Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar urged farmers to repay crop loans by March 31, emphasizing that election promises like loan waivers depend on future decisions and current circumstances. He assured 0% interest loans to ease the burden and highlighted the significant financial commitments the state faces.
India and the US are set to finalize the first part of their Bilateral Trade Agreement by the end of 2025 after four days of productive talks in New Delhi. The agreement aims to expand trade to $500 billion by 2030, focusing on market access, reducing trade barriers, and integrating supply chains. Both nations are committed to ongoing collaboration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to Myanmar's military chief following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake. India launched 'Operation Brahma', sending over 80 NDRF personnel and crucial supplies to assist in the aftermath, showing solidarity with its neighbour in this humanitarian crisis.
The Enforcement Directorate attached commercial properties worth Rs. 5.61 crore in Sonipat, Haryana, connected to a money laundering case against TDI Infrastructure Limited. The company allegedly violated environmental regulations in residential projects by failing to treat sewage water and discharging untreated effluent. The directors are accused of generating 'proceeds of crime' through these breaches.
Rahul Gandhi met Manipur leaders amid ongoing violence and criticized PM Modi for not visiting the state. He urged for a national priority in resolving the crisis. Manipur has been under President's rule since February after the chief minister resigned due to ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo tribes, resulting in over 250 deaths.
Sanjay Raut demands special protection for comedian Kunal Kamra, who faces multiple legal cases over remarks about Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde. He compares Kamra's situation to that of Kangana Ranaut, who received security after a dispute with Shiv Sena, and calls for government intervention.
The Centre has criticised social media platform X for calling the 'Sahyog' portal a censorship tool, describing the claim as unfortunate and condemnable. It emphasized Section 69A's authority for blocking orders under specific conditions and defended the portal's role in addressing unlawful content.
Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences to Myanmar after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake caused widespread damage. India has launched 'Operation Brahma' to provide immediate relief, including tents, food, and medical supplies. Myanmar's military junta reports over 1,000 deaths and thousands injured, with rescue operations ongoing.
MPs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi have accused the central government of preventing parliamentary discussions and undermining democratic processes. Rahul Gandhi expressed frustration over being blocked from addressing key issues, while Speaker Om Birla reminded him to uphold parliamentary decorum. The opposition claims government tactics are sabotaging legislative functions.
ISRO has made significant progress in developing a semi-cryogenic engine, successfully conducting a hot test of the Engine Power Head Test Article. This engine, set to power the LVM-3 launch vehicle, uses non-toxic propellants and is expected to boost payload capacity. The breakthrough follows the establishment of a dedicated testing facility, with further tests planned to optimize performance.
An Indian-American student at Houston University has accused a Hinduism course of bias, alleging it misrepresented aspects of the Hindu religion and politically branded PM Narendra Modi as a Hindu fundamentalist. The university defended its course as academically rigorous and committed to exploring complex religious and political issues.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed concern over the worsening treatment of minorities in Pakistan, highlighting disturbing incidents involving the Sikh, Ahmadiyya, and Christian communities. He emphasized the lack of dialogue between India and Pakistan, making it difficult to address these issues directly.
Diplomatic efforts under PM Modi's leadership have led to the release and pardon of over 10,000 Indians imprisoned abroad since 2014. Key successes include the UAE pardoning 500 Indians during Ramzan, Saudi Arabia releasing 850 in 2019, and the release of Indian Navy veterans from Qatar in 2023. Modi's personal connections with international leaders have played a crucial role.
A parliamentary panel has expressed concern over states' failure to hold panchayat elections every five years as required by the 73rd constitutional amendment. States including Assam, Manipur, and Karnataka have delayed elections, impacting central grants for village development. The panel has urged the ministry to address this issue at the highest level.
The Department of Space (DoS) has allocated Rs 413 crore for the Axiom-4 mission, aiming to send Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS) later this year. This joint Isro-Nasa effort targets a Q2 2025 launch, focusing on microgravity experiments and STEM education.
President Trump praised Prime Minister Modi as a smart leader and great friend while criticizing India's high import tariffs. Trump emphasized progress in trade talks and India's commitment to lower tariffs, significant energy purchases, defense deals, and reduced duties on key imports. These efforts aim to strengthen US-India trade ties amid ongoing friction.
Gold prices in Mumbai have reached a record high, surpassing Rs 91,000/10gm, driven by global uncertainties and tariff wars. Silver prices have also surged, crossing Rs 1 lakh/kg mark. A report by Goldman Sachs has further boosted gold's outlook with a new target price of $3,300 for 2025.
Thousands of people in Kashmir marched in solidarity with Palestine on Al-Quds Day, raising pro-Hezbollah slogans and flags. J&K police filed FIRs under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against the organizers for creating a law and order situation and promoting terrorism.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's speech at Oxford was disrupted by two groups of protesters, causing chaos. Security had to intervene as protesters accused her of various allegations, with the incident highlighting political tensions and unrest among certain groups.
Four police personnel have been killed in an ongoing gunfight with suspected Pakistani terrorists in the Sufain forest area of Jammu's Kathua district. The operation, involving the J&K Police's SOG, Army, and CRPF, continues, with a total of five terrorists reportedly neutralized.