India’s wheat output is likely to rise in 2026 compared with the previous year, but may still fall short of earlier projections after unseasonal rains and hailstorms damaged crops nearing harvest, according to trade and industry officials. India, the world’s second-largest wheat producer after China, grows one crop annually, planted in October–November and harvested in March–April. In recent years, heatwaves in late February and early March have often reduced yields.
Following several years of weak production, output recovered in 2025 due to favorable weather. However, another late-February heat spike this year renewed concerns. Navneet Chitlangia, president of the Roller Flour Millers Federation of India, said production would exceed last year’s levels but remain below initial forecasts.
The government has estimated a record output of 120.21 million metric tons for this year, while the flour millers’ association had earlier projected 115 million tons. That estimate has now been revised down to around 113.5–114 million tons, still higher than last year’s output of about 109.5–110 million tons.
In recent years, the millers’ body has issued more conservative estimates compared to government projections, which traders often believe are overstated. Unlike rice, India’s wheat reserves remain relatively limited, though last year’s strong harvest helped ease concerns about potential imports. Recent rainfall has cooled wheat-growing regions, providing some relief from heat stress. However, hailstorms in parts of the country have caused localized damage, raising concerns about yield losses and grain quality.
According to grains trader Ramesh Garg, the overall harvest is expected to surpass last year’s levels, although quality issues may arise in some northern regions. Farmers have expanded wheat cultivation to 33.4 million hectares this year, up from 32.8 million hectares last year, supported by good soil moisture from a strong monsoon. Ramandeep Singh Mann, a farmer from Punjab, said that while hailstorms caused some scattered damage, rainfall largely protected the crop from extreme heat. He added that the final outcome will depend on weather conditions in the coming days.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.
The Delhi government has cancelled a ₹6.2 crore tender for the procurement of two luxury boats intended for VIP and VVIP use, and has suspended two senior officials associated with the process. The development was reported by Hindustan Times, citing minister Parvesh Verma. Verma, who heads the Irrigation and Flood Control Department in the national capital, stated that an investigation has been initiated to examine how the tender was issued and whether proper procedures were followed. He also emphasized that future procurement of boats would be strictly limited to essential departmental functions such as surveillance, pollution monitoring, and other operational needs.
As per the report, the tender proposed the purchase of two high-end boats, each capable of accommodating 16 to 20 passengers. The vessels were to feature several luxury amenities, including rooftop cassette-style marine air conditioners, customized business-class push-back seats made of vegan leather with fine stitching, and a dedicated pantry for food service.
The design included an open rear deck meant for VIP public appearances, equipped with sofa-style seating for a small group. The tender also called for a premium aesthetic, incorporating concealed LED and ambient lighting to enhance the overall experience. The bidding process was initially scheduled to close on March 18 but was later extended to March 27 before the tender was ultimately scrapped. Opposition parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress, criticized the BJP-led government, alleging misuse of public funds and accusing it of focusing on luxury expenditures instead of addressing pressing public concerns.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
The early arrival of Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Navy could mark a major turning point in India’s overall combat aviation modernisation, going far beyond a simple replacement of existing aircraft. If reports are accurate, the induction of the first twin-seat Rafale-M trainers between August and September would significantly accelerate the Navy’s transition to a more advanced carrier-capable aircraft, well ahead of the original timeline for fully combat-ready jets. These initial deliveries, likely consisting of four twin-seat variants, are expected to operate from land bases rather than aircraft carriers. Their main role will be to train pilots and ground personnel, develop instructors, and familiarise the Navy with the aircraft’s sophisticated systems, weapons, and maintenance requirements.
This phased approach follows global best practices, where training and infrastructure are prioritised before frontline deployment. As per existing agreements, combat-configured Rafale-M jets are expected only around mid-2028, roughly 37 months after contract signing. Receiving training aircraft earlier effectively shortens the transition period by preparing personnel in advance—the most time-intensive part of introducing a new aviation platform.
The Navy plans to acquire 26 Rafale-M aircraft, including 22 single-seat carrier fighters and four twin-seat trainers. These jets will initially operate from INS Vikrant and possibly future indigenous carriers. Starting training on land-based aircraft will reduce risks when integrating the jets into carrier operations, including deck landings and ski-jump launches. The Rafale-M will gradually replace the MiG-29K fleet, which, despite offering multi-role capabilities, has faced issues with reliability and outdated systems. In contrast, the Rafale-M provides advanced avionics, superior sensors, and strong multi-role performance across air defence, strike, and maritime missions.
For naval aircrew, transitioning to Rafale-M will require a complete shift in operational approach, including mastering new cockpit systems, sensor fusion, and advanced weapon usage. Training will also involve adapting tactics for coordinated operations with ships, submarines, and surveillance aircraft. Ground crews will also need to adjust to modern maintenance practices, including digital diagnostics and condition-based servicing. Establishing supply chains, technical support, and maintenance infrastructure will be critical, and early trainer induction provides valuable preparation time.
