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HDFC Bank share price plunges over 4% after part-time chairman Atanu Chakraborty’s sudden resignation


HDFC Bank share price plunges over 4% after part-time chairman Atanu Chakraborty's sudden resignation

HDFC Bank share price today: HDFC Bank, the country’s largest private sector bank, saw its stock plunge in trade on Thursday after its part-time chairman Atanu Chakraborty resigned. HDFC Bank’s share opened in red and was trading at Rs 806 at around 9:19 AM, down Rs 37 or 4.39%.The stock movement is in focus after HDFC Bank part-time chairman and independent director Atanu Chakraborty resigned abruptly. The Reserve Bank of India has cleared the appointment of Keki Mistry, former chief executive of HDFC, as interim part-time chairman.In his resignation letter, Chakraborty said that certain developments and practices within the bank over the past two years were not in line with his personal principles and ethical standards. “This is the basis of my aforementioned decision,” he wrote.He noted that his tenure coincided with significant milestones, including the merger with HDFC, which led to the creation of a large financial conglomerate under the bank. This move positioned HDFC Bank as the second-largest lender in India. “Though, the benefits of merger are yet to fully fructify”, he added.Chakraborty joined the board of HDFC Bank in May 2021. Earlier in his career, he held the position of Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, served as an alternate governor on the World Bank Board, and chaired the National Infrastructure Investment Fund. He belongs to the Gujarat cadre of the Indian Administrative Service.After the announcement, the bank’s American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) listed in the US declined by more than 7 per cent overnight, falling to $26.62.Shares of HDFC Bank have been under consistent pressure in recent weeks, declining about 8 per cent over the past month. The weakness extends over a longer horizon as well, with the stock down 13 per cent in the last six months and registering a 15 per cent drop so far this year.For the December quarter, the bank posted an 11 per cent year-on-year rise in standalone net profit, which came in at Rs 18,654 crore, compared with Rs 16,735 crore in the same period last year. The figure exceeded Street expectations of Rs 18,473 crore.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)



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Oil prices today: Crude climbs to $112 as Middle East energy hubs come under attack amid Iran war


Oil prices today: Crude climbs to $112 as Middle East energy hubs come under attack amid Iran war

Global oil prices surged and equity markets weakened on Friday after fresh strikes on energy infrastructure in Iran and in retaliation Islamic Republic escalating threats to key facilities across the Gulf raised concerns over supply disruptions.Natural gas prices increased by more than 5%, while Brent crude rose to $111.19 in early trading and extended its gains by another 4% to around $112 per barrel this morning, edging closer to the initial war peak of $120. US natural gas prices also climbed nearly 5% overnight, according to ET.The benchmark US crude, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), similarly gained over 3%, trading at $99.35 per barrel shortly after the Chicago Mercantile Exchange resumed operations. The rally follows strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field, the world’s largest, and associated facilities at Asaluyeh. Tehran blamed the US and Israel for the attack and warned of retaliatory strikes on energy infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps subsequently published a list of potential targets, including Ras Laffan refinery, an area which has already been targeted and Mesaieed petrochemical complex in Qatar, Samref refinery and Jubail petrochemical complex in Saudi Arabia, and the Al Hosn gas field in the UAE, calling them “direct and legitimate targets.”The escalation has already disrupted energy flows. Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly halted, while production cuts by major oil producers and shutdowns at key LNG facilities in Qatar have tightened supply. Ras Laffan Industrial City, a major LNG hub located about 80 km north of Doha, was hit by missile strikes, causing “extensive damage,” according to QatarEnergy. Emergency teams were deployed to contain fires, and no casualties were reported.Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the attack as a “direct threat” to national security, while its interior ministry confirmed a fire in the Ras Laffan area following an Iranian strike. Evacuations were also reported at LNG installations after Tehran issued warnings of further attacks.Energy experts have said the developments are shifting market focus back to physical supply risks. The South Pars facility alone recorded daily gas production of 730 million cubic metres in 2025, underlining its importance to global supply. The conflict’s impact could extend beyond the region, with countries such as Turkey, which imports over 10% of its gas from Iran, potentially seeking additional LNG cargoes, further tightening global markets.With tensions escalating and key infrastructure under threat, markets are likely to remain volatile amid concerns of prolonged supply disruptions. (with inputs from agencies)



