Category: India

The Liberia-flagged Shenlong Suezmax loaded crude from the Saudi port Ras Tanura on March 1 and embarked two days later.

A Liberian flagged tanker hauling Saudi Arabian crude, captained by an Indian, cleared the Strait of Hormuz two days ago and has berthed at the port of Mumbai, becoming the first India-destined vessel to safely transit the waterway, where maritime traffic has all but halted since the US and Israel attacked Iran.

The Liberia-flagged Shenlong Suezmax loaded crude from the Saudi port Ras Tanura on March 1 and embarked two days later. Its last signaled location was inside the strait on March 8, according to maritime data firms Llyod’s List Intelligence and TankerTrackers.

Iran has struck merchant ships and threatened not to let oil transit the water channel, other than those headed to China, effectively making one of the world’s most vital trade routes impassable. Nearly a fifth of the world’s crude passes the strait.

The Mumbai-headed vessel then went “dark”, suggesting it had turned off its transponders and AIS, or automatic identification system, to avoid detection as it navigated the perilous stretch before re-appearing on tracking databases on March 9, a person familiar with the matter said.

It reached the Mumbai port at 1 pm on Wednesday and was berthed at 6.06 pm port officials said.

“The ship Shenlong is carrying 1,35,335 metric tonnes of crude of oil. She is berthed at Jawahar Dweep and has started discharging the crude cargo,” Praveen Singh, deputy conservator of Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) said. The crude will go to refineries in Mahul, in eastern Mumbai.

The shipping ministry did not immediately respond to a request for details of the tanker, which is owned by Shenlong Shipping Ltd and managed by the Athens-based Dynacom Tanker Management Ltd.

“There are 29 Indian, Pakistani and Filipino crew on board, while the ship’s captain is Sukshant Singh Sandhu. The ship will take nearly 36 hours to discharge the cargo,” said Jitendra Jadhav who works for Atlantic Global Shipping, which is handling Shenlong in Mumbai.

The tanker’s safe passage is likely to ease some of the mounting concerns in Asia’s third-largest economy over energy shortages, as over half of India’s crude and gas supplies pass through the strait.

However, 28 Indian-flagged vessels are still in or near the waterway since the war broke out, according to India’s directorate general of shipping.

As many as eight Indian-flagged ships that were east of in the Strait of Hormuz when the war broke out have moved to safer seas. According to the situation report released by the director general of shipping, over the last few days, seven of these vessels — Desh Mahima, Desh Abhiman, Swarna Kamal, Vishva Prerna, Jag Viraat, Jag Lokesh and LNGC Aseem — have made their way to the Arabian Sea. Another vessel, the Jag Lakshya has proceeded for Angola.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/art-culture/photos-iran-golestan-palace-before-and-after-us-israel-bombing-from-heavenly-ceiling-to-shattered-mirrors-tehran-attack-101773211174275.html

‘All refineries are working at 100 per cent capacity at the moment, and 60 lakh cylinders are supplied daily in the country,’ sources said.

Staring at an LPG shortage due to the Iran crisis, the government has asked refineries to increase production, leading to 10 per cent more gas reserves in the country, ministry sources said on Tuesday.

Stating that there is “no shortage of gas reserves” for domestic consumers in the country’s refineries, ministry sources said that the short-term shortage was diffused by increased production. To deal with LPG shortage-related issues, the Centre has now constituted a three-member committee. This committee has begun receiving public feedback and is developing strategies based on that.

“The gas shortage is being diverted from the industry. We are taking a few crucial steps to offset any shortage, and unless this is a long-drawn affair in West Asia, our endeavour is to ensure that prices remain stabilised,” ministry officials said.

Reacting to reports of problems with commercial cylinders, government sources said that most commercial setups have now switched to induction plates, but any problems are still being addressed.

Among the steps, officials said, is increasing the booking period between two cylinders in households from 21 days to 25 days. “Stock used to arrive at distributors within two and a half days, but today it is just two and a half days from when the crisis started for us. All refineries are working at 100 per cent capacity at the moment, and 60 lakh cylinders are supplied daily in the country,” sources said.

Officials also added that the increase of Rs 60 per cylinder levied last week was not due to the current situation, but due to last year’s under coverage.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/centre-forms-3-member-panel-to-oversee-lpg-crisis-even-as-it-reiterates-no-shortage-of-gas-reserves-3927031#google_vignette

This development comes as actor-politician Vijay has been asked to appear before the agency for the third time.

The stampede at the TVK rally in Karur, which killed 41 people, has come back to haunt the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) issued a notice to the party’s strongman V Senthil Balaji to join the probe.

