Top News of the day: U.S. may remove sanctions on Iranian oil stranded in tankers, says Trade Secretary Bessent; Bird flu confirmed in Kerala’s Alappuzha, and more

U.S. may remove sanctions on Iranian oil stranded in tankers, Bessent says

The U.S. ‌may soon remove sanctions from ⁠Iranian oil that is ‌stranded on tankers ‌to help ‌lift ⁠global supplies ⁠and reduce prices, U.S. Treasury Secretary ‌Scott Bessent said on Thursday (March 19, 2026). “In the ‌coming days, we may unsanction ⁠the Iranian oil that’s ‌on the water. It’s about 140 million ‌barrels,” Mr. Bessent told Fox Business Network’s “Mornings with ⁠Maria” programme.

Bird flu confirmed in Kerala’s Alappuzha; 5,961 birds to be culled

Bird flu (H5N1) has been confirmed in Ward 7 of Muhamma grama panchayat in Alappuzha district of Kerala, prompting authorities to initiate containment measures in line with the Government of India’s 2021 action plan, officials on Thursday (March 19, 2026) said. Over 5,000 birds are set to be culled.

Vessels carrying Russian Urals to reach India on March 21

Aqua Titan Vessel, carrying Russian Urals, charted by Mangalore Refineries and Petrochemicals, is expected to reach the New Mangalore Port on Saturday (March 21, 2026), said Rajesh Kumar Sinha, the Special Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Rahul Gandhi appeals to people of Delhi’s Uttam Nagar to maintain peace; accuses BJP of fanning violence

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday (March 19, 2026) said the people of Uttam Nagar do not want any bloodshed as they have already paid a heavy price for violence and urged the people of Delhi not to fall for any provocation as the country’s strength lies in its unity and brotherhood.

Supreme Court orders fresh HC hearing for a convict who complained of unfairness after a 20-year bail and reduced prison term

A man complained of “unfair treatment” after spending 20 years out on bail in a murder case, saying the lawyer who fought to reduce his life imprisonment to a five-year prison term was appointed by the Jharkhand High Court as amicus curiae behind his back. A Bench headed by Justice Dipankar Datta, while sending the man’s appeal for a fresh hearing before the High Court, has said, in a recent judgment, that the case reminded them of the expression “give him an inch and he will ask for a mile”.

Bowing before Lord Ram same as paying homage to Mother India: President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday (March 19, 2026) termed key milestones associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple as “golden moments” in the country’s history, while asserting that bowing before Lord Ram and paying homage to Mother India are synonymous.

EC’s ‘arbitrary’ transfer of officials is political interference of highest order: Mamata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stepped up her attack on the Election Commission, saying on Thursday (March 19, 2026) that the poll body’s “arbitrary removal of more than 50 senior officials” in the State is “political interference of the highest order”.

Atanu Chakraborty’s resignation: HDFC board members assert bank’s corporate governance ‘robust’

Following the resignation of HDFC Bank chairman Atanu Chakraborty, the bank’s board members, on a conference call with journalists on Thursday (March 19, 2026), said that they were “baffled” by the resignation. “We are not sure what triggered the resignation,” said Sashidhar Jagdishan, MD and CEO of HDFC Bank.

Israel will not attack Iranian gas field any more: U.S. President Donald Trump

A day after Israel attacked energy facilities in Iran’s South Pars gas field and Tehran retaliated by hitting energy infrastructure in three Persian Gulf countries, U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday (March 19, 2026) said the U.S. was not part of the Israeli attack and that Tel Aviv will not target the Iranian gas field any more.

Iran slams France’s Macron over West Asia war stance

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday (March 19, 2026) criticised French President Emmanuel Macron, accusing him of failing to condemn Israel and the United States’ war with the Islamic republic, while voicing concern over Tehran’s retaliation.

IPL 2026: Jolt for CSK as hamstring injury lays Ellis low

Chennai Super Kings suffered a big blow ahead of the IPL 2026, with Nathan Ellis set to be ruled out of the competition. The 31-year-old Australian fast bowler has suffered a hamstring injury and won’t recover in time. “It is a big blow for us. Ellis is a crucial bowler, especially in the death overs. We are looking at replacements,” said CSK CEO K.S. Viswanthan to The Hindu on Thursday during an event to announce Kauvery Hospitals as an official partner of the team.

Crude Oil futures rise ₹74 to ₹9,067 per barrel; Brent touches $116

Crude oil prices rose ₹74 to ₹9,067 per barrel in futures trade on Thursday (March 19, 2026) amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia and concerns over supply disruptions. Brent Crude futures crossed $116 per barrel in the overseas trade as fresh attacks on key energy infrastructure in the region heightened fears of a tight global supply.