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RIL, HDFC Securities and more: Top stocks to watch on March 19, 2026


RIL, HDFC Securities and more: Top stocks to watch on March 19, 2026

Morgan Stanley maintained its overweight rating on Reliance Industries with the target price at Rs 1,803. Analysts said RIL’s 15-year green ammonia deal signed with Samsung C&T is worth $3 billion that marks monetisation of new energy investments. It’s aligned with the hydrogen and decarbonisation strategy of the company. RIL’s new energy business is valued at about $20 billion. Analysts also expect RIL’s energy earnings to rise further. They also feel the stock is trading at about 62% discount to peers.HDFC Securities initiated its coverage of Ask Automotive with an add rating and a target price of Rs 480. Analysts said the company is valued at about 22x its expected March 2028 earnings per share (EPS). They said premiumization and electrification are increasing content per vehicle. EVs have 30% to 40% higher content than ICE. Analysts also expect exports mix to support margin expansion while wheel assembly exit to support margins beyond FY27. They also see some near-term headwinds from higher raw material costs and said that geopolitical tensions may impact export demand.Nomura has a buy rating on M&M with the target price at Rs 4,662. Analysts attended the company US Investor Day. They said that the management expects continued strength across segments, with PVs growing 19% FY26 year-to-date driven by new launches and sustained SUV demand, with LCVs at 17% YTD led by a strong replacement cycle. Tractor demand remains robust at 23% FY26 YTD, with management indicating no clear historical correlation with El Niño, while the Indian monsoon remains the key variable to monitor. The management also expects to manage commodity pressure in the near term through hedging, pricing and favourable mix. The company indicated that its EV business continued to be earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA)-positive, and margins will be further supported from PLI benefit on XEV 9E and 9S from FY27. They also expect a doubling of current annual volumes will drive EBIT breakeven.Jefferies has a buy rating on Max Healthcare with the target price at Rs 1,320. Analysts attended the company’s management meet. The key takeaways were one-off issues that impacted Oct-Dec quarter were resolved and its expansion plans were largely on track. The management said they were not worried about capacity addition in Delhi-NCR region, as the market is highly underserved. The company is also open to acquisitions to strengthen presence in existing markets and enter new regions, though it’s not a core strategy.Goldman Sachs has a buy rating on L&T with the target price at Rs 4,420, down from Rs 4,950 earlier. Analysts said the stock is down 18% since March 2 (vs sensex down 7%) driven by concerns around execution of the current projects in West Asia, the possibility of reduced capex in the region impacting L&T’s prospect base in FY27 driving lower revenue growth in outer years. Analysts said while the near-term concerns on execution may be valid, they see the medium term prospect base is unlikely to change even though deferral for a few quarters is likely, given the ongoing conflict. They also expect lower revenue for Jan-March quarter (Q4FY26) assuming slower execution over the last two weeks of March 2025. Analysts also feel the company would carry forward weak execution into April-June quarter (Q1FY27). They also expect lower core order inflow for FY27E from 7.7% earlier to 1.1% now assuming almost no ordering in international business for one month.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India.)



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Israel’s AI major in $11 million deal with Indian companies to make UAVs locally


Israel’s AI major in $11 million deal with Indian companies to make UAVs locally

NEW DELHI: An AI-powered robotics and software systems company, XTEND, which is headquartered in Israel with a major base and production facility in US’ Florida, on Tuesday announced that it has signed an $11 million manufacturing and distribution agreement with India-based defence technology company Rayonix Tech for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to expand its AI-enabled autonomy platform XOS into the Indian market.Under the agreement, Rayonix will establish localised manufacturing, testing and distribution capabilities for UAV systems powered by XTEND’s proprietary XOS operating system and supported by a technology transfer and operational enablement programme. Significantly, XTEND is the same company that had last year bagged a contract to supply the Israeli army with 5,000 assault drones.XTEND’s XOS operating system will serve as the software backbone of UAV systems manufactured by Rayonix in India. The platform enables human-guided autonomy across multi-domain robotic systems and integrates AI-driven navigation, mission planning and real-time operational control.Rayonix has been made XTEND’s exclusive manufacturing and distribution partner for selected platforms in India. This agreement is part of XTEND’s broader strategy to expand its software-defined autonomy ecosystem through regional manufacturing partnerships that enable sovereign deployment under a broader unified software architecture.“India represents one of the fastest growing defence technology markets globally, with increasing demand for sovereign manufacturing and AI-enabled autonomous systems,” said Aviv Shapira, CEO and co-founder of XTEND, which is currently merging with the US-listed firm JFB Construction Holdings. “Through this partnership we are demonstrating our ability to enable sovereign manufacturing ecosystems while preserving the integrity of our software-first autonomy architecture.Amit Pande, MD of Rayonix, said, “This partnership represents an important step towards bringing XTEND’s battle-proven autonomous capabilities to India. Through localised manufacturing, Rayonix looks forward to enabling these technologies in India while contributing to the country’s broader make-in-India vision for advanced defence capabilities.”



