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At IndiaVerve, we go beyond the noise to bring you meaningful stories of change, resilience and progress—from India to the world stage. Our mission is to bring readers credible, wide-ranging coverage across politics, business, sports, culture, society and more.
At IndiaVerve, we go beyond the noise to bring you meaningful stories of change, resilience and progress—from India to the world stage. Our mission is to bring readers credible, wide-ranging coverage across politics, business, sports, culture, society and more.
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Day: March 12, 2026

UN Security Council condemns Iran attacks as Middle East war widens

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Security Council vote comes amid expanding conflict, maritime attacks and rising global energy concerns

The United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution condemning Iran’s attacks on several regional countries as the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel continues to expand across the Middle East.

The 15-member council passed Resolution 2817 (2026) with 13 votes in favour, while China and Russia abstained. The resolution strongly condemned what it described as Iran’s “egregious attacks” against neighbouring countries and civilian areas.

According to the resolution, the council denounced strikes attributed to Iran targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. It also criticised attacks on residential areas and civilian infrastructure and demanded that such actions stop immediately. The resolution further called on Tehran to halt threats to maritime trade and alleged support for armed proxy groups.

The United States, which holds the council presidency for March, said Iran had been launching attacks across multiple fronts in the region. The US representative noted that nearly 140 UN member states, including India, co-sponsored the resolution.

“135 countries stand with you,” Mike Waltz, US ambassador to the UN was quoted by The New York Times as saying, addressing the countries facing retaliation from Iran. “This is exactly what the United Nations should be about,” he added.

China and Russia, however, criticised the wording of the resolution. Beijing said the document did not adequately reflect the “root causes” of the conflict, while Moscow described the language as “biased and one-sided”. A separate draft resolution proposed by Russia calling for general de-escalation without naming specific parties failed to pass after receiving only four votes.

Iran rejected the resolution, with its representative Amir-Saeid Iravani, calling it “a deeply regrettable day” for the council. He accused it of misusing its mandate and the US of “abusing its position” as the current head of the council. Israel, meanwhile, welcomed the vote and said the message from the international community was clear that attacks on civilians must end.

The diplomatic developments come as the war, which began on February 28 following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, approaches its two-week mark and continues to spread across the region.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said the conflict could end soon, claiming the campaign had already achieved most of its objectives. In remarks during a media interview, Trump said the war could end “any time I want it to end”, adding that there was “practically nothing left to target” in Iran.

Despite those remarks, military operations have continued across several fronts. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the joint Israeli-American campaign would continue “as long as necessary”.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also said Israel alone cannot overthrow Iran’s leadership, arguing that political change in Iran would ultimately depend on the Iranian people.

“Ultimately, we cannot topple the regime, only the Iranian people can,” Sa’ar told The Times of Israel. “At the same time, we must say that without external assistance they have no chance to topple the regime,” he added.

At the same time, the conflict has begun affecting global shipping and energy supplies. Reports from Iraqi port authorities indicated that explosive-laden boats believed to be linked to Iran attacked two fuel tankers in Gulf waters, setting them on fire and killing one crew member. Four additional vessels were reportedly struck by projectiles in nearby waters.

Following the attacks, Iraqi authorities suspended operations at an oil port while several Gulf countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones.

According to Al Jazeera, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has outlined conditions for ending the conflict, including recognition of Iran’s rights, payment of reparations and international guarantees against further attacks.

Meanwhile, the United States has pledged to protect shipping in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, while Iran warned that disruption to the route could push global oil prices as high as $200 per barrel.

Minister Harichandan speeds up ongoing construction projects

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Bhubaneswar: Minister of Law, Works & Excise Prithiviraj Harichandan convened a high-level review meeting on Wednesday to ensure ongoing construction projects are more transparent and efficient.

He instructed officials to implement the revised ‘Schedule of Rates’ within 15 days, aiming for uniformity in material, labour, and machinery costs, while simplifying project approvals and payments.

To remove inconsistencies in tendering, the minister directed standardisation of all bid documents and set specific timelines for all tender-related tasks from chief engineers up to ministerial authorities, according to a government release.

