Cost of a dream: Indian students in Germany

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Modi told ‌parliament’s lower house that India has sufficient petroleum availabilityImage: ANI/IMAGO
Skip next section What you need to know

What you need to know

  • Modi calls Middle East conflict “worrisome,” says India’s economy remains resilient

  • Supreme Court to hear petitions against reach of privacy law
  • Indian government to revoke domestic airfare caps
  • Foreign Minister Jaishankar has ‘useful’ talk with Germany’s Wadephul
  • Donation drive in Kashmir in support of Iranians affected by war

Here are the latest news and analysis from India on Monday, March 23:

Skip next section WATCH — Cost of a dream: Indian students in Germany

March 23, 2026

WATCH — Cost of a dream: Indian students in Germany

Franziska Wüst |

Germany is a popular dream for young Indian students seeking a better life. But high tuition fees can push students into financial hardship.

What begins as hope, for some, becomes a vicious cycle of debt and exhaustion.

Follow the story of Chirag Esrani, an Indian student who went to Berlin to pursue a master’s degree in International Management and now works as a delivery driver to pay off his loan.

Cost of a dream: Indian students in Germany

https://p.dw.com/p/5Aufg
Skip next section Indian authorities seize more than 20,000 pirated books

March 23, 2026

Indian authorities seize more than 20,000 pirated books

Indian police seized over 20,000 pirated books in a major crackdown on a piracy ring, publishers said on Monday.

The raids on March 15, targeted warehouses and an illegal printing press in what Penguin Random House India called a “large-scale distribution operation,”

Along with Penguin Random House, publishers Hay House and Simon & Schuster India also collaborated with the police in the nearly 24-hour operation.

Authorities said the haul included works by Yuval Noah Harari, Daniel Kahneman, Arundhati Roy and Haruki Murakami, among others.

Penguin Random House called the raid “one of the largest recent seizures of pirated books” in the capital.

https://p.dw.com/p/5AvLr
Skip next section India can withstand Middle East turmoil, Modi tells parliament

March 23, 2026

India can withstand Middle East turmoil, Modi tells parliament

Narendra Modi addresses his supporters in Guwahati
Modi said the government has made efforts to ensure that the supply of petrol, diesel, and gas is not severely impacted [FILE PHOTO: March 13, 2026]Image: Biju Boro/AFP/Getty Images

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called the situation in the Middle East “worrisome,” but added that the fundamentals of the Indian economy are strong and will weather the “unprecedented challenges” posed by the conflict.

Addressing the lower house of Parliament, Modi highlighted that the Iran war was affecting global markets and supply chains, noting India’s heavy reliance on the region for crude oil, gas through key trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.

“The situation in West Asia is worrisome. This conflict has been going on for more than three weeks,” the Indian PM said.

However, “the inherent strength of India’s economic fundamentals has… provided significant support to the nation during this period,” he said.

While the government has taken steps to secure energy supplies, including addressing LPG demand and maintaining strategic petroleum reserves, he said, it has also facilitated bringing home around 375,000 citizens since the conflict began, including around 1,000 from Iran.

During his speech, Modi said that India has trade relations with both “the warring and war-affected countries.”

Modi said India was engaging diplomatically and urged for a peaceful resolution.

“War is not in the interest of humanity. India is encouraging all sides to end it peacefully” he said, adding that attacks on commercial ships and the disruption of Hormuz Strait are “not acceptable.”

https://p.dw.com/p/5AuyB
Skip next section WATCH — Mumbai’s Koli fisherfolk fight for their future

March 23, 2026

WATCH — Mumbai’s Koli fisherfolk fight for their future

Pracheta Sharma | Wolf Gebhardt

Mumbai’s Koli fishing community faces a turning point. Climate change and shrinking catch levels deepen the divide within this centuries‑old fishing culture.

Generations that have relied on instinct and experience, are now facing falling catches, rising prices, and long‑standing middlemen, making survival harder.

Mumbai’s Koli fisherfolk fight for their future

https://p.dw.com/p/5Auee
Skip next section Jaishankar has ‘useful’ talk with Wadephul

March 23, 2026

Jaishankar has ‘useful’ talk with Wadephul

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar posted on X that he had a “useful conversation” with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran.

