SATURDAY 21 MARCH, 2026 epaper.morningstandard.in facebook.com/TheMorningStandard X.com/TheMornStandard MAXIMUM SPACE DEBRIS FROM PSLV ROCKETS, MOST IN LOW EARTH ORBIT HARVARD UNIV WHITE HOUSE FILES FRESH SUIT As of March, 129 space debris originating from Indian satellite missions are in orbit, mostly from PSLV rockets, Parliament was informed US Justice Department has filed a new lawsuit against Harvard, University saying its leadership failed to address anti-semitism on the campus BULLISH ON ZERO DEBRIS CREATION BY 2030 A CAPITAL VIEW OF NEWS PAGE 9  NEW DELHI  J8.00  PAGES 12 The management of space debris has become a concern. According to a written reply in Parliament by the Centre, the debris includes 23 defunct satellites in low earth orbit and 26 in geostationary orbit. In addition, there are rocket debris from PSLV (40), GSLV (4), and LVM3 (3). It is in this backdrop that India is aiming for zero debris creation by 2030 Steepest single-day New National Dental Commission rupee dive in 4 years formed to reform dental education Import costs may soar as currency falls 82 paise over Iran conflict B E N N K O C H U V E E D A N @ Mumbai THE rupee on Friday logged its steepest single-day decline in four years, closing at a record low of 93.71 against the dollar, down 82 paise, as escalating tensions in West Asia kept crude oil prices elevated. The currency opened at 93.15 and remained under pressure through the session. During intraday trading, it weakened 1.1% to touch 93.7350 (down 103 paise), breaching its previous record low of 92.63 hit earlier this week. The rupee eventually settled at 93.71, marking a weekly decline of about 1.3%— the sharpest since late 2022. With this, the rupee has earned the dubious distinction of being the worst-performing currency in Asia, depreciating over 5.5% so far this year. Over the past year, the currency has weakened by around 8% against the dollar compared with an average annual fall of 4.2% in recent years. The continued slide poses risks to India’s macroeconomic goals, including its ambition to become a $5-trillion economy . A weaker rupee raises the cost of imports across the board, not just crude oil. India imports nearly 85% of its crude oil and over 60% of its natural gas requirements, making it particularly vulnerable to currency depreciation. According to RBI estimates, a $10 per barrel rise in crude prices typically pushes up inflation by about 30 basis points. Crude is currently trading above $110 per barrel. For the domestic economy, the impact of a prolonged conflict extends beyond currency weakness. The combination of CJI recuses from hearing plea on panel picking CEC ‘Re may breach 95-mark’ RUPEE VS DOLLAR 92.28 (+2p) 92.25 (-24p) 92.30 (-5p) 92.40 (-12p) 92.89 (-49p) DAY 21 93.71* (-82p) March 12 March 13 March 16 March 17 March 18 March 20 *Provisional (Inverted Scale) PREMIUM PETROL, INDUSTRIAL DIESEL PRICES RAISED The West Asia war has begun to affect petrol and diesel prices, with OMCs raising premium petrol prices by up to `2.35 per litre from Friday. The latest hike applies only to premium variants such as BPCL’s Speed, HPCL’s Power fuel and Indian Oil’s XP95, while regular petrol prices remain unchanged. OMCs have also raised bulk diesel prices for industrial users by `22 per litre. In Delhi, bulk diesel prices have increased from `87.67 to `109.59 per litre | P10 a depreciating rupee and elevated crude prices could fuel imported inflation, especially in fuel and commodities, raise input costs for businesses, and increase the burden on consumers—prompting monetary policy action by RBI. With no signs of ease in the West Asia conflict, the rupee remains vulnerable. Several global brokerages, including Goldman Sachs and UBS, expect the Indian currency to weaken further and breach the 95-mark in the near term A sustained spike in oil prices could also dampen growth in one of the world’s largest oilimporting economies. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have already pulled out over $8 billion from Indian equities this month—the highest outflow since January 2025—adding further pressure on the rupee. In 2025, FPIs had sold equities worth $18.9 billion. Domestic equity markets, however, showed resilience. After a sharp fall of 3% on Thursday benchmark indices Sensex , and Nifty recovered modestly on Friday rising 0.5%. , With Iran-US tensions simmering, concerns over crude supply disruptions are mounting. Officials in Saudi Arabia have warned that oil prices could touch $180 per barrel if the war goes on till late April, raising fears of a prolonged energy shock. LJK GETS GREEN LIGHT SHAH’S PUSH SEALS BJP-AINRC DEAL IN PONDY U D AYA N K I S H O R E @ New Delhi NDA pact in 4 days: EPS A day after meeting Shah, AIADMK chief EPS on Friday said the party will finalise seat-sharing with BJP and other NDA allies and announce seats allocated to them in four days | P5 THE National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Puducherry was formally finalised on Friday with 16 of the 30 Assembly seats being allotted to the All India NR Congress (AINRC). The deal was reached after Chief Minister and AINRC chief N Rangasamy, following a compromise with the BJP leadership on Friday agreed to include the Lak, shya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK) in the coalition. Rangasamy said the new party was included based on Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s advice and the decision would strengthen the alliance. After holding discussions with Rangasamy at a hotel on Friday Union Minis, ter Mansukh Mandaviya said the BJP’s share of 14 seats would be further distributed among its allies—the