New Delhi | 09 Sep 2026

Brent crude climbed above $100 a barrel on Wednesday as escalating US-Iran attacks threatened shipping and energy supplies near the Strait of Hormuz, increasing pressure on India’s oil-import bill and raising the risk of higher petrol, diesel and LPG costs.

US-Iran conflict drives Brent crude above $100

Brent crude rose about 3% to trade above $100 a barrel for the first time in nearly six weeks, while US West Texas Intermediate crude advanced beyond $95. Prices increased after attacks involving tankers and other vessels intensified concerns about further disruption to Gulf energy shipments.

The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the market’s concerns. The International Energy Agency estimates that about 25% of global seaborne oil trade passed through the waterway in 2025, while alternative export routes have limited capacity.

Indian crude basket rises above $106

India’s Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell placed the Indian crude basket at $106.26 a barrel on 7 September. Its September average up to that date was $100.75, compared with $90.19 in August and $82.04 in July.

The increase raises costs for Indian refiners and places additional pressure on the country’s import bill. A weaker rupee compounds that burden because crude purchases are largely settled in US dollars. The rupee closed at 95.1050 against the dollar on Wednesday amid rising oil prices and wider market uncertainty.

Will petrol and diesel prices rise in India?

The crude oil surge does not automatically result in an immediate or proportionate increase in retail petrol and diesel prices. Pump prices also depend on international refined-product rates, the rupee-dollar exchange rate, freight, dealer margins, central excise duty and state taxes.

Oil marketing companies and the government may absorb part of a temporary increase through marketing margins or tax adjustments. However, if crude prices remain elevated for an extended period, pressure could build either for higher pump prices, lower taxes or financial support for fuel retailers.

No nationwide increase in Indian petrol or diesel prices had been officially announced in response to Wednesday’s market movement at the time of reporting.

LPG and inflation risks for India

India depends substantially on imported LPG, making domestic cooking-gas costs vulnerable to sustained increases in international prices and disruptions to Gulf shipping. The final retail effect would depend on import costs, government subsidy decisions and the pricing policies of oil companies.

Prolonged high crude prices could also increase transport, aviation, manufacturing and logistics costs, feeding into broader inflation. The scale of the impact will depend on how long the conflict continues, whether tanker traffic faces further restrictions and whether additional global supplies can offset losses from the region.

New Delhi | 09 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court on Wednesday questioned a Greater Noida executive magistrate’s decision to issue a ₹5 lakh peace-bond notice to Gautam Buddha University law student Akshat Tripathi, despite an earlier order protecting students from action over Cockroach Janta Party protests.

Supreme Court questions notice to Akshat Tripathi

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant raised the matter after a lawyer informed the court that Tripathi, a second-year student, had received the notice following allegations that he encouraged other students to participate in a proposed CJP demonstration.

“We are surprised; how did the magistrate dare to issue a notice when we have already annulled, and we have directed that on already registered FIRs, no action will be taken.”

— Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India

The bench, also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, was told that the notice had subsequently been withdrawn. The Chief Justice directed the lawyer to place the relevant facts on record and said an explanation would be sought from the district administration.

Notice sought ₹5 lakh personal bond and two sureties

The notice, dated 4 September, called upon Tripathi to explain why he should not be required to execute a personal bond of ₹5 lakh, along with two sureties of the same amount, to maintain peace for six months.

Proceedings were initiated under Sections 126 and 135 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. A police report alleged that Tripathi was spreading misleading and anti-government statements and provoking students in a manner that could disturb public peace. These claims remain allegations and were denied by Tripathi.

Tripathi said he had not visited the university for three months and was working at the Allahabad High Court during July. He questioned how he could have instigated students on campus when classes had shifted online because of maintenance work.

Notice withdrawn after police review

Police said the order was revoked a day after it was issued following an examination of the allegations. Tripathi has nevertheless challenged the notice before the Supreme Court, arguing that its issuance violated the court’s 1 September ruling.

The Gautam Buddh Nagar administration separately said neither the district magistrate nor the district administration had issued such an order. Court proceedings and the student’s petition, however, attributed the notice to Executive Magistrate-III in the Greater Noida Police Commissionerate.

