Daily Morning Brief -21 March 2026

India

1. Fuel Prices Rise Amid Global Crisis – Premium petrol increased by ₹2 and industrial diesel saw a ₹22  hike, while normal fuel rates remain unchanged.
2. India Sends Medical Aid to Afghanistan – A 2.5-ton relief consignment was sent following a deadly airstrike on a Kabul hospital.
3. India Balances LPG Supply Strategy – The country continues relying on US and Russia to maintain stable energy supplies.

4. SC Stresses Equality in Marriage – Court says husbands must share household work, cannot teat wives as maids. emphasizing partnership in marriage.
5. CJI Declines to Hear EC Appointment Case – Chief Justice Surya Kant refused to hear the matter as it involves the CJI’s role and may lead to bias.

World

6. Iran Drone Strike Hits Kuwait Refinery – Attack disrupts key oil infrastructure, raising global supply concerns.
7. Iran Reportedly Charges $2 Million for Safe Passage in the Strait of Hormuz –Reports say at least one tanker paid around $2 million for safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran controls access via a restricted corridor.
8. Trump Criticizes NATO Allies – US President calls allies “cowards” over limited support in conflict.
9. Sri Lanka Denies US Warplane Landing – The government refused permission for US warplanes to land in its territory, maintaining neutrality amid rising tensions
10.US Deploys 3 Warships with 2,200 Marine commandos to capture Kharg Island – Forces sent to Middle East as tensions rise, with Kharg Island options being considered.

Finance

11. Rupee Falls to Record Low – Indian currency drops to ₹93.27 against the US dollar due to global pressures.
12. Forex Reserves Decline Sharply – India’s reserves fall to around $709 billion as RBI intervenes.

Odisha

13. 13,000 Teachers Get Permanent Status – State government approves regularisation with full benefits from 2026.
14. CM Mohan Majhi Orders Development of Cuttack Mahanadi Riverfront as National Tourist Destination

 – ₹210 crore plan aims to develop Mahanadi riverfront into a tourist hub.