The Indian Navy has successfully escorted two LPG tankers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, through the volatile Strait of Hormuz, amid rising tensions in the Gulf. Conducted under Operation Sankalp, the operation saw multiple warships safeguarding the vessels’ transit from the Gulf of Oman. Satellite imagery confirmed the naval deployment, reflecting India’s proactive approach to securing its maritime interests.
The tankers carry a total of 92,700 tons of LPG and are scheduled to reach Mundra and Kandla ports on 16 and 17 March. This shipment meets roughly 1.25 days of India’s national cooking gas demand, providing relief after a two-week blockade disrupted supplies. The operation underscores the Navy’s critical role in preventing household shortages.
Diplomatic engagement was key to the mission’s success. Iran granted safe passage following direct discussions with Indian authorities. Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, highlighted Tehran’s commitment to facilitating Indian-bound vessels, citing the countries’ “longstanding friendship” and shared interests. While restrictions remain for ships associated with certain adversarial nations, this cooperation demonstrates a pragmatic approach amid regional tensions.
India’s energy dependence on the Gulf is significant, with about 60% of LPG imports, and 85–90% of them transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Any prolonged disruption directly threatens domestic energy security. The recent two-week blockade had already spiked daily LPG orders to 88.8 lakh cylinders, prompting government appeals against panic buying.
The operation also carries economic implications. Conflict in West Asia has sharply raised war-risk insurance premiums, in some cases five to twenty-five times higher, increasing costs for tanker operators and potentially fueling inflation in India’s energy sector. Indian ports prioritized berthing for these vessels to speed unloading and distribution. Operation Sankalp, initiated in response to previous maritime threats, showcases India’s strategic maritime doctrine. Naval escorts protect Indian-flagged ships while reinforcing freedom of navigation in international waters. The mission builds on past successes, demonstrating India’s capacity to secure critical sea lanes responsible for over 80% of its oil and gas imports.
The safe passage of Shivalik and Nanda Devi sets a precedent for the remaining 22 Indian-flagged vessels in the Gulf. Continued diplomacy and naval protection could stabilize shipping, normalize insurance rates, and ensure steady energy flows. Indian authorities remain in close contact with regional governments to coordinate future transits.
However, renewed hostilities could threaten these vessels, leading to LPG shortages, stockpiling, and emergency measures like rationing or airlifting. India may respond by diversifying suppliers, including the U.S., Australia, and African spot markets, to reduce Gulf reliance. The episode underscores the intersection of naval power, diplomacy, and energy security. Iran’s cooperation reflects shared economic interests, even amid sanctions and regional conflicts. For India, balancing relations with Iran, Gulf states, and Western allies will remain crucial for long-term maritime stability. Operation Sankalp exemplifies India’s resolve to safeguard its economy and energy supplies amid an evolving Gulf landscape, with implications for household and industrial stability nationwide.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.
Newly appointed West Bengal Governor RN Ravi met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. The official Rashtrapati Bhavan account on X shared a photograph of their meeting. The interaction took place ahead of West Bengal's two phase Assembly elections scheduled for April.
Ravi assumed office as the Governor of West Bengal on March 12. A former IPS officer and previously the Governor of Tamil Nadu, he was administered the oath by Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Sujoy Paul. The ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee, senior minister and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, and Left Front chairman Biman Bose.
His appointment came as part of a wider reshuffle of Governors and Lieutenant Governors announced by Rashtrapati Bhavan before the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The Election Commission of India announced that voting for the West Bengal Assembly elections will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. On March 13, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu also met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Sandhu later shared on X that he felt honoured to meet the President and receive her guidance for his new role.
Sandhu had earlier taken the oath of office as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi in the presence of Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya. His appointment was also part of the recent administrative reshuffle, replacing VK Saxena, who has been appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. Sandhu had also contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as a BJP candidate. President Droupadi Murmu hosted Members of Parliament from several states including Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Chandigarh, Ladakh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi for breakfast at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Friday.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@rashtrapatibhvn.
Nine human rights organizations have written to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, urging his new government to prioritize human rights on its agenda. In their letter, published today, the groups acknowledged that while Rahman and his Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) face multiple pressing challenges, they have a chance to establish lasting protections for human rights.
Rahman assumed office after a decisive election win in February, conducted under an interim government that had replaced the 15-year administration of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted in 2024 following mass protests. While Hasina’s tenure saw widespread human rights abuses—including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings—the interim government continued to detain political opponents arbitrarily and failed to curb mob violence targeting journalists, religious minorities, and cultural centers, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).