The two ministers agreed to remain in touch, Jaishankar added.

https://p.dw.com/p/5AuXh
Skip next section Donation drive in Kashmir in support of Iranians affected by war

March 23, 2026

Donation drive in Kashmir in support of Iranians affected by war

Some residents of India’s Kashmir launched a humanitarian drive to support people in Iran affected by the war, local media reported.

Volunteers in Shia-majority region went door-to-door collecting donations, reports said.

The Iranian Embassy in India, in a post on X, thanked the people of Kashmir “for standing with the people of Iran through their humanitarian support and heartfelt solidarity,” adding that “this kindness will never be forgotten.”

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the beginning of the war, was widely regarded as a religious figure among followers of Shiite Islam.

https://p.dw.com/p/5AuRp
Skip next section Indian stock markets fall amid Middle East uncertainty

March 23, 2026

Indian stock markets fall amid Middle East uncertainty

Indian equities fell sharply on Monday, with benchmark indices sliding more than 2% in early trade amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz.

The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex fell about 2.6% while the National Stock Exchange’s Nifty 50 fell 2.8%.

Within one hour of trading, investors lost Rs 11.78 trillion (€110 billion), NDTV reported.

https://p.dw.com/p/5AuHL
Skip next section Modi to address Parliament on Iran conflict

March 23, 2026

Modi to address Parliament on Iran conflict

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks in parliament
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address Parliament amid the ongoing budget sessionImage: AP Photo/picture alliance

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the lower house of Parliament on Monday outlining New Delhi’s position on the ongoing Iran war, news agency ANI reported.

On Sunday, Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to review the fallout of the war and discuss mitigation measures, the Prime Minister’s office said.

The meeting addressed coal stocks at power plants, as well as diversification of imports for key sectors including chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

During the meeting, Modi directed government agencies to minimize the impact of the war on Indians.

https://p.dw.com/p/5Au6U
Skip next section India to revoke domestic airfare caps

March 23, 2026

India to revoke domestic airfare caps

Two Indigo Airlines planes are seen through a glass window
Thousands of passengers were left stranded after the mass cancellation of Indigo flights [FILE PHOTO: December 4, 2025]Image: Manish Swarup/AP Photo/picture alliance

The domestic airfare caps imposed on flight tickets in December will be revoked on Monday, authorities said.

The ​country’s ‌civil aviation ministry made the announcement on Saturday.

The temporary fare caps on domestic air tickets were introduced in December after market leader IndiGo cancelled thousands of flights.This led to a massive spike in fares as other air carriers hiked prices on popular routes amid the chaos.  

The authorities had announced that a one-way economy fare for a journey up to 500 kilometers cannot be more than 7,500 rupees ($83, €72), whereas for journeys between 1,000 and 1,500 km, such as the New Delhi-Mumbai route, should be capped at 15,000 rupees ($167).

In December, the Ministry of Civil Aviation had said that the “caps will remain in force until the situation fully stabilizes.”

With the price cap being removed the ticket costs are expected to rise.

https://p.dw.com/p/5Aty0
Skip next section Supreme Court to hear petitions against reach of privacy law

March 23, 2026

Supreme Court to hear petitions against reach of privacy law

The Supreme Court of India on Monday is scheduled to hear challenges against a new privacy law that transparency activists and journalists say could curb access to information.

Four petitions are targeting amendments made through the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) saying they will lead to “dilution” of India’s Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Petitioners argue the changes would allow officials to withhold information of public interest and undermine transparency.

The government denies the allegations, saying the law balances privacy with the right to information.

Media groups have also raised concerns that the privacy law lacks clear protections for journalists and could hinder reporting by requiring consent from subjects of news reports.

The law allows fines of up to $27 million (€23.4 million) for non-compliance.

https://p.dw.com/p/5AtxP
Skip next section Welcome to our coverage

March 23, 2026

Welcome to our coverage

| Editor

Hi! This is Shakeel Sobhan from DW’s studio in New Delhi, bringing you the major developments from across India on this rainy Delhi morning.

In case you are wondering, the current air quality (AQI) in New Delhi is 96, according to Swiss air quality monitor IQAir.

