India ranked as the fifth most polluted country in the world in 2024, with Byrnihat, Meghalaya, recognized as the most polluted metropolitan area globally. Despite a 7% decline in PM2.5 levels, New Delhi remained the most polluted capital. Major pollution sources include industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and crop residue burning.

The Shaheed Bhagat Singh Front and Vishwa Hindu Parishad have launched a campaign urging the Delhi government to ban the sale of tobacco products within 100 meters of temples, gurudwaras, and other religious sites. They have also recommended setting up a monitoring cell to ensure implementation and curb ongoing violations around religious sites to safeguard public health.

The Lok Sabha has approved additional government spending of Rs 51,463 crore for the current financial year, primarily for repaying high-cost debt and providing financial aid to Manipur. This includes provisions for Manipur's 2025-26 budget, with estimated receipts at Rs 35,368 crore and expenditures at Rs 35,104 crore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a Banarasi saree in royal blue to Mauritius President Dharam Gokhool's wife, Brinda, during his visit for the National Day celebrations. The saree, crafted from fine silk with silver zari motifs, was presented in a handcrafted Sadeli box from Gujarat, highlighting India's traditional heritage.

The Odisha assembly descended into chaos as BJP and Congress leaders engaged in a scuffle, with accusations of physical altercation. The unrest began during question hour when senior BJP lawmaker Jaynarayan Mishra allegedly pushed Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati. Speaker Surama Padhy allowed proceedings to continue despite the turmoil.

Tamil Nadu's DMK delegation met Odisha's Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik to seek support against the Centre's proposal for delimitation based on population. The DMK also invited Patnaik to join a Joint Action Committee meeting in Chennai on March 22. The DMK is reaching out to various leaders to collectively oppose the delimitation exercise.

Jammu and Kashmir's chief minister responded to RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale's suggestion to replace 'India' with 'Bharat' as the country's name. Abdullah highlighted that the country has historically been referred to as Bharat, India, and Hindustan, allowing individuals to choose their preferred name.

Lalit Modi has dismissed reports of an extradition notice against him as fake news, mentioning his extensive international travels without issue. He also shared an Interpol report denying a Red Corner Notice against him, while Vanuatu's PM stated a zero-tolerance stance towards criminals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mauritius highlights the strong historical and cultural ties between the two nations, reinforced by a large Indian-origin population. His engagements included a warm reception by the local diaspora, homage to Mahatma Gandhi, and revisiting significant spiritual sites.

Indian IT firms generated significant free cash flows, mostly returned to shareholders. Experts suggest reinvesting in innovation and global capabilities as AI disrupts traditional models. Strategic investments in computing infrastructure and next-gen companies are recommended to stay competitive amidst evolving technology and trade landscapes.

As the US, under President Trump, continues to impose tariffs, India is working to address these challenges. A potential India-US trade deal could alleviate issues regarding tariffs and market access, which are currently affecting various sectors, including electronics and automobiles.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome in Mauritius, marked by a traditional Geet Gawai performance. During his visit, Modi will participate in National Day celebrations and inaugurate various India-funded projects, highlighting bilateral ties and mutual cooperation between India and Mauritius.

India informed the UN Security Council about its engagement with the Taliban regime, emphasizing the special people-to-people ties. India discussed bilateral relations and further humanitarian assistance. India remains committed to regional stability, supporting Afghanistan through development projects and cooperation in health, food security, and other essential areas.

The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) urged the Indian government to protect farmers and small businesses during bilateral trade negotiations, particularly with the US. They emphasized focusing on bilateral trade deals over multilateral agreements. SJM criticized President Trump for his stance on India's tariffs and highlighted the need for national interests to be maintained.

Ukraine surpassed India as the world's top arms importer in 2020-24, with its imports rising significantly due to its war with Russia. India's arms imports, driven by tensions with China and Pakistan, accounted for 8.3% of global imports. India's imports from Russia decreased, while imports from France and Israel increased.

The Modi government and the DMK clashed in the resumed Budget session over the three-language policy and the NEP MoU. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused DMK of reversing their stance under pressure, leading to protests. DMK's Kanimozhi alleged diversion of TN funds and filed a privilege motion against Pradhan for misleading and indecent remarks.

The Indian government has clarified that no commitments were made to the US on reducing tariffs, despite Donald Trump's claims. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal informed a parliamentary panel that India and the US are working towards a mutually beneficial trade agreement, addressing long-term cooperation over immediate tariff adjustments. He assured lawmakers that India's interests would be protected in the negotiations.

The interim govt is preparing to introduce a law via ordinance to expedite the recovery of billions allegedly siphoned off to foreign countries. Investigations are ongoing into 11 prominent individuals and companies, including former PM Hasina. Steps are being taken to collaborate with international law firms.

NHAI will implement a variable UPI payment system at toll plazas to eliminate cash transactions and ensure accurate fee collection. The trial has begun at Kherki Dhaula toll plaza in Haryana and will expand nationwide. This system aims to enhance convenience, reduce transaction time, and prevent fraud, addressing issues of unauthorized fund transfer via parallel software.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi announced the party's decision to contest the 2027 Goa assembly elections independently, along with the upcoming Zilla Parishad and municipal elections. In the 2024 General Elections, BJP and INC each won a parliamentary seat, while BJP led the 2022 Goa Legislative Assembly elections with 20 seats and the highest vote share of 33.31%.

Prashant Kishor slammed Acharya Dhirendra Shastri for advocating India as a 'Hindu Rashtra,' stating the Constitution's principles govern the country. He criticized BJP leaders supporting this stance and emphasized the importance of secularism and adherence to constitutional values.

Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Rajya Sabha that around 80 passenger trains will be kept on standby at 60 stations during festive occasions to manage crowd surges. A strict ticketing policy will be enforced. He also mentioned various measures to prevent train accidents and highlighted a commitment to modernizing railway operations, rejecting allegations of misconduct regarding recent incidents.