Thousands of people joined a shutdown and street protests in Ladakh on Monday. Markets remained closed in Leh and Kargil as people marched with banners. The protest was called by the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. Protesters demanded statehood for Ladakh and protection under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. ABL co-chairman Cherring Dorjay Lakrook said the protest remained peaceful. “We will not stop demanding what is rightfully ours,” he said. This was the first major protest since demonstrations in September last year linked to activist Sonam Wangchuk. (PC: The Indian Express)

The government has assured that LPG supply across India remains steady despite concerns about shortages. Officials said oil companies are delivering around 50 lakh LPG cylinders every day. Consumers have been urged to avoid panic buying and use online booking systems for cylinder delivery. Authorities are also monitoring rumours, hoarding and black marketing of cooking gas. Meanwhile, LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi, carrying about 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG, have crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are on their way to India. The situation has affected some sectors, with restaurants, hostels and schools warning of possible disruptions if gas supplies tighten further.

At least 10 patients were killed after a massive fire broke out at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, early Monday. The fire started around 3 am on the first floor of the trauma care unit, where 23 patients were admitted. Thick smoke quickly spread through the ICU, causing panic. Seven patients died inside the ward, while three others died later after inhaling smoke. Eleven hospital staff were injured during rescue efforts. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after several hours. Authorities suspect a short circuit in the ICU’s air conditioner or medical equipment caused the fire. The Odisha government has ordered a judicial inquiry.

India’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry has announced that households with piped natural gas (PNG) connections will no longer be allowed to keep or refill LPG cylinders. The rule aims to prevent duplication of domestic gas connections and reduce pressure on LPG supplies during global energy disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict. Oil marketing companies have been instructed not to provide new LPG connections or refills to consumers who already receive piped gas. The government said the move will help ensure sufficient LPG availability for households that depend entirely on cylinders for cooking fuel across the country. (PC: HT)

The Centre on Saturday revoked the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act. He was later released from Jodhpur Central Jail. Wangchuk was detained in October 2025 and later shifted to a jail in Rajasthan under the NSA. The government had accused him of inciting unrest during protests. The Ministry of Home Affairs said the decision was taken after due consideration. “The Government remains committed to fostering an environment of peace, stability, and mutual trust in Ladakh,” the ministry said. His wife Gitanjali J. Angmo earlier said he would avoid agitation after release and continue the movement through dialogue. (PC: The Hindu)

The Indian government has assured that petrol and diesel are adequately available across the country despite concerns triggered by the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States. Authorities said fuel supply chains remain stable and oil marketing companies have sufficient stocks to meet domestic demand. Citizens have been urged not to panic-buy or hoard fuel, as such actions could disrupt normal distribution. India has also increased crude sourcing from regions outside the Strait of Hormuz to reduce dependence on Middle East routes. Officials added that strict measures are in place to prevent black marketing and ensure uninterrupted fuel availability nationwide. (PC: Representative Image)

Akasa Air has announced a fuel surcharge on domestic and international flight tickets starting March 15 as rising oil prices strain the aviation sector. The increase comes amid global energy market volatility triggered by the Iran–Israel war 2026, which has disrupted crude oil and LPG supply routes. Meanwhile, the Indian naval vessel INS Shivalik is escorting an LPG tanker carrying about 55,000 tonnes of cargo—roughly equivalent to nearly one day of India’s LPG imports. Authorities are closely monitoring energy supplies as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten global shipping and fuel availability. (PC: The Hindu)

The Indian government has revoked the detention of Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act, drawing mixed reactions from political leaders and activists. Vinai Kumar Saxena welcomed the decision, urging peaceful dialogue and stressing that violence should have no place in the region. Meanwhile, activist Sajjad Kargili said the release is positive but the movement for Ladakh’s rights and autonomy will continue. Wangchuk had been detained since September 2025 after protests in Leh turned violent, resulting in four deaths and several injuries, intensifying demands for constitutional safeguards for the region. (PC: HT)

Amid escalating tensions and travel disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict, Government of India has announced a free 30-day visa extension for foreign nationals currently in the country. The decision aims to help travellers stranded due to airspace closures and flight cancellations across the region. Authorities said overstay penalties from February 28 will be waived, and affected visitors will receive exit permits without additional charges when flights resume. India will also provide Temporary Landing Permits for passengers whose flights are diverted to the country. The move seeks to ease difficulties faced by international travellers during the ongoing crisis affecting regional aviation. (PC: X)

A new survey by India Karuna Collaborative and YouGov reveals that a significant portion of young Indians place high importance on animal welfare. The study found that 54% of respondents aged 18–30 consider animal welfare crucial, and more than half are willing to pay higher prices for ethically sourced meat, dairy, and eggs. While many youth recognise farmed animal sentience and demand greater transparency in farming conditions, misconceptions about industrial agriculture persist. The findings suggest a growing empathy-driven consumer mindset among India’s youth and point to potential support for welfare‑focused reforms in policy and business practices.