In 2024, the Border Security Force (BSF) seized 294 drones in Punjab, as stated by junior home minister Nityanand Rai. In efforts to curb narco-smuggling via drones along the Indo-Pakistan border, anti-drone systems have been deployed. Information sharing and close coordination with various security agencies have been reinforced to track and intercept these devices.

India is experiencing a significant disparity in tariffs on its top five import and export items with the US. Data from the commerce ministry shows India pays higher duties on imports from the US compared to the duty it earns on exports.

Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard emphasized the importance of democracies upholding a rules-based order, particularly in the Indo-Pacific where China poses challenges. Sweden supports India's Make in India initiative, contributing through defence cooperation. She backed Nato and discussed potential India-EU FTA benefits, highlighting India's vital role in maintaining global peace and security.

PM Narendra Modi has written a letter to Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams, praising her efforts and inviting her to visit India. Williams, who was stranded on the ISS for over 9 months, is now returning to Earth. Modi expressed his concern and conveyed India's pride in her achievements, stressing the deep bond with its illustrious daughter.

West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari criticizes the Trinamool government, claiming that Hindus will resist any attempt to stop Ram Navami celebrations and accusing Mamata Banerjee of appeasing a particular community. This comes amid heightened tensions and allegations of violence during Holi in the state.

The home ministry did not share information on fatalities and injuries from the Maha Kumbh mela stampede in Prayagraj. They stated that it is a state subject. Management of such events is the responsibility of state governments. A January 29 stampede left 30 dead and 60 injured. Guidelines for crowd management exist.

Flights of major Indian carriers, including Air India Group and IndiGo, will shift from Mumbai’s Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to Navi Mumbai International Airport by this summer. The switch depends on CSMIA’s T2 capacity expansion and T1 demolition plans. Clarity on these details is anticipated soon, as airlines need to inform passengers promptly.

A team of six Supreme Court judges, headed by Justice BR Gavai, will visit violence-affected relief camps in Manipur on March 22. The delegation aims to assess the situation and improve legal and humanitarian support for those affected. The Supreme Court has been monitoring the crisis and the visit underscores efforts to address on-ground concerns.

India has asked the Netherlands to halt supplying arms and military technology to Pakistan due to its history of sponsoring terrorism. In a meeting between defence ministers, both countries agreed to strengthen ties in defence, security, maritime cooperation, and emerging technologies. Collaboration in shipbuilding and space sectors was also discussed, alongside integrating Indian vendors into Dutch supply chains.

India and France kick off the ‘Varuna’ naval exercise in the Arabian Sea, involving aircraft carriers, warships, submarines, fighters, and helicopters. INS Vikrant and the French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle are among the highlighted participants. The exercise includes maritime drills and tactical operations, enhancing naval interoperability and operational synergy between the two nations.

India has responded strongly to Pakistan's comments on PM Modi's remarks about Jammu & Kashmir, labeling Islamabad as a sponsor of cross-border terrorism that hinders regional peace. The Kashmir issue remains unresolved since 1947, with Pakistan occupying parts of Kashmir and backing terrorism. India's position on Kashmir was reaffirmed with the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.

Minister Nityanand Rai informed Parliament that there is no central data on casualties during the Maha Kumbh Mela stampede in Prayagraj, as religious congregation management is a state matter. He emphasized that crowd control and disaster response fall under state jurisdiction, and states are responsible for inquiries and assistance related to such incidents.

British Airways introduces an in-person service in local languages for Indian customers traveling to London. The free 'meet and assist' service, available in Hindi, Punjabi, Telugu, and Tamil, helps passengers with check-in, airport navigation, boarding, and transit at London Heathrow. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility and improve customer experience on BA flights from five Indian cities.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) expressed willingness to consider the demand for publishing booth-wise voter turnout data online during a Supreme Court hearing. The petitioners, TMC MP Mahua Moitra and Association for Democratic Reforms, have 10 days to make representations before the ECI. The ECI aims to address discrepancies in voter turnout data, ensuring transparency.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis attributed recent violence in Nagpur to heightened emotions from the Chhaava movie, which depicts Maratha history. Violence erupted after protests against Aurangzeb's tomb, leading to curfew and multiple injuries. Authorities are investigating the premeditated attacks and ensure the responsible parties face consequences. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde also highlighted concerns about targeted conspiracies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Prayagraj's Maha Kumbh 2025 as a significant milestone for India during his address to the Lok Sabha. He credited the people of India, UP, and Prayagraj for their contributions and thanked them for the event's grand success, highlighting the global recognition it brought to India.

US director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard clarified that President Trump's 'America First' policy does not equate to 'America alone' at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi. She expressed optimism about the continued strengthening of the India-US relationship under the leadership of PM Modi and President Trump.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar questioned the consistency of global standards on sovereignty, political interference, and territorial integrity. At the Raisina Dialogue, he discussed historical injustices, particularly citing the Kashmir issue as an example, and called for a review of global governance frameworks to acknowledge evolving power dynamics.

Opposition and NC legislators in J&K assembly called for an inquiry into the mysterious deaths of two Gujjar brothers in Kulgam, alleging a pattern of unexplained deaths within the community. There were also accusations of police brutality against mourners demanding a fair investigation.

The Telangana assembly passed two landmark bills to hike reservations in education and jobs from 50% to 70%, surpassing the Supreme Court's quota cap. The decision received unanimous political support, expecting to back their constitutional amendment proposal with extensive survey data.

Violence erupted in Nagpur following a right-wing protest demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb. The unrest escalated after rumors of a religious book burning, leading to arson, stone-pelting, and vandalism. Police have imposed Section 144 and arrested 50 individuals to control the situation.

The Supreme Court raised concerns about lower courts denying bail in minor offences, despite completed investigations. They highlighted an increasing trend of such cases reaching the apex court. SC emphasized a need for a new bail law to ensure timely decisions, criticizing mechanical arrests and advocating for liberal grant of bail to protect personal liberty.

India and China expressed mutual interest in fostering cooperation and strengthening relations following positive discussions between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping. Both countries aim to implement the understandings reached during their October meeting in Kazan, emphasizing development, revitalization, and the overall progress of their civilizations.

US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard expressed concerns about persecution of minorities in Bangladesh and the global threat of Islamist terrorism. In a meeting with India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, she discussed the strategic security partnership and Singh urged the US to designate Sikhs For Justice as a terrorist organization.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis warns of strict action against anyone attempting to glorify Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. This statement comes amid controversy over Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal comparing Fadnavis to Aurangzeb, which has sparked political uproar and demands for action against Sapkal.

The Supreme Court sought the government's response on a PIL demanding an independent procedure for appointing the CAG. The court questioned whether it should rewrite constitutional provisions granting the executive power to appoint the CAG, stressing the existing constitutional protections ensuring the auditor's independence.

India and New Zealand have bolstered their ties by enhancing defence and security collaborations, emphasizing a free Indo-Pacific region. Both nations expressed their commitment to combating terrorism and enhancing bilateral trade, while reiterating support for international law and a two-state solution for Gaza.

An ITBP constable shot and killed his senior colleague after an argument in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The incident occurred at the ITBP battalion headquarters. The constable fired 20 rounds from his Insas rifle, which resulted in the death of the senior officer. A detailed investigation into the incident is currently underway.

The Telangana assembly passed two significant bills increasing reservations in education, government jobs, and self-governance from 50% to 70%. Proposing 42% for BCs, 18% for SCs, and 10% for STs, the legislation showcases political unity and aims for a constitutional amendment. Empirical data from a state-conducted survey backs this move, challenging the Supreme Court’s existing reservation cap.