Month: April 2026

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Centre and states on a PIL seeking direction to implement a finger and Iris biometric identification system at polling stations in the elections to prevent electoral malpractices such as duplicate voting, impersonation, and ghost voting.

A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi sought the response of the ECI and the government to the plea.

It also noted that the exercise will require a change in rules and will also involve a significant financial burden to the exchequer.

It said the prayers in the petition cannot be considered for the upcoming elections, but whether such a recourse deserves to be followed for the next parliamentary elections or state polls needs to be examined.

The petition has been filed by advocate and social activist Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, invoking Article 32 of the Constitution, raising concerns over the continued instances of bribery, undue influence, personation, duplicate voting, and ghost voting despite existing safeguards.

The petition filed by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay has asked the apex court to direct the ECI to introduce fingerprint and iris-based biometric authentication at polling booths, particularly in impending Assembly elections, to ensure that only genuine voters cast their votes and that the principle of “one citizen, one vote” is strictly enforced.

The current voter identification methods largely based on voter ID cards and manual verification, are prone to misuse due to outdated photographs, clerical errors, and a lack of real-time validation, according to the petition.

It added that biometric authentication, being unique and non-duplicable, would effectively eliminate impersonation and multiple voting.

The plea pointed out that biometric verification can help address issues related to migrant voters, duplicate electoral entries, and “ghost voters”, while creating a real-time audit trail to enhance transparency and accountability in the electoral process. (ANI)

China on Sunday called for unobstructed navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as US President Donald Trump threatened of a total blockade.

“Safeguarding the security, stability, and unimpeded passage in the Strait of Hormuz serves the common interests of the international community,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday, as reported by Xinhua.

When asked about Trump’s tariff threats if China is found supplying arms aid to Iran, Guo said that tariffs have no winners.

“China’s position is very clear: tariff wars have no winners,” he said, as cited by Global Times.

The threats come at a critical time as Trump is anticipated to visit Beijing in mid-May for a high-stakes summit with President Xi Jinping. The diplomatic mission was initially planned for early April, but was delayed by the US President, who stated at the time that his presence was required in Washington “to oversee the Iran war.”

Earlier on April 8, the Chinese government reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability following acknowledgements of its role in facilitating diplomatic breakthroughs in the Middle East, as reported by China Daily. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that Beijing remains dedicated to fostering a peaceful resolution to ongoing tensions in the region.

The spokesperson’s comments came as a direct response to international developments involving the United States and Iran. According to the report, Mao Ning addressed the media after US President Donald Trump credited Beijing with influencing the diplomatic shift, specifically noting that “China had helped bring Iran to the negotiating table.”

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to visit China to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

In a post on X, the Russian Foreign Ministry said, “On April 14-15, FM Sergey Lavrov will pay an official visit to China & hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. They are expected to discuss a broad range of bilateral issues, along with pressing international & regional matters.” (ANI)

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced that France and the United Kingdom will jointly lead a multinational initiative aimed at restoring free and secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amid uncertainties over the virtual control of the strategic waterway between the US and Iran.

In a post on X, Macron said that the move is part of broader diplomatic efforts to address escalating tensions in the Middle East and ensure long-term regional stability and emphasised that the mission would be “strictly defensive” and separate from any parties involved in ongoing hostilities.

Macron stated that France and the UK will convene a conference in the coming days with countries willing to contribute to a “peaceful multinational mission” to safeguard maritime traffic through the vital chokepoint, which is crucial for global energy shipments.

“Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, we will organise with the United Kingdom, in the coming days, a conference with countries ready to contribute alongside us to a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the strait. This strictly defensive mission, distinct from the belligerents, will be deployed as soon as the situation allows,” Macron said in his post.

He also linked the initiative to wider regional concerns, including Iran’s nuclear and ballistic activities and what he described as destabilising actions in the region, despite a two-week ceasefire in place between the US-Israel coalition forces and Iran after over a month of conflict in the region.

The French President further said the effort is part of a broader push for diplomatic resolution of conflicts in West Asia, including restoring stability in Lebanon while respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“No effort must be spared to swiftly achieve a solid and lasting resolution to the conflict in the Middle East through diplomatic means. A resolution that would enable the region to be endowed with a robust framework allowing each party to live in peace and security. To achieve this, all substantive issues must be addressed with lasting solutions, whether concerning Iran’s nuclear and ballistic activities or its destabilising actions in the region, but also to enable the resumption, as quickly as possible, of free and unhindered navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and to ensure that Lebanon returns to the path of peace in full respect of its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the post added.

