A financially troubled couple in Hyderabad poisoned their son, throttled their daughter, and then hanged themselves. The father had been jobless after leaving a teaching position. A suicide note detailed their struggles. Their children were minors, studying in classes V and IX. The family previously moved to Hyderabad from Wanaparthy seeking better prospects.
Jharkhand police killed self-styled don Aman Sahu in a shootout while he was being transported to Ranchi. The incident occurred after Sahu's accomplices hurled bombs at the police van. Sahu, connected to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, was suspected in the murder of an NTPC official. A magisterial inquiry and an NHRC report will follow.
Karnataka's Congress government has launched a probe into DGP Ramachandra Rao's potential involvement in a gold-smuggling racket linked to his daughter, actress Ranya Rao. An inquiry led by ACS Gaurav Gupta will investigate allegations that Rao directed a constable to escort Ranya with 14.2kg of gold from Bengaluru's airport. Other aspects being probed include possible links to a bitcoin scam.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accuses DMK of creating fear among Tamil Nadu's youth regarding the three-language policy. Despite controversy, Tamil Nadu shows willingness to sign an MoU for PM-SHRI schools while statistics reveal a decline in Tamil-medium school enrollments and a rise in preference for English-medium education.
Karnataka’s Congress government faces criticism from BJP for allocating Rs 60 crore annually to over 4,000 Congress workers overseeing state guarantee schemes. Opposition parties accuse the government of using taxpayer money to benefit Congress workers without disclosing the actual budget size, leading to protests in the assembly.
Two cousins, aged 15 and 12, are missing from Kathua after going to graze cattle on February 27. This follows the deaths of three family members allegedly killed by terrorists. Authorities have expanded the search and urged collaboration with other districts. Residents demand better security after several young people in the region have gone missing and been found dead.
The Indian government has banned two Kashmir-based groups, AAC and JKIM, for five years under UAPA, citing threats to national security. The groups are accused of advocating Kashmir's secession from India. Leaders of both organizations and other political figures in Kashmir have condemned the ban.
In J&K, liquor sales are increasing despite political pressure for prohibition due to concerns over alcohol abuse. The government projects a 4% rise in excise revenue, while various political parties, including PDP and BJP, push for a ban. The new excise policy seeks a balanced approach addressing both the harmful effects of alcohol and the development of the liquor industry.
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.