The Supreme Court of India rejected a plea seeking a law mandating menstrual leave for women workers and students, saying compulsory leave could harm women’s careers by making employers reluctant to hire them. The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, observed that mandatory provisions might reinforce gender stereotypes and negatively affect job opportunities. While acknowledging menstrual health issues, the court suggested interested authorities could consider policies after stakeholder consultation but declined the Public Interest Litigation (PIL). Judges stressed that voluntary practices are welcome, but legal compulsion may be counterproductive. (PC: X)

IT companies in Kerala’s Technopark are considering shifting to work‑from‑home as local food services struggle due to a commercial LPG shortage triggered by surging oil prices and supply disruptions. The lack of cooking gas has hit eateries and canteens relied upon by tech employees, prompting contingency planning. Internationally, the Trump administration has issued a temporary 30‑day waiver allowing the purchase of Russian oil stranded at sea to stabilize global energy markets amid the ongoing U.S.‑Iran war and rising crude costs. The move aims to ease supply tightness caused by conflict‑related disruptions at key shipping chokepoints. (PC: The Hindu)

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told Parliament that India faces no fuel or energy shortage despite the ongoing Middle East tensions and disruptions in global oil markets. He assured that the government has taken measures to secure crude supplies and maintain stable fuel availability for consumers. However, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi questioned why India appeared to need approval from Donald Trump to purchase Russian oil. Gandhi raised concerns about India’s energy independence during the debate. The exchange comes amid global uncertainty triggered by the Iran-related conflict affecting oil routes and supplies. (PC: X)

An oil tanker bound for India reached Mumbai after briefly going “dark” while crossing the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz. The Liberia-flagged Shenlong Suezmax tanker, carrying Saudi crude, docked at Mumbai Port on Wednesday evening. The ship loaded oil at Ras Tanura Port on March 1 and sailed two days later. Tracking data showed its last signal inside the strait on March 8 before it disappeared from monitoring systems. The signal returned the next day after the vessel cleared the waterway. “Going dark” means switching off the Automatic Identification System that shares a ship’s identity and location. Officials said the tanker is carrying 1,35,335 metric tonnes of crude and unloading has started. (PC: NDTV)

LPG shortages in several cities are forcing food stalls and restaurants to shut or raise prices, with many workers losing jobs. People say the crisis feels similar to the Covid lockdown. Queues outside LPG agencies have grown in cities like Noida. Some cylinders are being sold on the black market for up to Rs 3,000. Small vendors say rising costs are hurting their business. “If the cylinder doesn’t come, we won’t open the shop,” a street vendor said. A gig workers’ union said delivery work has fallen by 50–60% in some cities. The government says domestic supply is being prioritised and urged people to avoid panic buying. (PC: India Today)

National Conference chief and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah survived a gun attack during a wedding function in Jammu on Wednesday night. The incident happened at Royal Park in the Greater Kailash area. Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary was also present at the event. Police arrested the accused, identified as Kamal Singh, a 63-year-old resident of Jammu. He allegedly fired using his licensed gun. During questioning, Singh told police he had planned the attack for many years. “I wanted to kill Farooq Abdullah for the last 20 years. It was my personal agenda,” he said. Police are investigating how the accused reached close to Abdullah. (PC: X)

Several state governments in India have launched crackdowns on hoarding and black-marketing of LPG cylinders after fears of shortages triggered panic buying. Long queues and clashes were reported outside gas agencies in states such as Uttar Pradesh, where authorities conducted raids and sealed agencies accused of irregularities. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered strict action against hoarders. The concerns come amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States, which has disrupted energy supply routes and raised fears of shortages. Some states have allowed restaurants, schools and caterers to temporarily switch to traditional cooking methods such as wood or charcoal to cope with limited commercial LPG supplies. (PC: ANI)

Induction cooktops are going out of stock in many Indian cities as people look for alternatives during the LPG crisis. Quick commerce apps and retail stores in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata reported shortages. Many households are buying electric cooktops due to rising gas prices and refill delays. Retailers said they are selling 50 to 70 units a day because of panic buying. Even induction-compatible utensils are running out in some areas. The government said there is no major shortage of LPG and domestic production has increased. However, fear of supply disruptions linked to the Iran war has pushed many families to switch to electric cooking options.

In an emotional ruling, the Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed passive euthanasia for 32-year-old Harish Rana from Ghaziabad, who has been in a vegetative state since a tragic accident in 2013. For more than a decade, his parents cared for him at home, hoping for a miracle that never came. The court permitted doctors to withdraw life-sustaining treatment, including artificial nutrition given through a feeding tube. Rana will be shifted to AIIMS for palliative care, where the process will take place. The bench said the decision aims to protect the patient’s dignity. The ruling marks a significant step in recognising passive euthanasia in India. (PC: X)

The central government on Wednesday assured that India will maintain 100% domestic LPG supply despite the ongoing West Asia crisis. Officials asked people not to panic or hoard cooking gas cylinders. The government has increased the minimum gap for booking LPG cylinders from 21 to 25 days to prevent panic buying. An inter-ministerial panel said energy imports are continuing from different sources. Natural gas is being redirected to increase LPG production. Refineries have also been asked to boost LPG output. A three-member committee will review the demands of restaurants and hotels facing supply concerns. The government said it is closely monitoring the situation to ensure steady fuel supply. (PC: PTI)