulted in an explosion that damaged both tankers. The Indian Embassy in Iraq confirmed the death of the Indian crew member and stated that a total of 38 crew members were rescued from the two ships. Among the rescued were 15 Indian sailors, all of whom were evacuated to safety. The embassy expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased sailor and stated that it was in regular contact with Iraqi authorities and the rescued sailors to offer assistance. As tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has indicated that it views such economic infrastructure, including oil tankers, as legitimate targets due to its association with the US and Israel. The attack underscores the increasing risks to commercial shipping in the region, as multiple incidents have been reported involving "unknown projectiles" targeting vessels. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned the escalation of attacks on commercial ships and reiterated its concern over the safety of Indian citizens in the region. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts by India have yielded some success, as Iran allowed an Indian crude vessel to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without incident. This incident marks another chapter in the intensifying conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel, further destabilizing the vital shipping routes in the Persian Gulf. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with increasing concerns over the safety of maritime trade in the region

A luxury residential high-rise in Dubai Creek Harbour was struck by