US Models $200 Oil Scenario Amid Iran War Risks
US officials are conducting internal stress tests for oil prices hitting $200 per barrel due to potential Strait of Hormuz disruptions from the Iran conflict, despite White House denials of concern. Worst-Case Assessments Bloomberg reports reveal precautionary modeling of extreme scenarios, including inflation spikes and growth slowdowns akin to pre-2008
New Flight Refund Rules Effective March 26, 2026
India’s DGCA rolled out passenger-friendly flight ticket refund and cancellation rules today, March 26, 2026, introducing a 48-hour free cancellation window and faster refunds. Key Benefits for Travelers Passengers can cancel or amend bookings within 48 hours without extra fees, provided domestic flights are 7+ days away and international ones
Shobha Surendran: NDA’s Rising Star for Palakkad Victory
Shobha Surendran, the NDA’s dynamic candidate for Palakkad in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, brings proven grit and vision to transform the constituency. Her long-standing connection to Palakkad and track record of doubling BJP votes position her as the frontrunner. Campaign Momentum Builds Shobha launched her campaign with wall paintings
Jaishankar Slams Pakistan as ‘Dalaal Nation’ at All-Party Meet
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar declared “We are not a dalaal nation like Pakistan” during an all-party meeting on March 24, 2026, dismissing Islamabad’s mediation role in the US-Iran war. Meeting on West Asia Crisis Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the session included Home Minister Amit Shah, FM Nirmala
Lok Sabha Passes Finance Bill 2026 with 32 Amendments
The Lok Sabha approved the Finance Bill 2026 by voice vote on March 25, 2026, incorporating 32 government amendments proposed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. It now awaits Rajya Sabha consideration to finalize the Union Budget 2026-27 process. Budget Highlights The bill supports a total expenditure of ₹53.47 lakh crore,
Trump Claims Iran Offered Him Supreme Leader Role
President Donald Trump stated at a Republican fundraiser on March 25, 2026, that Iranian leaders informally proposed making him their next Supreme Leader amid the ongoing US-Iran war, but he declined with “No, thank you.” Context of the Claim Trump described Iran as “decimated” and its leadership role as deeply
Iran Grants India Safe Passage Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Tensions
Iran has permitted Indian-flagged vessels safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, classifying India among “friendly” nations like China, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan. This diplomatic breakthrough eases India’s energy import crunch during the US-Iran conflict. Diplomatic Success Following talks between EAM S. Jaishankar and Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, Ambassador Mohammad
Oil Prices Surge Past $100 as Iran Denies Direct US Talks
Global oil prices spiked above $100 per barrel on March 26, 2026, after Iran rejected claims of direct negotiations with the United States to end the ongoing conflict. Brent crude climbed 1.21% to $103.46, while WTI rose 1.35% to $91.54 amid renewed supply fears. Diplomatic Breakdown Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas
Philippines Declares National Energy Emergency Amid Middle East War Fallout
The Philippines became the first nation to declare a national energy emergency on March 24, 2026, in response to the US-Israel-Iran conflict disrupting fuel supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. Presidential Directive President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed an executive order activating the UPLIFT package (Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport),
Fact Check: Did PM Modi Hint at COVID-Like Lockdown in India?
A viral claim circulating on social media alleges Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned of a COVID-style lockdown during his recent parliamentary speeches on the West Asia crisis. The claim is false and misleading. What PM Modi Actually Said In his March 23-24, 2026, addresses to Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Modi