Today, the Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear four lawsuits alleging that the government is diluting the Right to Information (RTI) law.

Additionally, the temporary fare caps on domestic air tickets, introduced in December after mass cancellations by IndiGo led to a spike in fares at other airlines, will be revoked today. The impact on airfares remains to be seen.

Stick around as we bring you everything that is making news in India.

https://p.dw.com/p/5AtmC
Show more posts
  • Modi calls Middle East conflict “worrisome,” says India’s economy remains resilient

  • Supreme Court to hear petitions against reach of privacy law
  • Indian government to revoke domestic airfare caps
  • Foreign Minister Jaishankar has ‘useful’ talk with Germany’s Wadephul
  • Donation drive in Kashmir in support of Iranians affected by war

Here are the latest news and analysis from India on Monday, March 23:

Modi calls Middle East conflict “worrisome,” says India’s economy remains resilient

Here are the latest news and analysis from India on Monday, March 23:

Germany is a popular dream for young Indian students seeking a better life. But high tuition fees can push students into financial hardship.

What begins as hope, for some, becomes a vicious cycle of debt and exhaustion.

Follow the story of Chirag Esrani, an Indian student who went to Berlin to pursue a master’s degree in International Management and now works as a delivery driver to pay off his loan.

Cost of a dream: Indian students in Germany

Germany is a popular dream for young Indian students seeking a better life. But high tuition fees can push students into financial hardship.

What begins as hope, for some, becomes a vicious cycle of debt and exhaustion.

Follow the story of Chirag Esrani, an Indian student who went to Berlin to pursue a master’s degree in International Management and now works as a delivery driver to pay off his loan.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Indian police seized over 20,000 pirated books in a major crackdown on a piracy ring, publishers said on Monday.

The raids on March 15, targeted warehouses and an illegal printing press in what Penguin Random House India called a “large-scale distribution operation,”

Along with Penguin Random House, publishers Hay House and Simon & Schuster India also collaborated with the police in the nearly 24-hour operation.

Authorities said the haul included works by Yuval Noah Harari, Daniel Kahneman, Arundhati Roy and Haruki Murakami, among others.

Penguin Random House called the raid “one of the largest recent seizures of pirated books” in the capital.

Indian police seized over 20,000 pirated books in a major crackdown on a piracy ring, publishers said on Monday.

The raids on March 15, targeted warehouses and an illegal printing press in what Penguin Random House India called a “large-scale distribution operation,”

Along with Penguin Random House, publishers Hay House and Simon & Schuster India also collaborated with the police in the nearly 24-hour operation.

Authorities said the haul included works by Yuval Noah Harari, Daniel Kahneman, Arundhati Roy and Haruki Murakami, among others.

Penguin Random House called the raid “one of the largest recent seizures of pirated books” in the capital.

Narendra Modi addresses his supporters in Guwahati
Modi said the government has made efforts to ensure that the supply of petrol, diesel, and gas is not severely impacted [FILE PHOTO: March 13, 2026]Image: Biju Boro/AFP/Getty Images

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called the situation in the Middle East “worrisome,” but added that the fundamentals of the Indian economy are strong and will weather the “unprecedented challenges” posed by the conflict.

Addressing the lower house of Parliament, Modi highlighted that the Iran war was affecting global markets and supply chains, noting India’s heavy reliance on the region for crude oil, gas through key trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.

“The situation in West Asia is worrisome. This conflict has been going on for more than three weeks,” the Indian PM said.

However, “the inherent strength of India’s economic fundamentals has… provided significant support to the nation during this period,” he said.

While the government has taken steps to secure energy supplies, including addressing LPG demand and maintaining strategic petroleum reserves, he said, it has also facilitated bringing home around 375,000 citizens since the conflict began, including around 1,000 from Iran.

During his speech, Modi said that India has trade relations with both “the warring and war-affected countries.”

Modi said India was engaging diplomatically and urged for a peaceful resolution.

“War is not in the interest of humanity. India is encouraging all sides to end it peacefully” he said, adding that attacks on commercial ships and the disruption of Hormuz Strait are “not acceptable.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called the situation in the Middle East “worrisome,” but added that the fundamentals of the Indian economy are strong and will weather the “unprecedented challenges” posed by the conflict.

