Despite the ongoing increase in tensions in West Asia and the fact that access to the Strait of Hormuz is still restricted for many, Iran has stated that it will not restrict ships belonging to five friendly nations, including India, from passing through this vital strategic waterway.

Despite the continuing conflict in the area, ships from India, Russia, China, Pakistan, and Iraq have been permitted safe passage through the crucial maritime chokepoint.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in an interview with Iranian state television that the Strait of Hormuz is not totally blocked and that restrictions have been lifted for some nations with which Iran has amicable relations.

Allowing the foe to traverse the strait is not a good idea. According to Iran’s official news agency, Araghchi stated that we have allowed the passage of a few nations that we consider to be friendly, including China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan.

Additionally, he said that ships with connections to nations seen as enemies or those engaged in the ongoing war would not be permitted to pass. He stated that ships from the United States, Israel, and some Gulf countries involved in the current conflict would not be granted authorization to pass through the strait.

Araghchi added that after decades, Iran has established its authority in the area, giving him reason to be happy about the country’s control of the important waterway.

He pointed out that many observers had shrugged off Iran’s initial declaration of a partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a bluff.

Nonetheless, he claimed that events that followed have highlighted Iran’s capacity to impose its will and establish authority over one of the most important energy transit corridors in the world.

In anticipation of the Indian Premier League season, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad hinted at the team’s opening combination, stating that he and wicketkeeper batsman Sanju Samson will start the innings in IPL 2026.

The top order of CSK was a significant vulnerability, and their performance from the previous year was terrible. They had tried many combinations, but they all resulted in catastrophe. The five-time champions then attempted Ayush Mhatre at the top, and he gave a few quick starts. However, the franchise chose to go with an experienced duo after CSK signed Sanju Samson for IPL 2026.

At the IPL 2026 captain’s meeting in Mumbai, Gaikwad was questioned about CSK’s opening pair, and the skipper verified that he will be back at the top of the order, teaming up with Samson, a recent addition to the team.

In a significant transaction prior to the auction, the five-time winners swapped Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to RR and traded Samson in from the Rajasthan Royals to CSK.

It was difficult for CSK to maintain stability at the top last year. The squad alternated between Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Rahul Tripathi as openers, while Gaikwad himself spent a significant portion of the season hitting at No. 3. Until the teenagers Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis entered the squad as substitutes and infused some much-needed aggression into CSK’s powerplay, no combination was successful.

Brevis scored 225 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 180, while Mhatre amassed 240 runs in seven innings as a replacement player last season, averaging 34. 28 runs with a remarkable strike rate of 188. 97, which included an outstanding 94 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

On March 30, at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, CSK will kick off their IPL 2026 season against the Rajasthan Royals.

After their inaugural home game against the Punjab Kings in Chennai on April 3, their next match will be against the Delhi Capitals on April 11 at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium.

In the run-up to the midterm elections, US President Donald Trump has portrayed his economic agenda as a straightforward relief package for everyday Americans, emphasizing tax reductions, declining inflation, and cheaper prescription prices as essential tenets of his administration’s platform.

During a meeting of House Republicans on Wednesday (local time), Trump stated that his government is prioritizing lowering the cost of living by tax cuts and deregulation.

“As we rebuild the greatest economy in history, a top priority must be to bring down the cost of living,” Trump stated.

He said that the latest statistics indicate a slowdown in inflation. “The last three months… inflation was 1. 4 percent,” he stated.

Trump advocated several tax reforms, such as help for seniors and workers. “No tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on social security for our great seniors,” he stated.

He portrayed these initiatives as a component of a larger legislative agenda. Trump said, “We passed the largest tax cuts in American history… the great big, beautiful bill. ”

Additionally, the President spoke on healthcare and the cost of prescription drugs, asserting that his policies have resulted in sizable savings. The cost of medications has decreased by 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 percent, he stated.

Trump stated that the goal of his administration’s policies was to give advantages to consumers directly. “I want this money to go directly to the American people so they can buy their own healthcare,” he stated.

He also advocated for reforms to insurance systems and increased price transparency. “You’ll pay a lot less… ” Trump stated, “It’s going to be better care at a lower cost.”

Trump asserted that his policies had lowered drug prices worldwide in terms of pricing and trade. “We go from the highest price ever paid to the lowest price in the world,” he said.