Macron reiterated that France is ready to play a “full part” in the initiative, adding that the mission would be deployed once conditions allow.

This remark by the French President comes amid escalating geopolitical friction after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) is set to enforce restrictions on maritime traffic linked to Iranian ports.

According to CENTCOM, the measures are being implemented under a directive from US President Donald Trump and will apply uniformly to vessels of all nationalities operating in and out of Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

CENTCOM clarified that while the measures target port activity associated with Iran, freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for vessels transiting between non-Iranian ports would remain unaffected.

In response, Iranian authorities strongly criticised the US move, warning that maritime security across the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman would be jeopardised if Iran’s security interests were threatened.

A spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, quoted by state media IRIB, said that Tehran considers safeguarding national sovereignty in its territorial waters a “natural and legal duty”, adding that maritime security must be ensured collectively by all regional actors.

Iran also reiterated that it would continue to enforce control over access through the Strait of Hormuz, stating that vessels linked to hostile entities would not be permitted passage, while others would be allowed transit under regulations set by Iranian authorities. (ANI)

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (local time)visited southern Lebanon alongside senior military and defence leadership, asserting that the war is far from over and stating that Israel’s enemies are now “fighting for survival.”

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu was accompanied by Defence Minister Israel Katz, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, and Head of Northern Command Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo during the visit.

Following the visit, the Prime Minister went to an IDF outpost near the border, where Galilee Division Commander Brig.-Gen. Yuval Gez briefed him on the division’s operations.

The release stated that during the visit, Netanyahu said, “The war continues. Our enemies are now fighting for survival.”

“I am here with the Defense Minister, the Chief-of-Staff, the Head of Northern Command, the Division Commander, and our reserve soldiers. There is a magnificent spirit here and a readiness to fight, and they are fighting well. The war continues, including inside the security zone in Lebanon, where I was just a short while ago,” Netanyahu added.

Highlighting strategic objectives, Netanyahu stated that Israel has successfully prevented a potential cross-border invasion from Lebanon through the establishment of a security zone.

“What we are seeing is that we have thwarted the threat of an invasion from Lebanon thanks to this security zone. We are pushing away the danger of anti-tank fire and addressing the high-trajectory rockets, but there is still work to be done. We have done enormous work, achieved tremendous accomplishments, and there is more to do, and we are doing it,” he said.

Netanyahu further stated, “One of the things we see here is that we have essentially changed the face of the Middle East. Our enemies – Iran and the Axis of Evil – came to destroy us, and now they are fighting simply for their own survival. We see this in every single arena. This is a massive achievement for the State of Israel and the Israel Defense Forces, our regular troops and our wonderful reservists. The people of Israel salute you.” (ANI)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has indicated that Tehran remains open to reaching an agreement with the United States, provided Washington “abandons its totalitarianism” and respects the rights of the Iranian people.

In a post on X, Pezeshkian said,”If the American government abandons its totalitarianism and respects the rights of the Iranian nation, ways to reach an agreement will certainly be found. I commend the members of the negotiating team, especially my dear brother Mr. Dr. Qalibaf, and say “God gives you strength.”

اگر دولت آمریکا دست از تمامیت‌خواهی بردارد و به حقوق ملت ایران احترام بگذارد حتما راه‌هایی برای دستیابی به توافق پیدا می‌شود.
به اعضای هیئت مذاکره کننده به ویژه برادر عزیزم آقای دکتر قالیباف خدا قوت می‌گویم.

— Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) April 12, 2026

The remarks come amid renewed diplomatic engagement involving Iran and regional stakeholders, including discussions hosted in Pakistan under the framework of the “Islamabad Talks.”

Separately, Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam underscored the significance of the initiative, describing it as an evolving diplomatic process rather than a one-off event.

The Islamabad Talks is "not an event but a process."
The Islamabad Talks laid the foundation for a diplomatic process that, if trust and will are strengthened, can create a sustainable framework for the interests of all parties.

I would like to express my gratitude to the… pic.twitter.com/qzCb1xYzPh

— Reza Amiri Moghadam (@IranAmbPak) April 12, 2026

“The Islamabad Talks is ‘not an event but a process’. The Islamabad Talks laid the foundation for a diplomatic process that, if trust and will are strengthened, can create a sustainable framework for the interests of all parties. I would like to express my gratitude to the friendly and brotherly country of Pakistan, especially H.E. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, for their initiative of goodwill and good office for the talks.”

