March 13, 2026 - IndiaVerve

Government reviews energy supply, safety measures amid West Asia crisis

March 13, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: The Central government on Friday held the third inter-ministerial media briefing at the National Media Centre to update the media on the evolving situation in West Asia.

Earlier briefings were held on March 11 and March 12 to inform the public about preparedness measures taken by various ministries.

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 participated in the briefing. They shared updates on energy supply preparedness, maritime safety, welfare of Indian nationals in the region, and monitoring of essential supplies, according to an official statement.

Energy supply and fuel availability: Officials said India’s refining capacity stands at about 258 million metric tonnes per annum, making the country the fourth largest refining hub globally. India remains self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel and does not require imports to meet domestic demand. Refineries across the country are operating at high levels and maintain adequate crude oil inventories through diversified import sources and shipping routes.

The government issued a Natural Gas Control Order on March 9 under the Essential Commodities Act to protect supplies to priority sectors. Officials said Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) supplies continue without cuts, while supplies to industrial and commercial consumers are regulated at around 80%.

More than 1.5 crore households currently receive PNG connections across the country. Consumers who have access to PNG but continue to use LPG cylinders have been advised to consider switching to PNG in order to conserve LPG for areas without pipeline connectivity.

Officials said the government has asked city gas distribution companies to expand PNG connections for commercial and industrial users. Local authorities and state governments have also been requested to speed up approvals for pipeline laying.

Fuel retail and LPG supply: The government said no fuel shortages have been reported at the country’s nearly one lakh retail fuel outlets operated by oil marketing companies. Citizens have been advised not to panic-buy petrol or diesel as adequate stocks are available.

Authorities recently suspended fuel sales at one retail outlet in Tamil Nadu after petrol was reportedly sold in loose containers. The public has been advised not to seek fuel in containers as it is unsafe and violates regulations.

Officials said there have also been no dry-out situations at the country’s 25,000 LPG distributorships. However, LPG bookings have risen sharply due to panic buying. Daily bookings increased from an average of 55.7 lakh to around 76 lakh recently.

Oil marketing companies continue to deliver nearly 50 lakh LPG cylinders every day. Authorities have urged consumers to book cylinders only according to their normal household requirements.

The government said action is underway to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders. Enforcement actions in different states have led to the recovery and seizure of hundreds of cylinders in places including Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.

Additional measures: Officials said the government’s top priority is to ensure uninterrupted LPG supplies to households and essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions. Domestic LPG production at refineries has increased by more than 30% compared to earlier levels.

Additional allocations of kerosene have been made to states and union territories to manage supply requirements. The government has also allowed alternative fuel options such as kerosene and coal for certain sectors for a limited period.

Consumers have been advised to book LPG cylinders through authorised digital platforms, including IVRS calls, SMS, WhatsApp, and mobile applications of oil marketing companies.

Maritime safety and shipping operations: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways said 24 Indian-flagged vessels with 668 Indian seafarers are currently operating in the Persian Gulf. Another 76 Indian seafarers remain on three vessels east of the Strait of Hormuz.

Around 23,000 Indian seafarers are working on merchant, harbour, and offshore vessels across the Gulf region. Directorate General of Shipping continues to coordinate with ship owners, recruitment agencies, and Indian missions.

Since the activation of a 24-hour control room, authorities have handled more than 2,425 calls and 4,441 emails and helped repatriate over 223 stranded Indian seafarers.

Port operations across India remain stable. Authorities have issued standard operating procedures for major ports and maritime boards. Priority berthing is being provided for LPG vessels, and additional cargo storage facilities have been arranged.

Officials said three Indian seafarers have died during the ongoing crisis and one remains missing. Four injured seafarers have received treatment and have been discharged.

Safety of Indian nationals: The Ministry of External Affairs said India continues to engage with countries in West Asia regarding the evolving situation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, and discussed the safety of Indian nationals and the need for uninterrupted transit of energy and goods.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss bilateral and regional issues.

The MEA control room set up on March 4 has received more than 900 calls and over 200 emails so far. Indian missions in the region continue to assist citizens through round-the-clock helplines.

Officials said flights are operating from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. Travel from Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq is being facilitated through Saudi Arabia due to airspace restrictions.

An attack in Sohar city in Oman early Thursday killed two Indian nationals. Of the 11 injured, 10 are Indians. Five have been discharged, while five remain under treatment with no serious injuries reported.

