NDTV

'Will Work Together For Restoration Of Peace': PM Modi Speaks To UAE President

3/17/2026, 5:56:04 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by phone with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday, discussing the escalating situation in West Asia. Both leaders agreed on the importance of restoring peace in the region and ensuring safe, unobstructed navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The call underscores India's active diplomatic engagement in the Middle East crisis amid growing concerns over energy supply security.

BJP To Contest In 89 Out Of 126 Assembly Seats In Assam: Himanta Sarma

3/17/2026, 5:55:38 PM

The BJP has announced it will field candidates in 89 of the 126 assembly constituencies in the upcoming Assam state elections, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday. The remaining 37 seats will be allocated to the party's coalition allies. The announcement signals the ruling alliance's seat-sharing strategy ahead of the state polls.

Watch: To Shoot Reel, Bengaluru Woman Tries To "Courier" Father In Sack

3/17/2026, 5:47:22 PM

A woman in Bengaluru, India, attempted to send her father stuffed inside a sack at a courier office in order to film a social media reel. Staff at the outlet refused to accept the unusual "parcel," but the family reportedly argued with employees, insisting the delivery be processed since they had already made the trip. The incident, captured on video, has drawn widespread attention online.

Data Shows How Gulf Nations Drive India's Basmati Exports

3/17/2026, 5:43:13 PM

Gulf nations are the dominant buyers of India's basmati rice exports, making the region a critical market for Indian agricultural trade. However, the escalating Middle East conflict is now disrupting food supply chains as commercial ships increasingly avoid the Strait of Hormuz. The diversion of shipping routes is raising concerns over delays, rising freight costs and potential shortfalls in food deliveries to Gulf consumers.

Global Shipping Costs Surge As Middle East Tensions Hit Sea Routes

3/17/2026, 5:39:50 PM

Escalating tensions in the Middle East are rippling into global shipping lanes, with the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of the crisis. Rising freight costs are disrupting international trade as vessels navigate heightened risks along one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints. The turmoil threatens to drive up prices for goods and energy supplies across the globe.

BJP Releases First List Of 47 Names For Kerala Polls

3/17/2026, 5:21:08 PM

The BJP has released its first list of 47 candidates for the upcoming Kerala state polls scheduled for April 9. The list notably includes three former Union ministers, signalling the party's serious push for a stronger presence in the southern state. This is the BJP's first major candidate announcement ahead of the election.

Video: Thick Smoke Blankets Manhattan Skyline As Firefighters Battle Blaze

3/17/2026, 4:55:08 PM

A rooftop fire erupted on East 43rd Street in Manhattan, close to the iconic Grand Central Terminal, on Tuesday, sending thick columns of smoke billowing across the New York City skyline. Firefighters and emergency crews responded swiftly to the scene to bring the blaze under control. The incident drew widespread attention after dramatic footage of the smoke-filled skyline circulated online.

3/17/2026, 4:41:04 PM

US President Donald Trump welcomed the resignation of Joseph Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Centre, saying it was "a good thing" that he was out. Trump criticised Kent for claiming Iran did not pose a security threat, calling him "weak on security." The departure underscores the administration's hardline stance toward Iran amid the ongoing military conflict.

"Ideologically, No Place For Me In Current JDU": KC Tyagi To NDTV On Exit

3/17/2026, 4:19:14 PM

KC Tyagi, a founding member of Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal United and the party's longtime spokesperson in Delhi, has formally ended his 40-year association with the JDU, citing ideological incompatibility with the party's current direction. Speaking to NDTV, Tyagi said there was no longer any ideological space for him within the party. The departure marks a significant exit for one of the JDU's most recognisable faces at the national level.

Bengaluru Cafe's Brief Viral Fame Turns Out Gas After U-Turn On Bill

3/17/2026, 4:03:50 PM

A café in Bengaluru briefly went viral after a customer shared a bill that included an unusual "gas crisis charge," prompting heated debate online. The café subsequently reversed course and removed the surcharge following the public backlash. The incident highlights the power of social media in holding local businesses accountable for unconventional billing practices.

