The Hindu Morning Digest: March 26, 2026

Jaishankar defends India’s stand as Opposition targets government on ‘Pakistan mediation’ in West Asia

Parrying the questions raised by the Opposition regarding the reported central role played by Pakistan in mediating between the U.S. and Iran, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday termed the neighbouring country a “dalal” and said that it had been playing this role since 1981.

Iran-Israel war: Iran issues its own ceasefire proposal, calling for war reparations and sovereignty over Strait of Hormuz

Iran has received an American 15-point plan for a ceasefire for the Iran war through intermediaries from Pakistan, officials in Islamabad said Wednesday (March 25, 2026). The proposal was sent even as Washington began to move paratroopers to West Asia to back up a contingent of Marines already heading there.

‘India belongs to its people, not a select few’: Rahul Gandhi meets tribal leaders opposing Great Nicobar project

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has met a delegation of tribal leaders from the Great Nicobar Island who are opposing the Great Nicobar project and assured them that he will raise their issues in Parliament and visit the islands to see the reality on the ground.

40% voters in West Bengal deleted from 32 lakh under adjudication, say sources

A decision has been made on 32 lakh voter records of the 60 lakh under adjudication in West Bengal till Wednesday, according to sources in the State’s Chief Electoral Office.

No refund for last minute cancellation: Railways introduces new ticketing reforms for passengers

In a significant development, the government has announced a revised ticket cancellation system. Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking at Kartavya Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday (March 24, 2026), said the changes introduced under the “Reform Express” initiative are aimed at curbing misuse of the ticketing system and improving access for genuine passengers.

Trump’s use of Pakistan as possible mediator with Iran sparks memories of Nixon’s China talks and Bangladesh liberation

Pakistan’s emergence as Washington’s choice as a mediator in talks with Iran can be explained in a number of ways.

Questions on caste to be notified before second phase of Census 2027: Government

The questions on caste to be asked by enumerators will be notified before the commencement of the second phase of the Census 2027, Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

With NavIC setback, India unable to use satellite system for security purposes: experts

With India’s navigation satellite system — Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) — not fully functional, one of the biggest concerns is that the country will be unable to use it for security and strategic purposes, say experts.

‘He is in a happy place now’: Harish Rana’s last rites conducted, family to donate his organs

“Don’t cry, he is in a happy place now,” said the parents of Harish Rana as they bid farewell to their son one last time on Wednesday (March 25, 2026).

India buys first Iran LPG cargo in years after U.S. eases sanctions, sources say

India ​has bought its first cargo of Iranian liquefied petroleum ⁠gas in years after the U.S. temporarily removed sanctions on Tehran’s oil and refined fuels, LSG trade flows and three industry sources said.

Parliament clears Transgender Bill amid an uproar

The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (March 25, 2026) passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, a day after the Lok Sabha cleared the legislation.

China border patrols went up significantly post Galwan clash, data shows

Patrolling by the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) along the China border has seen a significant rise after the 2020 incident in eastern Ladakh’s Galwan valley when 20 soldiers were killed in violent clashes with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Iran rejects U.S. proposal, sets out conditions to end war

Iran on Wednesday (March 25, 2026) dismissed a U.S. proposal to end the war and set out its own terms for peace, even as it continued trading fire with Israel.

India’s newest citizens caught in SIR adjudication trap

Dinhata residents Manmohan Barman and Md. Mujjamel Khandakar are among India’s newest voters, with their citizenship recognised through an international agreement, but that has not stopped the Election Commission of India from putting them into the uncertain category of “electorate under adjudication” ahead of the West Bengal Assembly election.

India raises clean-energy ambition with 60% non-fossil fuel power goal by 2035

Updating its climate goals, India has pledged that by 2035, 60% of its installed electric capacity will comprise of non-fossil sources.