The UPSC announced the Civil Services Examination 2025 results, with 958 candidates recommended for various services, and Anuj Agnihotri topping the list. Meanwhile, Qatar warned of potential Gulf energy export halts within weeks due to escalating Iran-US-Israel tensions, which could drive oil prices to $150 per barrel.

Lok Sabha MPs from both ruling BJP and opposition Congress have been issued a three-line whip to be present from March 9-11 for the second phase of the Budget Session. The House is expected to address the opposition's notice seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla amidst ongoing political developments.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri assured citizens there is no energy shortage in India despite West Asian geopolitical tensions. The country has diversified its crude oil imports, with significant supplies now coming from Russia and new LPG contracts with the US, ensuring comfortable availability of fuel.

Uttar Pradesh, India's breadbasket, is experiencing a dramatic agricultural transformation. Productivity has surged by over 42% since 2016-17, driven by technology, hybrid seeds, and irrigation. The state now leads in wheat and is a major producer of rice, pulses, oilseeds, and horticulture, with sugarcane remaining a vital crop. Government support and market reforms are bolstering farmer prosperity

Bihar's political landscape shifts as Nitish Kumar opts for a Rajya Sabha seat, stepping down as Chief Minister. This move marks the end of an era dominated by Jayaprakash Narayan's disciples and leaves the Janata Dal (United) in uncharted territory without a clear successor.

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at multiple locations in Mumbai and Hyderabad linked to Reliance Power as part of a bank fraud and money laundering probe. The investigation also involves suspected financial irregularities under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, with Anil Ambani having been questioned twice previously.

Rahul Gandhi criticized PM Modi's foreign policy, calling the US waiver on Russian oil purchases a result of exploiting a «compromised individual.» The Congress questioned this «American blackmail,» while the US stated the waiver aims to stabilize global energy amid Middle East tensions, expecting India to increase US oil imports.

Scheduled Tribe members adhering to Hindu customs are not barred from the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, Chhattisgarh High Court ruled. The court set aside a family court's rejection of a mutual divorce petition, stating that those who voluntarily follow Hindu rites cannot be excluded.

'Rossby Waves' Arising Off Europe Coast Key Trigger

Satyajit Ray's filmography is capturing hearts anew in Japan, as a stunning showcase of seven of his works pulls in enthusiastic audiences. With unforgettable classics like 'Charulata' and 'Mahanagar' now drawing such a response, the screenings have been extended to accommodate fans, paving the way for a Blu-ray release.

Home Minister Amit Shah launched four digital tools and two mascots for India's first digital Census 2027. The initiative includes a self-enumeration portal allowing citizens to submit household information online in 16 languages, aiming for accuracy and inclusivity in the world's largest census exercise.

India's fertilizer supply faces potential disruptions for the upcoming kharif season if the Strait of Hormuz blockade persists. While current stocks are healthy, reduced LNG imports for urea production could impact output. Rising global prices due to shipping route blockades may also increase government subsidy expenses.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney lauded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dedication to citizen welfare. Carney highlighted Modi's focus on direct delivery of programs to ordinary Indians. He also noted Modi's relentless work ethic, stating he has not taken a day off in 25 years. Carney's remarks followed recent meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

Nitish Kumar exits Bihar CM post after two decades, sparking political upheaval. Known for his strategic alliances and ideological shifts, Kumar carved a unique niche as an OBC leader focusing on «Mandal-plus» policies and women's welfare. His political maneuvering, including caste-based strategies and welfarism, sustained his dominance for years.

Bihar's ruling party, JDU, anticipates Nishant Kumar's political debut as his father, Nitish Kumar, prepares to step down. This move aims to reassure party workers and maintain the JDU's traditional support base, particularly among the Kurmi community. Nishant, an engineering graduate, is reportedly being considered for a Deputy Chief Minister role, signaling continuity as Nitish shifts to the Rajya Sabha.

The Supreme Court has taken the unprecedented step of transferring three petitions from the Allahabad High Court to itself, citing a six-year delay in delivering a verdict on a 1994 criminal case. This intervention, aimed at ensuring speedy justice, highlights concerns over the High Court's prolonged inaction, which has also kept the trial stayed.

Rajya Sabha nominations have set the stage for political contests in Bihar and Odisha, with new alignments tested. While Maharashtra's NCP factions remain divided, the BJP-led NDA is strategically nominating diverse candidates to broaden its social coalition.

Nitish Kumar filed for Rajya Sabha, signaling a potential end to his Bihar CM tenure despite family and party objections. His move, supported by Amit Shah, has sparked unrest within JD(U), with workers protesting. Discussions within NDA are underway for a successor, possibly a Dalit leader or JD(U) deputy CM, as RJD criticizes the political maneuvering.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signed a condolence book at the Iranian embassy following the killing of Iran's supreme leader, amid criticism over India's initial silence. This move follows a telephonic conversation between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart, with a potential high-level meeting scheduled.

Prime Minister Modi held discussions with French President Macron, emphasizing a return to dialogue and diplomacy for the West Asia region. Both leaders committed to close engagement and coordinated efforts to restore peace and stability. Concurrently, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia and Oman, underscoring India's active diplomatic outreach.

A significant reshuffling of governors and Lieutenant governors across several states and Union Territories, including Delhi, Ladakh, and West Bengal, was announced by Rashtrapati Bhavan. Key appointments include Taranjit Singh Sandhu as Delhi's new LG and Vinai Kumar Saxena moving to Ladakh. Several other states like Telangana, Maharashtra, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, and Nagaland also saw new gubernatorial assignments.

Defence electronics major Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has partnered with space technology startup Bellatrix Aerospace to jointly develop and manufacture satellite systems, focusing on the emerging very low Earth orbit (VLEO) regime. This collaboration aims to combine BEL's electronics expertise with Bellatrix's propulsion technology to create next-generation satellite platforms for both strategic and civilian space missions.