NEWS LAST WEEK: March 23 – March 29, 2026

Compiled by 

Debatree Chakrabarty, Deepbala Das, Diya Nath 

MAJMC Sem 2

 

National news

 

Noida International Airport Inaugurated

P.C: The Indian Express

The Noida International Airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 2026. This is a deal for the Noida International Airport and for people who live in the Delhi- NCR region. The Noida International Airport is going to help a lot because it will reduce the number of people at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The Noida International Airport will also make it easier for people to travel within India and to countries. The Noida International Airport is going to create jobs and make it easier to move things around. The people who built the Noida International Airport wanted to make sure it was good for the environment. They also made sure the Noida International Airport has roads and trains to get to.  This  is  an  improvement  for  the  area  around  the  Noida  International  Airport.

Source: The Times of India, March 27, 2026

 

IPL 2026 Season Begins

The Premier League or IPL started on 28th March. This is the time the IPL has happened. The IPL is a cricket tournament in India. There are 10 teams playing in the IPL. They will play 70 games. Then have playoff games. The IPL is one of the watched sports in India. People are very excited about the IPL. The first game was fun to watch. The IPL is going to be good for sports  and for  the  economy. 

Source: The Times of India, March 29, 2026

Major Economic Measures: Fuel Duty Cut & Rupee Pressure

The government did something to help with inflation. They reduced the tax on petrol to help keep fuel prices down. At the time the Indian rupee is not doing well compared to the US dollar. This is because of things happening around the world that affect the price of oil. The Indian rupee and fuel prices are problems for India right now. The government is trying to figure out what to do.

Source: The Economic Times, March 27, 2026

Transgender Persons Amendment Bill Passed

The government passed a law called the Transgender Persons Amendment Bill. This law is supposed to change how transgender people can legally change their gender. However, many people are not happy with this law. They think it is not fair to transgender people. There have been protests over the country. People are upset about the Transgender Persons Amendment Bill.

Source: The Hindu, March 26, 2026

All India Police Duty Meet in Nagpur

The city of Nagpur is going to host an event for police officers. It is called the All India Police Duty Meet. The All India Police Duty Meet will happen from March 29 to April 3. Over a thousand police officers will come to the All India Police Duty Meet. They will compete in events, like investigation techniques and forensic practices. The All India Police Duty Meet is meant  to  help  police  officers  work  better  together  and  be  more  professional.

Source: The Times of India, March 28, 2026

Regional News

Kolkata & West Bengal

 

Mamata Banerjee calls for Alertness in Bhawanipur ahead of Key Electoral Battle

 

Mamata Banerjee Official Page

Mamata Banerjee has asked her Trinamool party workers in Bhavanipur to remain vigilant before the assembly polls, citing possibilities of irregularities. She has asked her party leaders in Kolkata to keep a close eye on voting, counting, and EVM strong rooms even after voting. She has mentioned that many officials were dismissed after the schedule was announced, affecting the role of the state government during the polls. Abhishek Banerjee has appealed for a bigger win and better booth-level work by his party. The BJP has fielded Suvendu Adhikari against Abhishek Banerjee, as he has been his opponent from Nandigram since 2021. Firhad Hakim and Subrata Bakshi were present at the meeting.

Source: The Hindu, March 23, 2026

Last-Minute Rollout: EC Releases 29 Lakh Bengal Voters’ List Near Midnight Amid Delays

The people of West Bengal had been waiting all Monday for the Election Commission of India to upload the first supplementary voter roll list, but it was finally uploaded at 11:45 pm on Monday night, containing approximately 29 lakh names. The Supreme Court had ordered its release on March 10, and on Tuesday, the Supreme Court will again hear the matter. The list has been made available on official websites and through the ECINET app, and printed copies are available at administrative offices and polling stations. The checks have been completed at Kalimpong, Jhargram, Purulia and Bankura. The Election Commission has established 19 appellate tribunals, and further lists are expected soon.

