Evening news wrap: Iran turns back Pakistan-bound ship from Hormuz; govt mandates shifting to gas pipeline & more | India News
- Iran’s IRGC Navy turned back Pakistan-bound ship Selen
Strait of Hormuz For lack of permission and breach of protocol, to strengthen mandatory coordination for maritime sovereignty and transit. - The government mandated a shift
Piped natural gas In the covered areas, by stopping LPG supply to such households, the aim is to diversify fuel consumption and reduce vulnerability to global oil disruptions. - Gujarat Assembly passed
Uniform Civil Code Bill Becomes second state after Uttarakhand to adopt general personal law; Union Home Minister Amit Shah called it a historic step towards legal equality. - Indian refiners increased purchases of Russian crude to 60 million barrels amid Middle East constraints, securing supplies at a premium over Brent to offset the benefits of US waivers and Hormuz-linked restrictions.
- Rinku Singh was named KKR vice-captain for IPL 2026 and appointed Regional Sports Officer for Uttar Pradesh, marking a dual milestone as he took on leadership and administrative roles.
Here are the top 5 updates from the day:
Iran has returned ships bound for Pakistan through the Strait of Hormuz
Iran intercepts and turns back the Pakistan-bound container ship Sailen in the Strait of Hormuz, citing non-compliance with legal protocols and lack of prior approval. IRGC Navy chief Alireza Tangsiri said all ships would have to coordinate with Iran’s maritime authorities, translating the move into an exercise of national sovereignty over strategic waterways.Amid rising Gulf tensions, Iran has tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz—through which about 20% of global oil flows—while forcing “non-hostile” ships to comply with its security rules and coordinate with authorities.Read the full story
The Center orders the transfer of gas pipelines wherever available
The Center has introduced a policy where households in areas with access to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) will have to switch from LPG, stopping supply of cylinders there. Issued under the Gas Distribution Order of 2026, the move aims to expand gas networks, reduce dependence on a single fuel source and cushion against global oil supply disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis.The order aims to enhance energy security by fast-tracking pipeline infrastructure, simplifying approvals and shifting from LPG to PNG. It seeks to optimize LPG distribution by redirecting supply to areas without pipeline access.Read the full story
After Uttarakhand, Gujarat passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill
Gujarat passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026, which introduced a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption within the community. The state is second in implementation of UCC after Uttarakhand. Union Home Minister Amit Shah welcomed the move, calling it a historic step towards ensuring equality and reiterating BJP’s longstanding commitment.Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the law was drafted through public consultation and a panel headed by retired Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. He further said that the UCC aims to create a common legal framework without discrimination, strengthen social harmony and promote inclusive development.Read the full story
60 million barrels of Russian crude have been booked by Indian refiners amid global supply pressure
Indian refiners secured about 60 million barrels of Russian crude next month, matching recent levels but higher than February purchases. The increase in purchases follows Middle East supply disruptions and the US waiver of pre-shipped Russian oil import permits. Cargo was booked at $5-$15 per barrel on Brent, helping India manage constraints caused by the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.After the US waiver, India resumed buying cargoes of Russian oil loaded before March 5 India became a major buyer of discounted Russian crude beyond 2022 following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but later reduced purchases under US pressure, turning to suppliers such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq.Read the full story
Rinku Singh has been appointed as the Regional Sports Officer of Uttar Pradesh
Rinku Singh got a double boost as he was named vice-captain of Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2026 and appointed Regional Sports Officer of Uttar Pradesh by the state government. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has given him the charge, where he will promote sports, manage facilities and develop talent. The state will appoint six more international medalists.Singh’s salary is expected to be between Rs 70,000 and Rs 80,000Read the full story
