Govt giving top priority to boost farmers’ incomes: Shivraj Chouhan

IANS | March 17, 2026 4:42 PM

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has accorded the highest priority to farmers’ income and security through a series of measures, including promoting profitable alternative crops in place of harmful crops like tobacco, ensuring historic procurement at minimum support price (MSP), introducing revolutionary reforms in the crop insurance scheme, and establishing a strict monitoring mechanism.

BJP slams Congress over USCIRF report remarks on RSS, RAW

IANS | March 17, 2026 4:40 PM

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress after its leaders cited a US religious freedom panel’s report that criticised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and India’s foreign intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

Gujarat allocates Rs 59.14 crore for women-focused ‘pink toilets’

IANS | March 17, 2026 4:39 PM

Gandhinagar, March 17 (IANS) Gujarat has allocated Rs 59.14 crore in the 2026-27 state budget for the construction of “pink toilets” for women across urban areas, as part of an expanded push under the 'Nirmal Gujarat 2.0' programme to strengthen sanitation infrastructure and public hygiene.

SEBI mulls easing nomination norms for demat, mutual fund accounts

IANS | March 17, 2026 4:36 PM

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) India’s market watchdog, the Securities and Exchange Board of India, on Tuesday issued a consultation paper proposing changes to nomination norms for demat accounts and mutual fund folios, seeking public comments.

Conway, bowlers star as NZ level series with clinical win over SA in 2nd T20I

IANS | March 17, 2026 4:34 PM

Hamilton, March 17 (IANS) A disciplined all-round performance helped New Zealand register a convincing win over South Africa in the second T20I and level the five-game series 1-1 at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Tuesday.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan defends G RAM G Act, slams Oppn for 'vote-bank politics' in RS

IANS | March 17, 2026 4:29 PM

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan sharply attacked the opposition over the renaming of the rural job guarantee scheme as the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB—G RAM G) Act, 2025.

Squash: Indian stars target home victory as Indian Open begins in Mumbai

IANS | March 17, 2026 4:28 PM

Mumbai, March 17 (IANS) The second edition of the Indian Open begins tomorrow at Mumbai's iconic Brabourne Stadium, promising five days of intense squash. The tournament features a strong lineup of India’s top players alongside international competitors, with 30 matches scheduled in both men’s and women’s categories. Players will compete for PSA ranking points and the prestigious title.

Pakistan: Luxury car purchased for Senate chairman Gilani from public funds

IANS | March 17, 2026 4:27 PM

Islamabad, March 17 (IANS) A car worth Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 90 million has been bought for Pakistan's Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani from the Senate's budget even as a majority of the country's population battles rising inflation, the local media reported.

India starts sourcing LPG from multiple global channels, including US

IANS | March 17, 2026 4:25 PM

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) India has started sourcing LPG from multiple global channels, including the United States, to diversify supplies amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, the government said on Tuesday, adding that there is no 'dry out' at any LPG distributor and supplies remain smooth across the country.

Nora Fatehi song controversy: Kangana slams Bollywood, calls for enforcement of restrictions

IANS | March 17, 2026 4:23 PM

Mumbai, March 17 (IANS) Actress and politician Kangana Ranaut has reacted strongly to the controversy over actress Nora Fatehi’s song ‘Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke’.