Authorities said five Indian nationals have died so far in the conflict, and one person remains missing.

Following an attack on the vessel Safesea Vishnu in Iraqi waters on March 11, 15 Indian crew members were safely evacuated and are currently in Basra. Efforts are underway to repatriate them and transport the mortal remains of the deceased Indian national.

Public communication: Officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting urged citizens to rely on official sources for information and avoid panic buying. The government said it continues to monitor developments in West Asia and coordinate across ministries to ensure energy security, maritime safety, and the welfare of Indian nationals.

Assam exports GI-tagged Joha rice to UK, Italy

March 13, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the first export consignment of 25 metric tonnes of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Joha rice from Assam to the UK and Italy.

The consignment was dispatched on Thursday, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, government of Assam, according to an official statement.

Joha rice, an indigenous aromatic variety from Assam, received the GI tag in 2017. Known for its distinctive fragrance, fine grain texture, and rich taste, the variety is gaining recognition in premium domestic and international markets.

The rice is cultivated across about 21,662 hectares in Assam with an estimated production of around 43,298 metric tonnes during FY 2024-25. Major producing districts include Nagaon, Baksa, Goalpara, Sivasagar, Majuli, Chirang, and Golaghat. Officials said the crop has strong potential to expand exports while improving farmers’ income.

APEDA has been promoting Joha rice in global markets. Earlier, the authority facilitated the export of one metric tonne of GI-tagged Joha rice to Vietnam and two metric tonnes to five Middle Eastern countries – Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.

Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora flagged off the export consignment. The event was attended by Agriculture Production Commissioner Aruna Rajoria, State Project Director of ARIAS Society Virendra Mittal, Director of Agriculture Uday Praveen, and APEDA official Saurabh Srivastava, along with officials from the Plant Quarantine Department and the Agriculture Department.

The export is being undertaken by Safe Agritrade Pvt. Ltd., an APEDA-registered exporter based in Kolkata. The consignment was processed and packed at Pratik Agro Food Processing in Guwahati.

Officials said the initiative forms part of APEDA’s efforts to promote GI-tagged agricultural products from India, strengthen market linkages between producers and global buyers, and expand agricultural exports from the North Eastern Region while ensuring better price realisation for farmers.

PM Modi launches projects worth Rs 19,500 crore in Assam

March 13, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth around ₹19,500 crore in Guwahati, Assam.

Addressing a large gathering, the PM greeted the people of the city, farmers across the country, and workers from tea gardens.

He expressed gratitude for visiting the sacred land of Kamakhya Temple on the eve of Navratri, according to an official statement. Modi also said he felt blessed to be present at the revered site before the festival began.

The PM said the projects launched today would strengthen infrastructure and boost development in Assam. He noted that the initiatives range from efforts to make the state self-reliant in the energy sector to projects aimed at improving travel convenience for people visiting Assam.

During the programme, Modi also transferred more than Rs 18,000 crore to farmers across the country under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. He said crores of farmers have already received confirmation messages about the deposits in their bank accounts.

The PM said the scheme has become an important social security support for small farmers. He noted that before 2014, many farmers lacked bank accounts or mobile phones, but direct benefit transfers now allow funds to reach them quickly.

He informed the gathering that over Rs 4.25 lakh crore has been deposited in farmers’ accounts under the scheme so far. In Assam alone, around 19 lakh farmers have received nearly Rs 8,000 crore.

The PM said the government has taken several steps to support farmers, including a minimum support price, affordable loans, crop insurance, and financial assistance through PM-Kisan. He also highlighted efforts to shield farmers from rising global fertilizer prices.

He said the government has provided urea to Indian farmers at around Rs 300 per bag despite international prices touching nearly Rs 3,000. According to the PM, the government has spent more than Rs 12 lakh crore to protect farmers from the impact of global fertilizer price hikes.

He also said the government is promoting modern farming practices and efficient irrigation. He highlighted the ‘Per Drop More Crop’ initiative and the use of drip and sprinkler systems to improve irrigation while reducing costs.

He added that farmers are being connected with solar pumps under the PM Kusum Yojana to reduce dependence on diesel. Many farmers, he said, are now generating electricity through solar pumps and earning additional income.

The PM also spoke about efforts to promote natural farming and the use of nano urea. He said these steps will help reduce dependence on fertilizers and protect soil health.