This development comes as actor-politician Vijay has been asked to appear before the agency for the third time, seen as an attempt to bring the issue to the fore ahead of the elections and exert pressure on the fledgling party. Vijay has sought 15 days’ time to appear before the agency citing his party work ahead of the April-May assembly elections.

Balaji being asked to appear on March 17 is a significant development since he was not named in the case by the CBI or in the FIR filed by the Tamil Nadu police. TVK has been wildly alleging that Balaji was responsible for the stampede by pointing to his arrival at a hospital where people fainted at the rally were taken within minutes of the incident.

“I will appear before the CBI on March 17 and provide appropriate explanations to their questions,” Balaji said in an X post on Tuesday.

Investigations into the stampede gained political traction in October when TVK publicly accused the DMK of being behind the incident, which is why the party approached the Supreme Court seeking an independent probe.

Further, in January, state BJP chief Nainar Nagenthiran told a party rally, where Union Minister Amit Shah was present that Senthil Balaji’s role—as the DMK’s strongman in western Tamil Nadu—in the stampede could not be ruled out.

Issuing summons to both Vijay and Balaji, who hails from Karur, is seen as an attempt to bring the issue to the fore ahead of the assembly elections. The BJP and AIADMK have been asking the DMK dispensation to take responsibility for the incident. However, the AIADMK changed its stance and now blames TVK after Vijay began criticizing the party publicly.

The summons will also give enough fodder to the AIADMK and BJP to attack the DMK, which claims it will certainly win the 2026 elections.

During the first two rounds of questioning, sources told DH that CBI sleuths wanted to know why Vijay arrived late at the venue, why he continued his speech, why the rally began late, and why he didn’t stay back when he knew something was amiss.

Other questions included whether TVK expected the crowd to swell and what arrangements the party made for the public meeting. It is believed that Vijay maintained that neither his party nor he was responsible for the stampede and instead blamed the district administration. It is understood that Vijay also told the CBI sleuths that he left Karur for Chennai because he feared his presence would escalate the situation.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tamil-nadu/karur-stampede-dmk-mla-v-senthil-balaji-summoned-by-cbi-cases-take-political-centre-stage-3927154

The social science textbook for Class 8 stated that corruption, a massive backlog of cases and the lack of an adequate number of judges are among the challenges faced by the judicial system

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) on Tuesday issued an unconditional apology and withdrew a Class 8 social science textbook after the Supreme Court objected to a chapter discussing judicial corruption.

The social science textbook for Class 8 had stated that corruption, a massive backlog of cases and the lack of an adequate number of judges were among the challenges faced by the judicial system.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NCERT said, “The National Council of Educational Research and Training has recently published a social science textbook, ‘Exploring Society: India and Beyond’ Grade 8 (Part 2), which contained Chapter 4 titled ‘The Role of Judiciary in our Society’.”

“The director and members of NCERT hereby tender an unconditional and unqualified apology for the said chapter four. The entire book has been withdrawn and is not available,” it added.

A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi had taken suo motu cognisance of the “objectionable” statements about the judiciary in NCERT textbooks after senior advocate Kapil Sibal, alongside Abhishek Singhvi, mentioned the matter for urgent consideration.

CJI Kant strongly objected to the chapter on judicial corruption in the NCERT’s Class 8 curriculum, saying nobody on earth would be allowed to defame the judiciary and taint its integrity.

The Supreme Court imposed a “complete blanket ban” on any further publication, reprinting or digital dissemination of the NCERT’s Class 8 social science book as it contains “offending” content on corruption in the judiciary, saying “a gunshot has been fired and the institution is bleeding.”

Source : https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/ncert-issues-apology-withdraws-class-8-book-after-judicial-corruption-chapter-row/cid/2150674#goog_rewarded

Charlier Evans said that the ease of accessing treatment and the combination of traditional and modern medicine in India left him impressed.

An American traveller exploring India has caught the internet’s attention after praising the country’s healthcare system, calling Indian medicine “truly god-tier” following his recovery from an illness during his trip.

Charlie Evans, who has been travelling across India for several months, shared his experience in an Instagram post. He said that the ease of accessing treatment and the combination of traditional and modern medicine in India left him impressed.

“I am an American and I have been living in India for the past 148 days. In the past week, I have been to the hospital twice. I am going to tell you what happened and why Indian medicine is far superior to medicine in the West,” he said in the clip.

He explained that he first fell sick a few weeks into his trip while travelling in Rajasthan. Suspecting that he had strep throat, he delayed visiting a hospital until he returned to Rishikesh, a decision he later said was a mistake, as going to a hospital in India is extremely easy.