"Women Work Longer Hours Than Men": Supreme Court In Landmark Maternity Ruling

3/17/2026, 3:55:35 PM

India's Supreme Court has issued a landmark ruling on maternity rights, citing International Labour Organization data to find that working women actually put in more total hours than men when unpaid domestic labour is included. The bench of Justices JB Pardiwalah and R Mahadevan used this finding to strengthen legal protections for maternity benefits. The ruling marks a significant judicial recognition of the double burden carried by working women in India.

American, Ukrainians Among 7 Arrested In India Under Anti-Terror Law

3/17/2026, 3:38:21 PM

India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken seven foreign nationals into custody — one American and six Ukrainians — on suspicion of conspiring to train ethnic armed groups in drone warfare. A Delhi court granted the NIA an 11-day remand to continue its investigation. The case raises serious concerns about foreign involvement in training militant factions operating in the region, believed to be linked to Myanmar.

US And Ukraine's Reply After American, 6 Others Arrested Under India's Anti-Terror Law

3/17/2026, 3:07:59 PM

India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested seven people, including an American national, under the country's anti-terror laws. The US embassy in India said it is "aware of the situation," while Ukraine has also responded to the arrests. The case is linked to an alleged terror training network connected to Myanmar.

Who Is Joe Kent, Trump's Pick To Fight Terrorism Who Quit Over Iran War

3/17/2026, 3:05:14 PM

Joe Kent, director of the US National Counterterrorism Centre, has resigned in protest against the Trump administration's military campaign against Iran, stating the war was not launched out of genuine national security necessity. Kent, a former Green Beret and Trump loyalist, is among the first senior officials to publicly break with the administration over the conflict. His resignation highlights growing internal dissent within US government ranks over the justification and conduct of the Iran war.

Acid Thrown On Face Of 11-Year-Old Returning From School In Maharashtra

3/17/2026, 2:56:15 PM

An 11-year-old girl was attacked with acid on her face while returning from school in Maharashtra, India. Officials confirmed she comes from a poor family and lost her father some time ago. The incident has sparked fresh outrage over the safety of children and the persistence of acid attacks in the country.

Maharashtra Assembly Passes Bill To Repeal 80 Obsolete Laws

3/17/2026, 2:48:06 PM

The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has passed a bill repealing 80 obsolete laws, in a move described as a significant step toward better governance and administrative efficiency. The legislation aims to clear outdated statutes that have long cluttered the state's legal framework. Authorities say the reform will help streamline government processes and reduce unnecessary regulatory burden.

3/17/2026, 2:41:17 PM

Joseph Kent, the director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, has resigned from his post citing moral objections to the ongoing US-Israel military campaign against Iran. Kent stated he could not in good conscience continue to serve while supporting a war he opposes. His resignation marks a rare and significant act of dissent from within the Trump administration over the Iran conflict.

Who Is Matthew VanDyke, American Arrested In India Over Drone Warfare Training

3/17/2026, 2:25:46 PM

India's National Investigation Agency has arrested American citizen Matthew VanDyke along with six Ukrainian nationals in connection with an alleged drone warfare training operation. The case has drawn significant attention from Indian security agencies, raising concerns about foreign nationals conducting paramilitary training on Indian soil. VanDyke, whose background spans conflict journalism and private military advising, is now at the centre of a high-profile terrorism-related investigation.

'What Good Is My Win If Ladakh Loses?' Sonam Wangchuk After Release From Jail

3/17/2026, 2:13:45 PM

Climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk was released from Jodhpur Central Jail on Saturday after the Indian central government revoked his detention under the National Security Act (NSA). Wangchuk, who had been held without trial under the stringent security law, questioned the meaning of his personal freedom while the broader cause of Ladakh's constitutional rights and statehood demands remains unresolved. His release follows sustained public pressure and legal challenges against his detention.

"Barbaric, Cowardly": India Condemns Pakistan's Airstrike On Kabul Hospital

3/17/2026, 6:52:39 AM

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrike targeting a hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan, describing the attack as "barbaric" and "cowardly." The denunciation marks New Delhi's firm stance against Pakistani military action on Afghan soil. The strike represents a significant escalation in tensions between Pakistan and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

In Big Energy Relief For India, LPG Tanker Nanda Devi Arrives At Gujarat Port

3/17/2026, 6:51:59 AM

The Indian LPG tanker Nanda Devi safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz and docked at a Gujarat port early Tuesday, carrying approximately 46,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas. It is the second LPG carrier to reach India within two days, providing significant energy relief amid heightened regional tensions. The successive arrivals signal India's continued ability to secure vital energy shipments through the strategically sensitive waterway.

