THE HEADLINES:-
- Centre writes to states and Union Territories to take action for hoarding and black marketing of LPG and other petroleum products.
- Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasises, Jan Vishwash bill 2026 is designed to foster trust based governance.
- Bengal Police arrests mastermind of Kaliachak, Malda case at Bagdogra airport, Siliguri.
- Ministry of Education declares NCERT as an institution deemed to be University under distinct category.
- In West Asia, strikes expand to civilian and industrial infrastructure raising concerns over global energy supply and maritime security.
- And, In Football, defending champion India to face Bangladesh in the final of the SAFF U20 Championship 2026 in the Maldives tonight.
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The Centre has asked the States and Union territories to take necessary action to curb malpractices such as hoarding and black marketing of LPG and other Petroleum products. Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dr Neeraj Mittal has written a letter to all states and Union Territories in this regard. He said rumours and misinformation continue to circulate in certain areas, leading to avoidable public concern and instances of panic buying. Dr Mittal said that only 17 States and UTs are presently conducting regular or intermittent press briefings. They have been asked to step up proactive and regular public communication to ensure timely dissemination of accurate information through social and electronic media.
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Industry bodies have welcomed the government’s decision to grant customs duty exemption on a wide range of critical petrochemical products. Talking to media, CEO of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations, Saharsh Damani said this is a pre-emptive step by the government, providing relief for the auto sector. He said that since many components rely on petrochemical inputs like plastics and polymers, the exemption may reduce disruption risks and contain cost pressures.
Meanwhile, National President of Indian Drug Manufacturers Association, Dr. Viranchi Shah said that waiving import duties on key solvents and chemicals used in API and formulation manufacturing will help curb recent price escalation.
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Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said that the reform brought in the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 is a significant step towards simplifying laws, reducing compliance burden and fear of penalties. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi today on the bill, Mr Goyal said, the aim of the bill, is not to control common people but to benefit them and enhance trust-based governance for ease of living and doing business. Mr Goyal said for the first time, one thousand offences across 79 Acts have been decriminalised through the Jan Vishwas Bill.
Mr Goyal stated that 12 states have already introduced their own version of Jan Vishwas laws and urged other states to also look into decriminalising petty offences. The Minister also emphasized that this step has been taken to move away from a colonial mindset where punishment prevailed over fairness.
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The West Bengal Police today arrested two persons, including the mastermind of the gherao of seven judicial officers in Malda district, from Siliguri’s Bagdogra airport. The alleged mastermind, identified as advocate Mofakkarul Islam, was arrested while he was trying to board a flight. Speaking to reporters, ADG (North Bengal) K Jayaraman said Mofakkarul Islam hails from Itahar in Uttar Dinajpur district and was currently residing in Kolkata. He said three cases have been registered against him at Kaliachak police station for allegedly “instigating” locals through speeches on Wednesday, following which the seven judicial officers were gheraoed inside the Kaliachak-2 block office under Mothabari assembly constituency.
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The Election Commission has said that five hundred Companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) will continue to remain deployed in West Bengal for post poll law and order duties even after the completion of counting. It said, additionally, two hundred Companies of CAPFs will be retained in the State for security arrangements of EVMs, strong room and counting centre and remain deployed till the completion of counting in the State.
The Assembly election in West Bengal will be held in two phase. The first phase of election will be held on 23rd April and the second phase on 29th April.
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The Ministry of Education, on the advice of the UGC, has declared National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) as an Institution deemed to be University under distinct category. In its statement, the Ministry informed that an online application was uploaded on UGC Portal for grant of Institution deemed to be University status under distinct category to NCERT. The Ministry added that the recommendation of the UGC Expert Committee was considered and approved by the commission. The Ministry also directed the NCERT to take appropriate steps to commence research programmes as well as doctoral and innovative academic programmes.
The NCERT is an autonomous organisation set up in 1961 by the Government to assist and advise the Central and State Governments on policies and programmes for qualitative improvement in school education.
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The Indian Navy commissioned the stealth frigate INS Taragiri at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam today. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the ceremony. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, the warship is the fourth vessel under the Project 17A class. Addressing the gathering, the Defence Minister said the country’s coastline exceeds 11,000 kilometres and is surrounded by the sea on three sides. Nearly 95 percent of India’s trade moves through maritime routes, while energy security also depends on the seas. He stressed that a strong Navy is therefore essential.
Defence Minister further said the Navy has safeguarded commercial vessels and oil tankers during periods of tension. It maintains a sustained presence in key regions, including the Indian Ocean, the Persian Gulf and the Malacca Strait.
