FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 12 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR | LUCKNOW | SILIGURI Invisible Shock Page 6 Conflict likely to impact semiconductor manufacturing, fertilisers, construction NORTH-EAST Assam’s Verdict in the Making: Why BJP’s Return Looks Inevitable Page 10 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 22 March A Piyush Goyal, Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister JP Nadda, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, Power Minister Manohar Lal and Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also were also present in the meeting. The sources further said that officials briefed PM Modi on the status of fuel availability and steps being taken to safeguard India’s energy security. The government is closely monitoring global developments and has taken proactive measures to ensure that consumers and industries are not affected by volatility in international markets, they said. Efforts are underway to maintain adequate reserves and strengthen supply chains amid rising geopolitical uncertainties. The review meeting came at a time when global energy markets remain on the edge due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, a region that plays a crucial role in global oil and gas supplies. Concerns have also been raised over disruptions in key shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, which handles a significant share of global energy trade. A day earlier, Prime Minister Modi spoke to Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the regional situation and emphasise the need for peace and stability. He also underlined the importance of keeping international shipping lanes open and secure, warning that any disruption could impact global supply chains. To reduce dependence on the Middle East, India has diversified its oil and gas imports, increasing purchases from countries such as the United States, Russia, and African nations like Nigeria. Officials said nearly 70 per cent of India’s oil imports now come from sources outside the Gulf region. The government has also stepped up efforts to manage LPG supplies, including sourcing liquefied petroleum gas from the US to address potential shortages. While concerns over LPG availability persist, officials said there has been no disruption in supply at the consumer level, with online bookings rising significantly. • Citizens encouraged to use PNG, induction cooktops: Page 5 10 Tests in 14 weeks: CA unveils taxing 2026-27 schedule, India tour scheduled for Jan 2027 Page 12 Page 11 Amid West Asia conflict, PM takes stock of energy situation mid the ongoing West Asia conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday evening chaired a high-level ministerial-level meeting here to review the present situation in the petroleum, crude, gas, power, and fertiliser sectors in India. According to government sources, the deliberation in the key meeting focused on ensuring uninterrupted supply, stable logistics, and efficient distribution across the country. They said the high-level ministerial meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Monday, 23 March 2026 SPORTS BUSINESS EDITORIAL | Trump threatens to strike Iran’s power infra if Hormuz not reopened UNITED NEWS OF INDIA Washington/Tehran, 22 March US President Donald Trump on Sunday issued a warning to Iran, threatening to strike its power infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened within 48 hours, while Tehran has countered with a vow to target all of US' IT, desalination, energy and other infrastructure facilities in the region, calling them ‘all fair game’ should the US try and make good on its threats. “If Iran doesn’t fully open, without threat, the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours… the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various power plants, starting with the biggest one first,” Trump wrote earlier on his social media outlet Truth Social. Trump’s comments came a day after he said he was considering “winding down” military operations against Iran. Iran’s largest facility is the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, its only commercial nuclear station on the Persian Gulf coast, with any attack on it likely to pave the way for potential future strikes on energy infrastructure in West Asia. The warning comes as Iran has effectively shut the strait, economically paralysing it, adversely affecting both shipping and global energy security since the war began three weeks ago. About 20 per cent of the world’s total supply of crude passes through the waterway, with disruptions to shipping resulting from the ongoing conflict leading to a massive surge in energy prices worldwide. Mr Trump's statement followed a move by the US Treasury to ease certain sanctions on Iranian oil already at sea, part of its efforts to stabilise markets amid the supply shock. Iranian off icials have responded to Mr Trump’s threat with a counter-warning, cautioning that any further attacks on its energy infrastructure would be met with regional retaliation. A statement from Khatam al-Anbiya, carried by Fars News Agency, said the US-linked energy, information technology and desalination facilities would become prime targets for attack. “Following previous warnings, if Iran’s fuel and energy infrastructure is violated by the enemy, all energy, information technology and desalination infrastructure belonging to the US and the regime in the region will be targeted,” the Iranian statement said. • More reports: Page 9 FM to introduce Corporate Law Reforms Bill, aimed at easing business compliance, in Lok Sabha today STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 22 March Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to introduce the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The proposed legislation seeks to overhaul India’s corporate regulatory framework to improve ease of doing business and reduce compliance burdens. The Bill proposes amendments to the Companies Act, 2013 and the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008, drawing on key recommendations made by the Company Law Committee in its 2022 report. It aims to plug regulatory gaps, simplify procedures and align corporate governance practices with the changing needs of businesses. Officials said the proposed changes focus on easing compliance requirements by reclassifying certain offences from criminal to civil in nature and rationalising penalties for procedural lapses. The legislation also seeks to boost digitisation by expanding online filing processes, in line with the government’s broader push for technology-driven governance. