Daily Morning Brief - 15 March 2026

National News

1. LPG Crisis Hits India
The ongoing Middle East conflict has triggered a severe cooking gas shortage in India. Even the Parliament canteen reportedly ran out of tea and coffee due to lack of LPG cylinders. Congress MP Mohammad Jawed alleged that cylinders are being sold in the black market for up to ₹2,000.

2. Sonam Wangchuk Released from Jail
Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk has been released from Jodhpur Central Jail after nearly six months of detention under the National Security Act. The government revoked the detention to encourage dialogue and restore stability in Ladakh.

3. PM Modi Launches ₹18,680 Crore Projects in West Bengal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated infrastructure and connectivity projects worth ₹18,680 crore in West Bengal, including the Kharagpur–Moregram economic corridor, aimed at boosting trade and regional connectivity.

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 World News

4. US Bombing Raid on Iran’s Kharg Island
The United States carried out a major bombing raid on Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub. Reports say military facilities were targeted, but oil infrastructure was avoided to prevent global energy disruption.

5. Drone Strike Near US Embassy in Baghdad
A drone strike targeted the United States Embassy Baghdad after American forces launched attacks on Iran-backed militias in Iraq. The incident has raised fears of further escalation in the region.

6. Oil Operations Halted in UAE After Drone Attack
Oil loading operations at Port of Fujairah were suspended after drone attacks damaged crude storage tanks, adding pressure to already volatile global oil markets.

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Business & Economy

7. IT Firms Shift to Work From Home
Major Indian IT companies including Infosys and HCLTech are reportedly shifting employees to work-from-home or cutting cafeteria services due to shortages of commercial LPG supplies.

8. Meta Plans Massive Job Cuts
Tech giant Meta Platforms is reportedly planning layoffs of around 15,000–16,000 employees as the company restructures and focuses heavily on artificial intelligence development.

9. Crude Oil May Hit $150 per Barrel
Analysts warn global crude prices could surge to $150 per barrel if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, which could severely impact the global economy. 

Sports

10. FIFA Worried as Iran Withdraws from World Cup
FIFA is facing uncertainty after Iran national football team reportedly withdrew from the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to security concerns amid the ongoing conflict.

11. Shubman Gill Set for BCCI Cricketer of the Year
Indian star batter Shubman Gill is expected to receive the BCCI Cricketer of the Year at the upcoming BCCI Naman Awards.

12.  BCCI Naman Awards 2026

Indian batter Shubman Gill will be honoured with the BCCI Cricketer of the Year at the BCCI Naman Awards in New Delhi. Stars like Smriti Mandhana, former coach Rahul Dravid, and Roger Binny will also be honoured at the ceremony.