Highlighting infrastructure development, Modi said refining capacity and energy infrastructure in Assam have expanded significantly in recent years. He noted that the Numaligarh-Siliguri pipeline upgrade has been completed and a second-generation bio-ethanol plant has been set up in Golaghat.

He also said railway electrification is progressing rapidly across the country and in Assam. According to him, electrification has helped the country save nearly 1.75 billion litres of diesel.

Modi said Assam is playing an important role in India’s renewable energy goals. He highlighted that the Lower Kopili Hydro Power Project will benefit the entire North East region.

Speaking about tourism, the prime minister announced that work on modern cruise terminals at Nimati Ghat and Bishwanath Ghat has begun. He said the projects will boost tourism and create new employment opportunities.

Odisha Congress MLAs moved to Bengaluru ahead of Rajya Sabha polls

March 14, 2026March 13, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of the March 16 Rajya Sabha polls, eight Congress MLAs from Odisha have been moved to Bengaluru and lodged at a resort amid concerns that the ruling BJP in the state may attempt to poach them.

The MLAs arrived in Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, on Thursday night along with their families. They were taken to a resort in Bidadi in Bengaluru South district. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar supervised the arrangements, according to media reports. Shivakumar is considered politically influential in the Bidadi region.

The MLAs were sent to Bengaluru by Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhakta Charan Das. Local authorities identified five of them as Mangu Khilla, Pabitra Saunta, Kadraka Appala Swamy, Rajan Ekka, and Prafulla Pradhan.

In the 147-member Odisha Assembly, the BJP holds a majority with 79 MLAs. The party is expected to send three members to the Rajya Sabha, possibly with support from Independents and cross-voting.

The BJD, which has 48 MLAs, can currently secure one Rajya Sabha seat. However, the party is attempting to win a second seat by aligning with Congress, which has 14 MLAs, along with the support of one CPI(M) legislator and three Independents.

Odisha tops minor boys trafficking cases, NHRC seeks detailed report

March 13, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report, highlighting missing children cases in the country.

According to the report, Bihar registers 12,000 to 14,000 missing person cases every year since 2013, many of them children, with barely two-thirds of the missing children recovered.

Separately, data from the National Crime Records Bureau shows that the maximum cases of human trafficking are reported in Odisha, Bihar, Telangana, and Maharashtra.

Odisha tops the list for trafficking of minor boys, while Rajasthan records the highest number of minor girls trafficked, the report noted. Missing children are reportedly forced into begging, child labour, prostitution, and other illegal activities.

The NHRC observed that if the report is accurate, it raises serious human rights concerns, according to an official statement. Despite measures taken by the state governments, the number of missing children continues to rise, with only a fraction traced.

Consequently, the Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretaries and Director Generals of Police of Odisha, Bihar, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, asking for a detailed report within two weeks.

The states have been asked to provide information on steps taken or proposed to address the growing number of missing persons, particularly children. The NHRC has also requested the latest NCRB data on missing persons in these states to ensure proper monitoring and action.

Odisha strengthens Chilika lake conservation

March 13, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Forest Department, in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, organised a two-day Green List Standard Training Workshop from March 10 to 11 in Bhubaneswar. The workshop focused on self-assessment and roadmap development for the Chilika Lake Marine Managed Area.

The initiative comes under the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem Phase II programme, aiming to strengthen conservation practices and collaborative governance for one of India’s most important coastal ecosystems, said Prem Kumar Jha, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden (PCCF WL & CWLW), in a post on X.

The training focused on self-assessment procedures and planning strategies to strengthen ecosystem management in line with global best practices.

In another post, Jha said Nandankanan Zoological Park has welcomed several new wildlife arrivals from Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam, as part of an inter-zoo collaboration to enhance animal care and conservation efforts.

The exchange includes a pair of Ring-tailed Lemurs, a pair of Asiatic Wild Dogs, one Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, two pairs of Bonnet Macaques, and a pair of Nilgai, Jha said.

Such transfers between zoological parks aim to strengthen scientific management, improve genetic diversity, and contribute to long-term wildlife conservation, he added.

In separate news, forest officials from the Motu Range of Malkangiri Forest Division seized 631 Indian Flap Shell Turtles, weighing 2.2 tons, near the Odisha–Andhra Pradesh border.

Seven persons were arrested, and vehicles used in the illegal trade were confiscated. A wildlife offence case has been registered, and investigations are ongoing, PCCF WL & CWLW said in a post on X.

