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 West Asia conflict may hit semiconductor manufacturing, fertilisers & construction NORTH-EAST Assam’s Verdict in the Making: Why BJP’s Return Looks Inevitable Page 10 Page 11 Amid West Asia conflict, PM takes stock of energy situation STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 22 March A mid the ongoing West Asia conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday evening asked for proper coordination with state governments to ensure that no black-marketing and hoarding taking place in important commodities. PM Modi, who chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to review the situation and ongoing and proposed mitigating measures in the context of ongoing West Asia conflict, said: "The conflict is an evolving situation and the entire world is affected in some form." According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Prime Minister directed that a group of ministers and secretaries be created to work dedicatedly in a whole-ofgovernment approach. He also instructed sectoral groups to work in consultation with all stakeholders. In such a situation, all efforts must be made to safeguard the citizens from the impact of this conflict, he said. PM Modi instructed that all arms of government should work together to ensure least inconvenience to citizens. In the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary gave a detailed presentation on the global situation and mitigating measures taken so far and being planned by the concerned ministries and departments. The expected impact and measures taken to address it across sectors like agriculture, fertilisers, food security, petroleum, power, MSMEs, exporters, shipping, trade, finance, supply chains and all affected sectors were discussed. The overall macro-economic scenario in the country and further measures to be taken were also discussed. The ongoing conflict in West Monday, 23 March 2026 SPORTS BUSINESS EDITORIAL | Asia will have significant short, medium and long-term impact on the global economy and its effect on India were assessed and counter-measures, both immediate and long-term, were discussed. A detailed assessment of availability for critical needs of the common man, including food, energy and fuel security was made. Short term, medium term and long term measures to ensure continued availability of essential needs were discussed in detail. The impact on farmers and their requirement for fertiliser for the Kharif season was assessed. It was felt that the measures taken in the last few years to maintain adequate stocks of fertilisers will ensure timely availability and food security. Alternate sources of fertilisers were also discussed to ensure continued availability. It was also determined that adequate supply of coal stocks at all power plants will ensure no shortage of electricity in India. Several measures were discussed to diversify sources of imports required by chemicals, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals and other industrial sectors. Similarly new export destinations to promote Indian goods will be developed in the near future. Several measures proposed by different ministries will be prepared and implemented in the coming days after consultation with all stakeholders. 10 Tests in 14 weeks: CA unveils taxing 2026-27 schedule, India tour scheduled for Jan 2027 Page 12 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.