Bengaluru Mayor fined for using plastic, despite a ban

Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express has completed two years of dedicated service to passengers of the region on 12th March 2026, marking a significant milestone in modern rail connectivity and passenger comfort.

The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued notice on a petition challenging orders that prohibit public meetings and protests within the Delhi University campus. The court has sought responses from Delhi University, Delhi Police, and concerned colleges regarding the restrictions imposed earlier this year.

Former IPS officer RN Ravi takes oath as the Governor of West Bengal at a ceremony in Lok Bhawan on Thursday in Kolkata. He was administered the oath by Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court, Sujoy Paul, in the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee, Senior Minister and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim and Left Front chairman Biman Bose. RN Ravi also greets West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after taking the oath as the West Bengal Governor.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday accused the central government of failing to respond adequately to commercial LPG cylinder shortages, saying the situation could severely affect hotels, hospitals and other establishments.

The CM claimed that disruption in supply following a central directive is forcing restaurants, hotels, and catering services to the brink of temporary closure.

"There are some challenges, but like the EAM assured the house yesterday and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister has been repeatedly assuring, the energy security of the country is the foremost priority for the govt. I would like to assure the people of Karnataka, especially the hoteliers, that the priority right now will be to address domestic consumption of people as well as take care of CNG and LNG needs of the country," the BJP MP told reporters.

"I am in receipt of representation from the Bangalore Hotels Association (Regd.) regarding concerns related to the continuity of commercial LPG supply to restaurants, hotels and other establishments in the hospitality sector. The restaurant and food service industry relies significantly on commercial LPG for daily kitchen operations. Unlike several other sectors, most commercial kitchens currently do not have immediate alternatives such as PNG connectivity or electric cooking systems at scale," Surya wrote in the letter.

According to a statement issued by Tiruchirappalli District Collector V Saravanan, the restriction has been imposed as a security measure. The order prohibits the flying of drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles throughout the district for the entire day on March 11.

Following India's emphatic victory in the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket T20 World Cup and the surge in travel demand for the final in Ahmedabad on March 8, Air India Express has announced the addition of special flights to the city from key metro hubs.

These state-level moves reflect a 2026 global trend. Several nations have recently moved toward similar restrictions: Australia implemented a total under-16 ban in late 2025; France & Greece introduced bans for those under 15, and Spain mandated age verification for minors under 16.