‘Indian medicines better than West’

Evans said that he first visited a pharmacy where he bought Ayurvedic medicines such as Yogi Kanthika tablets for his throat and cough drops. “We don’t have these in the USA, but these are amazing,” he said, adding that he felt the ingredients used in Indian medicines were better than those available back home.

Evans also spoke about the role of home remedies in Indian households. He said friends introduced him to herbal remedies that helped ease his symptoms.

“When you live in India, you have Indian friends who give you herbal remedies. Sometimes you don’t even need the pharmacy or the emergency room because your Indian buddies already have something that helps,” he said.

Praising the country’s healthcare approach, Evans said the mix of Ayurveda, home remedies and modern medicine helped him recover quickly.

“Indian medicine is truly god-tier. First time getting sick in India and wow, what an eye-opener. From comforting home remedies and Ayurveda to modern medicines, everything worked together to get me back on my feet fast,” he wrote in the caption of the video.

Social media reactions

The clip quickly gained traction online, with many social media users agreeing with his observations.

“Here, you can just walk to the hospital and do walk-in treatment for anything. In the USA, you gotta get a doctor, and all he recommends is so weird, and the insurance there is so expensive. In India, you can be covered for 200 dollars for a year, but in the US, 1000 a month lol,” one user commented.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/us-man-calls-indian-medicine-god-tier-says-healthcare-is-far-superior-to-west-101773160191161.html

India is set to enhance Indonesia’s military capabilities by supplying three batteries of the BrahMos Cruise missile, with delivery expected by 2028 following a contract signed in December 2025. The deal, valued at $300 million, reflects India’s growing defence manufacturing prowess and aligns with previous agreements.

The batteries of the unbeatable Brahmos Cruise missile will strengthen the offensive capabilities of the Indonesian Armed Forces by 2028. As per the exclusive details with the Times Now, India will be supplying all the batteries of the missile with in 36 months of signing the contract.

Calling it a reinforcement of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capability, the source said, The contract was signed in December 2025 thus the supply of the equipment is to culminate by 2028, added sources. “Indonesia has signed a contract amounting to USD 300 million for three batteries to be deployed in Coastal Dedence as they are of same version as have been exported to Philippines.”

The missile deal with Philippines was first major defence deal for India under which it received the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles in April, 2024. While the deal with the Philippines was announced in January 2022 for the supply of the missile, the process between India and Indonesia had started around that time.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/india-will-supply-indonesia-all-batteries-of-brahmos-missiles-by-2029-exclusive-article-153802736

Marking International Women’s Day, Sunetra Pawar said the new scheme was aimed at helping women employees avoid Mumbai’s peak-hour traffic and ease daily commuting.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar chose her maiden speech in the legislative council to introduce a “come early, go early” scheme for women government employees working in Mumbai. Marking International Women’s Day, Sunetra said the move was aimed at helping women working within the jurisdiction of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) avoid Mumbai’s peak-hour traffic and ease daily commuting.

As per the scheme, women employees can arrive at work between 9.15 am and 9.45 am and leave earlier in the evening by the same number of minutes they report early. Sunetra, who took over as Deputy CM after the tragic death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash, also highlighted the state’s aggressive stance on women’s safety and welfare.

WOMEN SCHEMES IN SPOTLIGHT

She said that Operation Muskan and Operation Shodh have helped trace thousands of missing women and children till early 2026. To bolster this, she further stressed that 51 Bharosa Cells and special Missing Cells were now functioning across all districts.

On welfare measures, Pawar pointed out that women employees were now entitled to 180 days of maternity leave, along with the option of an additional year of leave on half pay. This, she said, was to ensure that women do not have to choose between their jobs and childcare.

On the economic front, Sunetra pointed to a suite of initiatives, including the Ladki Bahin and Lakhpati Didi schemes, alongside the Fourth Women’s Policy, which focuses on principles like ending sexual and gender-based violence, education, health, nutrition, etc.

Moreover, platforms like Umed Mall and Mahalakshmi Saras, she said, were helping self-help groups sell their products online and reach more buyers.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/maharashtra-mumbai-come-early-go-early-scheme-women-sunetra-pawar-2879969-2026-03-10

Dozens of students in Tamil Nadu were taken to hospital after a food contamination scare at a Coimbatore Corporation school.

At least 44 students from a government school in Tamil Nadu were rushed to hospital on March 10 after a lizard was discovered in the midday meal served to them, triggering panic among children and staff.

The incident took place at a Corporation Middle School under the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation’s West Zone, where students from Classes 4, 5 and 6 were eating their midday meal when the contamination was noticed.

According to officials, a total of 44 students, 31 boys and 13 girls, were affected. Once the presence of a lizard in the food was detected, authorities immediately arranged ambulances and shifted the children to the District Government Medical College Hospital for treatment.