Addressing the lower house of Parliament, Modi highlighted that the Iran war was affecting global markets and supply chains, noting India’s heavy reliance on the region for crude oil, gas through key trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.

“The situation in West Asia is worrisome. This conflict has been going on for more than three weeks,” the Indian PM said.

However, “the inherent strength of India’s economic fundamentals has… provided significant support to the nation during this period,” he said.

While the government has taken steps to secure energy supplies, including addressing LPG demand and maintaining strategic petroleum reserves, he said, it has also facilitated bringing home around 375,000 citizens since the conflict began, including around 1,000 from Iran.

During his speech, Modi said that India has trade relations with both “the warring and war-affected countries.”

Modi said India was engaging diplomatically and urged for a peaceful resolution.

“War is not in the interest of humanity. India is encouraging all sides to end it peacefully” he said, adding that attacks on commercial ships and the disruption of Hormuz Strait are “not acceptable.”

Mumbai’s Koli fishing community faces a turning point. Climate change and shrinking catch levels deepen the divide within this centuries‑old fishing culture.

Generations that have relied on instinct and experience, are now facing falling catches, rising prices, and long‑standing middlemen, making survival harder.

Mumbai’s Koli fisherfolk fight for their future

Mumbai’s Koli fishing community faces a turning point. Climate change and shrinking catch levels deepen the divide within this centuries‑old fishing culture.

Generations that have relied on instinct and experience, are now facing falling catches, rising prices, and long‑standing middlemen, making survival harder.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar posted on X that he had a “useful conversation” with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran.

The two ministers agreed to remain in touch, Jaishankar added.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar posted on X that he had a “useful conversation” with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran.

The two ministers agreed to remain in touch, Jaishankar added.

Some residents of India’s Kashmir launched a humanitarian drive to support people in Iran affected by the war, local media reported.

Volunteers in Shia-majority region went door-to-door collecting donations, reports said.

The Iranian Embassy in India, in a post on X, thanked the people of Kashmir “for standing with the people of Iran through their humanitarian support and heartfelt solidarity,” adding that “this kindness will never be forgotten.”

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the beginning of the war, was widely regarded as a religious figure among followers of Shiite Islam.

Some residents of India’s Kashmir launched a humanitarian drive to support people in Iran affected by the war, local media reported.

Volunteers in Shia-majority region went door-to-door collecting donations, reports said.

The Iranian Embassy in India, in a post on X, thanked the people of Kashmir “for standing with the people of Iran through their humanitarian support and heartfelt solidarity,” adding that “this kindness will never be forgotten.”

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the beginning of the war, was widely regarded as a religious figure among followers of Shiite Islam.

Indian equities fell sharply on Monday, with benchmark indices sliding more than 2% in early trade amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz.

The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex fell about 2.6% while the National Stock Exchange’s Nifty 50 fell 2.8%.

Within one hour of trading, investors lost Rs 11.78 trillion (€110 billion), NDTV reported.

Indian equities fell sharply on Monday, with benchmark indices sliding more than 2% in early trade amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz.

The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex fell about 2.6% while the National Stock Exchange’s Nifty 50 fell 2.8%.

Within one hour of trading, investors lost Rs 11.78 trillion (€110 billion), NDTV reported.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks in parliament
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address Parliament amid the ongoing budget sessionImage: AP Photo/picture alliance

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the lower house of Parliament on Monday outlining New Delhi’s position on the ongoing Iran war, news agency ANI reported.

On Sunday, Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to review the fallout of the war and discuss mitigation measures, the Prime Minister’s office said.

The meeting addressed coal stocks at power plants, as well as diversification of imports for key sectors including chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

During the meeting, Modi directed government agencies to minimize the impact of the war on Indians.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the lower house of Parliament on Monday outlining New Delhi’s position on the ongoing Iran war, news agency ANI reported.

On Sunday, Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to review the fallout of the war and discuss mitigation measures, the Prime Minister’s office said.

The meeting addressed coal stocks at power plants, as well as diversification of imports for key sectors including chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

During the meeting, Modi directed government agencies to minimize the impact of the war on Indians.