Harichandan also emphasised reducing traffic congestion in Bhubaneswar. He instructed that the ‘Left Parallel’ road project between Jayadev Vihar and Nandankanan continue round the clock and be completed by the month-end. Alternative routes and proper traffic management must be ensured to avoid public inconvenience.

The meeting included discussions on establishing an independent research institute under the Central Road Research Institute framework in Odisha, focusing on new construction technologies. Details of the institute’s structure and operations will be finalised soon.

Officials were also told to achieve all expenditure targets by March 31 and promptly release payments approved in the supplementary budget.

CM Majhi urges Mamata to apologise over Murmu incident

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Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday wrote a letter to his West Bengal counterpart, Mamata Banerjee, expressing deep concern over the recent incident involving President Droupadi Murmu.

In the letter, the CM urged Banerjee to reflect on the matter and convey regret to the president and the people of the country. He said such a gesture would help reaffirm the shared commitment to democratic norms and the dignity of constitutional offices.

Majhi said India’s democratic traditions rest on mutual respect and dignity. He stated that differences of opinion should never lead to differences of heart. He expressed concern over the manner in which the president, whom he described as a respected tribal woman, was treated during her visit to West Bengal.

The CM also said the episode has caused deep pain to many people across the country. He noted that the incident occurred just before International Women’s Day, making the situation even more disturbing, according to a government release.

Majhi also referred to the absence of basic courtesies during Murmu’s visit. He mentioned reported changes in arrangements related to an event involving members of the tribal community. According to Majhi, these developments have been widely perceived as unfortunate and inconsistent with constitutional values.

The chief minister further said the incident has hurt the sentiments of millions of Adivasis, backward classes, and Dalits across the country. He added that it has also cast an avoidable shadow on the image of West Bengal, which he described as a land known for culture, civility, and respect for democratic institutions.

Majhi said the Santhal community is a large community living across many parts of India and contributing significantly to the country’s development. He noted that he himself belongs to the Santhal community and feels deeply distressed by the incident.

Odisha reviews fuel supply preparedness

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Bhubaneswar: Priority should be given to the supply of cooking gas to consumers, Chief Secretary Anu Garg said on Wednesday, while chairing a meeting with department secretaries and district collectors at Lok Seva Bhavan.

Garg made it clear that special focus should be placed on ensuring supply to essential services and sectors such as hospitals, mid-day meal programmes in schools, hostels, anganwadi centres, orphanages, Aahar centres, and other government-run institutions.

The crucial meeting was held to discuss ensuring the availability and uninterrupted supply of cooking gas, petrol, and diesel to consumers in Odisha, according to a government release.

The chief secretary informed the collectors that detailed discussions had been held with officials of oil marketing companies on the matter. They informed that at present there is no difficulty in the supply of cooking gas. However, due to apprehensions among the public, there could be potential law and order issues. Therefore, preparations are necessary to deal with such situations.

It was also stressed that the movement of tankers from depots should not face any disruption. Garg directed the police administration to ensure necessary law and order arrangements for the smooth movement of tankers and the proper functioning of retail outlets.

For regular monitoring of the situation, the meeting directed the formation of a State-level committee comprising secretaries of the concerned departments and district-level committees comprising district collectors, superintendents of police, and district supply officers.

The chief secretary also directed that a control room should function at the district level for this purpose.

She instructed officials to ensure proper management and monitoring so that cooking gas reaches the intended consumers.

Garg also directed strict vigilance against activities such as black marketing or excessive purchase of cooking gas. Oil companies have been advised to keep LPG bottling plants, retail outlets, and distribution systems functioning smoothly so that domestic consumers do not face any inconvenience.

District collectors were also instructed to hold meetings at the district level to create awareness and provide accurate information to the public.

India monitors oil supply disruptions as IEA releases emergency stocks

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New Delhi: India on Wednesday welcomed the decision of the International Energy Agency (IEA) to release emergency oil stocks amid supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The government of India said it is closely monitoring the situation and remains prepared to take appropriate steps to support global energy market stability.