Moghadam noted that Iran’s high-ranking delegation pursued the talks with “dignity, self-confidence and faith,” while keeping in focus the concerns of its people and safeguarding national interests.

“With the tireless efforts of all sectors in Pakistan, including the government, army, police and security forces to facilitate and manage the talks, talks were held in a dignified and befitting atmosphere for the guests in a calm, orderly and secure environment with equal logistic opportunities for both sides. The Iranian high-ranking negotiating team, with dignity, self-confidence and faith in Allah Almighty and attention to the concerns of the people, pursued dignified talks for the great Iranian nation to ensure and secure the national interests and legitimate rights of the people,” he added.

The remarks came after hours of negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad ended in a stalemate on Sunday. US Vice President JD Vance said that no agreement had been reached despite extensive discussions.

He added that while the US delegation would return without a deal, the outcome was “bad news for Iran” more than for the United States.

Addressing reporters in Islamabad, Vance said that negotiations lasted around 21 hours and included several substantive discussions but failed to yield a final conclusion.

“We’ve had a number of substance agreements with the Iranians- that is the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. That is bad news for Iran, much more than it is bad news for the United States of America,” Vance said.

“We go back to the United States having not come to an agreement”, he added. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing it of corruption, appeasement politics and neglect of North Bengal, and said the BJP will form the next government in the state.

Addressing a public rally in Siliguri, Modi said the people of West Bengal have seen “nothing but ruin” in the 15 years of TMC rule and are now ready for change.

“The ruthless TMC government has completed 15 years in power. Over these 15 years, you have witnessed nothing but ruin. I see many young people here; my young friends, 15 years ago, you were likely studying in the first grade. In this election, you are going to cast your votes–votes that will determine the future of Bengal,” he said.

Assembly elections in the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

Stepping up his criticism, Modi described the TMC as “anti-North Bengal”, “anti-tribal”, and against women and youth development.

“This is a crucial moment to evaluate the work and conduct of any administration; however, the TMC has not performed any constructive work–it has only committed misdeeds. The TMC is an anti-North Bengal party; it is a party hostile to women and the youth, and it is an anti-tribal party. That is why, this time, the slogan of “Change” is resounding across every corner of Bengal,” he said.

He also alleged that the TMC government cannot present its report card of the last 15 years.

“The TMC is unable to provide an account of its 15 years in office because, having committed only nefarious acts rather than actual work, with what face could it possibly answer to you?” he said.

The Prime Minister further accused the state government of discrimination against North Bengal in budget allocation. He claimed that around Rs 6,000 crore was allocated for madrasas, while development in North Bengal was neglected.

“The budget of the ruthless TMC government is also an example of discrimination against North Bengal. This ruthless government allocated a budget of approximately Rs 6,000 crore for madrasas. But the Bengal government does not allocate enough budget for the development of such a vast part of North Bengal. The TMC is busy day and night appeasing its own special vote bank. When heavy rains wreaked havoc in many districts of North Bengal, there was chaos everywhere. At that time, the ruthless TMC government was celebrating in Kolkata. TMC is an anti-North Bengal party,” he said.

Recalling a roadshow held in Siliguri, Modi said public response exceeded expectations and reflected strong support.

“Yesterday evening here in Siliguri, when I was leaving Bagdogra, some colleagues told me that they wanted to hold a small 500-700 metre roadshow. I said, brother, if you do a roadshow today and a public meeting tomorrow, where will the people come from? But instead of 500-700 metres, a 15-kilometre-long roadshow took place. What a remarkable thing your people have done. I was seeing that small children and young ones were showing such affection. I can never forget the love of the people of the country. It was an extraordinary sight,” he said.

He claimed that the mood in the state clearly points towards change and warned the ruling party of accountability after the results.

“Yesterday I visited different parts of Bengal. What I saw there was the enthusiasm, energy, and excitement among the youth, mothers, sisters, and elderly people, as well as villagers, which was remarkable. People had come after facing great difficulties and had walked for miles. Bengal is now determined for change. This time, it is certain that the TMC will go,” he said.

“TMC people, listen carefully. After May 4th, the BJP government will be formed, and they will have to give an account of every moment of the past fifteen years. They will have to give an account of every penny,” he added.

Modi said the turnout at the rally reflects public anger against the ruling party.