Source: The Times of India, March 24, 2026

From Tragedy to Politics: Victim’s Mother of RG Kar to Contest Bengal Poll on BJP Ticket

Ratna Debnath, mother of the victim of the RG Kar tragedy, is to contest the West Bengal state legislative assembly elections from Panihati constituency on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket. Ratna Debnath announced her decision to contest the elections by saying she thought of women’s safety, corruption, and her struggle for justice.

In the ongoing state legislative assembly elections in Bengal, Trinamool Congress candidate Tirthankar Ghosh is contesting from this constituency, while the Communist Party of India (Marxist) candidate is Kalatan Dasgupta. The RG Kar 2024 case led to a CBI investigation and a life sentence for Sanjay Roy; the legal proceedings are still underway. The elections are scheduled for April 23 and 29, and the results will be announced on May 4.

Source: Zee News, March 26, 2026

 

Supplementary List Mobilizes the Mixed Reactions: Relief, Anxiety and Sharp Criticism

 The second supplementary list has brought relief to three All India Trinamool Congress nominees: Shashi Panja, Kajal Sheikh and Shirshanya Banerjee but created tension for eight other nominees still under the scanner, including junior minister Golam Rabbani. Banerjee complained of the process of verification by stating that she was being unfairly asked to verify her Brahmin origins even though her family had long traditions in Bankura. Sahidullah Munshi, who was initially left out of the list, has now been included with his family. He retired in the year 2020 and currently heads the state Auqaf Board.

Source: Times of India, March 28, 2026

Big Changes: Election Commission Reforms the Bengal Administration

In its administrative move in West Bengal, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has sought to ensure a free and fair 2026 Assembly election. Following allegations of potential bias, the ECI has removed five police observers in sensitive districts like Murshidabad, West Burdwan and West Medinapore. Major change: The IPS officer, Jayant Kant, who has been responsible for the four Assembly constituencies in Malda has been removed following a potential conflict of interest, which the Trinamul Congress has raised over his family’s political connections in Bihar. Hriday Kant will be appointed in his place. This is part of the larger move to purge the state’s administration, which has included transfers of top officers like the DGP and Kolkata Police Commissioner. With 294 general observers and 84 police observers in place, the ECI is looking to oversee the voting on April 23 and 29.

 Source: The Statesman, March 29, 2026

International News

Italian voters rejected the judicial reform proposal

P.C: Reuters

The rejection of a judicial reform proposal by Italian voters has come as a significant political blow to the right wing coalition of the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Voters rejected the judicial reform with approximately 54% voting 'no’ against 46% voting ‘ yes' with a surprisingly high turnout of 60%. Despite the loss, Prime Minister Meloni stated she respects the decision and will not resign. However, the rejection is seen as a significant setback for Meloni, who had campaigned strongly for the reform and it may impact her government stability before 2027 election. The strong turnout reflects intense voter engagement amid a heated campaign. The opposition views the result as a chance to form a unity against the conservative bloc.

Source: The Indian Express, 23 March,2026

Password or Prison: Hong Kong

Under new amendments to Hong Kong’s National Security Law effective on March 2026, refusing to provide mobile or computer passwords is a criminal offense and can cost up to one year in prison or 100000 HK dollars. According to the new rule, police do not need a warrant, only reasonable suspicion that someone is breaching city’s national security is enough to force the disclosure. It also empowers custom officers to seize items that are deemed to have sedition intention. This new law has got criticism from western governments. A spokesperson of Hong Kong government says that it will not affect country’s general people life.

Source : The Indian Express, 23 March,2026

Strait of Hormuz will be open soon : Trump

US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the US and Iran are having “very strong talks” to resolve the three-week war in West Asia. Iran’s foreign ministry confirmed that there are initiatives to reduce tensions with Iran wanting direct US participation in talks. He also told the reporters that the Strait of Hormuz would be “open very soon” bringing relief to the financial market. Countries like Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan are mediating talks between the US and Iran. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, confirmed that messages from the US, conveyed through friendly countries, have been received and responded to, aligning with Iran’s principles.

