The Central Board of Film Certification in India has blocked the screening of the Tunisian film 'The Voyage of Hind Rajab', which was nominated for Best International Feature at this year’s Oscars. The Guardian reported that the board cited 'political sensitivity' as the reason for withholding clearance. The film’s Indian distributor, Manoj Nandwana of Joy Bhiratra Entertainment, said he submitted the film for certification in February, planning a March 6 release before the Oscars. A board member reportedly warned that the film could strain India-Israel relations, a claim Nandwana rejected.

The film, directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, is based on the real-life story of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, who died during an Israeli attack in Gaza in 2024. It premiered at the Venice Film Festival, receiving a 20-minute standing ovation and winning the Silver Lion award. The film has already been released in several Western countries with close ties to Israel.

The decision has sparked strong reactions in India. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized the move on social media, calling it 'shameful' and an attack on freedom of expression. Analysts suggested the decision may reflect India’s growing diplomatic alignment with Israel under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The censor board has not issued an official statement.

India faces severe economic and humanitarian risks from the ongoing Iran war and the prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, despite not being directly involved in the conflict. The strait handles about one-third of global seaborne oil exports, and India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, relies on it for around 2.5 million barrels of crude oil daily. The disruption has already raised global fertilizer prices and threatens India’s agricultural production and food supply.

Nearly 90 percent of India’s crude oil demand is imported, and about half of its annual 9 million tons of urea comes from the Middle East, mainly Oman and Saudi Arabia. The closure of Hormuz has also disrupted liquefied natural gas shipments from Qatar, affecting domestic fertilizer production. Rising fertilizer costs have pushed government subsidies to record levels, while reduced fertilizer use could lower crop yields and increase food prices, potentially driving millions into poverty.

If the conflict continues, India’s GDP growth could fall from 7 to 6 percent, with inflation and current account deficits worsening. Analysts say the crisis exposes India’s dependence on fragile supply chains and underscores the need for long-term food security reforms.

The Indian government has urged citizens not to engage in panic buying of fuel, asserting that the country has sufficient reserves of crude oil, petrol, and diesel. The appeal came as long queues formed at fuel stations across India despite official assurances. The government’s statement followed a sharp rise in global oil prices triggered by Iran’s restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Sujata Sharma, a senior official at India’s Petroleum Ministry, stated that there is no shortage of fuel and asked the public not to believe rumors. However, reports from various parts of the country indicated that many people continued to crowd fuel pumps, fearing potential shortages. One commuter told AFP that he had to wait nearly an hour to refuel.

The government’s reassurance aims to stabilize public sentiment and prevent unnecessary strain on fuel distribution networks as global energy markets remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions involving Iran.

A special court in New Delhi has remanded two Bangladeshi nationals, Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Hossain, to the custody of India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) for 11 days. The pair were arrested in West Bengal and brought to Delhi on transit remand before being presented in court on Tuesday. They are accused of involvement in the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of the Bangladeshi Inquilab Mancha, who was shot dead in Dhaka on December 12, 2025. Authorities said the suspects entered India illegally through the Meghalaya border and were detained while attempting to return to Bangladesh via Bongaon.

During the hearing, the NIA argued that the illegal entry could be linked to a larger conspiracy requiring detailed investigation. The court also raised questions about its jurisdiction over the case. Investigators suspect that the murder might have international dimensions and that the accused may have received shelter or assistance while in India.

Indian intelligence agencies are also examining whether the case is connected to a broader sabotage plan, which has drawn attention to security and diplomatic implications between India and Bangladesh.

Twelve people were killed early Thursday when a bus collided with a lorry in Markapuram district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Police said the crash occurred around 6 a.m. local time, causing the bus to catch fire and resulting in multiple fatalities. The vehicle, operated by Harikrishna Travels, was traveling from Nirmal in Telangana to Nellore when the collision took place.