“I will live for you. I will keep struggling for you. Friends, and this sight today also gives me full confidence that it is going to shake the sleep of TMC. This rally in Siliguri has decided the farewell of TMC’s so-called jungle raj. Across Bengal, only one slogan is echoing, only one slogan is being heard. The cruel TMC government has completed 15 years. In these 15 years, you have seen destruction. I can see many young people here… Friends, today I will one by one, place before you the entire list of TMC’s sins and its dark deeds,” he said.

He also spoke about infrastructure and connectivity, saying the Centre sees the Siliguri Corridor as key to national security and development.

“…For the BJP, the Siliguri Corridor is a corridor of nation, security, and prosperity. This project will greatly boost connectivity, trade, and tourism in Bengal and Sikkim… TMC obstructs every project of the central government,” he said. (ANI)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) edged out Mumbai Indians (MI) by 18 runs in a high-scoring Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday, riding on explosive half-centuries from Phil Salt, Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar to post 240/4 before restricting Mumbai to 222/5 despite a late blitz from Sherfane Rutherford.

Chasing a daunting 241-run target, the Mumbai Indians explosively began their innings, with openers Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton taking the attack to the RCB bowlers from the outset.

The duo stitched together a quickfire start, racing to 39/0 in just three overs with aggressive strokeplay. Despite the mounting required run rate, MI kept pace early on and ended the powerplay strongly at 62/0, keeping themselves in contention in the high-scoring chase.

However, Mumbai suffered a major setback when Rohit Sharma walked off the field during the sixth over due to a hamstring issue, disrupting their rhythm at the top.

RCB struck their first blow in the eighth over through leg-spinner Suyash Sharma, who dismissed the dangerous Rickelton for 37 off 22 balls, an innings that included three fours and three sixes. On the very same over, Suyash delivered another crucial breakthrough by removing Tilak Varma for just one run, shifting the momentum in RCB’s favour.

At the halfway mark, the Mumbai Indians were 99/2, still within reach but under increasing pressure from the rising asking rate.

The innings suffered another setback in the 13th over when all-rounder Krunal Pandya dismissed Suryakumar Yadav, who had scored a brisk 33 off 22 balls with five boundaries. With this wicket, MI slipped to 138/3 after 14 overs, needing a strong finish to stay alive in the chase.

Skipper Hardik Pandya then tried to revive the innings with an aggressive knock, scoring 40 off just 22 balls, including six fours and a six.

Hardik’s counterattack briefly kept Mumbai in the hunt, but RCB pacer Jacob Duffy delivered a decisive blow in the following over, dismissing Hardik at a crucial juncture. In the following over, Rasikh Salam Dar removed Naman Dhir (1) as MI slumped to 154/5.

Towards the end, Sherfane Rutherford’s unbeaten 31-ball 71, including one four and nine towering sixes, helped Mumbai Indians to close down the target as they finished at 222/5 in 20 overs. However, the five-time champions suffered an 18-run loss in the high-scoring contest.

For RCB, Suyash Sharma scalped two wickets.

Earlier, a 120-run stand between Salt (78 in 36 balls, with six fours and six sixes) and Virat and a 65-run stand between Virat (50 in 38 balls, with five fours and a six) and skipper Patidar (53 in 20 balls, with four boundaries and five sixes) and later some brutal hitting from David (34* in 16 balls, with two fours and three sixes) pushed RCB to a massive score.

After being put to bat first by MI, openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli started with a bang, with Virat taking down Trent Boult for a six and Salt securing a four against the pacer in the first over.

RCB continued to gather fours and sixes against the pace duo of Boult and Jasprit Bumrah. However, in the fifth over against Mitchell Santner, Salt took off with three sixes and a four, bringing 22 runs off the over and helping RCB reach the 50-run mark in 4.2 overs.

At the end of six overs, RCB were 71/0, with Salt (47) and Virat Kohli (22) unbeaten.

Mayank Markande’s eighth over was hammered for 20 more runs, with Salt smashing him for two fours and two sixes, reaching his first fifty of the season in 25 balls, with four boundaries and four sixes. In the next over, Virat collected a couple of fours, bringing up the 100-run mark in 8.4 overs.

Halfway through their innings, RCB was 115/0, with Salt (78) and Virat (35) unbeaten.

It was Shardul’s golden arm which broke the 120-run opening stand, removing Salt with a fine catch from Hardik Pandya at extra-cover. RCB was 120/1 in 10.5 overs.