Source : The Times, 24 March, 2026

Balendra Shah : Nepal's youngest Prime Minister

A new political era begins in Nepal on Friday as 35-year-old Balendra “Balen” Shah, former rapper and structural engineer became the nation’s 47^th Prime Minister, becoming one of the youngest leaders ever to assume the top position. His victory in general election following his tenure as Mayor of Kathmandu starting in 2022, marking a significant shift in the county’s political arena. The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Office of the President, administered by President Ramchandra Paudel, and attended by various top dignitaries.

Source : The Statesman, 27 March, 2026

NEWS LAST WEEK – March 16 – March 22, 2026

Compiled by:

Nandita Banerjee, Anisha Hazra, Diya Nath

MAJMC Sem 2

  

National News

 

A Silent Crisis for India’s "NavIC" GPS

Pexels

ISRO shared some sobering news this week regarding our homegrown navigation system. The final atomic clock on the IRNSS-1F satellite has officially given up the ghost. This is a bit of a blow because we now only have three fully functional satellites in the constellation—one short of what’s needed for precise, pinpoint navigation. While the satellite is still floating around and sending messages, its days as a reliable GPS tool are basically over until the next batch of replacements can get off the ground.

Source: India Today, March 16, 2026

 

A Massive Legal Milestone for Human Dignity

In a case that really pulled at the country's heartstrings, the Supreme Court authorized the first real-world application of passive euthanasia for a patient named Harish Rana. Harish had been in a vegetative state for over 13 years following an accident. By ruling that his life support could be withdrawn, the court shifted the conversation from "prolonging life" to "ending suffering." It’s a landmark moment that finally puts the 2018 "Right to Die with Dignity" guidelines into actual practice.

Source: SC Observer, March 16, 2026

 

Lifeline for Exporters: The RELIEF Scheme

With the conflict in West Asia causing chaos in shipping lanes, the government launched the RELIEF (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) scheme this Thursday. With a ₹497 crore budget, it’s basically a massive safety net for Indian businesses. It helps cover the insane spikes in insurance and freight costs that have been killing profit margins for smaller exporters. If you're a business owner trying to ship goods through the Gulf right now, this was the best news you could have asked for.

Source: Economic Times, March 19, 2026

 

The Kitchen Scramble: LPG Supply Woes

It’s been a tense week for households as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz began hitting local gas supplies. To prevent a full-blown shortage, the government had to step in and tighten the rules on LPG refills, specifically for people who already have piped gas (PNG). There was a collective sigh of relief toward the end of the week when two major Indian tankers managed to slip through the danger zone and reach the Gujarat coast, but the "panic booking" of cylinders is still a major headache for officials.

 Source: Times of India, March 22, 2026

 

 

Regional News

(Kolkata and West Bengal)

 

Poll Dates Create Tension for Board Exam Students

Pexels

The clash between election dates (April 29 and May 4) and IB and CAIE board exams has caused concern among students and schools in Kolkata. Many schools are planning arrangements like reducing staff duties and coordinating with authorities to help students reach exam centers smoothly. Despite the issues, exam boards are unlikely to reschedule the exams, as the problem affects only a small number of schools. Schools are also communicating closely with parents to ensure students face minimal inconvenience. Special measures may be taken for transport and safety on exam days. Overall, authorities are trying to balance both the election process and students’ academic needs.

Source: The Telegraph, March 16, 2026

 

Election Commission Transfers 19 Police Officers Ahead of Bengal Polls

The Election Commission ordered the transfer of 19 police officers across West Bengal shortly after the announcement of Assembly elections. The reshuffle included four police commissioners, senior officers like ADGs, several district superintendents, and a Kolkata Police deputy commissioner. The move came soon after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised concerns to the Chief Election Commissioner about such actions. The EC directed that the transferred officers should not be assigned any election-related duties until the polls are completed and asked for immediate implementation. The transfers, affecting multiple districts, have stirred reactions within political and administrative circles, with opposition leaders also raising issues regarding officer appointments and re-employment.

