Weekly News Platter
The Economic Times

Weekly News Platter

28 Mar, 2026, 06:11PM IST, PTI
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In case you had a busy week, these are the top stories you need to get caught up to speed...
PM Modi inaugurates Noida International Airport, Delhi-NCR’s second international airport at JewarPM Modi inaugurates Noida International Airport, Delhi-NCR’s second international airport at Jewar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase I of Noida International Airport in Jewar. This marks the opening of the National Capital Region's second international airport. The project represents a significant greenfield aviation development. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed it as a launchpad for the state's bright future. Read more
HDFC Bank chairman Atanu Chakraborty quit due to 'power struggle' with CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan: ReportHDFC Bank chairman Atanu Chakraborty quit due to 'power struggle' with CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan: Report
HDFC Bank's chairman Atanu Chakraborty resigned abruptly due to a power struggle with CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan, stemming from strategic disagreements and governance issues. The dispute intensified over the CEO's reappointment, raising concerns about leadership stability at India's largest private lender. Read more
Hormuz route opened for India, says Iran FM AraghchiHormuz route opened for India, says Iran FM Araghchi
Iran has allowed vessels from friendly countries—including India, China, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan—to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said Thursday. The move follows UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ call to reopen the strait, warning that its prolonged closure is disrupting oil, gas, and fertilizer supplies and worsening global economic and humanitarian impacts. Read more
IRCTC cracks down on Amul curd row, moves to terminate caterer on Vande Bharat trainIRCTC cracks down on Amul curd row, moves to terminate caterer on Vande Bharat train
IRCTC is taking strict action following complaints about Amul curd quality on the Patna-Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express. The catering licensee faces contract termination and a hefty penalty. Amul has been summoned for an explanation. This incident highlights the importance of food quality on premium trains. IRCTC is reinforcing hygiene and vendor accountability measures across its catering services. Read more
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Petrol, diesel excise duty cut by Rs 10, but here’s why it may not be good news for youPetrol, diesel excise duty cut by Rs 10, but here’s why it may not be good news for you
The government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel. This move aims to help oil companies manage surging global crude prices. Consumers may not see immediate price drops. The reduction is intended to stabilize current rates rather than lower them. This action comes amid rising fuel costs and potential public concern ahead of state elections. Read more
One month into Iran war, only hard choices for TrumpOne month into Iran war, only hard choices for Trump
Facing falling approval ratings and rising energy prices, President Trump grapples with stark choices in the month-long war against Iran. He must decide whether to pursue a potentially flawed deal for withdrawal or escalate militarily, risking a prolonged conflict that could define his presidency. Read more
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Forget $150, oil at $200 is the new grave warning to the worldForget $150, oil at $200 is the new grave warning to the world
Global oil markets might be underestimating a major crisis. Macquarie Group warns crude prices could hit an unprecedented $200 a barrel. This scenario depends on the Iran conflict extending and keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed. Traders are already betting on Brent crude surging significantly. Escalating tensions in the Middle East are impacting vital oil flows. Read more
TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee accuses BJP of provoking Ram Navami violenceTMC’s Abhishek Banerjee accuses BJP of provoking Ram Navami violence
Abhishek Banerjee, a Trinamool Congress leader, labelled the BJP as a party of rioters. He alleged the BJP instigated violence during Ram Navami rallies in West Bengal. Banerjee highlighted Bengal's tradition of peaceful festivals. He stated the BJP will face defeat in Bengal, similar to Ayodhya. Read more
Adani Defence delivers first batch of 2,000 'Prahar' light machine guns to ArmyAdani Defence delivers first batch of 2,000 'Prahar' light machine guns to Army
Adani Defence and Aerospace has delivered the first batch of 2,000 'Prahar' light machine guns to the Indian Army, manufactured under the 'Make in India' initiative. The company achieved this milestone 11 months ahead of the original schedule, with the full order of 40,000 LMGs expected within three years. Read more
India initiates probe against imports of subsidised Chinese, Indonesian paperboardsIndia initiates probe against imports of subsidised Chinese, Indonesian paperboards