In the 12th over, skipper Rajat Patidar started his innings with a hat-trick of sixes against Markande. Runs continued to bleed in the 13th over by Shardul, as Virat and Rajat collected a four each, Patidar smacked a huge six over backward point, and the bowler also delivered three wides, making it 23 runs in the over. RCB reached the 150-run mark in 12.1 overs.

Patidar was merciless against Boult, collecting four and six to bring the 50-run stand in just 14 balls.

Virat reached his second fifty of the season in 37 balls, but later perished to Hardik. RCB was 185/2 in 14.4 overs.

RCB skipper continued his rampage, bringing up his fifty in 17 balls, with four boundaries and five sixes, but perished to Santner for a 20-ball 53, with four boundaries and five sixes, with a catch going to Tilak Varma. RCB was 194/3 in 16 overs.

Courtesy of a single from Jitesh Sharma, RCB reached the 200-run mark in 16.5 overs.

Heading towards the final over, RCB were 230/3, with David (27) and Jitesh (10) unbeaten.

RCB ended their innings at 240/4, with David (34* in 16 balls, with two fours and three sixes) and Romario Shepherd (2*) unbeaten.

Shardul (1/32 in two overs), Hardik (1/39 in four overs), Santner (1/43) and Boult (1/50) took a wicket each for MI. (ANI)

Indian equity markets crashed on Monday morning after United States President Donald Trump announced a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The BSE Sensex stood at 76,135.92, marking a decline of 1,414.33 points or 1.82 per cent, while the NSE Nifty 50 dropped 407.00 points to 23,643.60 at 9:15 am.

Markets showed a significant sell-off in key indices as global sentiment turned risk-averse following volatile negotiations between the US and Iran. The market reaction followed US President Donald Trump’s announcement to restrict access through the Strait of Hormuz. Crude oil prices, which previously hovered between 94 and 100 dollars, surged back above 105 dollars, reintroducing immediate inflationary concerns for the Indian economy. Indian rupee was down 66 paisa against US dollar at Rs 93.35 per USD.

Energy PSUs like Coal India stood at Rs 433.65, down by 0.10 per cent, NTPC stood at Rs 377.60, down by 0.67 per cent, while ONGC touched Rs 283.60, down by 1.01 per cent

Tata Steel dropped to Rs 202.40 or (-2.04%) while JSW Steel stood at Rs 1,191.70, down by 1.90 per cent.

Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market Expert, speaking exclusively to ANI, said, “I would say we have to be very cautious about the Indian market. There might be a ‘Trump pump’ this evening because why would he post all this on Sunday? That was basically to make Asian markets panic and you could see a pivot before the US market opened when all shots were in place. You have to just wait and watch and conserve your capital. As retail investors, that’s the best we can do in this scenario. Banks are making solid money. Retail investors get butchered in this kind of a scenario. So stay away, is what I would say, from trading.”

Bagga highlighted that the shortage and the increase in prices would lead to global inflation and a slowdown in the economy. He observed that the rupee came under pressure because higher oil prices meant a higher current account deficit for the country.

Ajay Bagga further stated, “Last Wednesday there was hope in the markets that something was coming by, when the ceasefire and the talks were announced. But that momentum has faded. So we are again getting negative on the Indian markets and against the earnings driving the market, its geopolitical risk which will drive the markets. Because even over the weekend what was happening, if 40 people were asking for oil, only four were getting fulfilled. So what that is pointing out is that there is a shortage plus you are having to pay anything from USD 120 to USD 140 per barrel.”

Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, said, “Global sentiment has turned sharply risk-averse following a renewed escalation in geopolitical tensions. The earlier relief from the temporary US-Iran ceasefire has reversed, as reports indicate that the US has moved to restrict access through the Strait of Hormuz following failed negotiations.”

He highlighted that this development was critical, as the route carries a significant portion of global oil supply. “Crude oil prices, which had corrected from above $110 to the $94-100 range, have now surged back above $105, reintroducing inflationary and macro concerns,” Ponmudi said.

Experts noted that the rally in Indian equities seen last week remained at risk as markets shifted back into a risk-off mode. The Nifty 50 slipped below the critical 24,000 level, indicating a weak start driven by these renewed geopolitical concerns. (ANI)

Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday said the region is “hanging between trust and mistrust” amid delays in the next round of dialogue with the Centre, urging timely intervention from the government to address growing concerns in the sensitive border region.