AIADMK and the newly formed LJK. Mandaviya also confirmed that Rangasamy will lead the NDA in Puducherry again, and expressed confidence that the alliance would form the next government under his leadership. The alliance has worked out a common action plan for the elections, while allowing individual parties to retain their own programmes, he added. Without much clarification, the minister said that AINRC seeking statehood for Puducherry was the individual desire of the party. Mandaviya also announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah may visit Puducherry to campaign for the Assembly elections. Expressing confidence that the NDA would win and form a stable government, Rangasamy indicated that the alliance would launch its election campaign after all constituent parties complete their nomination processes. Final discussion is under way regarding the seats on which individual parties will contest, the CM said. IN a major reform aimed at improving the quality of dental education and aligning it with global standards, the Centre on Friday announced the constitution of the National Dental Commission (NDC). To support the functioning of the Commission, three autonomous bodies have also been constituted. The Commission will introduce essential and long-overdue regulatory reforms in dental education, and enhance access to affordable oral healthcare across the country . The notifications in this regard were issued on March 19. The NDC framework will now replace the Dental Council of India (DCI), which regulated DMK slams Delhi meet DMK chief Stalin on Friday took a swipe at the AIADMK chief for holding seatsharing talks in Delhi with the BJP, claiming that it proves the “election is between Tamil Nadu and Delhi” ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS DIDI LIVID ON ‘TARGETING’ OF VOTERS I P8 ASSAM BJP ALLY FIELDS 50% MUSLIMS I P8 dental education and profession throughout the country. The new Commission has come into effect from March 19. The Commission will frame regulations to implement the provisions of the Act; will conduct rating and assessment of dental institutions; evaluate human resources and promote dental research; frame guidelines for fee regulation in private dental colleges; and establish standards for community dental care, education, research, and professional ethics. “This historic reform marks a decisive shift towards a regulatory framework that is transparent, quality-driven, and accountable; replacing the earlier elected structure,” the Union Health Ministry said in a statement. Key mandate of NDC The commission will frame rules, conduct rating and assessment of dental institutions. It will evaluate human resources and promote dental research, frame guidelines for fee regulation in private dental colleges and establish standards for ethics T h e t h re e a u t o n o m o u s boards are — Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board, which will oversee dental education; Dental Assessment and Rating Board, which will regulate accreditation and institutional assessment; and the Ethics and Dental Registration Board, which will govern professional con- New way, new-look staff at NDLS in colour-coded uniforms coming soon R A J E S H K U M A R T H A K U R @ New Delh A regular day at New Delhi Railway Station may soon look and feel different. The crowds will still be there, but the way people move through the station is expected to become more organised in the near future. At the entrance, passengers will likely scan QR codes before stepping in. The system will be introduced on a trial basis to improve how people enter the station. Passengers with reserved tickets, monthly passes, and unreserved tickets will be guided through separate entry points, so movement is more organised and crowding at gates is reduced. The aim is to make entry smoother, especially during peak hours. It will be tested during the heavy festive rush of Diwali and Chhath Puja, when the station handles its highest passenger volume. The plan comes after a review meeting led by Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, with a focus on improving safety and better crowd E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Puducherry CHIEF Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday recused himself from hearing a batch of petitions challenging a 2023 law that removed the CJI from a committee mandated to appoint the chief election commissioner to the poll panel, citing “conflict of interest”. The court was hearing a batch of PILs challenging the constitutional validity of certain provisions of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act. The CJI said it would be appropriate for the case to be listed before a bench where no judge was in line to become the chief justice. Else, “I will be accused of conflict of interest,” the CJI said. The December 2023 law came months after a SC order that a panel comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the CJI appoint election commissioners. The bench had said the system would remain in force till a law was enacted. Under the 2023 Act, however, the selection committee consists of the PM, a Union minister nominated by the PM and the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. K A V I TA B A J E L I - D AT T @ New Delhi Defence Research and Development Organisation has issued request for information to industry for setting up the National Aero Engine Test Complex. With this move, India is moving towards establishing its first aero-engine test facility, which will end its dependence on foreign test beds. P7 Capital under thick security cover for Eid N I T I N R A W AT @ New Delhi