India has launched an investigation into paperboard imports from China and Indonesia. The probe follows allegations that subsidies provided by these countries are harming Indian manufacturers. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies will determine if these imports are causing injury. Read more
Russia sells gold bars for first time in 25 years to fund budget deficit amid high military spending: ReportRussia sells gold bars for first time in 25 years to fund budget deficit amid high military spending: Report
Russia has sold physical gold from its central bank reserves for the first time in 25 years to address a widening budget deficit fueled by sustained military spending. This move marks a significant shift in reserve management, with gold holdings declining to their lowest level in four years as fiscal pressures intensify. Read more
DAC clears proposals worth Rs 2.38 lakh crore, including S-400 missile systems, Su-30 Aero engine overhaulDAC clears proposals worth Rs 2.38 lakh crore, including S-400 missile systems, Su-30 Aero engine overhaul
The Defence Acquisition Council, led by Rajnath Singh, cleared proposals worth Rs 2.38 lakh crore, covering missile systems, aircraft, and naval assets. Approvals aim to boost operational capabilities across services. In FY26, DAC granted AoN for 55 proposals worth Rs 6.73 lakh crore, marking record defence procurement activity. Read more
Ghee purity test: FSSAI shares 5-minute method to check adulteration at homeGhee purity test: FSSAI shares 5-minute method to check adulteration at home
Food adulteration, particularly in ghee, is a growing concern. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has shared a simple home test using hydrochloric acid and sugar to detect vanaspati or hydrogenated fats in ghee. This test helps consumers ensure the purity and quality of their everyday cooking essential. Read more
Dhurandhar 2 delivers a hat-trick for Reliance’s Jio StudiosDhurandhar 2 delivers a hat-trick for Reliance’s Jio Studios
Jio Studios has achieved a remarkable feat with three consecutive films, Stree 2, Dhurandhar, and Dhurandhar: The Revenge, each surpassing Rs 500 crore net in India. Stree 2 set a new benchmark in 2024, followed by Dhurandhar in 2025 and Dhurandhar: The Revenge in 2026, showcasing a sustained period of box office success for the studio. Read more
Bank employees, officers demand immediate resolution of PLI impasseBank employees, officers demand immediate resolution of PLI impasse
The revised PLI formula sought to be imposed by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) is viewed by the workforce as an unilateral and divisive departure from the existing settlement-based PLI scheme evolved through bilateral discussions and incorporated in the bipartite settlement/joint note framework, UFBU said in a statement. Read more
Lockdown in India? Oil Minister Hardeep Puri addresses the rumoursLockdown in India? Oil Minister Hardeep Puri addresses the rumours
The Indian government has officially clarified that rumors of a potential nationwide lockdown are entirely false. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated on X that no such proposal is currently being considered by the government. This announcement aims to dispel public concerns and provide clear information regarding any lockdown possibilities. Read more
Full emergency declared at Delhi's IGI Airport after Indigo flight suffers engine failureFull emergency declared at Delhi's IGI Airport after Indigo flight suffers engine failure
A full emergency was declared at Indira Gandhi International Airport after an IndiGo flight from Visakhapatnam reported an engine failure. The Boeing 737 aircraft, carrying 160 passengers, landed safely around 10:59 am, while airport operations remained normal. Read more
Govt announces 70% allocation of commercial LPG with focus on priority industriesGovt announces 70% allocation of commercial LPG with focus on priority industries
The Indian government has boosted commercial LPG allocation to states and union territories to 70 percent. This move prioritizes key industries such as steel, automobile, and textile. The decision aims to ease supply pressures and support labor-intensive sectors. Refineries are operating at high capacity, and import requirements have reduced. Read more
TMC’s freebie politics left West Bengal in debt, says CPI(M)’s Bikash BhattacharyaTMC’s freebie politics left West Bengal in debt, says CPI(M)’s Bikash Bhattacharya
A senior CPI(M) leader claims the West Bengal government is in a debt trap. He alleges funds are borrowed for doles and festivals, not job creation. This burdens citizens with repayment. The leader criticizes faith-based politics by ruling parties. He highlights corruption and a lack of law and order. Young voters are seen as disillusioned with false promises. Read more
Elon Musk joins PM Modi and Trump's call on Iran conflict in rare wartime move: ReportElon Musk joins PM Modi and Trump's call on Iran conflict in rare wartime move: Report
Elon Musk joined a call between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi discussing the Middle East crisis and the Strait of Hormuz. This unusual inclusion of a private citizen, confirmed by officials, suggests a thawing of relations between Musk and Trump after a past falling out. Musk's companies have significant foreign investments and he seeks a larger presence in India. Read more

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