The Indian rupee has slipped to a new record low, falling to 94.1575 per US dollar, surpassing its previous all-time low of 93.98 set earlier this week. The continued decline is being attributed to growing concerns over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has placed significant pressure on global markets, including the Indian currency. Since the war broke out late last month, the rupee has weakened by about 3.5%, reflecting the heightened uncertainty in international mark

​The United States has initiated indirect diplomatic engagement with Iran through Pakistan, according to Steve Witkoff, a special envoy serving under President Donald Trump. Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Witkoff confirmed that a structured 15-point peace proposal has been conveyed to Iranian authorities via Pakistan’s government, marking a renewed attempt to address ongoing tensions through diplomatic channels. Witkoff described the framework as a comprehensive ef

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has released the full schedule for the Indian Premier League 2026, with matches set to be played across 13 venues. The tournament will begin on March 28, 2026, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match. The league stage will feature 70 matches, leading into the playoffs and final, which are scheduled to take place in late May 2026. The complete timetable, including all fixtures, venues, and match timin

ABU DHABI — March 26, 2026 (Thursday): An Indian national was among two people killed on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Abu Dhabi after debris from a missile interception struck the city. The second victim was a Pakistani citizen, while three others — including another Indian national and a Jordanian — were injured. The incident occurred on Sweihan Street, where debris fell following the successful interception of a ballistic

NEW DELHI, India, March 26, 2026 — Narendra Modi on Thursday warned that ongoing global conflicts could trigger a prolonged energy crisis, posing significant risks to economies worldwide, including India. Addressing Parliament, Modi struck a balanced yet firm tone, cautioning that continued geopolitical tensions may disrupt global energy markets and supply chains. He sai

The central government has retained the 4% retail inflation target for the next five years, from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031, with a tolerance band of 2–6%. This decision, made in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), continues the inflation-targeting framework that was first introduced in 2016. The move aims to maintain price stability while allowing some flexibility in the target, accommodating short-term volatility. The government’s inflation target, outline

A Los Angeles jury has found Alphabet’s Google and Meta Platforms liable for $3 million in damages in a social media addiction lawsuit, a ruling that could set a precedent for thousands of similar cases. The lawsuit focused on the platforms' addictive design, which the plaintiff argued contributed to her addiction to YouTube and Instagram from a young age. This case, which highlights the growing concerns over social media’s impact on mental health, could influence future legal actions brought by parents, school districts, and attorneys general against tech giants. The plaintiff, a 20-year-old woman, claimed that the attention-grabbing features of the apps led her to develop an addiction, marking a significant legal focus on the platforms' design rather than the content itself. The lawsuit was filed amid mounting criticism of social media companies for their role in the safety of children and teens. At least half of American teenagers use platforms like YouTube and Instagram daily, amplifying concerns over the prolonged exposure to these platforms. Snapchat and TikTok were also named in the case but settled with the plaintiff before the trial commenced. Despite the ruling, Meta and Google have expressed their disagreement with the verdict, with Meta already evaluating further legal options. The ruling has minimal impact on the companies’ stock prices, as shares of Meta rose slightly, while Alphabet’s stock remained largely unchanged. The case adds to the growing body of lawsuits focused on social media addiction, with other similar cases expected to go to trial in federal and state courts. Critics have long called for more stringent regulations on social media use, but Congress has yet to pass comprehensive legislation on the matter. Meanwhile, numerous states have enacted laws governing social media use among children, with some requiring age verification for account creation, a measure that tech trade associations are challenging in court. As the debate intensifies, the impact of this verdict on future legislation and lawsuits against tech companies remains to be seen. The ruling could be a crucial step in holding companies accountable for the design of platforms that contribute to addiction and harm, particularly among vulnerable youth populations.

