US Vice President JD Vance, along with his wife Usha Vance, will visit India later this month. This marks Vance's second international trip after criticizing European leaders at the Munich Security Conference. Usha Vance, of Indian origin with a strong legal background, brings cultural significance to the visit.

The Indian embassy in the United States has issued a warning about fraud calls from scammers pretending to be from the embassy. These callers claim there are errors in passports or visa forms, demanding money for corrections and threatening deportation or imprisonment. The embassy advises the public to ignore these calls and not to share personal information or transfer money.

The Supreme Court emphasized that north-eastern states must ensure diverse and inclusive representation in public services. It upheld the 2016 BJP government's decision to cancel the interview-based recruitment process initiated by the previous Congress government in Assam due to irregularities and lack of representation from 16 districts.

In recent years, the Jaffar Express has faced multiple attacks by Baloch rebels and TTP, causing numerous casualties. These attacks highlight the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan and the rising use of suicide bombings by BLA, particularly targeting Chinese nationals and Pakistani forces. The increased frequency and intensity of these attacks pose significant challenges for the Pakistani government.

Home Minister Amit Shah has announced an investment of Rs 2.5 lakh crore in the NorthEast, aiming to prevent youth migration for employment within the next 10 years. The Modi government has significantly increased the region's budget and improved infrastructure, resulting in a 70% reduction in violent incidents and the surrender of 10,500 insurgents.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has condemned the National Education Policy (NEP), labeling it a 'destructive plan of Nagpur.' At a welfare meeting in Chengalpattu, Stalin criticized the policy for pushing students out of education, encouraging privatization, and imposing communalism. He reiterated DMK's refusal to accept NEP, despite any financial incentives.

India ranked as the fifth most polluted country worldwide in 2024, with Byrnihat in Meghalaya being the most polluted metropolitan area globally. High pollution levels are linked to rapid industrialisation and unregulated emissions. Despite some improvement, Delhi remains the most polluted capital, and India's cities continue to exceed WHO PM2.5 guidelines.

An Indian startup's space surveillance satellite, SCOT, was commissioned last Saturday after capturing images over South America. Bengaluru-based Digantara launched SCOT on January 14 aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 rocket. The satellite tracks objects as small as 5cm in Earth's orbit and captured a stunning image featuring the city of Buenos Aires.

Lalit Modi challenges Vanuatu government's decision to revoke his passport in court. Modi, currently in Vanuatu, has appealed the cancellation of his citizenship. India's high commission in London had refused his request to surrender his Indian passport. Vanuatu's Citizenship Commission will await the court's outcome before proceeding with citizenship revocation.

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.