Despite international conflicts, such as military operations abroad, the President maintained that economic progress was made. Markets have proven resilient even during recent operations, he said. “I expected the stock market to drop a bit more... However,” Trump remarked, it didn’t matter to me.

Trump asserted that his administration had inherited high inflation and had successfully turned the tide. “I inherited the highest inflation in the history of our nation,” he stated.

Furthermore, in advance of elections, he connected economic success to a more general political message. “Just that should win the midterms,” Trump said, alluding to lower drug costs.

The remarks coincide with the administration’s efforts to rally backing for economic concerns, such as wages, taxes, and consumer expenses, in advance of the midterm elections later this year.

In defense of changes intended to reduce delays and enhance patent quality, the head of the US Patent and Trademark Office has predicted that artificial intelligence will lead to a significant transformation of the patent system.

USPTO Director John Squires testified before a House Judiciary subcommittee on Wednesday (local time) that the agency is utilizing AI technology to expedite patent review and address a rising backlog of applications.

Squires informed legislators that “AI tools will become our examiners’ superpowers” and that the new systems are able to identify prior art more quickly and assist examiners in managing more and more complicated filings.

He said the office had already started using AI throughout the patent and trademark processes, including tools that produce search results in a matter of seconds rather than months.

The initiative was framed by Squires as part of a larger drive to improve the agency and bolster the American innovation economy. He referred to the USPTO as the “Central Bank of innovation,” stating that every patent or trademark represents “a potential job, a new business, a competitive advantage. ”

The agency is also working to lower the number of unprocessed patent applications, which had reached all-time highs. Squires stated that measures are being taken to greatly reduce the backlog while simultaneously enhancing the quality of patents.

However, the reforms drew intense legislative scrutiny, with Democrats warning that policy modifications may politicize a historically autonomous body and undermine oversight.

The USPTO has been “drawn squarely” into partisan politics, and this has given rise to worries about declining employee morale and changes in regulations, according to ranking member Hank Johnson.

“American innovation pays the price when policy changes with the political whims of an administration,” Johnson said.

The agency’s management of patent disputes before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) was a major source of disagreement. The argument was made by critics that restricting repeated challenges may raise the cost of litigation and allow bad patents to survive.

Squires defended the modifications, claiming that they are intended to put an end to system misuse and provide closure to disagreements.

He stated, “There should be a moment in time when there is a silent title… and it has to be resolved once and for all.”

The involvement of foreign-backed organizations in patent conflicts was one of the examples of foreign influence and national security dangers that lawmakers brought up.

The USPTO has taken measures to strengthen disclosure requirements and prevent foreign sovereign players from engaging in particular proceedings, according to Squires.

A contentious trademark application connected to a planned “Board of Peace” initiative was also brought up at the hearing, with several lawmakers expressing concerns about possible conflicts of interest.

More than 475,000 new patent applications were submitted to the USPTO in fiscal year 2025, indicating a consistent increase in the need for intellectual property protection.

Alongside ongoing finance via user fees, Squires stated that IT modernization and AI would be crucial to handling this demand.

The United States issued a warning, stating that space is now a contested warfighting domain, with China and Russia acquiring the ability to endanger American satellites.

Space systems are essential to modern warfare, according to senior intelligence and defense officials who spoke to lawmakers on Wednesday (local time). These cover intelligence, navigation, and communications.

“Outer space is an increasingly complex and contested warfighting domain,” said Marc Berkowitz, Assistant Secretary of War for Space Policy.

According to him, the US’s military advantage is being eroded as adversaries construct systems to restrict its access to space. He described China as the “pacing competitor” influencing US policy.

Recent conflicts have highlighted the increasing significance of space, according to officials. They highlighted lessons from Ukraine and actions in the Middle East. Systems using satellites helped track targets, provide support for soldiers, and respond to adversary activities.

According to US Space Force Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess, space superiority is essential for military success. According to him, Guardians offer electronic warfare, missile warning, and communication assistance to troops on the battlefield.

Threats to space assets, officials warned, are increasing at a rapid pace. Cyberattacks, electronic jamming, and anti-satellite weapons are examples of these.

According to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, adversaries are investing in systems to “disrupt, degrade, and deny access” in space.

According to the National Reconnaissance Office, its satellite network is growing. As part of a transition to more robust systems, it currently manages over 200 satellites.

