Indian Oil Minister Hardeep Puri is embarking on a two-day visit to Qatar starting Thursday, aiming to secure faster delivery of natural gas and cooking fuel amid India’s ongoing energy concerns. The trip comes at a time when a tentative ceasefire between the US and Iran has created a potential window to ease tensions affecting the Persian Gulf, a critical source of India’s fuel imports.
India depends on imports for roughly half of its natural gas requirements and about two-thirds of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is widely used for domestic cooking. Most of these supplies come from West Asia. The recent six-week conflict in the Persian Gulf has disrupted supply chains, causing shortages for industrial users and triggering price hikes across energy markets.
Qatar remains India’s largest supplier of both LNG and LPG, providing 45% and 20% of imports, respectively. However, after attacks on its key export facility, the Gulf nation declared force majeure on gas exports, warning that full recovery could take years. Officials familiar with Puri’s plans, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicate that he will seek expedited supply schedules and request that India be given priority for LNG shipments. The Oil Ministry announced the sudden trip via a social media post but did not provide further details.
Puri’s visit follows just a day after the US and Iran reached a ceasefire agreement, tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route. While the White House welcomed the truce, it remains fragile, and maritime traffic through the strait was still largely suspended on Thursday, leaving India dependent on diplomatic and bilateral engagement to secure its critical energy imports.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has urged that the current US-Iran ceasefire be broadened to include Lebanon. Speaking on the escalating Middle East crisis, Kallas emphasized the need for de-escalation and called for the disarmament of the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah. She criticized the ongoing hostilities, noting that while Hezbollah involved Lebanon in the conflict, Israel’s right to self-defense does not justify extensive destruction.
Kallas warned that Israeli actions are straining the US-Iran ceasefire and stressed that extending the truce to Lebanon is essential for regional stability. Her comments came amid reports of intensifying military operations, with Israeli strikes reportedly killing hundreds, which she said undermines the argument of self-defense. Israel’s continued operations in Lebanon have put the fragile ceasefire at risk, prompting Iran to accuse the US and Israel of violating the agreement.
Tehran has threatened to pull out of high-level talks scheduled in Islamabad this weekend, led by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Ghalibaf accused Israel of breaching three major clauses of the 10-point ceasefire agreement, including the call for a full ceasefire in Lebanon, airspace violations such as a drone incident over Lar in Fars Province, and denying Iran’s right to uranium enrichment. He argued that negotiations are unreasonable given these pre-existing violations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that Lebanon was never part of the ceasefire deal. He stressed Israel’s continued military campaign against Hezbollah, describing recent strikes as the group’s “greatest blow” since the pager incidents, targeting 100 sites in just ten minutes. Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s key goal of preventing Iran from enriching uranium for potential nuclear use, stating that the country is prepared to achieve this either through negotiations or renewed combat. Despite the tensions, direct talks between the US and Iran are still planned in Islamabad, following a two-week ceasefire agreement. The US delegation will be led by Vice President JD Vance, while Ghalibaf will head the Iranian team.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal cast his vote on Thursday at Bordongki Government LP School in Hojai, as polling continues for the Assam assembly elections. Highlighting strong public support for his party, Ajmal urged voters to back AIUDF in pursuit of justice for singer Zubeen Garg. Speaking to ANI, he stated, “People across Assam are showing enthusiasm for the lock-and-key symbol… Vote for AIUDF for justice to Zubeen Garg, education, and technology.”
As of 1 pm, Assam reported a voter turnout of 59.63%, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI) data for the 2026 assembly elections. Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the NDA candidate from Jalukbari, cast his vote at polling station number 15, accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma and their children.
Over 2.5 crore voters are eligible to participate in the 126-member state assembly elections, with 722 candidates contesting. Of the 2,50,54,463 electors, 1,25,31,552 are male, 1,25,22,593 are female, 318 identify as transgender, and 63,423 are service voters. Among them, 6,42,314 are aged 18–19, 2,50,006 are above 80, and 2,05,085 are persons with disabilities.