“Tarique Rahman has been entrusted with a broad mandate to deliver change, supported by many Bangladeshis who risked their lives to remove an autocratic regime,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, HRW’s deputy Asia director. “Achieving success will require meaningful reforms to ensure independent institutions uphold the rule of law and accountability, alongside genuine commitment to freedoms such as religion and expression.”
The letter outlined key priorities, including ending arbitrary detention, holding perpetrators of past abuses accountable, dismantling the abusive Rapid Action Battalion, and safeguarding ethnic and religious minorities. The groups also called on the government to protect the rights of over a million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and to establish a strong, independent National Human Rights Commission, providing detailed policy and legislative recommendations.
During the election campaign, the BNP pledged to protect a wide range of rights, including economic rights, by boosting support for health, education, environmental protections, and social security. The nine organizations behind the letter are Amnesty International, Article 19, CPJ, CIVICUS, FIDH, Fortify Rights, Human Rights Watch, Kennedy Human Rights Center, and Techglobal Institute.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@trahmanbnp.
The decision to distribute 50 government appointment letters to families affected by terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has been widely welcomed as an important move toward justice and rehabilitation. The initiative, led by Manoj Sinha, aims to provide employment opportunities and long term support to families who have suffered from the impact of terror related violence. Responding to the development, Tasleema Akhter praised the initiative and described it as a meaningful step toward acknowledging the struggles faced by families affected by terrorism in the region.
In a message shared on the social media platform X, Akhter said that she and the entire team of Association of Terror Victims in Kashmir extended their heartfelt congratulations to the Lieutenant Governor for providing government job appointment letters to members of terror victim families. She noted that the initiative represents justice, dignity and recognition of the hardships endured by these families over the years.
Akhter pointed out that the Association of Terror Victims in Kashmir has continuously worked to highlight the challenges faced by such families. She explained that ATVK has raised their concerns from grassroots communities in Kashmir to international platforms, including discussions at the United Nations Human Rights Council.
According to her, seeing these families receive employment opportunities filled the organisation with pride and emotional satisfaction, as it reflects progress toward their rehabilitation and empowerment. She also expressed appreciation to the Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for what she described as their dedication to supporting families affected by terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Akhter stated that the initiative delivers a strong message that the pain and sacrifices of innocent victims will not be ignored. She added that providing jobs to members of affected families not only ensures economic support but also serves as a mark of respect for their resilience and strength. The Association of Terror Victims in Kashmir described the development as a historic step that demonstrates the nation's solidarity with victims of terrorism and their families.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@tasleemakashmir.
Japan has begun releasing oil from private reserves to stabilize supply as the Iran conflict disrupts the Strait of Hormuz. The release covers 15 days of consumption, while total emergency reserves—including government and private stocks—cover 254 days. The move follows a broader IEA initiative to release 108.6 million barrels across Asia-Oceania. Diplomatic talks are ongoing to secure the waterway. Japan and the US reaffirmed cooperation, but Tokyo and other allies, including Australia, have no immediate plans for naval deployment. Global oil prices continue to rise amid uncertainty.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Melanie Oliveiro presents Episode 2 of her new Made in SG series titled EverNew versus EverGreen. The show features discussions and sometimes debates between industry veterans and younger or emerging talents. Renowned Singaporean jazz musician and Cultural Medallion recipient Jeremy Monteiro shares insights on the growth and evolution of the local jazz scene and talks about his ongoing work as a pianist, singer songwriter, and composer. He is joined by the younger generation of musicians, including multitalented Chok Kerong and flutist Rit Xu, both of whom have also established themselves in the music scene.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
In spring 2003, the initial euphoria over Saddam Hussein’s fall quickly turned into deadly chaos across Iraq. Guardian reporters, whether working independently or embedded with military units, witnessed the violence and disorder firsthand, documenting the rapid shift from jubilation to conflict, looting, and unrest that marked the early days following the invasion and the collapse of Saddam’s regime.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
In Singapore, mental health professionals are noticing a small but increasing number of patients showing delusions, paranoia, or emotional dependence seemingly connected to frequent AI chatbot use. Although “AI psychosis” is not an official medical diagnosis, clinicians acknowledge that the issue is genuine. How does extensive interaction with AI blur the boundaries between reality and reinforcement? Who is most vulnerable, and what signs should families be aware of? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss these questions with Dr. Amelia Sim, Senior Consultant at the Department of Psychosis, Institute of Mental Health.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
On Tuesday morning, the prime minister revealed that Australia will be deploying aircraft, missiles, and personnel to the Gulf amid ongoing conflict in the region. However, Anthony Albanese insists this does not imply that Australia is participating in the war or officially at war. Reged Ahmad discusses with Josh Butler whether Australia is being drawn into what he calls Trump’s “war of choice.”
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian