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Water motor led to blaze? 3 kids among 9 of family killed in Delhi’s Palam building fire; 3 residents jump from top floors | Delhi News


At Least 9 Killed In Massive Building Fire Near Palam Metro As Rescue Operations Continue In Delhi

NEW DELHI: A deadly inferno tore through a residential-cum-commercial building in southwest Delhi’s Palam area on Wednesday morning, claiming the lives of nine family members, including three children. Three residents jumped from the top floors and are now battling for life at hospital.The fire was likely sparked by a short circuit on the ground floor, an initial probe suggested. A detailed investigation involving police, fire dept and govt is on. The building was owned by businessman and Sadhnagar market association president Rajender Kashyap (70), who had gone to Goa for work two days prior to the incident. He returned on Wednesday to find his family members dead.

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At Least 9 Killed In Massive Building Fire Near Palam Metro As Rescue Operations Continue In Delhi

3 kids among 9 of family killed in Delhi's Palam building fire

While 12 people were pulled from the wreckage and rushed to various medical facilities, nine of them were either declared dead on arrival or succumbed to injuries later.The blaze at the building, located in WZ block in Ram Chowk Market, broke out around 7am and a thick cloud of smoke soon engulfed the four-storeyed building. The emergency response team involved 30 fire tenders and 100 firefighters, who battled the blaze for hours. They were supported by 11 CATS ambulances, police as well as personnel from NDRF. The building housed a cloth and cosmetics showroom named ‘Pravesh Moderate’ in the basement, ground floor and first floor, while the family lived on second and third floors. The presence of large stockpiles of garments and cosmetic items acted as fuel to fire. As the flames engulfed lower floors, upper floors became a death trap for the residents. “Seven bodies were recovered from a hall on the third floor, while two bodies were found from a bathroom of the building,” the officer said. After the postmortems, nine bodies have been cremated. Businessman Yogesh Sharma, an eyewitness, said they tried to break open the showroom shutter to rescue those trapped inside. “My son was on his way to his college when he alerted me about the blaze at the shop. Along with other residents, I rushed to the spot. It took nearly 4 to 5 hours to bring the fire under control,” he said.While police claimed that the residents of the building were awake at the time of the incident, locals said they were sleeping and were alerted by other residents.“We came to know that the water motor had been left switched on, which may have caused a spark,” resident Ramesh Kumar said. However, the police said they are still investigating the cause of the fire.At Manipal Hospital, eight victims were identified: Lado Devi, (70), 33-year-old Pravesh, 39-year-old Kamal, 35-year-old Ashu, Himanshi (22) and three minor girls Niharika (15), Ivani (6) , and Jessica (3). At IG Hospital, 28-year-old Deepika was declared dead. Three others are currently battling for life, including 32-year-old Anil and 2-year-old Mitali at IGI Hospital. Sachin, 29, was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital with 25% burn injuries.According to family members, Deepika is suspected to have died of suffocation even though she suffered some burns. Anil and Mitali survived after Anil threw Mitali from the fourth floor and jumped thereafter. Mitali sustained fractures in both her legs after the fall while Anil sustained head injuries. Sachin also survived the fire with injuries after jumping to an adjacent house.A case under sections 287 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter), 125 (Act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 106 (1) (Causing death by negligence) of BNS has been registered. The fire was doused by evening after which cooling and search operations were initiated. Compensation packages have been announced by Delhi govt and PMO. PMO said compensation of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, while those injured will receive Rs 50,000. Delhi govt announced additional monetary support, including Rs 10 lakh for the families of deceased adults, Rs 5 lakh for the families of deceased minors, and Rs 2 lakh for each seriously injured.



