Evening News Report: Iran rejects ship bound for Pakistan from Hormuz; administration calls for more gas pipelines to be diverted

Here are the 5 most important updates of the day:

Iran intercepts ship trying to pass through Strait of Hormuz bound for Pakistan

Iran intercepted and turned back the Pakistan-bound container ship “SELEN” in the Strait of Hormuz on the grounds that the ship did not comply with legal agreements and without prior approval. Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy Commander Alireza Donsiri said all ships must coordinate with Iran’s maritime authorities in order to safeguard the country’s sovereignty over strategic waterways.Amid rising tensions in the Gulf, Iran has tightened control of the Strait of Hormuz – through which about 20% of the world’s oil flows – while allowing passage of “non-hostile” vessels that comply with its security rules and coordinate with authorities.Read the full story

Center orders transition to natural gas pipelines wherever possible

The Center has introduced a policy to stop cylinder supply in areas by asking households in areas with piped natural gas (PNG) to switch to LPG. The move, issued under the Gas Allocation Order 2026, is aimed at expanding the gas network, reducing reliance on a single fuel source and mitigating global oil supply disruptions related to the Middle East crisis.The order aims to improve energy security by fast-tracking pipeline infrastructure, streamlining approvals and facilitating the transition from liquefied petroleum gas to Papua New Guinea. It also seeks to optimize the distribution of LPG by redirecting supply to areas without pipelines.Read the full story

After Uttarakhand, Gujarat passes Uniform Civil Code bill

Gujarat has passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026, introducing a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption across communities. The state became the second state after Uttarakhand to implement UCC. Union Home Minister Amit Shah welcomed the move, saying it was a historic step to ensure equality and reiterated the long-term commitment of the BJP.Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the law was formulated through public consultation and a panel headed by retired judge Ranjana Prakash Desai. He added that the UCC aims to establish a common legal framework without discrimination and strengthen social harmony and inclusive development.Read the full story

Indian refiners order 60 million barrels of Russian crude as global supplies tighten

Indian refiners have purchased about 60 million barrels of Russian crude for next month, in line with recent levels but exceeding February purchases. Supply disruptions in the Middle East and a U.S. exemption allowing imports of preloaded Russian oil led to a surge in buying. Cargo bookings are reportedly $5 to $15 per barrel higher than Brent crude, helping India cope with constraints posed by the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.India has resumed buying Russian oil cargoes for shipment before March 5 following the US exemption. India emerged as a major buyer of discounted Russian crude after 2022 following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but later reduced purchases under pressure from the United States and turned to suppliers such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq.Read the full story

Linku Singh appointed as Uttar Pradesh district sports officer

Rinku Singh received a double boost as he was appointed as the vice-captain of Kolkata Knight Riders IPL 2026 and appointed as the Uttar Pradesh District Sports Officer by the state government. UP CM Yogi Adityanath gave the post to him, where he will be responsible for promoting sports, managing facilities and nurturing talent. The state will also hire six other international medalists.Singh’s salary is expected to be between Rs 70,000 and Rs 80,000Read the full story