Two Indigo Airlines planes are seen through a glass window
Thousands of passengers were left stranded after the mass cancellation of Indigo flights [FILE PHOTO: December 4, 2025]Image: Manish Swarup/AP Photo/picture alliance

The domestic airfare caps imposed on flight tickets in December will be revoked on Monday, authorities said.

The ​country’s ‌civil aviation ministry made the announcement on Saturday.

The temporary fare caps on domestic air tickets were introduced in December after market leader IndiGo cancelled thousands of flights.This led to a massive spike in fares as other air carriers hiked prices on popular routes amid the chaos.  

The authorities had announced that a one-way economy fare for a journey up to 500 kilometers cannot be more than 7,500 rupees ($83, €72), whereas for journeys between 1,000 and 1,500 km, such as the New Delhi-Mumbai route, should be capped at 15,000 rupees ($167).

In December, the Ministry of Civil Aviation had said that the “caps will remain in force until the situation fully stabilizes.”

With the price cap being removed the ticket costs are expected to rise.

The domestic airfare caps imposed on flight tickets in December will be revoked on Monday, authorities said.

The ​country’s ‌civil aviation ministry made the announcement on Saturday.

The temporary fare caps on domestic air tickets were introduced in December after market leader IndiGo cancelled thousands of flights.This led to a massive spike in fares as other air carriers hiked prices on popular routes amid the chaos.  

The authorities had announced that a one-way economy fare for a journey up to 500 kilometers cannot be more than 7,500 rupees ($83, €72), whereas for journeys between 1,000 and 1,500 km, such as the New Delhi-Mumbai route, should be capped at 15,000 rupees ($167).

In December, the Ministry of Civil Aviation had said that the “caps will remain in force until the situation fully stabilizes.”

With the price cap being removed the ticket costs are expected to rise.

The Supreme Court of India on Monday is scheduled to hear challenges against a new privacy law that transparency activists and journalists say could curb access to information.

Four petitions are targeting amendments made through the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) saying they will lead to “dilution” of India’s Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Petitioners argue the changes would allow officials to withhold information of public interest and undermine transparency.

The government denies the allegations, saying the law balances privacy with the right to information.

Media groups have also raised concerns that the privacy law lacks clear protections for journalists and could hinder reporting by requiring consent from subjects of news reports.

The law allows fines of up to $27 million (€23.4 million) for non-compliance.

The Supreme Court of India on Monday is scheduled to hear challenges against a new privacy law that transparency activists and journalists say could curb access to information.

Four petitions are targeting amendments made through the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) saying they will lead to “dilution” of India’s Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Petitioners argue the changes would allow officials to withhold information of public interest and undermine transparency.

The government denies the allegations, saying the law balances privacy with the right to information.

Media groups have also raised concerns that the privacy law lacks clear protections for journalists and could hinder reporting by requiring consent from subjects of news reports.

The law allows fines of up to $27 million (€23.4 million) for non-compliance.

Hi! This is Shakeel Sobhan from DW’s studio in New Delhi, bringing you the major developments from across India on this rainy Delhi morning.

In case you are wondering, the current air quality (AQI) in New Delhi is 96, according to Swiss air quality monitor IQAir.

Today, the Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear four lawsuits alleging that the government is diluting the Right to Information (RTI) law.

Additionally, the temporary fare caps on domestic air tickets, introduced in December after mass cancellations by IndiGo led to a spike in fares at other airlines, will be revoked today. The impact on airfares remains to be seen.

Stick around as we bring you everything that is making news in India.

Hi! This is Shakeel Sobhan from DW’s studio in New Delhi, bringing you the major developments from across India on this rainy Delhi morning.

In case you are wondering, the current air quality (AQI) in New Delhi is 96, according to Swiss air quality monitor IQAir.

Today, the Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear four lawsuits alleging that the government is diluting the Right to Information (RTI) law.

Additionally, the temporary fare caps on domestic air tickets, introduced in December after mass cancellations by IndiGo led to a spike in fares at other airlines, will be revoked today. The impact on airfares remains to be seen.

Stick around as we bring you everything that is making news in India.

[analyse_source url=”https://www.dw.com/en/india-news-we-can-withstand-middle-east-turmoil-modi-tells-parliament/live-76479205″]


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