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“She Likes Pedos”: Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce’s Secretive Gold Party Night Triggers Fan Outrage | NFL News


“She Likes Pedos”: Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce’s Secretive Gold Party Night Triggers Fan Outrage
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce attended Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s exclusive Oscars afterparty, where Swift was seen dancing and mingling with A-list stars. The appearance sparked mixed fan reactions online. While some celebrated the star-studded moment, others questioned her presence, with comments like “I don’t understand why she went,” highlighting curiosity, criticism, and ongoing debate across social media.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce didn’t just attend another Oscars afterparty. They walked into one of Hollywood’s most guarded rooms and instantly became part of the night’s biggest talking point. The couple’s appearance at Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s ultra-private “Gold Party” at Chateau Marmont quickly spilled beyond celebrity circles and into social media, where fans and critics dissected every detail.Inside the venue, the mood felt electric. A source told PEOPLE, “Everyone was in a celebrity mood and people were swarming around Michael B. Jordan. Taylor was dancing with her friends and having a great time.” That image alone set off a wave of reactions online, with fans imagining Swift balancing pop stardom and NFL fame while blending into a room full of Oscar winners.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Oscars afterparty appearance sparks wild fan reactions online

When word of the party got out, people on social media had a lot of different things to say. Some fans were happy about the crossover between music, sports, and movies, while others were upset about how exclusive the guest list was.One user wrote, “Stars mingle at exclusive Oscars party,” capturing the fascination around the elite gathering. Another fan flooded the replies with emojis, reflecting excitement without words. But not every reaction was positive.A Spanish-speaking user commented, “No entiendo por qué fue a esa fiesta,” which translates to, “I don’t understand why she went to that party.” The sentiment echoed a broader curiosity about Swift’s presence in such tightly curated Hollywood spaces..More controversial remarks also surfaced, including one that read, “So she likes pedos too,” showing how quickly online discourse can turn harsh and speculative, even without context..Still, a lot of fans looked at the bigger picture. Swift and Beyoncé have been supporting each other for a long time, which made their interaction feel less surprising and more like a continuation of a quiet friendship between two famous people.At the same time, Kelce’s presence showed that he was becoming more comfortable in the entertainment world. From NFL stadiums to Oscar afterparties, his transition into celebrity culture seems almost seamless.In the end, the night wasn’t just about who attended. It became a reflection of how modern fame works. One appearance, one party, and suddenly the internet has a story to debate.

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‘Siren has been sounded’: Bahrain urges residents to take shelter as Iran vs US-Israel war escalates


'Siren has been sounded': Bahrain urges residents to take shelter as Iran vs US-Israel war escalates
Why Are Sirens Blaring in Bahrain? Residents Urged to Seek Shelter Amidst Escalating Iran vs US-Israel War

Panic and urgency gripped Bahrain as warning sirens echoed across the country, with authorities issuing an immediate advisory urging residents to seek shelter. The alert, issued by the Interior Ministry, called on citizens and residents to remain calm but head to the nearest safe place without delay, signalling yet another escalation in the rapidly intensifying Iran vs US–Israel war.The development marks a continuation of a worrying pattern across the Gulf, where emergency alerts, missile interceptions and aerial threats are becoming increasingly frequent, transforming what was once distant geopolitical tension into an immediate, lived reality for civilians.

What happened in Bahrain amid Iran vs US–Israel war?

According to official statements, Bahrain’s Interior Ministry activated the national siren system, warning residents of a potential threat and advising them to take precautionary measures. The alert was clear and urgent: stay calm, avoid open areas, and move to a safe location immediately.Taking to their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior stated, “The siren has been sounded . Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place (sic).” This was not an isolated incident. Reports indicate that sirens have sounded multiple times in recent days, highlighting the frequency and seriousness of the situation as regional tensions continue to escalate. In a region already on edge, the sound of sirens has become a powerful symbol that signals not just a warning but the possibility of imminent danger.

