India has been implementing seven projects worth $750 million in collaboration with USAID. The focus is on agriculture, climate adaptation, water and sanitation, renewable energy, health, and disaster management. Ongoing since 1951, USAID has provided $17 billion over 73 years for 555 projects across multiple sectors.
Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan experienced discomfort on an Air India flight due to a sunken seat. Engineers clarified the seat was not broken but had lean cushioning. Chouhan criticized the airline for unethical practices, sparking an apology from Air India.
A group of 12 undocumented Indian immigrants deported from the US to Panama reached Delhi, facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration. This comes after the deportation of 332 others to Amritsar earlier this month. Cases have been registered against travel agents responsible for illegal facilitation.
Congress has accused BJP of spreading fake news by claiming that USAID funds intended for India were used for voter turnout. They also criticized BJP for remaining silent on US President Trump and Elon Musk's insults towards India to secure a pardon for Adani, who faces cases in America.
Maharashtra's Aveo Pharmaceuticals was raided by state and central drug inspectors following a BBC documentary exposing their illegal export of unlicensed, addictive opioid pills to West Africa, leading to halted production and seized inventory. Authorities issued stricter export and manufacturing directives in response.
PM Narendra Modi urged Indians to reduce their monthly edible oil consumption by 10% to combat obesity, highlighting its role in causing health issues. He shared messages from Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra and boxer Nikhat Zareen, who emphasized the importance of a healthy diet and reduced oil use for better health and athletic performance.
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal has countered Congress leader Rashid Alvi's criticism of the India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy match, emphasizing the separation of politics and sports. Alvi questioned the government's consent for the match with a country tied to terrorism, but Khandelwal expressed confidence in the Indian team's success.
Congressman Shashi Tharoor declined to comment on internal party criticism about his praise for Kerala's LDF government and PM Modi. He diverted attention to the India-Pakistan cricket match. Tharoor shared concerns about Congress's electoral prospects in Kerala, suggesting a leadership vacuum and hinting at alternative career options if not required by the party.
In rural Bihar, women have become agri-entrepreneurs, supporting farmers with climate-resilient farming techniques and sustainable practices. Initiatives like drone-based irrigation and organic fertilisers are transforming communities, helped by the state-level JEEVIKA programme which has reached thousands of farmers.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged Tamil Nadu to implement the three-language formula to ensure educational equality. Following this Tamil Nadu CM Stalin claimed that the BJP was using the NEP not to improve education but to secretly push Hindi. The three-language formula is a policy that encourages students in India to learn three languages: their mother tongue, Hindi, and English.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized opposition leaders for their recent remarks on the Maha Kumbh, accusing them of attacking Hindu faith and culture. He emphasized the grandeur and unifying nature of the event, countering comments by West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has raised alarms over the potential reduction of the state's Parliamentary seats due to successful family planning measures. He stressed the importance of managing family size, attributing Tamil Nadu's effective adherence to these measures as a reason for the proposed delimitation.
US President Trump criticized USAID's $18 million funding to aid India's elections, questioning why such efforts aren’t made to boost voter turnout in the US. Trump also raised concerns about high tariffs on US goods and alleged misuse of funds in other countries like Bangladesh and Nepal.
Prime Minister Modi celebrated India's space achievements during his 'Mann Ki Baat' address, highlighting ISRO's 100th rocket launch and other milestones. He also announced that inspiring women will take over his social media accounts on National Women's Day and encouraged celebrating National Science Day by visiting research labs.
President Trump commented on a purported $21 million USAID allocation to boost voter turnout in India, suggesting potential interference. He previously implied this was a kickback during the Biden administration. Trump's claims are often marked by exaggerations and misleading information, including about India's trade surplus.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar addressed concerns regarding statements by the Trump administration suggesting foreign interference in Indian elections, with US President Trump questioning USAID's $21 million allotment to boost voter turnout. Jaishankar assured that the government is investigating the issue and stressed the need for transparency if any wrongdoing is discovered.
A law student was arrested for his involvement in a celebratory firing that killed a two-year-old boy during a wedding procession in Noida. The student, Happy Singh, is the second arrest after lawyer Deepanshu. Police are investigating whose bullet was responsible for the boy's death.
New Delhi's newly sworn-in ministers conducted surprise inspections and urged officials to expedite delayed projects. Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Verma emphasized completing the Barapullah flyover extension and addressing repeated road diggings, while Education Minister Ashish Sood and Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh criticized poor conditions in their respective areas.
US President Trump criticized USAID's $18 million funding to aid India's elections, questioning why such efforts aren’t made to boost voter turnout in the US. Trump also raised concerns about high tariffs on US goods and alleged misuse of funds in other countries like Bangladesh and Nepal.
A local court in Bareilly has sentenced Ravi Babu Sharma, his wife Ritu Sharma, and his sister Radha Devi to life imprisonment for torturing and killing his 10-year-old daughter Kajal. The trio buried Kajal's body in their courtyard, and an autopsy confirmed she had 15 injuries and did not die naturally.
A doctor in Mangaluru allegedly left a surgical mop inside a woman’s stomach during a C-section, which led to severe complications and a life-threatening infection. An emergency surgery at another hospital was performed two months later to remove the mop, and the woman is still recovering.
The Centre has introduced a new rule simplifying the import procedure for pet dogs and cats, allowing pet owners to obtain a 'no objection certificate' (NOC) round the clock at the port of entry. This eliminates previous hassles by allowing owners to receive an advance NOC through email submission of required documents.
A Dausa high-security jail inmate, serving a life sentence for child sexual assault, was arrested for threatening to kill Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma in the third such threat within a year. Authorities seized a mobile phone from the inmate and launched an inquiry into how it was obtained.
A NWKRTC bus conductor in Belagavi is facing charges under the Pocso Act after a dispute over language with a minor female passenger, leading to his assault by a group. The incident has sparked protests from Kannada supporters and disrupted bus services between Karnataka and Maharashtra.
PM Narendra Modi is set to visit Mauritius next month as the chief guest for their national day celebrations, marking the 57th anniversary of their independence. This visit on March 12 highlights the close ties between India and Mauritius, which has a significant population with Indian roots.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to visit New Delhi next week for talks with PM Narendra Modi. The visit aims to strengthen strategic ties between the EU and India, focusing on trade, economic security, resilient supply chains, technology, and defense cooperation amid current global uncertainties.
A bus carrying pilgrims from Mata Vaishno Devi shrine fell into a 30-feet gorge near Manda, resulting in the death of a Himachal Pradesh driver and injuring 17 passengers. Rescuers worked for over two hours to recover the driver’s body, and the injured were reported as stable.