Another key advantage is interoperability. The Indian Air Force already operates Rafale jets, allowing both services to share training, logistics, and operational experience. This supports India’s broader goal of improving joint operations among its armed forces, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. The Rafale-M strengthens India’s naval power projection, enabling better defence of carrier groups, long-range strike capability, and maritime dominance. Equipped with advanced weapons and sensors, it enhances the Navy’s ability to counter threats and secure sea lanes.
Training will focus on complex operations such as night flying, refuelling, precision strikes, and coordinated missions. Simulators and advanced training systems will play a vital role in preparing crews for high-risk scenarios. This development also aligns with India’s self-reliance goals. While Rafale is a foreign platform, associated support systems and integration efforts can boost domestic capabilities in avionics, maintenance, and weapons development, benefiting future indigenous programs like Tejas and AMCA.
Operating Rafale variants across both the Navy and Air Force will create strong synergies through shared training and doctrine, reducing redundancy and improving efficiency. The early induction of Rafale-M trainers signals India’s intent to build a modern, capable naval aviation force. In an increasingly contested maritime environment, these aircraft will enhance survivability, flexibility, and deterrence. More than just an early delivery, this step represents the beginning of a broader transformation in India’s carrier aviation, aligned with a larger military modernisation strategy.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday condemned the United States and Israel for strikes on Iran’s civilian infrastructure, highlighting the attack on Minab Elementary Girls’ School that reportedly killed more than 160 people. He described the incident as a war crime and called on the international community to unite against what he termed injustice toward Iran, emphasizing that the country would continue to defend itself for as long as necessary.
Speaking virtually at a UN debate on the school strike, Araghchi warned that silence and inaction in the face of such incidents would only lead to greater insecurity and further violations of rights. He said the credibility of the United Nations and the broader human rights system was at risk, urging member states to hold those responsible accountable.
While stressing that Iran has not sought conflict, he stated that the nation remains determined to protect itself against ongoing aggression. He characterized the school attack as deliberate, arguing that it occurred despite the advanced technological capabilities available to the US and Israel, making it inexcusable and impossible to ignore.
Araghchi also pointed to a wider pattern of strikes on civilian targets over the past 27 days, including emergency responders, healthcare facilities, water sources, residential areas, and educational institutions. He claimed that over 600 schools have been damaged or destroyed, with more than 1,000 students and teachers killed or injured.
He added that the scale and nature of the attacks go beyond typical definitions of war crimes, alleging that the targeting patterns and accompanying rhetoric suggest an intent to commit genocide. Describing the situation as an unjust war driven by arbitrary motives, he urged global action, warning that the core principles of the United Nations are at stake.
His remarks come amid continued US-Israeli strikes on key Iranian infrastructure. Earlier, US President Donald Trump indicated a possible easing of operations, noting that Iran had requested a seven-day pause in strikes on its energy facilities. He said the pause had been extended to ten days, until April 6, although attacks by US and Israeli forces are still ongoing.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Opposition called the fuel duty cut delayed and election-driven, also criticising late consultations on the West Asia crisis. The government reduced petrol duty and removed diesel duty. BJP defended the move as timely relief for citizens, while some leaders urged better communication and coordination.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.
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.
This week, as the repercussions of the US-Israel conflict with Iran continue, Australians are feeling the pinch from a worsening fuel crisis. At the same time, the Liberal Party faces a critical moment as voters increasingly shift toward One Nation. In this edition of the Guardian’s Australian Politics podcast, political editor Tom McIlroy talks with Andrew Hastie, shadow minister for industry and sovereign capability, about Australia’s approach to the global fuel shock, the need for reindustrialisation, and his perspective on how the Liberal Party should respond to the rise of One Nation.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
As tensions rise in Iran, the global energy system is being tested like never before. Critical chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, along with concentrated LNG infrastructure in hubs like Ras Laffan, highlight the inherent rigidity and vulnerability of oil and gas markets. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman explore what “market adjustment” looks like when long-term contracts offer little flexibility, and why Europe could once again face a challenging scramble for energy supplies. Their analysis includes insights from Pang Lu Ming, Vice President of Gas & LNG Research at Rystad Energy.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Journalist and author of The Lasting Harm, Lucia Osborne-Crowley, discusses the grooming strategies used by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Speaking to Annie Kelly, Lucia emphasizes that Epstein isn’t unique or mysterious. “Viewing him as special distracts from the reality,” she says. “There are many others like him. These abuses occur in communities and institutions worldwide, following the same patterns repeatedly.”
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