Earlier order protected CJP student protesters

On 1 September, the Supreme Court quashed FIRs registered against students who participated in CJP demonstrations held from 20 to 25 July, subject to an exception concerning people with criminal antecedents. The court had also directed that no penal action be taken against protected student protesters.

The Supreme Court has not yet recorded a finding of contempt against any official. Further action will depend on the documents placed before the bench and the explanation sought from the authorities.

New Delhi | 09 Sep 2026

Delhi Police arrested paying guest accommodation operator Sudhanshu on Wednesday in connection with the Satya Niketan PG collapse that killed seven people, including five students. The arrest took the number of people held in the case to five as civic authorities began demolishing an unsafe adjoining building.

Fifth arrest in Satya Niketan PG collapse investigation

Police said Sudhanshu and his business partner, Shubham Tyagi, had leased the building in August 2025 and operated the student accommodation under the name “Hostel Daze”. Tyagi remained untraced at the time of reporting.

The other arrested people are building owners Hariram Gupta and Urmila Gupta, their son Mahesh Gupta, and labour contractor Sanoj. Hariram and Urmila were remanded to 14 days’ judicial custody, while Mahesh was questioned in police custody.

Investigators are examining the roles of the owners, operators and workers connected with repairs reportedly being conducted in the basement and on the ground floor. The precise cause of the collapse has not yet been officially established.

MCD begins demolition of unsafe adjoining building

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi began a controlled, phased demolition of the building adjoining the collapsed structure after declaring it dilapidated and unsafe. Its occupants had previously been evacuated and the property sealed.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta directed the MCD to inspect PG accommodations across the capital and act against unauthorised construction. She also ordered scrutiny of building records to determine when the violations occurred and which officials had jurisdiction at the time.

Five MCD officials from the South Zone have been suspended pending an inquiry into possible administrative lapses. The suspensions do not constitute findings of guilt, and the investigation remains under way.

Delhi plans licensing and safety rules for PG facilities

The Delhi government is preparing draft legislation to regulate private hostels and PG accommodation. The proposals include municipal licences, police verification, structural and fire-safety clearances, unique registration numbers and a central public portal for registered properties and complaints.

The Delhi High Court also issued notices to the Centre, the Delhi government and Delhi University on Wednesday over a petition seeking a time-bound hostel development policy. The matter is scheduled to be heard again on 25 September alongside another petition seeking an independent investigation and regulations for hostels and PG facilities.

The Supreme Court is separately expected to consider the wider issue of regulatory compliance for unsafe and unauthorised buildings after the Satya Niketan tragedy was mentioned before it.

India | 8 Sep 2026

Credent TV has presented a special discussion exploring why people can feel disconnected from themselves despite remaining socially connected. Titled “Khud Se Door Kyon Ho Jaate Hain Hum?”, the programme addresses loneliness, emotional pressure, silent suffering, self-doubt and the search for meaningful human connection.

Released ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day, observed annually on 10 September, the conversation encourages viewers to recognise emotional distress, speak openly about difficult experiences and take practical steps towards rebuilding confidence and self-awareness.“

Experts Discuss Emotional Disconnection

The programme brings together Madhuri, a psychologist, life coach and life-regeneration coach; Mamta, founder of Soul Space by Mamta and a practitioner of holistic healing, Reiki, quantum healing and intuitive guidance; and Rachna Jhunjhunwala, founder of The Confidence Bay, who works as a confidence coach, educator, counsellor and mentor. Sunil SL Narnauliya is the moderator of the show.

The speakers examine how emotional burdens may remain hidden behind everyday routines and social interactions. The discussion asks why people often endure distress in silence and how hesitation, low self-belief and external pressures can gradually weaken their connection with their own needs and emotions.

The statement translates to: “Sometimes our deepest silence hides the very story that we are unable to share with anyone.” It establishes the central theme of the programme—silence does not necessarily indicate that a person is coping well.

From Self-Doubt to Confidence

A major part of the conversation focuses on the role of confidence in overcoming self-doubt. The speakers consider how individuals can transform hesitation into an effective voice and begin moving from isolation towards healthier, more meaningful relationships.

