National News: Latest India Updates

From powerhouse to periphery: The collapse of heavy-industry hub in Bengal

Jayanta Bhattacharya | March 13, 2026 1:01 PM

Asansol, March 13 (IANS) Asansol-Durgapur, in West Bengal’s Paschim Bardhaman district, once one of eastern India’s most important heavy industrial belts with steel and engineering works and built on the Raniganj coalfield, has seen large‑scale industrial decline, mine closures, and restructuring since the late 20th century. Today, the region still hosts active coal and steel operations but faces deindustrialisation, job losses, and a gradual shift towards services and smaller industries

Kirti Azad backs Oppn's impeachment bid against CEC Gyanesh Kumar

IANS | March 13, 2026 1:01 PM

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) Trinamool Congress MP, Kirti Azad, on Friday backed the move to bring an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that the poll body chief had acted in a partisan manner in several elections.

PM Modi congratulates Jose Antonio Kast on assuming Chile’s presidency, says he looks forward to working closely

IANS | March 13, 2026 12:07 PM

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Jose Antonio Kast Rist on taking oath as the President of Chile and expressed hope of further strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

Dubey challenges Cong, LoP Gandhi on implementation of national projects between 1974-2014

IANS | March 13, 2026 11:59 AM

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Friday challenged the Congress party and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi to present evidence of any significant implementation of key national development projects between 1974 and 2014, when the party was in power.

SC refuses to entertain plea seeking mandatory menstrual leave policy

IANS | March 13, 2026 11:56 AM

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Friday declined to entertain a plea seeking mandatory menstrual leave for working women and female students across the country, observing that such a matter falls within the domain of government policy.

US, India close to finalising critical minerals pact: Ambassador Sergio Gor

IANS | March 13, 2026 11:49 AM

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) The US and India are moving closer to signing a key agreement on critical minerals that could significantly strengthen strategic cooperation and supply chains between the two countries, US Ambassador Sergio Gor said on Friday.

Centre seizes illegal synthetic drugs worth Rs 47 crore and 3.5 tonne chemicals, 2 held

IANS | March 13, 2026 11:42 AM

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a clandestine facility engaged in the production of Alprazolam -- a psychotropic substance regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 -- in the Kondapalli Industrial Development Area of NTR district in Andhra Pradesh, the Finance Ministry said on Friday.

Former Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari welcomes President Murmu's upcoming Ayodhya visit

IANS | March 13, 2026 11:38 AM

Ayodhya, March 13 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit Ayodhya on March 19 to participate in a series of religious ceremonies at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya as part of special celebrations marking the Hindu New Year. Ahead of the occasion, former Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari said, "Ayodhya is a sacred city. It is the city of Lord Ram. People with good fortune get to visit here. We are happy that the President is visiting here. She is also fortunate to come here."

Congress questions govt’s 'silence' on Ayatollah Khamenei's assassination

IANS | March 13, 2026 11:00 AM

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) The Congress party on Friday expressed its disapproval of the government's reaction to the recent assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei, claiming that there has been a lack of response regarding the matter, and even Parliament has failed to make an obituary reference.

Tony Abbott praises PM Modi, says he has ‘managed to resist hubris of power’

IANS | March 13, 2026 9:47 AM

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has praised PM Narendra Modi for his leadership, saying that despite being in office for over a decade, PM Modi has “managed to resist the hubris of power”.

national

From powerhouse to periphery: The collapse of heavy-industry hub in Bengal

Kirti Azad backs Oppn's impeachment bid against CEC Gyanesh Kumar

PM Modi congratulates Jose Antonio Kast on assuming Chile’s presidency, says he looks forward to working closely

Dubey challenges Cong, LoP Gandhi on implementation of national projects between 1974-2014

SC refuses to entertain plea seeking mandatory menstrual leave policy

US, India close to finalising critical minerals pact: Ambassador Sergio Gor

Centre seizes illegal synthetic drugs worth Rs 47 crore and 3.5 tonne chemicals, 2 held

Former Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari welcomes President Murmu's upcoming Ayodhya visit

Congress questions govt’s 'silence' on Ayatollah Khamenei's assassination

Tony Abbott praises PM Modi, says he has ‘managed to resist hubris of power’

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