American officials said they are attempting to accelerate space acquisitions. In addition, they are becoming more reliant on the private sector for the introduction of novel technology.

According to Thomas Ainsworth, the Air Force’s head of space procurement, the objective is to provide capabilities more quickly and at a lower price. He stated that the United States must make use of the innovation coming from the commercial space industry.

Lawmakers expressed worry about the defense industry. They said that potential workforce shortages and supply chains could have an impact on future space initiatives.

The hearing takes place at a time when the Trump administration is promoting the Golden Dome, a novel missile defense scheme. According to authorities, the system will use space-based sensors and interceptors to monitor and neutralize sophisticated threats.

According to authorities, the future of battles will be determined by who controls space. Almost all military operations are currently supported by satellites in the air, on the ground, and at sea.

For decades, the United States has depended on space technologies. However, there is growing competition and crowding in the field. China has made great strides in growing its satellite infrastructure. Russia is still working on counterspace weapons.

The increasing rivalry in space is predicted to strengthen collaboration with allies and partners, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where China’s capabilities continue to be a major worry.

After Iran stated that it was not in direct talks with the US about ending the war, global oil prices soared to over $100 a barrel on Thursday.

As tensions in the Middle East continued to rise, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased by 1. 35 percent to $91. 54 per barrel, while Brent crude futures increased by 1. 21 percent to $103. 46 per barrel.

Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, stated that communications between Tehran and Washington through intermediaries should not be construed as talks. An American-supported ceasefire plan would probably have been turned down by Tehran as well.

Earlier, in the midst of rising expectations of a ceasefire in the West Asia area, global crude oil prices saw a dramatic fall on Wednesday.

Even if technical indicators indicate that important support levels are being tested, recent changes in crude oil prices may provide some respite for India’s macroeconomic indicators, such as inflation and the Current Account Deficit (CAD), according to experts.

In India, a $10 per barrel change in the price of oil typically affects the CAD by 0. 3–0. 5 percentage points of the GDP and increases CPI inflation by 20–30 basis points, depending on the pass-through.

In the meanwhile, Iran has stated that it will not impose restrictions on ships from five friendly nations, including India, allowing them to transit the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, even though access is still restricted for others.

Despite the ongoing conflict in the area, ships from India, Russia, China, Pakistan, and Iraq have been given safe passage through the crucial maritime chokepoint.

Additionally, he said that ships belonging to nations deemed rivals or those engaged in the current war would be denied passage. He stated that ships belonging to the United States, Israel, and some Gulf states that are involved in the present crisis will not be allowed to pass through the straits.

The NSE‘s Market Pulse report for March 2026, released on Tuesday, stated that India’s primary market has remained robust in the fiscal year 2025–26 thus far, with record fundraising on the mainboard even as activity in the SME sector has decreased somewhat.

The main board IPO sector maintained its impressive results throughout the year. Between April and February, up to 99 businesses went public with their offerings, raising a combined amount of Rs 1. 65 lakh crore.

The prior fiscal year saw 79 IPOs raise a total of Rs 1. 62 lakh crore, which is more than this. The increase is a sign of ongoing investor demand for significant public offerings.

Conversely, the SME industry saw a little moderation. So far in FY26, there have been 105 IPOs on the NSE Emerge platform, generating Rs 5,121 crore. The number of SME IPOs in FY25, which generated over Rs 7,000 crore, was less than this.

During FY26 to date, 204 businesses in total, in both segments, raised Rs 1. 70 lakh crore through IPOs. In contrast, 242 businesses had generated Rs 1. 69 lakh crore the year before. Due to bigger issue sizes, this suggests that the overall amount of money raised remained high despite the decline in the number of IPOs.

The report also emphasized a consistent rise in the average size of SME IPOs. The typical issue size has increased dramatically over the years, going from Rs 13 crore in FY20 to Rs 44 crore in FY25, and then to approximately Rs 50 crore in FY26 thus far. This indicates that the environment for SME fundraising is maturing.

In terms of industry, financial services firms were the largest contributors to mainboard capital raising, accounting for 34% of the total. Industrial enterprises contributed 11%, while discretionary consumer enterprises followed with 31%. Industrial firms accounted for the majority of the SME market, with 36% of the market share, followed by consumer discretionary items at 23% and materials at 10%.