Source: The Telegraph, March 17, 2026

 

Smita Pandey Becomes Kolkata’s First Woman Municipal Commissioner

Smita Pandey, a 2005‑batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the first woman commissioner of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and its civic executive head. She replaced Anshul Gupta, another IAS officer. Apart from being KMC commissioner, she will also act as District Election Officer (DEO) for north Calcutta, managing seven Assembly constituencies. Pandey holds an MBA from Lucknow University and an LLM from Calcutta University. She has experience with the Kolkata Environment Improvement Investment Programme (KEIIP) and will focus on property tax collection, a major revenue source for KMC, while handling dual roles of commissioner and DEO.

Source: The Telegraph, March 19, 2026

 

Tragic Lift Accident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital Claims Life of 40-Year-Old Man

A 40-year-old man, Arup Banerjee from Dum Dum, died after getting trapped inside a malfunctioning elevator at RG Kar Medical College’s trauma building in Kolkata. He had come to the hospital around 3:30 am for his 4-year-old son’s treatment and was inside the lift with his wife and child. The elevator reportedly malfunctioned—moving erratically and eventually getting stuck for nearly an hour before dropping to the basement, where the door opened but an iron grill blocked their exit. By the time help arrived, Arup Banerjee had died. The incident sparked protests from patients’ families, and Tala Police Station began an investigation. Authorities are now examining whether the tragedy was caused by mechanical failure or negligence in maintenance.

Source: ABP Ananda, March 22, 2026

 

 

International News

 

Donald Trump wants help in securing the Strait of Hormuz

Pexels

American President has called on several countries to deploy naval vessels to ensure safe passage for ships to go through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the key maritime checkpoints through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes. Iran has blocked the route by using drones, mines etc.  Speaking to reporters he said that several governments had been approached for assistance. Although he did not take the name of the countries but analysis believed that France and Great Britain are among those. Unfortunately, two allies of the United States, Japan and Australia, have said that they are not willing to help or agree on the proposal.  He also spoke about operation Epic Fury stating that although they want to negotiate but he thinks that they are not ready so the US will finish the job. As a result of the war there is a scarcity in the global energy markets.

Source: The Statesman, 17 March.

 

 

Killing of one person will not weaken Iran’s Political system: Araghchi.

The secretary of Iran’s supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani and his son have been killed. Tehran has confirmed the news. Iran’s intelligence minister Ismail khatib was also killed on Tuesday. Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister has said Iran’s governing structure is “very solid”. And that America and Israel are unable to understand that one particular individual’s loss will not affect Iran’s strong government. He also said that they do not want ceasefire because they do not want the situation to recur. They want to end the war completely.

Source: The Statesman, 18 March.

 

Finland ranked happiest country for the ninth consecutive time

According to the world happiness report 2026,published on Thursday, limitless use of social media affecting the wellbeing of teenage girls Particularly in English speaking countries as they are busy in having in social connection but have no connection with their families. Once again, Afghanistan ranks as the unhappiest country and Finland ranks as the happiest. Costa Rica, a new country is upgraded its position. It is now in the top 5 on the list.  According to the report Finland and other Northern European countries are happy because they have equal distribution of wealth and the state welfare system that protects people from having a risk of recessions and healthy life expectancy.

Source: AP, 19 March.

 

400 dead, 200 wounded in the sudden Pak attack.

Around 400 people were killed and 200 people injured in a sudden attack by Pakistan on a drug rehabilitation hospital named Omid on Monday at 9:00 PM. large part of the hospital facility has been destroyed. Condemning these incident, Afghanistan government’s chief spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has said that they will retaliate against the attack.  Afghan cricketer Rashid Khan has marked this incident as “war crime” and India has said that this incident is “barbaric”. Although Pakistan denies the accusation that it targeted a hospital and saying it is propaganda and that they targeted a military installation. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation.

Source: The Statesman, 18 March.