To ensure effective monitoring, webcasting has been arranged at all 31,490 polling stations, including 31,486 main and 4 auxiliary stations. A total of 1,51,132 polling personnel have been deployed. Voting equipment includes 41,320 Ballot Units, 43,975 Control Units, and 43,997 VVPAT machines, with additional personnel and reserve equipment kept on standby.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini conducted a surprise inspection of 'Samadhan Shivirs' on Thursday via video conferencing, engaging directly with complainants from multiple districts. The inspection aimed to review the functioning of grievance redressal camps and assess the status of complaints being addressed without prior notice.
During the interaction, Saini spoke with people visiting the camps in Mahendragarh, Kaithal, Hisar, Hansi, and Karnal, listening to their concerns and instructing officials to ensure timely resolution. “Complaints should be resolved within a stipulated timeframe,” he emphasized.
On Wednesday, the Chief Minister announced a hike in the minimum wage for unskilled workers, raising it from Rs 11,257 to Rs 15,220 per month. The Cabinet approved the increase following recommendations from an expert committee, aimed at providing better support for laborers. “Considering the committee’s recommendations, the Cabinet discussed the matter and decided to increase the minimum wage,” Saini stated.
Saini also highlighted that the Cabinet approved a 33% reservation for women in the allocation of ration depots under the Public Distribution System (PDS). “Through initiatives like the Lakhpati Didi and Namo Drone Didi schemes, women are being encouraged to actively participate in development,” he said, addressing a press conference. Priority will be given to women who are acid attack survivors, widows, or members of self-help groups. The Chief Minister’s surprise inspection and the recent policy announcements reflect the government’s focus on citizen grievance redressal, labor welfare, and women’s empowerment, ensuring responsive governance across Haryana.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Haryana DIPR.
In Dhaka, Bangladesh, motorists are seen refueling their vehicles at gas stations amid ongoing supply shortages. Long lines have formed as demand outpaces the available fuel, highlighting the persistent challenges in distribution. Commuters and drivers face extended waiting times, while the authorities work to manage the crisis and restore normal fuel availability across the city.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
A new AI system developed by NTU can forecast the rate at which food spoils, enabling supermarkets to reduce waste, enhance safety, and manage inventory more efficiently. The technology works by predicting bacterial growth in food. Could this signal the future of food retail? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss with Natalie Ong, CNA journalist, and Professor William Chen, Executive Director of FRESH@NTU, to explore the possibilities.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
As thousands of U.S. troops and marines deploy to the Middle East, Iran accuses Washington of secretly planning a ground attack while publicly promoting ceasefire negotiations. Donald Trump has threatened to “destroy” Iran’s energy infrastructure, stated that he would “prefer to take the oil,” and suggested that U.S. forces could capture the country’s export hub on Kharg Island, all while claiming to be negotiating with a new “reasonable regime.” At the same time, Yemen’s Houthi forces have joined the conflict, raising the risk of further disruptions to the global economy.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
In 1998, tobacco companies in the United States were made responsible for the damage caused by the products they produced and sold through the Tobacco Settlement. Today, a similar question arises for Big Tech: it is not only about the content on their platforms but also whether these platforms were intentionally created to keep users addicted. Daniel Martin explores this issue with Rajesh Sreenivasan, Head of Technology, Media, and Telecommunications at Rajah and Tann Singapore.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
On “Destination Anywhere,” Melanie Oliveiro chats with Regina Lee, a travel and home influencer, about her journey through northern Xinjiang. From the shimmering turquoise waters of Sayram Lake to the lush rolling landscapes of Nalati Grasslands and the snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan mountains, Regina recounts the region’s beauty and charm. She guides listeners through glacier valleys, picturesque villages, vibrant lakes, and lively bazaars, while also sharing practical tips on how to fully experience this remarkable frontier of China.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
