Top news of the day: March 23, 2026

Trump says postponing Iran power plant strikes for five days after ‘very good’ talks

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday (March 23, 2026) that the ‌U.S. has had good and ⁠productive conversations with Iran, and he will order the ‌military to postpone any military strikes ‌against Iranian power ‌plants ⁠and energy infrastructure for ⁠five days. However, Iran’s Tasnim news ‌agency, citing an Iranian official, ⁠said that the Strait ‌of Hormuz will ‌not return ‌to ⁠pre-war conditions ⁠and energy markets will remain unsettled, adding ‌that no negotiations with the ‌U.S. are underway.

West Asia situation ‘worrisome’, having adverse impact on economy, people: PM Modi in Lok Sabha

PM Modi, addressing the Lok Sabha on Monday (March 23, 2026) on key aspects of the ongoing West Asia conflict, termed the prevailing situation in West Asia “worrisome” as it is having a very adverse impact on the global economy and the livelihoods of people. “The current situation in West Asia is worrisome. This crisis has been going on for more than three weeks, having a very adverse impact on the global economy and on people’s lives. The entire world is urging all parties to resolve this crisis as quickly as possible,” PM Modi said.

Two more Indian-flagged LPG tankers set to cross Strait of Hormuz

Two more Indian-flagged LPG tankers have started their journey from the Persian Gulf and are expected to cross the war-hit Strait of Hormuz before heading to Indian ports, ship tracking data showed. LPG tankers Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, sailing close to each other on Monday (March 23, 2026) afternoon, were near the waters between Iran’s Larak and Qeshm islands — possibly to make their identity clear to Iranian authorities before they cross the Strait. The two ships were among the 22 Indian-flagged vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf after the war in West Asia nearly closed the Strait of Hormuz — the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that connects the oil- and gas-producing Gulf countries to the rest of the world.

Nothing left in matter: Supreme Court disposes plea by Sonam Wangchuk’s wife against his detention

The Supreme Court on Monday (March 23, 2026) disposed of a plea filed by Gitanjali J. Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, against the latter’s detention under the National Security Act (NSA). A Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and PB Varale noted that the Centre revoked its order of Mr. Wangchuk’s detention on March 14. The court said there was nothing left in the matter. Earlier, the top court had asked the Centre if there was any possibility for the government to relook at the detention of Mr. Wangchuk, considering his health condition.

No proposal for complete loan waiver for farmers: Sitharaman

There is no proposal of a complete loan waiver for farmers under consideration with the Central Government, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed Parliament on Monday (March 23, 2026). However, she said, the government has taken several measures to strengthen the economic conditions of the farmers, including timely and adequate credit through Kisan Credit Card (KCC), wherein crop loan up to ₹3 lakh is provided at subsidised interest rates under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS), with additional incentives for timely repayment.

PM Modi did not say anything new, discussion on West Asia should happen in Parliament: Priyanka Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not say anything new in his statement on the West Asia situation in the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra asserted on Monday (March 23, 2026) and demanded a Parliament discussion so all sides can put forward their views in the matter. The Prime Minister said in his statement that the security of Indians has been the government’s biggest priority in times of conflict, and the Centre is sensitive, vigilant and also ready to extend every assistance. He also termed the situation “worrisome” with an adverse impact on the global economy and the livelihoods of people.

Gold, silver crash over 7% amid West Asia tensions

Gold and silver prices in the domestic market witnessed a sharp decline of more than 7% on Monday (March 23, 2026) amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, global economic concerns and a strengthening U.S. dollar, which has shifted investor interest away from precious metals. Gold prices fell sharply during the session, dropping from ₹1,40,158 in the opening trade to ₹1,29,595, and currently trading at ₹134 marking a steep fall of over 7%. Silver prices also saw a similar trend, declining by more than 7% and trading at ₹2,09,797 per kg after hitting a low of ₹1,99,643 during the day, indicating high volatility in the market.

Air Force staffer arrested for spying for Pakistani handlers, sharing sensitive information

A civilian employee posted at an Indian Air Force station in Assam has been arrested for allegedly spying and sharing sensitive information with Pakistani handlers, Rajasthan Intelligence said on Sunday (March 22, 2026) .Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence) Prafull Kumar said the accused was arrested in a joint operation by Rajasthan Intelligence and Air Force Intelligence. Investigation began with the arrest of a suspect from Jaisalmer in January 2026, which led to the identification of Sumit Kumar (36), a resident of Uttar Pradesh, currently posted as a multi-tasking staff (MTS) at the Air Force Station in Chabua, Dibrugarh.

Assam Minister Nandita Gorlosa joins Congress after BJP denies ticket

Former BJP leader and Assam Minister Nandita Gorlosa joined Congress on Sunday (March 22, 2026) after being denied a ticket for the single-phase Assam Assembly polls scheduled to be held on April 9, 2026. Her decision came shortly after she submitted a formal resignation letter to Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia, stepping down from her ministerial responsibilities and primary membership of the party with immediate effect.

First randomisation EVMs, VVPATs carried out in Tiruchi and Perambalur districts

The first randomisation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) units to be used in the nine Assembly constituencies in Tiruchi district and two Assembly constituencies in Perambalur district were carried out on Monday. The exercise was held at the Tiruchi and Perambalur District Collectorates. General Observers, District Election Officer / District Collector of the two districts and representatives of various political parties were present.

Slovenia’s liberals and populists neck and neck, preliminary results show

Slovenia’s governing liberals and opposition right-wing populists were neck and neck after a highly contested parliamentary election on Sunday (March 22, 2026), near-complete preliminary results showed, heralding a period of political uncertainty in the small European Union country. Prime Minister Robert Golob’s centre-left Freedom Movement won 28.5% of the votes while the right-wing Slovenian Democratic Party, or SDS, led by ex-premier Janez Jansa — an admirer of U.S. President Donald Trump — had 28.1%, the State Election Commission said after counting some 99% of the ballots.

London Jewish community ambulances set ablaze in suspected hate crime, police say

Four ambulances belonging to a Jewish ‌community organisation in north London were set ablaze ​in a suspected antisemitic hate ⁠crime, police said on Monday (March 23, 2026). “An investigation has been launched after four ambulances belonging to the Jewish Community ‌Ambulance service were set on fire in Golders Green,” Metropolitan Police said in ‌a statement. “Officers remain on scene and ‌the ⁠arson attack is being treated as ⁠an antisemitic hate crime.”

IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Full list of players, schedule and full support staff

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season will start on March 28. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has reached the IPL final four times (2009, 2011, 2016, 2025) and returned home with the trophy only once- in 2025 .After 18 years, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their maiden title. However, the celebrations following the historic victory were overshadowed by a tragic stampede in Bengaluru. During a large public celebration near M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, a sudden crowd surge triggered a stampede, leading to 11 deaths

Published – March 23, 2026 06:38 pm IST