According to an NDTV report, police initially confirmed eight deaths, several of whom were burned alive, before revising the toll to twelve. Deputy Superintendent of Police Nagraju told a television channel that at least eight people were burned alive and about eighteen injured passengers were taken to hospital. Authorities are still gathering full details of the incident.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the road accident. Officials continue rescue and investigation efforts to determine the exact cause of the collision.

India has resumed importing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Iran for the first time in several years, despite ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Reuters, the shipment became possible after the United States temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil and energy exports. The sanctioned tanker named 'Aurora', carrying Iranian LPG, is expected to arrive soon at Mangalore port on India’s western coast. The cargo will be distributed among three state-owned energy companies: Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation.

India had halted energy imports from Iran in 2019 due to pressure from Western sanctions. The renewed trade comes as energy transport through the Hormuz Strait has been disrupted following the outbreak of war between the United States, Israel, and Iran, leaving India among the most affected countries.

The development highlights India’s efforts to secure energy supplies amid regional instability and fluctuating global sanctions policies.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) West Bengal president Shamik Bhattacharya has threatened to annex Bangladesh’s Jessore and Khulna regions to India, calling on Bangladeshi Hindus for support. He made the remarks on Wednesday during a BJP press conference in Kolkata, where fellow BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, a former ally of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was also present.

During the event, Bhattacharya declared that his party would not allow West Bengal to become “West Bangladesh.” He accused Mamata Banerjee and her associates of attempting to change the state’s identity and stated that the BJP would not permit the construction of a Babri Masjid. He further urged Bangladeshi Hindus to “break Bangladesh” and bring land to India by including Jessore and Khulna.

The statements were made publicly in Kolkata and directly linked to regional political tensions between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee has launched her party’s campaign for the upcoming state assembly elections from the northern region of the state. On Wednesday, she addressed two public meetings in Jalpaiguri district and one in Darjeeling district, where she described the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as 'politically blind'. During her speech in Maynaguri, Banerjee also accused the Election Commission of bias alongside her criticism of the BJP.

Separately, Trinamool Congress’s All India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee made similar allegations against the Election Commission while speaking at a rally in Nandigram. The BJP and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) had already begun their election campaigns earlier.

On the same day, West Bengal’s Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, addressed a workers’ meeting in Ramnagar, East Medinipur, where he blamed the Trinamool Congress government for the deterioration of women’s safety in the state.

The Central Board of Film Certification in India has blocked the screening of the Tunisian film 'The Voyage of Hind Rajab', which was nominated for Best International Feature at this year’s Oscars. According to The Guardian, the board cited 'political sensitivity' as the reason for denying clearance. The film’s Indian distributor, Manoj Nandwana of Joy Bhiratra Entertainment, said he had applied for certification in February with plans to release the film on March 6, before the Oscars. He was reportedly told that the film could strain India-Israel relations, a claim he rejected.

The film, directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, is based on the real-life death of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab during the 2024 Gaza conflict. It premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where it received a 20-minute standing ovation and won the Silver Lion award. News of the ban has sparked strong reactions in India, with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor calling the move 'shameful' and an attack on freedom of expression.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that India’s growing diplomatic alignment with Israel under Prime Minister Narendra Modi may have influenced the censorship decision. The censor board has not issued an official statement on the matter.

A new controversy has emerged in West Bengal, India, over the voter list ahead of the upcoming elections. The Election Commission recently released an additional voter list, prompting questions among political circles and the public. Allegations have surfaced that the publication process lacks transparency, with no clear data on how many new voters were added or removed. Technical issues on the commission’s website have also prevented many from verifying their information.

Some groups have warned that holding elections before completing the voter list update could disenfranchise many voters. The Election Commission has not yet provided a detailed explanation. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing about the deployment of central forces in the state to maintain law and order during the election period, though sections of the opposition have expressed concern.

Major political parties, including the Trinamool Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Indian National Congress, are trading accusations over various issues. Analysts emphasize that transparency in voter list management and administrative measures is essential to maintain public trust and ensure the credibility of the election process.