Businesses in Maharashtra raised the most money at Rs 5,830 crore. Companies headquartered in Delhi raised Rs 3,643 crore, while those in Gujarat followed with Rs 4,794 crore. With a market value of listed SME enterprises of Rs 48,428 crore, Maharashtra also came out on top, closely followed by Gujarat and Delhi.

In the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Member of Parliament, Naveen Jindal of Kurukshetra, Haryana, gave the Finance Bill 2026 his wholehearted support, calling it a revolutionary and forward-thinking plan that would determine the future of 1. 4 billion Indians.

He stressed that the combined strength of taxpayers and the private sector—both of whom are crucial partners in nation-building—is driving India’s growth trajectory.

In emphasizing the crucial role of the private sector, Jindal stated that it generates over 80% of employment and more than 60% of India’s GDP, as well as fostering innovation and competitiveness on a global scale.

In addition to advocating for a more courteous and citizen-centered attitude, Jindal urged a change in perspective about taxpayers. He emphasized better compliance trends, pointing out that the GST taxpayer base has surpassed 1. 5 crore and that total GST receipts in FY 2024–25 were over Rs 22 lakh crore.

“A taxpayer is not a suspect, but a partner in nation-building. They deserve respect for their contributions, he insisted.

By empowering farmers, enabling youth, improving women’s dignity, and ensuring long-term economic resilience, the Finance Bill, 2026, lays the groundwork for inclusive and sustainable development, Jindal stated.

“The benefits of this legislation will reach every citizen, and it is for the future of the country rather than any one political party,” he said.

He pointed out that India’s IT exports have exceeded $200 billion, the pharmaceutical industry serves over 200 nations, and the nation currently has more than 100 unicorns and over 100,000 recognized startups.

Jindal highlighted that India has shown a robust recovery in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and interruptions in the global supply chain.

He pushed for increased promotion of natural farming in order to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, reduce subsidy burdens, and guarantee healthier food systems, with an emphasis on sustainability and quality of life. He emphasized that advancements in daily life should be taken into account when assessing development, not just GDP.

In addition to embracing the Finance Bill’s provisions, Jindal also advocated for significant changes to improve the taxation system, such as institutionalizing dispute resolution procedures like “Vivad se Vishwas,” introducing joint tax filing for families, expediting and organizing the resolution of tax disputes, and ensuring that tax notifications are straightforward, open, and courteous.

In his speech’s conclusion, Jindal urged unity across party lines to hasten India’s progress toward becoming a powerful, independent, and advanced country.

“We may have different views, but when it comes to nation-building, we must move forward together,” he stated, giving the Finance Bill, 2026, his full support.

The Central government has issued a new order to simplify the installation of pipelines for natural gas and petroleum products in a major step intended to increase energy security and lessen reliance on imported fuels.

On March 24, the official gazette published the order, which is titled the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026.

The directive comes after growing concerns about the possibility of long-term fuel supply interruptions brought on by the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the widespread devastation of liquefaction plants in the Gulf area.

As a crucial strategy for ensuring long-term energy security, the government has been driven to increase fuel diversification efforts by these changes. The order aims to create a consistent framework for overcoming ongoing obstacles to the growth of pipeline infrastructure.

These include high costs, refusal by consumers and resident welfare organizations to permit land access, regulatory approval delays from several agencies, and consumer resistance in regions with current natural gas connectivity where LPG usage is still preferred. ​

The order seeks to establish a uniform framework to address persistent hurdles that have impeded pipeline infrastructure expansion.

These include delays in approvals from multiple authorities, denial of access to land by consumers and resident welfare associations, exorbitant fees, and resistance from consumers in areas with existing natural gas connectivity who prefer to continue using LPG.​

According to the government order, raising the supply of natural gas to residential consumers via pipelines will allow the release of LPG from locations with pipeline connections, thereby making more LPG volumes available in areas lacking such infrastructure.

The government stated that delivering natural gas necessitates constructing pipelines with different capacities, originating from tap-off sites on major transmission lines or from LNG storage facilities.

The Petroleum Act, 1934, which is licensed by the Central Government, defines public organizations, housing societies, and permitted entities, all of which will be subject to the decree.

It resolves long-standing problems like unreasonable levies imposed by local governments and right-of-way delays by granting authorized organizations the authority to construct pipelines within a certain timeframe.