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) provisions form a key part of the proposed reforms. Based on suggestions from a high-level panel on non-financial regulatory reforms led by Rajiv Gauba, the Bill is expected to introduce relaxations, including exempting certain categories of companies from mandatory CSR obligations. The move is aimed at reducing compliance pressure, particularly on smaller and less resource-intensive firms. ECI mandates enhanced voter facilities for Assembly polls STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 22 March The Election Commission of India on Sunday announced a series of sweeping measures aimed at enhancing voter convenience and accessibility across more than 2.18 lakh polling stations for the upcoming 2026 general and by-elections. The poll body, which on 15 March declared the election schedule for the Legislative Assemblies in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, along with by-elections in six other states, has issued detailed instructions to Chief Electoral Officers to ensure “Assured Minimum Facilities” (AMFs) at every polling station. According to a Press note, all 2,18,807 polling stations will be equipped with essential amenities, including drinking water, shaded waiting areas, toilets with water facilities, proper lighting, ramps for persons with disabilities, and standard voting compartments. “The aim is to provide a seamless and pleasant voting experience for all electors,” the Commission said, adding that benches will be placed at regular intervals to assist voters waiting in queues. To boost voter awareness, the Commission has mandated the display of four standardised Voter Facilitation Posters at each polling station. These posters will carry key information such as polling station details, the list of candidates, voting procedures, approved identification documents, and guidelines for voters on poll day. In an effort to streamline the voting process, Voter Assistance Booths will be established at every polling location. Managed by Booth Level Officers and support staff, these booths will help voters identify their polling booth numbers and locate their names in the electoral rolls. “These booths will be prominently marked and easily visible as voters approach the premises,” the Commission said. Additionally, a mobile phone deposit facility will be set up outside polling stations. Voters will be required to switch off and deposit their phones with designated volunteers before entering the polling area and will be able to collect them after casting their votes. At the same time, the Bill proposes adjustments to CSR thresholds and spending norms, indicating a shift in how corporate contributions to social development are structured and monitored. The Union Cabinet cleared the proposed legislation on 10 March 2026, setting the stage for its introduction in Parliament. The reforms build on the broader approach of decriminalising minor business-related offences, a process advanced under the Jan Vishwas Act, which seeks to promote tr ust-based governance and reduce regulatory overreach. The proposed amendments come as part of ongoing efforts to make India a more business-friendly destination by streamlining regulations, lowering litigation risks and encouraging entrepreneurship, while ensuring transparency and accountability in corporate functioning. Royal Reverie Artists perform at a procession during the Gangaur Festival at Tripolia Gate in the Walled City of Jaipur, held in honour of Goddess Gauri, the consort of Lord Shiva, on Sunday. AGENCIES PM Modi becomes India’s longest-serving head of govt STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 22 March Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the longest-serving head of a government in India, surpassing the previous record held by former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling. The milestone was highlighted in a post by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and shared by the Prime Minister’s Office on Sunday, which described it as a historic moment in the country’s political history. According to the post, Mr Modi has now completed 8,931 days in office as the head of government, overtaking Mr Chamling’s record of 8,930 days. The message described the achievement as one rooted in “pure devotion to the nation and its people,” and credited the Prime Minister’s leadership style to what it called “nation-first governance, integrity in action, and tireless service to every citizen.” The statement also reflected on Mr Modi’s long political journey, spanning from his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat to his current role as Prime Minister of India. “From his unwavering commitment as the Chief Minister of Gujarat to his dedicated leadership as the Prime Minister, his life has been a continuous journey of service,” the post said, framing his career as one marked by continuity in public service and administrative leadership. Extending formal congratulations, the post added, “Heartiest congratulations to Modi Ji on this remarkable achievement,” while emphasising the symbolic significance of the milestone in terms of sustained governance over decades. Mr Modi, who first assumed office as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 before becoming Prime Minister in 2014, has served in top executive positions for more than two decades. His tenure now stands as the longest in India’s post-independence history for any head of government, reflecting a period marked by repeated electoral victories and long-term administrative continuity at both state and national levels. The announcement drew attention in political circles, with supporters viewing the milestone as evidence of a strong public mandate and stable leadership across successive terms.