Defence minister Rajnath Singh and Union minister Jitendra Singh commend NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her crew for their extraordinary achievements after safely returning from the International Space Station. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expresses pride and admiration for Williams' contributions and accomplishments in space exploration.
The National Investigation Agency searched 12 locations in Jammu regarding cross-border terrorist infiltration. The operation, acting on specific intelligence inputs, involves examining premises linked to OGWs and hybrid terrorists who supported Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives entering India.
A reported Nagpur violence incident involved an accused inappropriately touching a woman police official during a clash. Provoked by the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, the unrest led to vandalism and multiple injuries. Local residents confirmed significant property damage, while authorities attributed the escalation to misinformation.
The Supreme Court has called for a CBI probe into the alleged builder-bank nexus causing distress to homebuyers due to delayed projects. SC wants a detailed proposal from the agency to investigate, stressing the need for quick and effective measures to address the issue.
Earlier, SC’s Prima Facie View Was Such Jurisdiction Would Be ‘Dangerous’ For Independence Of Constitutional Courts
The West Bengal government informed the Supreme Court about conducting a fresh assessment of community backwardness for OBC categorization and reservation, aiming to complete it within three months. The move follows the Calcutta High Court's order cancelling OBC status of some castes, criticizing the state’s criteria, particularly in quickly including certain Muslim communities.
The Supreme Court of India will conduct a detailed inquiry into allegations that firms owned by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu's relatives received contracts unlawfully. The state has been asked to provide contract details from the last five years while the CAG, and Union ministries of home affairs and finance will submit their reports.
A US-trained commercial pilot with HIV challenges the Bombay HC against DGCA's certification deeming him fit to fly only with a more experienced pilot due to his HIV status. He claims this stipulation is discriminatory and hampers his employment opportunities.
India's nuclear programme achieved a major milestone as the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station's seventh unit was connected to the northern grid. With the operation of 25 reactors and 13,100 MW capacity under construction, the indigenous 700 MW PHWR series plays a crucial role in reaching a goal of 100 GW by 2047.
HUDCO targets to become a zero non-performing asset company within 18 months by resolving major loans under NCLT and DRT. Currently, with a gross NPA of 1.88% and net NPA at 0.27%, HUDCO plans to raise $500 million from Japanese loans at competitive interest rates as part of its growth strategy.
Sitapur's Congress MP, Rakesh Rathore, will be released from jail after obtaining bail twice in a rape case. Accused of rape and deceitful intercourse, Rathore claimed political motives behind the four-year delayed charges. The survivor's FIR cited rape, criminal intimidation, and wrongful confinement, alleging trust misuse due to his political stature.
The home ministry stated it does not maintain data on fatalities and injuries from the stampede at Maha Kumbh mela, as such incidents fall under state jurisdiction. The ministry shared that religious event management and disaster response are state responsibilities, and no central data is available.
Karnataka's revenue department repossessed 14 acres of contested land in Ramanagara district from Union minister HD Kumaraswamy and his relatives. The action followed a High Court order prompting officials to move swiftly. Kumaraswamy claims the action is politically motivated and insists he purchased the land legally 40 years ago.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concern over the unfair distribution of assets following the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in 2019. Omar emphasized resolving asset disputes amicably, avoiding prolonged court battles like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The J&K government is working on fair asset distribution, particularly in Delhi and Chandigarh, to ensure both regions benefit equally.
A woman pilgrim, Jyoti Gupta, was arrested near the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu & Kashmir after being found with a loaded pistol and expired license. Another pilgrim, Sanjay Singh, was caught with cartridges. Security is tight due to past terrorist attacks. An investigation is underway.
A fire broke out at the Rajouri Government Medical College and Hospital's basement, leading to an evacuation of the upper floors. Prompt action by staff, volunteers, and firefighters ensured the flames were controlled before spreading. Authorities are investigating the lack of a fire safety system and the cause of the incident.
J&K's National Conference government has announced a magisterial probe into the deaths of two Gujjar brothers found in Kulgam after a month-long disappearance. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary stated the government would seek a judicial inquiry as requested by the families of the deceased.
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 Uttar Pradesh court has sentenced three men to death for the 1981 massacre of 24 Dalits in Dehuli. The massacre was allegedly to punish Dalit witnesses against upper-caste criminals. Of the 17 accused, 14 died during the trial, while another is absconding. The remaining three, all in their early 70s, were convicted on Tuesday.
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.