Opinion: Opinion | Why A TVK-NDA Alliance May Remain Just A Fantasy

3/17/2026, 6:44:08 AM

An opinion piece examines the political feasibility of an alliance between Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the NDA bloc in Tamil Nadu, arguing that such a partnership faces deep ideological and strategic obstacles. While unusual alliances are common in Indian politics, the author contends they typically arise from post-election compulsions rather than pre-poll calculations. The piece concludes that a TVK-NDA tie-up, however speculated upon, is unlikely to materialise in the near term.

Why Sweden's Prisons Are Preparing To House Young Teens

3/17/2026, 6:27:39 AM

Sweden's Rosersberg prison, north of Stockholm, is being adapted to hold children as young as 13 under a controversial juvenile justice reform set to take effect in July. The move has drawn widespread criticism from child welfare advocates and legal experts who question the appropriateness of incarcerating very young adolescents. The reform marks a significant shift in Sweden's traditionally rehabilitative approach to juvenile offending.

Mumbai Woman Orders 4 Kurtis, Loses Rs 98,000 In Online Shopping Refund Scam

3/17/2026, 6:24:21 AM

A Mumbai woman fell victim to a cyber fraud after purchasing four kurtis online, losing Rs 98,000. Fraudsters called her claiming her payment had failed and lured her through a fake refund process to steal her money. The incident highlights the growing threat of sophisticated online shopping scams targeting consumers in India.

Delhi Man Smiles, Then Shoots Himself In The Chest, Friend Records Video

3/17/2026, 6:22:11 AM

A man in Delhi smiled at the camera before shooting himself in the chest, with the entire incident captured on video by a friend. He had cocked the weapon and barely touched the trigger before it discharged. The shocking footage has raised serious questions about firearm safety and reckless handling of weapons.

Is Mojtaba Khamenei Recovering At A Hospital In Moscow? What Russia Said

3/17/2026, 6:21:06 AM

Mojtaba Khamenei, who has assumed the role of Iran's Supreme Leader following his father Ali Khamenei's death in a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28, is reportedly receiving medical treatment in Moscow after sustaining severe injuries in the same strike. Russia has responded to reports of his hospitalisation in a Russian medical facility. The development highlights the fragile state of Iran's leadership in the aftermath of the conflict.

Iranian Sleeper Cells In The US Activated? Encrypted Broadcasts Detected

3/17/2026, 6:15:54 AM

US intelligence agencies detected an encrypted broadcast inside the United States shortly after Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes, raising fears that Iranian sleeper cells may have been activated on American soil. The development signals a potential domestic security threat as a direct consequence of the military operation that eliminated Iran's top leader. Authorities are on high alert as they work to decode the transmissions and assess the threat level.

Trump Was "Surprised" With Iran's Attack On Middle Eastern Countries

3/17/2026, 5:47:19 AM

US President Donald Trump stated he was "very surprised" by Iran's military attacks targeting Middle Eastern countries. The remarks signal a notable reaction from Washington as Iranian aggression extends beyond its traditional adversaries to affect regional neighbours. The statement comes amid broader escalating tensions involving Iran, the US and Israel in the region.

"Will Respond In Their Language": Taliban Official To NDTV On Pak Strikes

3/17/2026, 5:40:40 AM

A senior Taliban spokesperson, Suhail Shaheen, told NDTV that Pakistani airstrikes killed at least 400 people and injured around 250 others in a strike on a Kabul hospital. The Taliban government has vowed to retaliate, warning it will "respond in their language." The strike marks a severe escalation in cross-border tensions between Pakistan and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

Father Dead, Officer Reduced To "Kilos Of Flesh", How Mojtaba Survived Attack

3/17/2026, 5:30:33 AM

Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei narrowly survived the US-Israeli strike that killed his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with other family members. Mojtaba had stepped outside the compound for a brief errand just minutes before the blast, sparing his life. The strike reportedly reduced one officer present to what survivors described as "kilos of flesh," underscoring the devastating scale of the attack.