India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken Faisal Karim and Alamgir to Delhi for further interrogation in connection with the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi. According to police sources, the two accused were flown from Kolkata to Delhi on Monday night and are scheduled to appear before a special NIA court on Tuesday.

On March 22, the NIA sought permission from the Bidhannagar court to interrogate the suspects, which the judge initially approved. However, citing security concerns at Dum Dum Central Jail, the agency filed a new petition on March 23 requesting to conduct the questioning in Delhi. The court granted the request, and the transfer was carried out that night. Earlier, Judge Nishan Majumdar had ordered 12 days of judicial custody for the two, allowing both the West Bengal STF and NIA to question them in jail until April 2.

The accused face charges under Sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, related to planning or supporting terrorist acts. Faisal has denied involvement, claiming political framing and lack of CCTV evidence.

Residents of Jammu and Kashmir in India have launched a humanitarian initiative to support Iran, which they say faces aggression from Israel and the United States. Following Eid-ul-Fitr, relief collection began in Shia-majority areas such as Budgam and Baramulla, where people are donating money, gold and silver jewelry, household items, and even livestock. Women have contributed personal ornaments, and one Kashmiri woman donated a gold memento kept for 28 years in memory of her late husband.

The Iranian Embassy in India shared photos and videos of the donations on social media, praising the compassion of the Kashmiri people. In a message on its X handle, the embassy expressed heartfelt gratitude for the solidarity and humanitarian assistance extended to the Iranian people, saying such kindness will never be forgotten. Videos show community members gathering at local centers to deposit valuables and cash for the relief fund.

The initiative reflects growing grassroots solidarity between Kashmiri communities and Iran during a period of regional tension.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, outlining the government’s response to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He said India is taking steps to safely bring back Indian ships and sailors stranded in the blocked Hormuz Strait. Modi added that he is in talks to reopen the strait and has spoken twice with several West Asian leaders since the war began. A multi-party meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, to discuss the situation.

Modi stated that India is maintaining communication with Iran, Israel, the United States, and other Gulf nations to help stabilize the region through diplomatic dialogue. He emphasized that the government is taking all possible measures to ensure the supply of LPG and other fuels, and to maintain stability if the conflict continues. The government is also encouraging the use of PNG as an alternative to LPG.

The Prime Minister had earlier expressed concern in the Lok Sabha over the impact of the Israel-Iran conflict on India’s interests.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the Lok Sabha on Monday that the country’s gas and energy situation has become alarming due to the ongoing conflict in Central Asia. He described the regional war, now lasting more than three weeks, as a severe global crisis affecting economies and lives worldwide. Modi said the conflict has created unexpected economic, national security, and humanitarian challenges for India.

The Prime Minister expressed concern over disruptions to free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for energy shipments. He reported that India currently holds 5.3 million metric tons of petroleum reserves and aims to raise this to 6.5 million metric tons. India maintains import links with 41 countries to address the energy shortage. Modi added that domestic LPG production is being increased, with priority given to household consumers, as about 60 percent of LPG is imported.

Modi also said he has held two rounds of talks with West Asian leaders, who assured the safety of Indians in the region. Since the war began, 375,000 Indians have returned home safely, including 1,000 from Iran, among them over 700 medical students.

Indian authorities have arrested Sumit Kumar, a 36-year-old employee of the Indian Air Force, on charges of spying for Pakistan. The arrest took place at an Air Force base in Assam following a joint operation by Rajasthan intelligence and Air Force intelligence units. Officials said Kumar admitted to passing sensitive and classified information to Pakistan, including details about aircraft, missile systems, and personnel.

According to Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence) Praful Kumar, the investigation began in January when another suspect was detained in Jaisalmer. Evidence from that case led to Kumar, who worked as a multi-tasking staff member at the Chabua Air Force Station in Dibrugarh, Assam. Police allege that Kumar had been in contact with Pakistani intelligence agents since 2023 and shared information in exchange for money.

Authorities are continuing to question Kumar to determine the full extent of the data breach and identify any additional individuals involved in the espionage network.