The department emphasized its continued commitment to protecting Odisha’s wildlife and coastal ecosystems through targeted enforcement and international collaboration.

Iran War Day 14: Airstrikes hit Tehran, explosions reported in Dubai

March 13, 2026March 13, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Strait of Hormuz closure and widening regional tensions push oil prices above $100

New Delhi: The United States–Israel war on Iran entered its 14th day on Friday with fresh airstrikes on Tehran, reports of explosions in Dubai, and intensifying geopolitical tensions across the Middle East, as oil prices surged following the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Israeli forces launched what they described as an “extensive wave” of air attacks on Iran’s capital, Tehran, leaving parts of the city blanketed in thick smoke. The strikes came amid continued military escalation between Iran and the US-Israel alliance.

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said the conflict has taken a heavy toll on civilians. According to him, at least 1,348 civilians have been killed so far, with victims ranging in age from eight months to 88 years.

The fighting has also disrupted global energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route linking the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, has been closed, sending Brent crude prices above $100 per barrel. The narrow waterway is the only outlet to open seas for major oil and gas producers in the Gulf. Iranian authorities have said the passage is under Tehran’s control and ships linked to the US or Israel would not be allowed through, while other vessels must obtain Iranian permission to transit.

Meanwhile, explosions and thick smoke were reported in Dubai on Friday morning. Dubai’s government media office later said debris from a “successful interception” caused minor damage to the façade of a building in central Dubai but confirmed that no injuries were reported. It also confirmed that a drone fell on a building, causing a minor fire quickly brought under control, Gulf News reported.

Conflicting claims also emerged over a reported Iranian strike on a US aircraft carrier. Iran’s Central Headquarters of the Holy Prophet said a precision operation involving missiles and drones targeted the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier about 340 kilometres from Iran’s maritime borders in the Sea of Oman. Iranian state television claimed the vessel and its strike group fled the area at high speed after the attack. However, Washington rejected the claim. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the aircraft carrier continued to operate normally and remained engaged in “Operation Epic Fury”.

The US military also reported the loss of another aircraft during the conflict. CENTCOM said an American KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq while a second aircraft involved in the incident landed safely. The military said the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. The aircraft is at least the fourth US military plane lost since the conflict began, following three F-15 fighter jets that were earlier shot down in a friendly-fire incident over Kuwait.

ALSO READ: Iran’s new Supreme Leader calls for unity, vows continued attacks, Hormuz closure | UN Security Council condemns Iran attacks as Middle East war widens

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli strikes had killed several Iranian nuclear scientists and suggested that the conflict could create conditions for political change in Iran. Speaking at a televised press conference, Netanyahu said Israel’s operations aim to weaken the Iranian leadership and allow Iranians “the space needed to take to the streets”, according to The Times of Israel.

In Washington, US President Donald Trump said the war was progressing “very rapidly” and praised the performance of American forces. “It’s doing very well, our military is unsurpassed,” Trump told reporters at the White House.

However, the conflict has also triggered debate within the United States. More than 250 American organisations have signed a letter urging Congress to halt funding for the war, arguing that the estimated $11.3 billion spent in the first six days of the conflict is diverting resources from domestic programmes such as food assistance.

US Senator Lindsey Graham also indicated that the war could continue for some time but downplayed the likelihood of deploying American ground troops in Iran. “I don’t see this conflict ending today,” he told reporters in Washington.

As the fighting spreads across the region and disrupts global energy flows, the war continues to draw international concern over its humanitarian and economic consequences.

Naveen Patnaik hails Odisha’s fiscal health rank

March 13, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: BJD President Naveen Patnaik on Thursday expressed satisfaction after Odisha secured the top position in the Fiscal Health Index for 2023-24 released by NITI Aayog.

In a post on X, Patnaik said the State achieved the No.1 rank with a score of 73.1, significantly ahead of the second-ranked state, which scored 54. He said the ranking reflects Odisha’s strong fiscal management.

Patnaik noted that the State has come a long way from a near-bankruptcy situation in 2000 to become a top performer on several fiscal parameters. He said the transformation reflects vision and governance based on the 5T framework.

Highlighting the state’s fiscal performance, he said Odisha recorded strong outcomes in areas such as quality of expenditure, revenue mobilisation, fiscal prudence, and reduction of loan burden, emerging as an example among states.