management. The need for these changes became clear after serious overcrowding in the past, including the 2025 stampede at the station during the festive rush, which led to several deaths and exposed problems in crowd control. Inside the station, staff will be easier to recognise. Railway employees are set to wear fluorescent jackets, while vendors, porters, and IRCTC personnel will wear colour-coded uniforms. Each will carry an ID card, making it simpler for passengers to know who to approach for help. Security is also expected to get a boost. A network of cameras will be installed across platforms, entry and exit gates, and other busy areas. These cameras will be linked to a control room, where alerts can be generated in real time if something unusual is detected. Beyond the platforms, the experience outside the station is also set to improve. Through the RailOne app, passengers can access services linked to Bharat Taxi. These measures will first be introduced in New Delhi. If successful, similar systems are expected to be rolled out across the northern zone. EXPRESS READ India plans domestic aero engine testing duct and re gistration of dentists. Dr Sanjay Tewari has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Commission, while Dr. Mousumi Goswami will be a part-time member. Dr Chandrashekhar Janakiram has been appointed as the president of the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board. Dr. Shailesh Madhav Lele will be the whole time member. Lt Gen (Retd) Nanda Kishore Sahoo is the president of the Dental Assessment and Rating Board while Dr Himanshu Aeran is a whole time member. Lt Gen (Retd) Tapas Kumar Bandyopadhyay has been appointed as the whole time member of the Ethics and Dental Registration Board. Arindam Modak will head the Secretariat as Secretary to the NDC. Airline sends wrong aircraft to Canada Raymond’s Singhania injured in boat mishap An Air India flight from New Delhi to Canada returned midway on Thursday while it was in the Chinese airspace. The aircraft was not permitted by Canadian authorities into its airspace. The air turnback was made after the airline ground staff realised a wrong aircraft had been despatched. P7 Raymond Group chairman and managing director Gautam Singhania has suffered minor injuries in a speedboat accident in the Maldives and is currently recovering in Mumbai. According to a report from the Maldives, a speedboat carrying tourists, including Singhania, capsized near V Felidhoo early on Friday. THE Delhi Police has made adequate security arrangements, including enhanced checking and patrolling to ensure a safe, peaceful and harmonious celebration of Eid and Navratri. It has also cautioned people against sharing rumours, unverified content, or misleading information on social media. In Dwarka’s Uttam Nagar area, the security has been stepped up in view of the Holi incident in which a 26-year-old youth lost his life. A police official said, “Comprehensive security arrangements have been put into place to ensure that Eid is celebrated in a safe, peaceful, and harmonious environment across the city. Citizens are urged to act responsibly and refrain from sharing rumours, unverified content, or misleading information on social media.” Another official stated that preventive checks are being carried out at key locations, with enhanced police presence to maintain law and order and facilitate peaceful celebrations during festibals. The police have communicated with the resident and market welfare associations and local political representatives to seek their support. Police said that Dwarka district police has intensified foot patrolling across key areas to ensure safety and maintain law and order. Senior officers and SHOs are leading patrols, enhancing visibility, and engaging with citizens. STANDS FOR LAUDABLE ALLY Envoy-designate Vikram Doraiswami has an interesting Chinese name, Wei Jiameng P R E S S T R U S T O F I N D I A @ Beijing INDIA’S newly appointed Ambassador to China Vikram Doraiswami has a Chinese name: Wei Jiameng, which denotes auspicious or praiseworthy ally Doraiswami, a 1992-batch . IFS officer, was appointed India’s new envoy to China on Thursday . Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a media briefing on Friday that he noticed that the Indian envoy has chosen a Chinese name for himself: Wei Jiameng. “China welcomes India’s new history “Jia” stands for “auspi. ambassador to China Wei Jia- cious or praiseworthy”, “Meng” meng, and stands ready to pro- means “alliance”. Broadly Jia, vide every convenmeng means auspiience for him to take cious/praiseworthy up his post in China,” ally the scholars said. , he said. It can be said as “one According to Chiwho forms an excellent nese scholars, the alliance”, according to loose translation of one Chinese scholar, the name in Mandarin which carries diplois Wei, a common Chi- Vikram Doraiswami matic significance in nese sur name that the present context of phonetically matches “Vi” in India-China relations. Vikram. Long ago, Wei was a Lin said China hopes that afpowerful state during the War- ter assuming his duties, Doring States period in Chinese raiswami will make positive contributions to the sustained improvement and development of China-India ties. Doraiswami’s appointment evoked considerable interest in the Chinese official media and the strategic community. A Mandarin speaker, he served both in Hong Kong and Beijing in his early career as a diplomat. He served as Third Secretary in Hong Kong, where he earned an elective diploma in Chinese from the New Asia Yale-in-Asia Language School before moving to Beijing in 1996 for a four-year tenure. P7