Trump says postponing Iran power plant strikes for five days after ‘very good’ talks

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday (March 23, 2026) that the ‌U.S. has had good and ⁠productive conversations with Iran, and he will order the ‌military to postpone any military strikes ‌against Iranian power ‌plants ⁠and energy infrastructure for ⁠five days. However, Iran’s Tasnim news ‌agency, citing an Iranian official, ⁠said that the Strait ‌of Hormuz will ‌not return ‌to ⁠pre-war conditions ⁠and energy markets will remain unsettled, adding ‌that no negotiations with the ‌U.S. are underway.

West Asia situation ‘worrisome’, having adverse impact on economy, people: PM Modi in Lok Sabha

PM Modi, addressing the Lok Sabha on Monday (March 23, 2026) on key aspects of the ongoing West Asia conflict, termed the prevailing situation in West Asia “worrisome” as it is having a very adverse impact on the global economy and the livelihoods of people. “The current situation in West Asia is worrisome. This crisis has been going on for more than three weeks, having a very adverse impact on the global economy and on people’s lives. The entire world is urging all parties to resolve this crisis as quickly as possible,” PM Modi said.

Two more Indian-flagged LPG tankers set to cross Strait of Hormuz

Two more Indian-flagged LPG tankers have started their journey from the Persian Gulf and are expected to cross the war-hit Strait of Hormuz before heading to Indian ports, ship tracking data showed. LPG tankers Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, sailing close to each other on Monday (March 23, 2026) afternoon, were near the waters between Iran’s Larak and Qeshm islands — possibly to make their identity clear to Iranian authorities before they cross the Strait. The two ships were among the 22 Indian-flagged vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf after the war in West Asia nearly closed the Strait of Hormuz — the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that connects the oil- and gas-producing Gulf countries to the rest of the world.

Government revs up consultations on early implementation of Women’s Reservation Act

The Narendra Modi government on Monday (March 23, 2026) indicated that it will bring amendments to the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023 to ensure its implementation for the 2029 Lok Sabha election, along with an increase in the number of Parliamentary seats for women.

Netanyahu says spoke with Trump, vows to protect Israel’s interests

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday (March 23, 2026) that he spoke with Donald Trump, saying that the U.S. President believed U.S.-Israeli military gains in Iran could be converted into a negotiated agreement that protected Israel’s interests. “President Trump believes there is a chance to leverage the tremendous achievements of the IDF and the U.S. military in order to realise the war’s objectives in an agreement - an agreement that will safeguard our vital interests,” Mr. Netanyahu said in a video statement.

U.S. military pause on Iran’s attack: India closely monitors developments

India is closely monitoring developments, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Monday (March 23, 2026) shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would postpone attacks on Iran’s power infrastructure for five days.

Jammu University pitches for dropping Jinnah and Iqbal from syllabus; NC, PDP oppose move

The Jammu University’s move to consider dropping Pakistan founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Indian educator Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and poet Mohammad Iqbal from the postgraduate programmes on Monday evoked sharp criticism from the National Conference (NC), which is the ruling party in Jammu and Kashmir, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Rahul Gandhi criticises use of the term ‘vanvasi’, reiterates call for caste census

The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday (March 23, 2026) criticised the use of the term ‘vanvasi’ (forest dwellers) by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its political arm, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for tribal communities, alleging that it diluted their historical rights over land and natural resources.

Net FDI negative for fifth straight month in January 2026 as outflows exceed inflows by $1.4 billion

Net foreign direct investment (FDI) into India contracted for the fifth consecutive month in January 2026, with outflows exceeding inflows by nearly $1.4 billion, a three-month high. The data shows this was because inflows into India fell nearly 7% while the amount repatriated out of the country nearly doubled.

Greater cooperation needed between India, Russia under evolving multipolar order: Jaishankar

Against the backdrop of the continuing war in the Gulf, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday said the “evolving multipolar order” calls for “greater cooperation” between India and Russia both bilaterally as well as multilaterally through groupings such as BRICS, SCO, G20 and the United Nations.

Bill to amend trans rights law listed for consideration, passing in Lok Sabha on Tuesday

The Union government’s Bill to remove transgender people’s right to a self-perceived gender identity and redefine a “transgender person” has been listed for consideration and passing in Lok Sabha on Tuesday (March 24, 2026).

Centre to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act

The Union government is likely to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act in the ongoing session of Parliament session.

Nothing left in matter: Supreme Court disposes plea by Sonam Wangchuk’s wife against his detention

The Supreme Court on Monday (March 23, 2026) disposed of a plea filed by Gitanjali J. Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, against the latter’s detention under the National Security Act (NSA). A Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and PB Varale noted that the Centre revoked its order of Mr. Wangchuk’s detention on March 14. The court said there was nothing left in the matter. Earlier, the top court had asked the Centre if there was any possibility for the government to relook at the detention of Mr. Wangchuk, considering his health condition.

No proposal for complete loan waiver for farmers: Sitharaman

There is no proposal of a complete loan waiver for farmers under consideration with the Central Government, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed Parliament on Monday (March 23, 2026). However, she said, the government has taken several measures to strengthen the economic conditions of the farmers, including timely and adequate credit through Kisan Credit Card (KCC), wherein crop loan up to ₹3 lakh is provided at subsidised interest rates under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS), with additional incentives for timely repayment.

Gold, silver crash over 7% amid West Asia tensions

Gold and silver prices in the domestic market witnessed a sharp decline of more than 7% on Monday (March 23, 2026) amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, global economic concerns and a strengthening U.S. dollar, which has shifted investor interest away from precious metals. Gold prices fell sharply during the session, dropping from ₹1,40,158 in the opening trade to ₹1,29,595, and currently trading at ₹134 marking a steep fall of over 7%. Silver prices also saw a similar trend, declining by more than 7% and trading at ₹2,09,797 per kg after hitting a low of ₹1,99,643 during the day, indicating high volatility in the market.

Air Force staffer arrested for spying for Pakistani handlers, sharing sensitive information

A civilian employee posted at an Indian Air Force station in Assam has been arrested for allegedly spying and sharing sensitive information with Pakistani handlers, Rajasthan Intelligence said on Sunday (March 22, 2026) .Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence) Prafull Kumar said the accused was arrested in a joint operation by Rajasthan Intelligence and Air Force Intelligence. Investigation began with the arrest of a suspect from Jaisalmer in January 2026, which led to the identification of Sumit Kumar (36), a resident of Uttar Pradesh, currently posted as a multi-tasking staff (MTS) at the Air Force Station in Chabua, Dibrugarh.

First randomisation EVMs, VVPATs carried out in Tiruchi and Perambalur districts

The first randomisation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) units to be used in the nine Assembly constituencies in Tiruchi district and two Assembly constituencies in Perambalur district were carried out on Monday. The exercise was held at the Tiruchi and Perambalur District Collectorates. General Observers, District Election Officer / District Collector of the two districts and representatives of various political parties were present.

London Jewish community ambulances set ablaze in suspected hate crime, police say

Four ambulances belonging to a Jewish ‌community organisation in north London were set ablaze ​in a suspected antisemitic hate ⁠crime, police said on Monday (March 23, 2026). “An investigation has been launched after four ambulances belonging to the Jewish Community ‌Ambulance service were set on fire in Golders Green,” Metropolitan Police said in ‌a statement. “Officers remain on scene and ‌the ⁠arson attack is being treated as ⁠an antisemitic hate crime.”