Bahrain and other Gulf countries on edge amid Iran vs US-Israel war

Bahrain’s alert comes amid a broader wave of military escalation across the Middle East. Since late February this year, the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has intensified dramatically, with missile and drone attacks spreading beyond traditional conflict zones. Tehran’s retaliatory strikes have reportedly targeted multiple locations across the region, including areas hosting strategic infrastructure and military assets.For Gulf nations like Bahrain, home to key installations and located in close proximity to major flashpoints, the risk is no longer theoretical. It is immediate. The activation of sirens is one of the most serious steps a government can take in a civilian context. Unlike mobile alerts or advisories, sirens signal urgent and real-time danger, are designed to reach people instantly, regardless of connectivity and often indicate incoming threats or nearby incidents.In Bahrain, the siren system follows a structured protocol:

  • Initial siren means warning to seek shelter
  • Follow-up signal means all-clear notification

The fact that such systems are being used repeatedly underscores the gravity of the current situation. What makes this moment particularly significant is how quickly alerts are turning into real-world consequences. Across the Gulf in recent days:

  • Missile threats have triggered emergency phone alerts
  • Air defence systems have intercepted incoming projectiles
  • Explosions and sonic booms have been reported in major cities

Bahrain’s sirens fit into this pattern as a region transitioning from heightened vigilance to active threat response.

A timeline of the escalating tension amid Iran vs US-Israel war

To understand how quickly things have escalated –

  • Late February: US-Israel strikes on Iran
  • Early March: Iran launches retaliatory attacks
  • Mid-March: Gulf countries face repeated alerts and interceptions
  • Now: Sirens sound in Bahrain, urging immediate shelter

Each step has brought the conflict closer to civilian life. The sounding of sirens in Bahrain is a stark reminder that the Iran vs US–Israel conflict is no longer distant; it is happening in real time, across borders and within civilian spaces.

A new normal in the Gulf amid Iran vs US-Israel war?

The repeated activation of sirens raises a critical question: is this becoming the new normal? In just a short span, Bahrain has sounded alarms multiple times, neighbouring countries have issued emergency advisories and civilian populations are being trained implicitly to respond quickly. This marks a shift from isolated incidents to a sustained period of instability, where preparedness is no longer optional. Alerts are becoming frequent, threats are becoming immediate and civilian preparedness is now critical. As sirens continue to echo across the Gulf, the region is clearly entering a phase where warning systems are no longer precautionary, they are essential.Authorities have issued clear guidance for those in Bahrain to remain calm, move to the nearest safe or enclosed space, avoid open areas and follow only official updates. The emphasis on calm is particularly important as in crisis situations, panic can be as dangerous as the threat itself. Bahrain’s sirens are not just about one alert, they are part of a larger narrative unfolding across the Middle East. The region is currently facing military escalation (missiles, drones, retaliatory strikes), civilian exposure (alerts, sirens, safety advisories) and economic uncertainty (energy markets, infrastructure risks). Together, these elements point to a conflict that is expanding in both scope and impact.



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Rory Mcilroy Masters Menu: Rory McIlroy Reveals Masters Menu Story With Elk Sliders Irish Champ And Emotional Childhood Memories After Historic Grand Slam Win | International Sports News


Rory McIlroy Reveals Masters Menu Story With Elk Sliders Irish Champ And Emotional Childhood Memories After Historic Grand Slam Win
Rory McIlroy Reveals Masters Menu Story With Elk Sliders Irish Champ And Emotional Childhood Memories After Historic Grand Slam Win (Image via Getty Images)

The menu is out, and Rory McIlroy has made it personal. Just days before The Masters begins, the world No. 2 has shared what he will serve at the famous Champions Dinner. And it is not just about food. It tells a story about his life, his childhood, and his journey to finally winning the green jacket. The dinner will take place on April 7 at Augusta National Golf Club. It happens two days before the tournament starts. Only past champions attend, along with Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley. As last year’s winner, McIlroy gets to choose the full menu.His choices quickly caught attention. From elk sliders to Irish comfort food, the menu mixes luxury with simple memories. Some dishes are inspired by top restaurants, while others come straight from his childhood. It is a mix that feels both new and deeply personal. And as fans looked closer, one thing became clear. Every item on the menu has a reason behind it.