Iranian Drones Target US Embassy, Hotel In Baghdad. Oilfield Also Attacked

3/17/2026, 5:27:04 AM

Iranian drones targeted the US Embassy and a hotel in Baghdad early Tuesday, with video footage reportedly showing air defence systems intercepting a projectile near the embassy compound. An oilfield in Iraq was also struck in what appears to be a coordinated escalation. The attacks mark a significant widening of Iran's retaliatory operations into Iraqi territory.

"Protection, Welfare Of Armed Forces A Core Government Function": Supreme Court

3/17/2026, 5:22:59 AM

India's Supreme Court has ruled that the Air Force Group Insurance Society (AFGIS) qualifies as a 'State' under Article 12 of the Constitution, on the grounds that it fulfils a public duty by protecting the welfare of armed forces personnel and their families. The court held that safeguarding the welfare of military members is a core function of government. The ruling has significant constitutional implications for how such bodies are treated under fundamental rights jurisprudence.

CPI(M) Veteran TK Govindan Quits After Party Fields MV Govindan's Wife

3/17/2026, 5:22:08 AM

Kerala CPI(M) veteran TK Govindan has resigned from the party and announced he will contest as an independent from the Taliparamba constituency, a traditional Marxist stronghold. His departure follows the party's decision to field MV Govindan's wife as its candidate — a move he openly opposed. The episode marks a significant internal rift for Kerala's ruling party ahead of the elections.

Man Kills Wife By Pushing Her In Front Of Local Train In Mumbai After Fight

3/17/2026, 5:19:54 AM

A 42-year-old man in Mumbai has been arrested after allegedly pushing his wife in front of an oncoming local train following a domestic dispute, killing her. The incident has shocked the city and prompted a police investigation. Authorities are treating the case as a deliberate act of murder.

Stock Market LIVE: Markets Open In Green As Wall Street, Asian Peers Edge Higher

3/17/2026, 5:17:39 AM

Indian equity markets opened in positive territory on Tuesday, with Sensex and Nifty 50 tracking gains on Wall Street and across Asian markets. GIFT Nifty futures had signalled a bullish start ahead of the opening bell. The broader upbeat sentiment reflects improved investor confidence globally.

Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict Live: Taliban Says Pak's Strikes On Hospital Is 'Crime Against Humanity'

3/17/2026, 4:52:48 AM

Pakistani airstrikes have struck a hospital in Afghanistan's capital Kabul, killing at least 400 people according to Taliban spokesmen. The Taliban condemned the attack as a "crime against humanity," sharply escalating the ongoing military confrontation between Pakistan and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. The strike marks one of the deadliest single incidents in the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict to date.

Not Gold, Not US Dollar, This Asset Has Surged The Most During Iran War

3/17/2026, 4:50:08 AM

The war involving Iran has triggered a broad sell-off in equity markets as investors flee riskier assets in search of safety. While gold and the US dollar are traditional safe havens, another asset class has outpaced both during this conflict. Analysts are tracking a significant shift in capital flows as geopolitical uncertainty drives investors toward this unexpected winner.

Gold, Silver Prices Drop Marginally: Check Rates In Your City Today

3/17/2026, 4:05:47 AM

Gold and silver prices edged marginally lower in both domestic and international markets. Spot gold in international trade hovered near $5,008 per ounce, while silver fell 0.21 per cent. City-wise rates across India reflect the slight dip in precious metal values.

Amid Death Rumours, Netanyahu's Message For "Brave People Of Iran"

3/16/2026, 9:45:05 PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Iranians with a Nowruz message ahead of the Persian New Year, even as Israel continues its ongoing war against Iran. The message, framed as support for the Iranian people rather than its government, came amid circulating rumours about Netanyahu's health or death. The gesture is seen as an attempt to drive a wedge between the Iranian public and its leadership during wartime.

Around 200 US Troops Injured In 7 Countries During Iran War

3/16/2026, 9:17:48 PM

About 200 US military personnel have been injured across seven countries in the Middle East since the outbreak of the US-Israel war against Iran, according to a US military spokesman. The casualties reflect the broad geographic spread of hostilities linked to the conflict. The announcement underscores the escalating human cost of the campaign for American forces deployed in the region.