He warned that the prolonged gap in dialogue is creating disillusionment and “sowing the seeds of the Leh-Kargil (Buddhist – Muslim) divide”.

Sharing a post on X, Wangchuk said, “HANGING BETWEEN TRUST & MISTRUST – LADAKH AWAITS DIALOGUE…Today marks exactly one month since the unconditional revocation of my detention under the NSA, 1980. The revocation order gave us hope that the Centre was willing to correct past mistakes, as it spoke of “building mutual trust” for a “constructive and meaningful dialogue.” However, even after 2.5 months since the last dialogue on 4th February, not even a date for the next round of talks has been announced.”

He further cautioned that the delay was being exploited to create divisions in the region. “On the ‘trust’ front, shady entities are using this gap to sow seeds of the Leh-Kargil (Buddhist – Muslim) divide,” he wrote.

Expressing concern over growing public sentiment in the sensitive border region, Wangchuk urged the Centre to expedite engagement.

“As people in this sensitive border region grow disheartened and demoralised, I urge Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi ji and HM Amit Shah ji to take timely measures, in national interest, to resolve the issues at the earliest,” he added.

On March 14, the Government revoked the detention of Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect by exercising the powers available under the National Security Act (NSA).

Ministry of Home Affairs said that in the backdrop of the serious law and order situation that arose in the peace-loving town of Leh on 24 September 2025, Sonam Wangchuk was detained on 26 September 2025 under the provisions of the National Security Act (NSA) pursuant to an order issued by the District Magistrate, Leh, with a view to maintaining public order.

The Government has been actively engaging with various stakeholders and community leaders in Ladakh with a view to addressing the aspirations and concerns of the people of the region.

The Government added that they remain committed to fostering an environment of peace, stability, and mutual trust in Ladakh so as to facilitate constructive and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders.

The Government reiterated its commitment to providing all necessary safeguards for Ladakh. It remains hopeful that the issues concerning the region will be resolved through constructive engagement and dialogue, including through the mechanism of the High-Powered Committee as well as other appropriate platforms. (ANI)

Indian equity indices are set for a significant correction at the opening bell following President Trump’s announcement of a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. The escalation comes after the collapse of negotiations, pushing market sentiment into a cautious “risk-off” zone as domestic investors weigh the impact of surging energy costs.

Investors are advised to avoid attempting to time the market volatility. “Not the time to trade. Invest, do your discipline monthly investment through the SIP route. Do not try to time this market because I don’t think the bottom has formed but nobody knows when the bottom will be formed,” said Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market expert, in a conversation with ANI.

He indicated that Indian markets are pointing toward a “1.3 to 1.5% cut at the open”, driven by geopolitical friction rather than corporate fundamentals.

“Last Wednesday, there was hope in the markets that something was coming by when the ceasefire and the talks were announced. But that momentum has faded. So we are again getting negative on the Indian markets and against the earnings driving the market, it’s geopolitical risk which will drive the markets,” Bagga said.

The primary concern for the domestic economy remains the sharp spike in crude oil prices, which have surpassed the USD 100 per barrel mark. For a country heavily reliant on energy imports, the rising cost of Brent and WTI poses a direct threat to the current account deficit and the stability of the rupee.

Bagga noted that last year, India spent approximately USD 150 billion on energy imports, including crude oil, gas, and petrochemicals. At current price levels, that annual bill is projected to climb as high as USD 225 billion to USD 250 billion.

“Even over the weekend, what was happening, if 40 people were asking for oil, only four were getting fulfilled. So what that is pointing out is that there is a shortage, plus you are having to pay anything from USD 120 to USD 140 per barrel. Now that will not stop because of what has happened. That shortage and the increase in prices will not stop. That will lead to inflation globally, including in India, and the slowdown in the economy,” Bagga explained.

The disruption also threatens India’s trade and remittance ecosystem. Bagga highlighted that nearly 20 per cent of Indian goods exports are facing hurdles as transit through the Red Sea and Gulf of Oman becomes constrained.

The market expert noted that the crisis impacts the one crore Indians living in the Gulf, with about nine lakh people having already returned home as construction and gig economy work dries up. This creates a potential shortfall for states like Kerala that rely heavily on the remittance economy.

“Caution on the Indian markets, caution on the global markets, conserve capital right now, not the time to go bottom picking because you might be catching falling knives and get hurt in the process,” Bagga warned. (ANI)