NATIONAL 
EXPRESS

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to introduce the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha today. The Bill seeks to amend the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 and the Companies Act, 2013. Besides, the Finance Bill 2026 is also listed in today’s business of the House for consideration and passing. The Bill proposes to give effect to the financial proposals of the Central Government for the financial year 2026-2027. In the Rajya Sabha today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to introduce the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026. The Bill seeks to regulate the general rules governing the recruitment and conditions of service of Group A General Duty Officers and other officers in the Central Armed Police Forces and other rules regarding these Forces. In addition to it, the Appropriation (No. 2) Bill, 2026 is also listed in today’s business of the House for consideration and return. The Bill seeks to authorise payment and appropriation of certain sums from and out of the Consolidated Fund of India for the services of the financial year 2026-27. The Lok Sabha has already passed this legislation.

United Arab Emirates’ Defence Ministry says its air defences intercepted four ballistic missiles and 25 drones launched from Iran yesterday, with explosions heard over several urban areas. In a separate incident, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre reported a projectile had detonated close to a bulk carrier about 15 nautical miles off the coast of Sharjah. In Lebanon, Israeli forces have stepped up both air and ground operations, with the military confirming strikes on bridges over the Litani River aimed at disrupting Hezbollah’s supply routes. Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has warned that pressure on Iranian-aligned groups will increase further in the coming days. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced the 74th wave of its Operation True Promise 4, saying it involved the use of heavy missiles targeting military and security sites in Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva, Holon and Ramat Gan. Akashvani correspondent reports, in Tehran, the tone is defiant and the threats are escalating. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the 74th wave of its Operation True Promise 4, describing it as involving super-heavy missiles and claiming strikes on military and security targets in Israel. Iran’s parliament speaker went further on social media, warning that if Iranian power plants are attacked, the critical infrastructure, energy infrastructure and oil facilities throughout the region will be considered legitimate targets and will be destroyed in an irreversible manner, and the price of oil will remain high for a long time. Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to the United Kingdom and permanent representative to the International Maritime Organisation said the strait will remain open to all nations – except for Iran’s enemies and that safe passage is possible once necessary security arrangements with Tehran are made.

Iran has threatened to completely close Strait of Hormuz if US attacks Iranian power plants. In a statement, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that the Strait of Hormuz will be completely closed and will not be opened until the destroyed Iranian power plants are rebuilt. The IRGC’s statement comes after US President Donald Trump warned that if Iran does not open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, America will hit and obliterate various Iranian power plants, starting with the biggest one first. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf also warned that if Tehran’s infrastructure is targeted, then key facilities across the region could be “irreversibly destroyed”. Iranian military officials also said they could target US-linked energy, technology and water infrastructure in the Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, carrying a large share of global oil and gas supplies. Iran shut the vital energy supply route on February 28. Disruptions in this narrow waterway have already choked tanker movement, pushed up fuel prices and shaken global markets.

South Korea has said that they are ready to join efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, which is responsible for 20 per cent of global oil and gas supply. The South Korean foreign ministry stated that it will join 7 countries, including European nations and Japan, in their joint statement condemning Iran’s attacks in the Gulf and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The joint statement, issued by Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and Canada, calls on Iran to cease its attacks and attempts to block the strategic waterway and comply with the principle of freedom of navigation.

In United States, Trump administration unveiled a national framework on artificial intelligence. The new AI policy push signals shift to boost innovation, protect citizens, and strengthen US leadership. The framework, among others, covers child safety, economic growth, intellectual property, free speech, innovation, and workforce development. These areas are closely linked to India’s role in the US technology ecosystem and could shape Indian talent, IT firms, and policy debates. The White House said it will work with Congress to pass the law.

Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Sudhakar Dalela, today said that the global economy is navigating an extraordinary period marked by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and disruptions in supply chains, energy, and trade flows. He made these remarks while addressing the International Conference on Multilateralism Under Pressure: Roadmap to the WTO Ministerial Conference in New Delhi. He said that declining global economic growth, reduced investment flows, heightened policy uncertainty, and persistent supply chain disruptions now define the current international economic landscape. Emphasizing the shifting structure of the global economy, Mr. Dalela said developing countries, particularly India, have emerged as key drivers of global growth. He said that the Global South now contributes over 42 percent of global GDP, a significant rise from 21 percent in 2000. He stressed that this transformation requires urgent reforms in global governance institutions such as the World Trade Organization to better reflect current realities. He said that voices representing the majority of the global population must play a greater role in shaping international trade rules. He said that the upcoming 14th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference must deliver concrete outcomes on WTO reforms to ensure the organization’s continued relevance and effectiveness. The event also witnessed the launch of the World Trade and Development Report 2026.