Iran, US Have Been In Direct Contact In Recent Days: Reports

3/16/2026, 7:58:26 PM

A direct communications channel between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has been reactivated in recent days, according to Axios, citing a US official and a source familiar with the matter. The development signals renewed diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran. The reports come amid broader tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear programme and ongoing US-Israel military pressures on Iran.

Trump Seeks To Reopen Strait Of Hormuz Amid Iran War

3/16/2026, 7:42:11 PM

President Donald Trump has called on approximately seven nations to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz as Iranian strikes continued to target Gulf states. The escalating military activity threatens one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints. Trump's demand underscores the growing urgency to maintain freedom of navigation amid the widening conflict with Iran.

'Arbitrary, Unilateral Move': Mamata Banerjee To Poll Chief Over Reshuffle

3/16/2026, 7:05:16 PM

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to formally protest the removal of senior state bureaucrats ahead of the upcoming assembly election. She described the reshuffle as an "arbitrary and unilateral" move, putting her objections on official record. The letter signals a deepening standoff between the Trinamool Congress government and election authorities over administrative control in the state.

RJD Rank And File Turns Against Congress After Rajya Sabha Poll Defeat

3/16/2026, 6:57:52 PM

The NDA secured victory in a Bihar Rajya Sabha election after three Congress MLAs and one RJD MLA abstained from voting, handing the opposition alliance a damaging defeat. The defections have sparked anger among RJD cadres, who are directing blame squarely at the Congress party for the loss. The incident deepens tensions within the INDIA bloc alliance in the state.

Netanyahu's Video Proof Of Being Alive Hits A "Disappearing" Ring Problem

3/16/2026, 6:34:26 PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video on his official X account intended to dispel doubts about his wellbeing, but the clip has drawn attention for an unusual anomaly — a ring on his finger appears to vanish mid-movement. The visual glitch has fuelled speculation online about whether the footage was digitally manipulated or AI-generated. The incident has added to existing scrutiny surrounding Netanyahu's public appearances.

Video: Cars Abandoned, Tourists Stranded Near Atal Tunnel Amid Snowfall

3/16/2026, 6:33:27 PM

Heavy snowfall and icy road conditions have stranded more than 1,000 vehicles near the Atal Tunnel outside Manali for a second consecutive day. Traffic came to a complete halt since Sunday night as cars and tourists were left abandoned on the snow-covered roads. Authorities are working to clear the blockage and restore movement in the affected area.

Trump Pushes For 'Enthusiasm' From US Allies To Secure Strait of Hormuz

3/16/2026, 6:21:23 PM

President Trump publicly criticized US allies on Monday for their lukewarm response to his appeal for joint efforts to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing US war against Iran. Trump called for greater "enthusiasm" from partner nations to secure the critical waterway through which a significant share of global oil supply flows. The remarks underscore deepening tensions within the Western alliance over burden-sharing in the Gulf conflict.

3/16/2026, 6:12:53 PM

With the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on the horizon, Chief Minister M K Stalin's Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is aggressively building a broad coalition to secure a rare consecutive term in power. The party is reaching out to smaller regional parties in an effort to consolidate its electoral base. A key wildcard remains actor-turned-politician Vijay, whose entry into the political arena could reshape the opposition landscape.

Iran War Live Updates: We Destroyed Everything On Kharg Island, Says Trump

3/16/2026, 6:04:12 PM

President Trump has claimed that US and Israeli forces have completely destroyed Kharg Island, Iran's critical oil export hub, as part of the ongoing war that erupted on February 28. The conflict began when the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes against Iran. Live updates continue to emerge from the escalating war in the Middle East.

Centre Trashes Reports Linking Release Of Tankers To Hormuz Access: Report

3/16/2026, 5:32:51 PM

The Indian government has dismissed reports claiming that Tehran is seeking the release of three oil tankers seized by India in exchange for guaranteeing safe passage to Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. New Delhi firmly denied any such quid pro quo arrangement with Iran, calling the reports inaccurate. The denial comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region affecting maritime navigation and energy security.