India participates in international energy cooperation as an associate member of the IEA. Officials said the country supports coordinated global efforts to stabilise oil markets during the current crisis.

The IEA on Wednesday announced that its 32 member countries unanimously agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from their emergency reserves. The decision aims to address disruptions in global oil supply linked to the war in the Middle East, according to an official statement.

The move followed an extraordinary meeting of IEA member governments convened by the agency’s Executive Director. The meeting reviewed market conditions and discussed options to manage supply disruptions arising from the conflict.

Meanwhile, the government organised an inter-ministerial briefing at the National Media Centre on the evolving developments in West Asia. Senior officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting addressed the media.

The briefing focused on energy supply preparedness, maritime safety, welfare of Indian nationals abroad, and communication measures taken by the government in response to the situation.

Crude oil supply remains secure: Officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said India’s crude oil supply remains secure despite disruptions in the region.

India consumes around 55 lakh barrels of crude oil every day. Through diversified procurement strategies, the country has secured supply volumes that exceed what would normally arrive through the Strait of Hormuz during this period.

India currently imports crude oil from around 40 countries. As a result of diversification, nearly 70% of crude imports now arrive through routes outside the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, this share was about 55%.

Two additional crude cargoes are already on their way to India and will arrive in the coming days. Officials said this will further strengthen the country’s supply position.

Refineries across the country are also operating at very high capacity utilisation levels. In some cases, refineries are running above 100% capacity to maintain supply.

Steps to address gas supply disruptions: India’s total natural gas consumption stands at about 189 MMSCMD. Of this, 97.5 MMSCMD comes from domestic production.

However, about 47.4 MMSCMD of supply has been affected due to force majeure conditions. Officials said procurement through alternative suppliers and routes is underway to offset the disruption.

Gas companies have secured additional LNG cargoes from new sources, and two LNG shipments are already on their way to the country.

The government also issued a Natural Gas Control Order on 9 March 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act to manage gas supplies and protect priority sectors.

Domestic PNG supply and CNG for vehicles will continue to receive 100% supply without any cuts.

LPG production increased: India imports about 60% of its LPG consumption. Around 90% of these imports normally arrive through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been affected by the current situation.

On March 8, 2026, the government directed refineries and petrochemical complexes to maximise LPG production by diverting propane, butane, propylene, and butenes streams to the LPG pool.

Officials said these measures have increased domestic LPG production by about 25%. The entire domestic LPG output is now being directed towards household consumers.

For non-domestic LPG users, the government has prioritised essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions.

A three-member committee of Executive Directors from Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited has been formed to review LPG allocations to restaurants, hotels, and other commercial users. The committee will ensure fair and transparent distribution of available supplies.

Monitoring maritime safety: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways also briefed the media on the maritime situation in the Persian Gulf region.

Officials said 28 Indian-flagged vessels are currently operating in the Persian Gulf region. Out of these, 24 vessels are located west of the Strait of Hormuz with 677 Indian seafarers onboard. Four vessels are located east of the Strait and carry 101 Indian seafarers.

Authorities are closely monitoring the safety and security of these vessels and crew members.

A 24-hour control room has been operational in the ministry and the Directorate General of Shipping since February 28, 2026 to track developments and coordinate assistance when required.

The Directorate General of Shipping also issued advisories directing Indian-flagged vessels and Indian seafarers to adopt enhanced security measures and follow reporting protocols, including submission of crew details.

Focus on the Indian diaspora: The Ministry of External Affairs provided an update on the situation of Indian nationals in the region.

Officials said India has a large diaspora of about one crore people in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Ensuring their welfare and safety remains a priority.

Narendra Modi has spoken to leaders of several Gulf and West Asian countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Israel.

The external affairs minister has also maintained regular contact with his counterparts in these countries as well as with Iran.

Indian diplomatic missions in the region continue to issue advisories to Indian nationals. Ambassadors and Consuls General are also engaging with community members to ensure their safety and security.