According to authorities, several consumers still depend on LPG even in regions with natural gas pipelines, resulting in an unbalanced fuel combination. ​

It empowers authorised entities to lay pipelines in a time-bound manner, addressing longstanding issues such as right-of-way delays and unreasonable charges imposed by local authorities.​

Officials indicated that even in areas with natural gas pipelines, many consumers continue to rely on LPG, creating an imbalanced fuel mix.​

This is what the new framework seeks to address by promoting a transition toward piped natural gas where possible and enabling a more seamless infrastructure rollout.

In the midst of increasing unrest in the Gulf area, the Strait of Hormuz, a vital bottleneck via which about one-fifth of the world’s petroleum liquids transit, has been blocked for months.

Significant liquefied natural gas (LNG) liquefaction plants that provide a significant portion of India’s gas imports have been badly damaged, causing price pressures and supply instability.

India, which imports a large amount of LNG to satisfy its local energy demand, has been actively attempting to diversify its fuel supply and fortify its domestic infrastructure in order to lessen the effects of outside influences.

The government has moved quickly to advance pipeline projects that would connect more homes to natural gas and lessen the load on LPG, much of which is also imported, because the interruption has highlighted weaknesses in the nation’s energy supply chain. ​

India, which relies heavily on imported LNG to meet its domestic energy needs, has been actively seeking to diversify its fuel sources and strengthen its internal infrastructure to cushion the impact of external shocks.​

The disruption has exposed vulnerabilities in the country’s energy supply chain, prompting the government to fast-track pipeline projects that can connect more households to natural gas and reduce the burden on LPG, much of which is also imported.​

The new order is seen as a proactive measure to prevent administrative and regulatory impediments from delaying essential infrastructure at a time when world energy markets are still unstable.

As President Donald Trump stated that Tehran “would like to make a deal,” according to media reports, the United States has presented Iran with a comprehensive 15-point plan to end the war and dismantle its nuclear program.

According to officials quoted by The Wall Street Journal, the proposal, which was sent through intermediaries, outlines a comprehensive plan to end hostilities, rein in Iran’s nuclear goals, and alter its regional standing.

According to the paper, Iran should halt its ballistic missile program, cease any enrichment of nuclear materials on its territory, and destroy its three primary nuclear plants.

Additionally, it intends to reduce Tehran’s support for proxy organizations and guarantee the complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, according to the report.

The strategy calls for a one-month ceasefire and stipulates that Iran must pledge to never seek nuclear weapons. Under an agreed schedule, it calls for Tehran to cease enrichment operations and turn over all enriched material to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

It also demands that the Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz nuclear facilities be decommissioned and destroyed, while giving the UN nuclear watchdog complete access to data from inside Iran.

The plan urges Iran to give up its proxy strategy and stop supporting and arming these organizations on the regional front. It also has clauses that protect the Strait of Hormuz as an unrestricted route for maritime traffic.

The problem of missiles would be handled at a later time, with restrictions on their number and range. Additionally, the plan suggests limiting Iran’s military capacity to solely defensive uses.

In exchange, all restrictions pertaining to nuclear activities would be lifted in Iran. According to authorities speaking to the publication, the United States would also back the creation of a civilian nuclear program in Bushehr to produce electricity while keeping an eye on it.

The measure would also do away with the “snapback” procedure, which permits the automatic reintroduction of sanctions.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the framework largely reflects earlier requests made during the Trump administration prior to the start of the war on February 28.

According to reports by The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, the plan has been delivered via intermediaries, with Pakistan becoming a significant channel in the diplomatic effort, along with Turkey and Egypt, who are attempting to arrange talks between US and Iranian officials.

According to reports, despite the diplomatic push, the two sides are still at odds, with Iran carrying out attacks throughout the area, including attacks on Israel, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.

On Tuesday, President Trump adopted an upbeat demeanor, stating that Iran was willing to talk. During an Oval Office meeting, he told reporters, “They want to strike a deal. ” “They have agreed that they will never possess a nuclear weapon. ”

Additionally, he stated that discussions were in progress. “We’re talking to the right leaders, and they want to make a deal so badly,” Trump told The Washington Post.

The New York Times reported that the diplomatic push is taking place against the backdrop of ongoing military escalation and economic coercion connected to the war, which is currently in its fourth week.