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Prime Minister and senior BJP leader Narendra Modi will arrive in Puducherry this afternoon to take part in election campaign. Our Correspondent reports that Mr Modi will hold a roadshow and address party workers and the public.
“The Prime Minister will arrive in Puducherry airport around 4:15 pm. From there, the Prime Minister will proceed to Ajanta Signal junction, the starting point of the roadshow. The roadshow will pass through a stretch of about 1.2 kilometres in Anna Salai and conclude near the Kamarajar statue. NDA leaders and candidates will accompany the Prime Minister. He will interact with party workers and supporters along the route, and urging them to support the NDA. Bibin S. Nath, Akashvani News, Puducherry.”
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The BJP has released list of 27 candidates for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan will contest from Avanashi. Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan will fight from Mylapore and Vanathi Srinivasan will contest from Coimbatore (North). The Assembly election in Tamil Nadu will be held on 23rd of this month.
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In our special series of constituency profiles, today we focus on Bokakhat under the Kaziranga Lok Sabha constituency in Assam. Polling in Assam is scheduled to be held in a single phase for all 126 Legislative Assembly constituencies on the 9th of April.
“The 105 No. Bokakhat Legislative Assembly Constituency is one of the 126 constituencies of Assam. Polling will be held on 9th April. Bokakhat is a key constituency of Golaghat district and it is predominantly a rural seat with a significant population dependent on tea gardens and agriculture. In the current Assembly election, six candidates are in the fray from Bokakhat. Minister and Asom Gana Parishad, Chief, Atul Bora is contesting against Raijor Dal nominee Hari Prasad Saikia, an alliance party of the Congress led opposition. Bibekananda Rajowar is the candidate of G G Party while Hemanta Doloi, Pranab Doley and Jiten Gogoi are contesting as independent candidates. Following the 2023 delimitation exercise, the Bokakhat LAC has undergone changes in its population and areas. According to the Election Commission of India, Bokakhat has over 1 lakh 64 thousand voters, over 84 thousand are female and over 79 thousand are male. Additionally, there is one transgender voter across 212 polling stations. In the 2021 Assembly election, there were 11 candidates in the fray, including AGP’s Atul Bora, NCP’s Mridul Saikai, Assam Jatiya Parishad’s R K Gogoi and 8 independents. Atul Bora of AGP won the election. Aminul Haque Jwadder, Akashvani News, Guwahati.”
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The West Asia conflict entered its 35th day today with Iran and its allies continuing exchanges of fire with Israel and the United States, as strikes expanded beyond military targets to civilian and industrial infrastructure across the Gulf, raising concerns over global energy supplies and maritime security. Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted and destroyed seven drones in the past few hours. The Saudi Press Agency, citing Defence Ministry spokesperson Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki, said the interceptions were carried out as part of efforts to safeguard the Kingdom’s security.
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US President Donald Trump has said that the tallest bridge in Iran had been destroyed, hours after threatening to bomb the country back to the Stone Ages. The B1 Bridge links Tehran to neighboring Karaj. Ghodratollah Seif, the Deputy Governor of Alborz Province, where the B1 bridge is located, said the strike had killed eight people and injured 95 others. Mr. Trump’s post on Truth Social was accompanied by a video of an explosion. He urged Iran’s government to make a deal before it is too late.
Meanwhile, the UN Security Council is scheduled to vote tonight on a Bahraini proposal to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
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Christians across the world are observing Good Friday today with solemn prayers, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Churches are witnessing special services and the Way of the Cross, with devotees gathering in large numbers.
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan said that on the occasion of Good Friday, everyone remembers the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and reflects upon his timeless message of love, compassion and forgiveness. In a social media post, the Vice President said that Jesus Christ’s life and teachings inspire everyone to walk the path of humility, selflessness and righteousness.
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Defending champion India will take on Bangladesh in the final of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Under-20 Championship in the Maldives today. The match will begin at 8:30 PM Indian Standard Time.
India reached the final with a dominant 5-0 victory over Bhutan, while Bangladesh secured their place by defeating Nepal 1-0 in the semi-finals.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:-
- Centre writes to states and Union Territories to take action for hoarding and black marketing of LPG and other petroleum products.
- Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasises, Jan Vishwash bill 2026 is designed to foster trust based governance.
- Bengal Police arrests mastermind of Kaliachak, Malda case at Bagdogra airport, Siliguri.
- Ministry of Education declares NCERT as an institution deemed to be University under distinct category.
- In West Asia, strikes expand to civilian and industrial infrastructure raising concerns over global energy supply and maritime security.
- And, In Football, defending champion India to face Bangladesh in the final of the SAFF U20 Championship 2026 in the Maldives tonight.
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