National News: Latest India Updates

'Scurrilous campaign exposed’: Advocate after HC orders removal of posts on Hardeep Puri's daughter

IANS | March 17, 2026 3:46 PM

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani on Tuesday said the Delhi High Court’s direction to take down social media posts linking Himayani Puri, daughter of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, to American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was a "vindication" against a defamatory campaign targeting her.

India is entering new phase in global trade, says Piyush Goyal

IANS | March 17, 2026 3:35 PM

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said India’s overall economic fundamentals remain strong, with exports holding steady and multiple factors supporting the country’s external position.

PM Mudra Yojana continues to empower small entrepreneurs with collateral-free loans: FM Sitharaman

IANS | March 17, 2026 3:13 PM

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has reaffirmed the transformative role of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) in supporting small-time entrepreneurs across India by providing collateral-free credit, enabling millions to turn their business ideas into reality without the burden of security or guarantees.

Centre releases over Rs 1,789 crore to strengthen rural local bodies in 5 states

IANS | March 17, 2026 3:10 PM

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) The government on Tuesday said it has released more than Rs 1,789 crore under the 15th Finance Commission grants to strengthen rural local bodies in five states.

Oppn cries foul over 'horse-trading' after Rajya Sabha results; BJP rejects allegations

IANS | March 17, 2026 2:44 PM

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) Opposition MPs on Tuesday alleged large-scale 'horse-trading' and misuse of power by the BJP following the results of the Rajya Sabha elections across several states, while the party dismissed the charges, blaming internal dissent within the Congress.

Govt extends export relief measures till March 31 amid Strait of Hormuz disruption

IANS | March 17, 2026 2:41 PM

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) The government on Tuesday extended relief measures for export cargo till March 31 as disruptions continue in the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The move aims to support exporters facing delays and logistical challenges in the Gulf region.

Varanasi: 14 arrested for throwing non-veg food into Ganga during Iftar party on boat

IANS | March 17, 2026 2:26 PM

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) A video showing a group of people reportedly holding an iftar party on a boat in the middle of the Ganga River at Varanasi has gone viral on social media, triggering a police complaint after which 14 individuals were arrested.

204 retired bureaucrats, army officers, lawyers raise concerns about Rahul Gandhi’s conduct in Parliament

IANS | March 17, 2026 2:21 PM

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) Over 200 prominent senior citizens, including former ambassadors, retired army officers, bureaucrats and senior advocates, on Tuesday raised their voice against the alleged conduct and demeanour of Rahul Gandhi, the senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LOP), alleging that it weakens the dignity and effectiveness of the country’s Parliament.

Total sown area in ongoing summer season crosses 36.2 lakh hectares: Govt

IANS | March 17, 2026 2:19 PM

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) The total area covered under summer crops in India has reached 36.22 lakh hectares (as on March 13) this year, with the sowing season in full swing, data released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare showed on Tuesday.

BJP revives 2008 ‘cash-for-votes’ scandal on 15th anniversary of WikiLeaks disclosures

IANS | March 17, 2026 1:54 PM

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, using the 15th anniversary of the WikiLeaks revelations to remind the nation of the 2008 "cash-for-votes" scandal.

National

'Scurrilous campaign exposed’: Advocate after HC orders removal of posts on Hardeep Puri's daughter

India is entering new phase in global trade, says Piyush Goyal

PM Mudra Yojana continues to empower small entrepreneurs with collateral-free loans: FM Sitharaman

Centre releases over Rs 1,789 crore to strengthen rural local bodies in 5 states

Oppn cries foul over 'horse-trading' after Rajya Sabha results; BJP rejects allegations

Govt extends export relief measures till March 31 amid Strait of Hormuz disruption

Varanasi: 14 arrested for throwing non-veg food into Ganga during Iftar party on boat

204 retired bureaucrats, army officers, lawyers raise concerns about Rahul Gandhi’s conduct in Parliament

Total sown area in ongoing summer season crosses 36.2 lakh hectares: Govt

BJP revives 2008 ‘cash-for-votes’ scandal on 15th anniversary of WikiLeaks disclosures

LATEST NEWS

Golf: Yuvraj Sandhu, sole Indian representative in the Netherlands

Jim Sarbh reveals why he wants to portray Jim Corbett on silver screen

'Laapata Ladies': BJP leader's swipe at absence of prominent women Trinamool voices

Qatar condemns Iranian attacks on civilian targets in Bahrain, Kuwait

SEBI bars Rajesh Exports CMD Rajesh Mehta, alleges Rs 15.15 lakh crore revenue misrepresentation

Pakistan-TTP clash in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reflects shifting security order: Report

Paramvir Cheema sheds light on ‘The Pyramid Scheme’ character: Stuck in his life and financially

Stokes backs Archer break, warns England could lose star pacer if situation is mishandled

Ranveer Singh ‘Don 3’ row: What transpired between FWICE, IMPAA, CINTAA and Producers Guild of India?

T20 Mumbai League 2026: Skipper Parkar’s fastest ton in vain as Rahane’s Panthers edge Blasters in Super Over thriller