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The approval for additional S-400 ‘Sudarshan’ systems, which had helped neutralise Pakistani missiles during last year’s conflict in May and had also to its credit the world’s longest-range kill of an enemy aircraft, has come at a time when IAF teams are in Russia to receive the fourth squadron under the earlier contract for five such systems. The fourth system is likely to arrive by May while the fifth squadron is expected by Dec.

Sitting in his Bharatpur home, the veteran, “Lohia’s oldest disciple” as he likes to call himself, speaks with the authority of one who has not just witnessed history, but shaped it. Until a recent fall briefly hospitalised him, he was holding three meetings a week. What keeps him going is unfinished work.

The case stemmed from the allocation in Maharashtra’s Bandar and led to the first CBI chargesheet in the larger coal block controversy dating back to the time Congress-led UPA was in office. The FIR was filed in 2012 and the chargesheet in 2014. Judge Sunena Sharma held that there was no proof of criminal conspiracy, noting the case was based on conjectures and lacked evidence of a “meeting of minds” or illegal agreement.

A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and N K Singh expressed concern that despite statutory safeguards and repeated directions from SC, such lapses persist. The court made the observation while convicting a rape accused, noting that the name of the minor survivor was mentioned in lower court orders. ​The court rejected the argument of the woman’s family.

The PM is scheduled to arrive at the airport at 11.30am on Saturday, go on a walkthrough of the terminal building, and formally inaugurate the airport around noon before addressing a public gathering. The event is expected to draw large crowds from Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr and other parts of western UP. Three pandals have been set up to accommodate more than one lakh people.

Ships in the region are reporting repeated radio broadcasts over maritime channels warning vessels against transit. “Attention all ships… This is the Sepah Navy… navigation through Strait of Hormuz is forbidden… no ship is allowed to pass until further notice,” the radio messages repeatedly blare. Crews attributed these announcements to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.

In a letter to chief secretaries of states and UTs, petroleum secretary Neeraj Mittal said only those industrial units that have registered with oil marketing companies, declaring the end use of gas cylinders, and have also signed up for the piped gas network will be eligible for the additional quota of LPG. He added that if LPG is used by certain industrial units for special purposes that cannot be substituted by natural gas, such requirements would stand waived.

The situation turned volatile after an altercation during the procession escalated into violence, with both sides throwing stones at each other and vandalising property in the area

Home minister Shah accused opposition parties of spreading panic over the West Asia crisis, including the claim that a lockdown may be imposed. “I want to assure everyone. Do not fear, nothing will happen. We have adequate reserves of petroleum products,” he said. While many countries had taken emergency measures, India was working to tide over the crisis without compromising the daily lives of people, he said, adding that it had ensured regular gas supply to homemakers.

On the recent controversy involving UGC regulations aimed at maintaining standards, quality and equity in Indian higher education, Pradhan refrained from detailed comment, noting the matter is sub judice. “The govt’s responsibility is to ensure that no one faces injustice or discrimination. We will abide by whatever directions court issues,” he said. Outlining the ministry’s broader priorities, Pradhan said the education system currently serves around 30 crore students, placing significant responsibility on policymakers.

In an interview with the US embassy publication, Span magazine, the ambassador also spoke about the significance of Quad as he predicted further strengthening of defence ties. “India is a Major Defence Partner, and defence cooperation is one of the brightest spots in our bilateral relationship. We also strengthen US-India military interoperability through participation in military exercises such as Malabar, Tiger Triumph, and Cope India,” said Gor.

Appearing to bunch together so they can troop out of the strait, these ships carry more than 1.7 lakh tonnes of LPG

Jaishankar said on X he raised Global South’s concerns about energy challenges, fertiliser supplies and food security in the session on global governance. “The uncertainties arising from the conflict in West Asia only make a stronger case for more resilient trade corridors and supply chains,” he said. Jaishankar said on X India’s FTAs with the EU, EFTA members and the UK have enhanced the utility of IMEC.

Noida International Airport opens March 28. The government is building new roads to connect the airport. These projects will make travel easier from Delhi and nearby districts. Some roads are complete, others are expected by 2027. A high-speed rail corridor is also proposed. Until then, the Yamuna Expressway will be the main route.

The bill — introduced in Lok Sabha on Friday — proposes to amend Section-11 of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act that at present provides for six months’ jail or with Rs 5,000 penalty or both. As per the proposal, the fine would be 5% of land value for every year of occupation or both — penalty and jail. Officials said this would deter encroachment and check land grabbing.

“Our supreme leader issued a fatwa. He said nuclear weapons are forbidden, haraam. So, we don't have it. We don't want to have it. We are not looking for it,” said Ilahi. Ending the war in West Asia depends on countries that started it, he said. He dismissed Pakistan’s claim that it was mediating between Iran and the US.

While he focused on preparing for prolonged disruption of supply lines, Modi also conveyed assurance about the country being in good stead, saying “efforts...in recent years to strengthen India’s economic and supply systems have proved beneficial”. In his virtual meeting with CMs — except those of Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry where assembly polls are due next month — on Friday, PM Modi said while addressing a challenge is a shared responsibility.