Rory McIlroy’s Masters dinner menu features elk sliders and tribute to his mother and childhood

Rory McIlroy did not just pick random dishes. He built this menu step by step, using parts of his life as inspiration. For starters, he chose yellowfin tuna carpaccio, inspired by Le Bernardin, a well-known restaurant he likes. But then, he added something unusual. Elk sliders are part of the appetisers. He explained why, saying, “In the build up to the Masters last year, I was eating a lot of elk. I got this big shipment of elk, and I was eating a lot of that.Still, he knew not everyone might like it as a main dish. So he added, “[But] I didn’t want elk to be the main course, because I didn’t know if everyone would like that, so I incorporated it into the appetisers.” Along with that, guests will also get rock shrimp tempura, peach and ricotta flatbread, and bacon-wrapped dates. That last dish is very special. It comes from his mother’s recipe, making it an emotional part of the menu.For the main course, McIlroy has kept things balanced. Guests can choose between Wagyu filet mignon or seared salmon. On the side, he included Irish champ, a dish close to his heart. He shared, “When I was a kid, I used to eat champ by the bowl full. So I’m trying to tie in a little bit of my upbringing.”His close friend Shane Lowry also helped him pick the wines. One of them is a 1990 Bordeaux, known for its high value. To finish, McIlroy went with a classic dessert. Sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream and warm toffee sauce.This dinner also marks a special moment in his career. Last year, McIlroy finally won The Masters after many attempts. He beat Justin Rose in a playoff and completed his career Grand Slam. So this menu is not just about taste. It is about where he came from, what he achieved, and the people who shaped his journey.

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PM speaks to Kuwait Crown Prince, condemns Iran attacks | India News


PM speaks to Kuwait Crown Prince, condemns Iran attacks

NEW DELHI: India’s continued engagement with the Gulf saw PM Narendra Modi speaking to Kuwait Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and underlining the significance of safe navigation through Strait of Hormuz and condemning the Iranian attacks on Kuwait.This was the second time Modi spoke to the Crown Prince since the US-Israel strikes on Iran on Feb 28. The PM had on Tuesday spoken to UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to condemn the attacks and to stress the need for efforts to ensure safe passage through the key energy route. Modi also conveyed Eid greetings to both leaders.“We exchanged views on the evolving situation in West Asia and shared concerns over recent developments. Reiterated India’s condemnation of attacks on Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remains our foremo-st priority,” said the PM on X.“We agreed that sustained diplomatic engagement remains essential for regional peace and stability. I thanked him for continued support for the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Kuwait,” he added.In 2024-25, Kuwait accounted for about 3.5% of India’s total energy needs, ranking as India’s sixth largest crude supplier and fifth largest LPG source. The PM is likely to speak to the leaders of other GCC countries in the next few days.



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Bus Body Code issue: Rahul flags cost burden; Gadkari stresses safety | India News


Bus Body Code issue: Rahul flags cost burden; Gadkari stresses safety

NEW DELHI: On Wednesday, road transport minister Nitin Gadkari had surprise visitors at his chamber in the Lok Sabha. Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, accompanied by a delegation of small truck and bus body builders from Rajasthan reached his office seeking relaxations in the Bus Body Code as they flagged new standards and excessive fees could drive many small manufacturers out of business.Officials said Gadkari, in response, said that the decision to tighten safety norms was taken following a spate of bus fire incidents which have claimed lives. “The minister said relaxing any norms that would pose risk to passengers can’t be allowed and there is a need for professionalism in building bus and truck bodies in the country. However, he said that govt will take steps to make the process of getting approval easy,” one of them said.People who were present in the chamber during Gandhis meeting with Gadkari said that the minister highlighted the need to shift from using “hammers” (hathoda) in building bus bodies to improve the system so that there are no compromises made in safety parameters. “Rahul said that the people engaged in bus body building using hammers have skill and talent. All this happened on a lighter note,” said one of them.During the discussion, the minister pointed out that authorities had issued notices to manufacturers on seven occasions, but the lack of corrective action forced govt to take strict measures.Following the meeting with Gadkari, Priyanka Gandhi told reporters, “The truck and bus body builders faced the problem that they have to incur significant expenses to obtain licenses, and the process is also extremely time-consuming. Gadkari has assured us that he will resolve their issues expeditiously.”



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