The programme also explores whether pressures associated with personal responsibilities and social expectations can be redirected towards personal fulfilment. Rather than presenting confidence as an instant solution, the discussion treats it as something that can be developed through self-awareness, honest communication and gradual action.

Encouraging People to Speak and Seek Support

Credent TV invites viewers to reflect on the first and often most difficult step required to reconnect with themselves. The programme encourages people to share their experiences and participate in conversations that reduce shame and hesitation around emotional struggles.

Discussions about loneliness and mental health require sensitivity. People experiencing persistent distress, thoughts of self-harm or an immediate crisis should contact a qualified mental-health professional, local emergency service or trusted support person without delay. Public conversations can raise awareness, but they are not substitutes for professional assessment or treatment.

Through the programme, Credent TV seeks to move the conversation from silence towards acknowledgement, support and connection. Its central message is that recognising emotional difficulty and asking for help can be meaningful first steps towards recovery and renewed self-confidence.

Jaipur | 8 Sep 2026

SRN International School in Jagatpura, Jaipur, celebrated Krishna Janmashtami with devotional performances, dance drama and colourful tableaux depicting Lord Krishna’s childhood, teachings and enduring cultural values.

Students recreate Lord Krishna’s childhood

The programme brought together students in an atmosphere of devotion and festive enthusiasm. Through songs, dances and dialogues, they presented episodes from Krishna’s childhood and conveyed messages drawn from his life and ideals.

A dance drama based on Krishna’s childhood exploits was the principal attraction. Young participants dressed as Krishna and Radha took to the stage in traditional costumes, with their expressions, movements and coordinated performances drawing appreciation from the audience.

Janmashtami tableaux transform school campus

The school campus featured tableaux portraying the birth and childhood of Lord Krishna. One installation showed young Krishna stealing butter, while another recreated scenes featuring Radha and Krishna.

The presentations combined visual storytelling with music and performance, giving students an opportunity to explore Indian mythology and cultural traditions through active participation.

Cultural programmes promote values and traditions

Principal-Director Usha Sharma extended Janmashtami greetings to the students and said Krishna’s life offers lessons in love, compassion, truth, duty and positive thinking.

She emphasised that connecting children with Indian culture and significant mythological figures is an important part of education. Cultural activities, she said, help students develop respect for the country’s traditions while strengthening values and sensitivity.

The celebration sought to move beyond entertainment by using Krishna’s childhood stories to communicate lessons about character, responsibility and cultural awareness. Students participated in the programme as performers and storytellers, turning the festival into an experiential learning activity.

Paris | 8 Sep 2026

The Eiffel Tower reopened to visitors on Tuesday after employees shut the Paris landmark during a strike over allegations that female workers were removed or sidelined during a private visit by a delegation linked to the Hindu organisation BAPS.

Eiffel Tower reopens after one-day disruption

The monument’s official website listed it as open from 9.30 am to 11 pm on 8 September. The tower had remained closed on Monday after staff held a meeting and began industrial action over the treatment of female colleagues during the delegation’s visit on Saturday.

Signs displayed outside the tower initially told visitors that its opening had been delayed for “operational reasons”. The protest later resulted in the monument remaining unavailable to visitors for the day.

Female workers allegedly asked to leave posts

A delegation of approximately 100 people associated with the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, commonly known as BAPS, visited the Eiffel Tower privately on 5 September.

Union representatives alleged that some female employees were instructed to leave their workstations, avoid specified areas or allow male colleagues to replace them while the delegation passed through the monument.

“Women were asked to leave their workstations so that men could take their places.”— Diane Davoine, union representative

Employees described the arrangements as humiliating and demanded assurances that women would not be treated similarly during future private visits.

Eiffel Tower operator acknowledges error

Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel, the company operating the monument, said the delegation had requested arrangements that would limit interactions with women.

The operator acknowledged that accepting the requested conditions was inconsistent with its commitment to gender equality. Management also apologised to the employees affected by the decision.

“These conditions should not have been accepted.”— Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel

SETE president Ariel Weil said the company would establish what had happened and draw the necessary conclusions. The circumstances in which the arrangements were requested, approved and implemented are now under examination.