As India faces a severe liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortage due to the disruption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which affects nearly 60% of the country’s LPG imports, Argentina has stepped in to provide vital support. The South American country, previously not a key supplier to India, has rapidly become a crucial energy partner, delivering over 50,000 tonnes of LPG in the first quarter of 2026 alone—more than double the amount it shipped in all of 2025. Th

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Tehran is reviewing a US proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, but made it clear that this does not signify formal negotiations with Washington. In an interview with state television, Araghchi emphasized that while messages have been exchanged through intermediaries, they do not equate to talks with the US government. "There are no talks with the US," Araghchi bluntly stated, reiterating Iran's stance of no direct engagement wit

On March 25, 2026, Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman marked Genocide Day with a powerful message that signaled a clear shift from the softer approach to Pakistan observed during the previous interim government under Muhammad Yunus. Rahman’s remarks were made on social media, describing March 25, 1971, as "one of the most disgraceful and brutal days" in the country's history, highlighting the atrocities carried out by Pakistani forces during Operation Searchlight. Rahman recounted how

A Los Angeles jury has found Meta and YouTube negligent in the design and operation of their platforms, delivering a significant verdict in one of the first trials addressing allegations of social media addiction. The jury concluded that both companies played a substantial role in causing harm to the plaintiff, identified as K.G.M., and failed to adequately warn users about potential risks associated with Instagram and YouTube. The panel awarded $3 million in compensatory damages, a

A recent podcast hosted by Nikhil Kamath has drawn widespread attention after former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shared a candid reflection on his early career choices and family expectations. In a light-hearted moment, Sunak remarked that he may have “disappointed” his parents by not pursuing a care

India has firmly ruled out any role as a mediator in the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stating that New Delhi does not engage in diplomatic brokerage. His remarks came during an all-party meeting convened to brief political leaders on the government’s approach to the escalating West Asia crisis and its implications for India’s strategic interests. Addressing concerns raised by opposition leaders, Jaishankar clarified that India’s foreign policy is guided by its national priorities rather than intermediary roles. He noted that attempts by countries such as Pakistan to position themselves as mediators are not new, adding that such efforts have historically aligned with external interests. Government sources emphasized that India has been actively responding to developments in the region and rejected claims that it has remained silent. The meeting also focused on India’s preparedness in ensuring energy security and safeguarding its citizens in the Gulf region. Officials highlighted that maintaining stable crude oil supplies remains a key priority, particularly as tensions threaten critical shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. The government informed leaders that advance procurement measures have been taken and that India is currently sourcing oil and gas from a diversified network of 41 countries to mitigate risks. Participants were also briefed on maritime developments, including the safe passage of several India-bound vessels carrying petroleum products through the Strait of Hormuz, while others remain in the vicinity awaiting clearance. The government described these developments as a reflection of effective coordination and diplomatic engagement. On diplomatic outreach, the government reiterated that India maintains balanced relations with all major stakeholders in the region, including the United States, Iran, and Israel. It also underscored steps taken to convey condolences following recent developments in Iran, indicating continued engagement at the diplomatic level. Despite these assurances, opposition leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s responses and called for a detailed discussion in Parliament. The government, however, maintained that the situation is under control and there is no immediate cause for concern, reiterating its commitment to protecting national interests amid evolving geopolitical challenges.

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.

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

Sonia Gandhi, the senior Congress leader, was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi after feeling unwell, according to sources on March 25, 2026. Both of her children, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were by her side at the hospital, although Rahul left after a while. The exact cause of her hospitalization has not been clarified yet. This hospitalization follows an earlier instance in January 2026, when Sonia Gandhi was admitted to the same hospital due to respiratory

Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant conversation. The two leaders highlighted the necessity of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and accessible for global trade. In a post on social media, Modi mentioned having a "useful exchange" with Trump. He emphasized India’s firm stance on de-escalation and peace, recognizing that the Strait of Hormuz is crucial for global stability due to its role in oil shipm

Two major incidents on March 23 have drawn national attention in the United States, as authorities investigate a fatal aircraft collision at LaGuardia Airport and a massive refinery explosion in Texas that has raised concerns over energy supply and safety. Late Sunday night, just before midnight on March 23, an Air Canada Express flight collided with a fire rescue vehicle while landing at LaGuardia Airport in New York. The aircraft, a CRJ900 operated by Jazz Aviation, was carrying 72 passeng

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday held a detailed telephonic conversation with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focusing on the escalating West Asia conflict and its broader implications for global energy security and economic stability. The discussion comes at a critical time when geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region are raising concerns among major economies dependent on stable crude oil supply chains. According to Jaishankar, the conversation add