The former chief minister said the state’s stable fiscal position enabled it to implement several people-centric initiatives. These include schemes like Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, KALIA Scheme, and Mission Shakti, along with programmes in skill development, school transformation, tribal development, disaster management, irrigation, and infrastructure development.

Patnaik also thanked the people of Odisha for supporting the state’s development journey and said the government was able to fund several welfare programmes without waiting for financial assistance from the Centre.

However, he expressed concern over the financial management of the current “double-engine government” in the state. He warned that mismanagement of finances could push Odisha towards fiscal distress and affect the development momentum built over the past two decades.

Minister Gond presents Rs 6,649-crore budget for welfare of ST, SC, minority, and backward classes

March 13, 2026March 13, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Minister for ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare, Nityananda Gond, on Thursday said the State government has prepared the 2026-27 budget with a focus on improving education, livelihood, and social development of tribal communities, SC, minorities, and backward classes.

He made the remarks while addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar.

The department has received a total budget allocation of Rs 6,649 crore 33 lakh 12 thousand for the financial year 2026-27, Gond said.

The allocation includes Rs 5,400 crore for programme expenditure and over Rs 1,249 crore for administrative expenditure. The budget shows an increase of about three per cent compared with the previous year. Out of the programme expenditure, Rs 3,610 crore has been allocated for state sector schemes, Rs 190 crore for central sector schemes, and Rs 1,600 crore for centrally sponsored schemes, according to a government release.

The government has placed strong emphasis on education, the minister noted. The budget proposes Rs 2,094 crore to provide scholarships to about 23 lakh students. Students from SC, ST, and backward classes will receive support through the Chief Minister Medhabi Student Incentive Scheme and central scholarship programmes. The government has also increased the amount under the pre-matric scholarship to support students’ food and essential needs.

The state currently runs 1,765 schools for tribal and SC students. Among them, 1,615 are residential schools, and 150 are non-residential schools. Nearly 4.38 lakh students study in these institutions. The state also operates 5,967 hostels, where around 5.52 lakh students stay and pursue their education. The budget provides additional funds for food, study materials, and other facilities.

Netflix launches Eyeline studios in Hyderabad to boost AVGC ecosystem

March 13, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Netflix on Thursday launched Eyeline Studios, its global production and innovation studio, in Hyderabad, marking a major step in strengthening India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) ecosystem.

The launch event was attended by Anumula Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister of Telangana; Sanjay Jaju, Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Jeff Shapiro, CEO of Eyeline Studios; and actor and producer Rana Daggubati, according to an official statement.

Speaking at the launch, Revanth Reddy said Hyderabad has emerged as a vibrant centre where creativity, technology, and global talent come together. He said initiatives such as Eyeline Studios will further strengthen the city’s position as a leading hub for film, technology, and the AVGC sector.

He added that the collaboration will help build a globally competitive creative ecosystem and create new opportunities for talent and storytelling from Hyderabad.

Jaju said India’s strong storytelling tradition and growing technological capabilities are driving expansion in the entertainment sector. He noted that Hyderabad already hosts several global studios and has a strong AVGC legacy. He also highlighted that the upcoming campus of the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies in Hyderabad will strengthen skilling and capacity building in the creative technology sector.

Jaju further said that during last year’s WAVES initiative, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had emphasised the growth of the Orange Economy. He added that the focus is now translating into policy action with the announcement of 15,000 content creator labs across the country. These labs are expected to generate around two million jobs in the creative economy.

At the event, D. Sridhar Babu, Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications, Industries and Commerce in Telangana, said the State government is strengthening skilling initiatives to build a strong talent pool in areas such as visual effects and animation. He said rapid technological progress and growing industry participation position Hyderabad as a leading global hub for storytelling and creative technology.

The Hyderabad facility spans around 32,000 square feet and features advanced visual effects and virtual production technologies supported by a hybrid cloud infrastructure, according to an official statement.

The studio will support high-end visual storytelling and operate as part of Eyeline Studios’ global network, which includes centres in Los Angeles, Vancouver, Seoul, and London.

India has been strengthening its position as a global hub for creative technology and digital production through policy support and focus on skill development in emerging media sectors. The new studio is expected to support talent development, technology adoption, and integration with global production networks.

Jeff Shapiro said India has long played an important role in the global visual effects industry due to its strong creative and technical talent. He said Hyderabad’s technology ecosystem and film culture make it a suitable location for building long-term capabilities and supporting global visual storytelling.