BAPS denies blocking access and apologises

BAPS said the visit was organised jointly with Eiffel Tower personnel at the beginning of normal opening hours because of the delegation’s size and to minimise disruption to other visitors.

The organisation said that, to the best of its knowledge, nobody had been prevented from entering the tower. It nevertheless apologised for any distress or inconvenience caused and said it remained committed to mutual respect and service.

“We sincerely apologise for any pain or inconvenience caused.”— BAPS statement

BAPS describes itself as a Hindu spiritual and volunteer organisation. Its representatives were in France for events connected with the inauguration of a new BAPS temple in the Paris suburbs.

Paris authorities order investigation

Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire said the employees’ concerns were legitimate and announced an urgent investigation into the events leading to the strike.

French Equality Minister Aurore Bergé said gender equality could not be set aside on religious grounds. National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet and other French political leaders also criticised any arrangement requiring women to become less visible in a public workplace.

The investigation is expected to examine who authorised the staffing changes, whether the visiting delegation explicitly requested them and what safeguards should be introduced for future group visits.

Vadodara | 8 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated, dedicated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth more than ₹35,000 crore in Vadodara on Tuesday, combining a major infrastructure push with a youth-focused “NaMo for Viksit Bharat” programme.

PM Modi attends Gen Z-focused event in Vadodara

Modi walked along a Y-shaped ramp extending into the audience at the event venue, where young participants had gathered around the stage. The format was designed to facilitate closer engagement with students, professionals and other young attendees.

An ANI video, sourced from Doordarshan, showed the crowd welcoming the Prime Minister as he entered the “NaMo for Viksit Bharat” programme.

Free public registration for the programme was managed through BookMyShow. Organisers said all available seats were booked within an hour and more than 42,000 additional applicants were placed on a waiting list. Registered participants received digital tickets carrying live QR codes for entry verification.

Three Western Dedicated Freight Corridor sections commissioned

The largest component of the Vadodara package comprised three sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor covering 326 route kilometres and developed at a cost exceeding ₹20,700 crore.

The commissioned sections are New Sanand North–New Makarpura, New Umbergaon–New Saphale and New Saphale–New Jawaharlal Nehru Port. Their opening provides direct freight connectivity to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the sections are intended to accelerate the movement of export-import cargo, connect industrial centres with ports, reduce transit and logistics costs and ease pressure on Mumbai’s conventional railway network.

Modi also flagged off freight services from New Sanand North, New Makarpura, New Umbergaon and New JNPT.

New railway line connects tribal areas

The Prime Minister dedicated the Jobat–Tanda Road railway line, developed as part of the Chhota Udepur–Dhar project. The line connects remote and tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh’s Alirajpur district with the national railway network.

A new passenger train between Tanda Road and Vadodara’s Pratapnagar station was also flagged off. The service is expected to benefit passengers in Vadodara, Chhota Udepur and Alirajpur.

Foundation stones were laid for three railway projects covering 329 kilometres and costing more than ₹9,700 crore. These include the third and fourth lines between Vadodara and Ratlam, gauge conversion of the Miyagam Karjan–Choranda–Malsar section and doubling of the Vishwamitri–Dabhoi railway line.

Highway and Gujarat projects included in package

Modi laid the foundation stones for three National Highway projects estimated to cost approximately ₹1,780 crore. The works include six-laning of the Kamrej–Chalthan section of NH-48 and additional structures, including major bridges across the Tapi and Narmada rivers, on the Vadodara–Surat section.

The highway package also covers grade-separated structures at the Abhava, Mindhola and Khajod junctions on NH-53. Six-lane flyovers at Kandari Chokdi and Luvara Patia were inaugurated to improve road safety at identified accident-prone locations.

Gujarat government projects worth around ₹2,600 crore were also included. Among them were Phase II of the Vadodara Urban Development Authority Ring Road, a proposed 110 MW floating solar project at Kadana Dam and a new Vadodara Municipal Corporation office.

The completed works included housing developed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and a drinking-water supply project covering 11 villages in eastern Vadodara.

Mumbai fintech event next on schedule

After his Gujarat engagements, Modi was scheduled to travel to Mumbai to inaugurate the seventh Global Fintech Fest and address its opening session.