On the third and final day of her visit to Uttar Pradesh, President Droupadi Murmu today visited Danghati Temple in Goverdhan in Mathura district and offered prayers. The President also undertook the traditional Govardhan Parikrama before returning to Delhi. The three-day visit of President Murmu to Uttar Pradesh began on Thursday with the darshan of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya. After that, she offered prayers at Iskcon temple and the Prem Mandir in Vrindavan. The President also inaugurated the new Oncology Block of Ramakrishna Mission Sevashram yesterday, which is aimed at strengthening cancer care facilities in the region.

The Indian Embassy in Doha said that Qatar Airways operated five flights to India yesterday, carrying over 1,600 Indian nationals amid ongoing airspace restrictions in Qatar. The Embassy said that the airline has also announced plans to expand connectivity from today, with flights scheduled to nine Indian destinations. According to an advisory issued by the Embassy, Qatar’s airspace remains largely closed, with only restricted flight operations currently permitted. The Embassy also advised the passengers to book tickets through official channels, including the airline’s website, mobile application, or authorised travel agents. The Embassy informed that it is facilitating temporary transit visas for Saudi Arabia, enabling those wishing to return to India via the land route across the Salwa border. The Embassy said that it will remain open throughout the coming week to provide consular services, including passport issuance. It added that dry ration supplies are being distributed to members of the Indian fishermen community in Qatar as part of ongoing relief efforts.

Air India and Air India Express will operate 50 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from West Asia today. Of them, 26 will be scheduled and 24 will be non-scheduled services, Air India said in a statement. The ongoing conflict in the region involving the US, Israel and Iran has disrupted flight operations.

The Election Commission has deployed one thousand one hundred 11 Central Observers for the assembly elections of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and the bye-elections in 6 States. The Commission said that among them, 557 are General Observers, 188 Police Observers and 366 are Expenditure Observers. While announcing the schedule for the general elections, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that the elections will be conducted in a violence-free and inducement-free manner so that each elector can cast their vote without fear. The poll body said that the Observers will function as the eyes and ears of the Commission in ensuring the objective is met. The Commission has directed that the Observers be stationed in their respective Assembly Constituencies by today. It has also asked the Observers to make public their contact details upon arrival and specify a time fixed every day for meeting the candidates, political parties or their representatives or any member of the public to hear their election-related grievances.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar concluded his visit to Brussels. During the visit Dr Jaishankar met the President of the European council António Costa, President of European Commission Ursula von der Layen and the Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas. The Minister also met his EU counterparts and held separate bilateral discussions with some of them. Sharing the details of key messages in these conversations including the finalization of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) represents a turning point in India-EU ties, Dr Jaishankar shared that it will not only unlock its enormous economic potential but express the strategic nature of engagement of both sides. During the meeting they discussed that the two sides should proactively assist each other in practical activities, including trade and investment promotion, to realize the gains of FTA on the ground. Discussions were also held to de-risking supply chains and enhancing resilience are shared objectives and the FTA will encourage deeper business linkages to that end. Dr Jaishankar also informed that they also discussed that the India-EU partnership will act as a factor of stability and resilience in a multipolar and uncertain world.

Maharashtra assembly last night passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 by voice vote. It has stringent provisions to prohibit religious conversions carried out through coercion, fraud, inducement or marriage. As per the Bill, those involved in unlawful conversions on the pretext of marriage will be punished with imprisonment of seven years and shall also be liable for a fine of 1 lakh rupees. Violations in respect of a minor, a person of unsound mind, a woman or a person belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe will be punished with imprisonment of seven years and a fine of 5 lakh rupees. Mass conversions will have a jail term of seven years and a fine of 5 lakh rupees. Repeat offenders can get a jail sentence of 10 years and a fine of 5 lakh rupees, as per the Bill. Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar said the proposed law aims to prevent conversions carried out through fraud, coercion or inducement while safeguarding Constitutional rights. Replying to the debate in the House, Mr Bhoyar said the bill seeks to ensure that religious conversions take place voluntarily and in a transparent manner.