Opposition parties have sharply criticised the BJP-led government following a Rs 60 increase in domestic LPG cylinder prices and Rs 115 for commercial cylinders. Leaders from Congress and TMC accused Prime Minister Modi of burdening households with rising costs, while the government assured sufficient fuel supplies amidst West Asia tensions.
Trinamool Congress MPs will now back the no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, a shift from their earlier stance, following party chief Mamata Banerjee's directive. This move intensifies the political battle as the Lok Sabha prepares to vote on March 9. Opposition parties accuse Birla of partisan conduct, jeopardizing the House's proper functioning and the rights of members.
The upcoming patent expiry for Ozempic in India is set to dramatically lower the cost of semaglutide, making this once-premium diabetes and weight-loss drug accessible to more patients. This shift could reshape the market, prompting earlier prescriptions and potentially altering societal views on weight management and body acceptance.
Nishant Kumar, son of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, is set to join the JDU on March 8, marking his political debut. Nitish Kumar has affirmed his decision to move to the Rajya Sabha is final and irreversible, assuring party members he will remain involved in Bihar's development. Nishant's entry sparks speculation about his future role within the party or government.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that left-wing extremism will be completely wiped out by March 31, ending the ambition of a «red corridor» from Tirupati to Pashupati. Speaking at CISF's raising day, he lauded security forces for curbing Naxal activities and launched housing projects for the paramilitary force.
Congress has accused Prime Minister Modi of being «blackmailed» by the US, citing American «permission» for Indian refiners to buy Russian oil. Party leaders claim India's strategic autonomy and sovereignty are threatened, with Rahul Gandhi asserting foreign policy should stem from India's ethos, not a «compromised individual's» actions.
The BJP highlighted a substantial decrease in India's crude oil imports from Iran during the UPA era, which secured the nation an exemption from US sanctions. This revelation came as a response to Congress's criticism of the current government's oil dealings with Russia. Communications from former US Secretaries of State John Kerry and Hillary Clinton confirmed these significant reductions.
Days before the sinking of IRIS Dena, India granted permission for the Iranian ship IRIS Lavan to dock at Kochi port due to technical issues. This decision, made on March 1, allowed IRIS Lavan and its 183 crew members to safely shelter, avoiding the fate of IRIS Dena which was sunk by a US submarine.
Karnataka plans to ban social media for children under 16, aligning with global efforts to curb digital exposure. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the policy, aiming to address concerns over screen addiction and mental health. While welcomed by educators, experts caution about potential FOMO and withdrawal, urging careful implementation and support for children.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee launched a sit-in protest, accusing the BJP and Election Commission of a conspiracy to disenfranchise voters by removing genuine names from electoral rolls. She highlighted instances of living individuals being declared dead, vowing to expose the alleged plot ahead of the EC's visit and upcoming assembly polls.
The Bombay High Court ruled that religious symbols in a home do not prove conversion to Christianity, emphasizing the need for documentary evidence like baptism certificates. The court set aside a caste scrutiny committee's decision, which had denied a Scheduled Caste certificate based on such inferences, and directed its issuance.
A Bangladeshi national walks free after 21 years in jail for murder. The Calcutta High Court ruled he was a minor when the crime occurred. Another convict from Birbhum district also gained freedom after 14 years on similar grounds. The court emphasized juvenile justice laws.
Lok Sabha will debate a no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla on March 9, moved by Congress and allies over alleged partisan conduct. Despite NDA's majority rendering the motion's defeat inevitable, it will test opposition unity. Whips have been issued by both BJP and Congress for the crucial vote.
Two IAF pilots, Squadron Leader Anuj Vashishth and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, were killed when their Su-30MKI jet crashed in Assam's Karbi Anglong district during a training sortie. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat airbase and lost contact shortly after. Duragkar was known for his participation in Operation Sindoor last year.
India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2026. The meeting followed India's condolences over the killing of Iran's supreme leader. Khatibzadeh emphasized the importance of upholding international law against perceived atrocities and aggression.
A major transnational drug syndicate, spanning Nepal to Sri Lanka via India, has been dismantled by the NCB. Seizing 77.60 kg of Hashish Oil and 2 kg of Charas, valued at Rs. 10 Crore, the operation led to five arrests. Intelligence revealed a plan for maritime delivery to Sri Lanka, which was successfully thwarted.
«We will continue our efforts to give more speed to the possibilities here and to give them wings. We have started this. We will work to move this forward», Dhami said.
The highway developers said they anticipated an increase in transportation cost on the back of increase in diesel price and rising input material costs are expected to escalate transportation expenses. They also suggested NHAI to reduce the price indexation lag from three months to one month to better reflect real-time market conditions and prevent under-compensation to contractors.
Janata Dal (United) leaders expressed pain over Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's move to Delhi as a Rajya Sabha MP, but he reassured them, stating «main hoon na» and clearing the path for his son Nishant's political debut. Party lawmakers were assured of his continued guidance for Bihar. This decision follows Nitish's Rajya Sabha nomination alongside Amit Shah.
Lok Sabha will debate a rare motion to remove Speaker Om Birla on Monday, with 118 opposition MPs backing the notice. Allegations include partisan conduct and silencing dissent. The resolution requires 50 MPs to stand in support to proceed. Both BJP and Congress have issued whips for MPs to attend.
Just days before the Iranian warship IRIS Dena was sunk by a US strike, India provided urgent assistance to another Iranian vessel, IRIS Lavan. The ship, facing technical issues, was granted emergency docking at Kochi port on March 1st and arrived on March 4th. Its 183 crew members are currently housed at Indian naval facilities.
The UPSC announced the Civil Services Examination 2025 results, with 958 candidates recommended for various services, and Anuj Agnihotri topping the list. Meanwhile, Qatar warned of potential Gulf energy export halts within weeks due to escalating Iran-US-Israel tensions, which could drive oil prices to $150 per barrel.
Lok Sabha MPs from both ruling BJP and opposition Congress have been issued a three-line whip to be present from March 9-11 for the second phase of the Budget Session. The House is expected to address the opposition's notice seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla amidst ongoing political developments.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri assured citizens there is no energy shortage in India despite West Asian geopolitical tensions. The country has diversified its crude oil imports, with significant supplies now coming from Russia and new LPG contracts with the US, ensuring comfortable availability of fuel.
Uttar Pradesh, India's breadbasket, is experiencing a dramatic agricultural transformation. Productivity has surged by over 42% since 2016-17, driven by technology, hybrid seeds, and irrigation. The state now leads in wheat and is a major producer of rice, pulses, oilseeds, and horticulture, with sugarcane remaining a vital crop. Government support and market reforms are bolstering farmer prosperity
Bihar's political landscape shifts as Nitish Kumar opts for a Rajya Sabha seat, stepping down as Chief Minister. This move marks the end of an era dominated by Jayaprakash Narayan's disciples and leaves the Janata Dal (United) in uncharted territory without a clear successor.