The conference is being held from 8 to 11 September under the theme “Potential to Impact: Agentic AI, Tokenisation, Quantum – Trusted, Connected, Global Systems for Inclusive Finance”. It brings together policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, technology companies, investors and academic representatives.

New Delhi | 8 Sep 2026

The Delhi High Court has ordered the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to inspect paying guest accommodations and private hostels across its jurisdiction within a week after the Satya Niketan building collapse killed seven people and exposed possible gaps in the capital’s building-safety system.

Court orders high-level inquiry into Satya Niketan collapse

A bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia directed the MCD to investigate at its highest executive level whether the collapsed building was constructed and operated with the required permissions.

The civic body must examine compliance with building bye-laws, identify officials responsible for any regulatory failure and disclose the action proposed or taken against them. The inspection report must also record the number of students living in each PG accommodation.

“The responsibility, prima facie, in our opinion, for such mishaps do not lie solely on the owner.”— Delhi High Court

The court sought responses from the Delhi government, MCD, Delhi University and Delhi Police within 10 days. Delhi University was asked to disclose the number of outstation students enrolled in its affiliated colleges and the hostel capacity available to them. The case is scheduled to be heard again on 25 September.

MCD building survey comes under scrutiny

The collapse has raised questions about the effectiveness of the MCD’s annual pre-monsoon survey of dangerous buildings. Civic data reported in June showed that approximately 27.84 lakh properties had been inspected against a target of about 32.55 lakh, but only 19 buildings were classified as dangerous.

Updated figures reported by 2 July indicated that around 29.94 lakh buildings had been covered. Twenty-seven were declared unsafe, while 125 others were identified as requiring repairs.

It remains unclear whether the collapsed Satya Niketan property was inspected during the 2026 exercise and, if so, what condition was recorded. An annual visual survey is also different from a detailed structural audit, which can examine foundations, load-bearing components, internal alterations and other weaknesses that may not be visible from outside.

The Delhi High Court’s directions now require a more targeted assessment of properties operating as PGs and hostels, including their permissions, construction status, occupancy and compliance with applicable building regulations.

MCD says building exceeded permitted floors

The five-storey structure, located on a plot measuring about 55 square yards, was being used as a boys’ PG near Delhi University’s South Campus when it collapsed at about 1.30 pm on 6 September.

The MCD said the building was a ground-plus-four structure in a resettlement colony where construction was permitted only up to the ground and first floors. Investigators are examining renovation and excavation work allegedly underway in the basement, but the precise cause of the collapse has not yet been conclusively established.

Authorities rescued 12 people from the debris. Seven deaths were subsequently confirmed.

The MCD suspended five South Zone officials, including Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar, as inquiries began into possible enforcement failures. The other suspended personnel included engineering officials responsible for the area.

Three family members arrested in collapse case

Delhi Police arrested Hariram Gupta, his wife Urmila Gupta and their son Mahesh Gupta in connection with the collapse. Police records cited in court proceedings showed that the property was registered in Urmila Gupta’s name, while Mahesh allegedly managed its day-to-day PG operations.

A Delhi court remanded Hariram and Urmila Gupta to 14 days’ judicial custody. Mahesh Gupta was sent to police custody for two days. The allegations against them have not been adjudicated, and the criminal investigation remains underway.

The case was registered at South Campus police station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita covering culpable homicide not amounting to murder, negligent conduct during building repair or construction, and acts endangering human life.

Delhi plans structural audits and new safety policy

Following a review chaired by Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the Delhi government announced plans for structural audits in student PG hubs, including Satya Niketan. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s office said it was also working on a policy requiring periodic structural audits and safety certification for public-use premises such as PG accommodations, schools and nursing homes.

The government is examining whether vacant MCD and Delhi Development Authority buildings can be used for student accommodation. Officials have also been asked to prepare medium- and long-term plans to expand hostel capacity.

The MCD has issued notices for adjoining structures assessed as dangerous. Property number 13, next to the collapsed building, was evacuated and ordered to be demolished or secured under the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act. Further action will depend on structural inspections, the High Court-ordered audit and the findings of the criminal and administrative inquiries.