Here are the top 5 updates of the day:

Iran returned a Pakistan-bound ship trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz

Iran detained and returned Pakistan-bound container ship SELEN in the Strait of Hormuz, citing non-compliance with legal protocols and lack of prior approval. IRGC navy chief Alireza Tangsiri said all ships must coordinate with Iran’s maritime authorities, saying the move should be seen as an enforcement of national sovereignty over the strategic waterway.Amid rising Gulf tensions, Iran has tightened controls on the Strait of Hormuz – through which about 20% of global oil flows – while allowing passage to “non-hostile” ships that follow its security rules and coordinate with authorities.Read the full story

Center orders conversion of gas pipelines wherever available

The Center has introduced a policy requiring households in areas with piped natural gas (PNG) to switch to LPG, thereby stopping the supply of cylinders there. The move, issued under the 2026 Gas Delivery Order, aims to expand the gas network, reduce dependence on a single fuel source and deal with global oil supply disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis.The order aims to promote energy security by fast-tracking pipeline infrastructure, simplifying approvals and promoting the shift from LPG to PNG. It also seeks to optimize LPG distribution by redirecting supply to areas without pipeline access.Read the full story

After Uttarakhand, Uniform Civil Code Bill passed in Gujarat

Gujarat has passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026, introducing a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption across all communities. It has become the second state after Uttarakhand to implement UCC. Union Home Minister Amit Shah welcomed the move, calling it a historic step towards ensuring equality and reaffirming the BJP’s long-term commitment.Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the law was shaped through public consultation and a panel led by retired judge Ranjana Prakash Desai. He said that the aim of UCC is to create a common legal framework without any discrimination, strengthen social harmony and inclusive development.Read the full story

60 million barrels of Russian crude booked by Indian refiners amid global supply tensions

Indian refiners have secured about 60 million barrels of Russian crude for the coming month, matching recent levels but higher than February purchases. The surge in buying comes after supply disruptions in the Middle East and a US waiver allowing imports of pre-shipped Russian oil. Cargo was reportedly booked at $5-$15 per barrel above Brent, helping India manage bottlenecks caused by the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.Following the US waiver, India has resumed buying Russian oil cargoes loaded before March 5. Following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India had become a major buyer of discounted Russian crude after 2022, but later reduced purchases under US pressure and turned to suppliers such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq.Read the full story

Rinku Singh appointed Uttar Pradesh Regional Sports Officer

Rinku Singh got a double boost as he was named the vice-captain of Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2026 and appointed as the Regional Sports Officer of Uttar Pradesh by the state government. UP CM Yogi Adityanath assigned him this role, where he will promote sports, manage facilities and develop talent. The state will also provide employment to six other international medal winners.Singh’s salary is expected to be between Rs 70,000 to Rs 80,000Read the full story