OFFICIALS VISIT HOSPITAL

The affected students, who are currently undergoing treatment, were later visited by Coimbatore City Mayor K Ranganayaki Ramachandran and Municipal Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabhakaran.

The two officials met the children and spoke to doctors at the hospital to review the treatment being provided.

Authorities have not yet provided further details on the health condition of the students.

POLITICAL REACTIONS

The incident drew strong reactions from political leaders, with BJP leader Vinoj P Selvam calling the development “shocking and heartbreaking”.

In a message posted on X, he said, “The news that 44 students who ate midday meals at Kovai Kaundampalayam Municipal Corporation Middle School were admitted to the hospital, reportedly due to a lizard falling into the food, is shocking and heartbreaking. I pray that the students recover fully soon.”

Selvam also referred to a similar episode reported in February near Pollachi, where students at the Dasanayakanpalayam school were affected by health issues after consuming the midday meal.

“Such incidents have been on the rise over the past five years, which highlights the government’s negligence,” he said.

CALL FOR INSPECTION OF SCHOOL MEALS

The BJP leader criticised the state government over food quality in schools and called for immediate inspections.

“I strongly condemn this government, which is incapable of addressing the minister who gives a scientific explanation that ‘ink has seeped into the egg’ when asked about providing rotten eggs to students, or the officials who engage in corruption in children’s food,” he said.

Selvam added that the government should “immediately initiate an inspection of the quality and hygiene of the food provided to students in all schools”.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/44-students-hospitalised-after-lizard-found-in-tamil-nadu-school-midday-meal-2880038-2026-03-10

The PIB Fact Check unit has flagged a deepfake video of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as part of a wider Pakistan-linked misinformation campaign during the West Asia crisis.

As tensions escalate in West Asia, India is confronting a surge in online misinformation campaigns largely traced to Pakistan-based social media accounts, with authorities warning that coordinated propaganda using AI-generated deepfakes and edited videos is increasingly targeting the country’s political leadership, armed forces and diplomatic positions.

Government fact-checking agencies say the activity has intensified in recent days, coinciding with heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. Officials view the trend as part of a broader information warfare effort aimed at shaping narratives about India’s position on the ongoing West Asia conflict.

DEEPFAKE OF JAISHANKAR FLAGGED

The Press Information Bureau Fact Check unit recently flagged a digitally manipulated video of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar that circulated widely online.

The clip falsely claimed that the minister had said India would not tolerate Muslim countries “harassing Israel” and also alleged that Israel had provided $3 billion to the Afghan Taliban at India’s request. The PIB clarified that the video was fabricated and that the minister had made no such statements.

In a post on social media on March 10, the PIB Fact Check unit said, “Pakistani propaganda accounts are sharing a digitally manipulated video of the External Affairs Minister with false claims alleging that he said India would not tolerate Muslim countries harassing Israel and that Israel recently granted $3 billion to the Taliban at India’s request.”

Officials say the incident is part of a wider pattern of misinformation campaigns that seek to misrepresent India’s diplomatic stance and influence public opinion during periods of international tension.

RISE IN MISINFORMATION CASES

According to government data, the PIB Fact Check unit has debunked more than 2,400 pieces of fake or misleading information over the past four years. Of these, more than 800 were identified in the last year alone, with many relating to national security and foreign policy issues.

Fact-checking agencies say misinformation tends to spike sharply during crises.

During the 2025 military tensions that followed India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack under “Operation Sindoor,” authorities blocked more than 1,400 URLs that were spreading anti-India propaganda. Officials said most of these originated from Pakistan-linked networks.

Fact-checkers say many such posts are designed to create panic, amplify confusion and shape public perception during sensitive moments.

PATTERN OF AI-GENERATED PROPAGANDA

The deepfake involving Jaishankar is not an isolated incident. Another AI-generated video circulated earlier falsely portrayed an Indian Air Force officer criticising aircraft maintenance standards and blaming the government for rising accidents.

The video gained traction on social media before it was debunked by the PIB Fact Check unit.

Investigations have also found repeated use of AI-cloned voices and manipulated footage of India’s military leadership to promote misleading narratives about defence preparedness and internal dissent.

OLD FOOTAGE USED TO CREATE FALSE CLAIMS

Authorities say misinformation campaigns often rely not only on deepfakes but also on repurposed videos and images.

In one instance, footage of the 2020 Beirut port explosion was circulated online with claims that it showed a Pakistani missile strike on India. Fact-checkers later confirmed that the video had been falsely linked to India.

Similarly, during Operation Sindoor, viral posts claiming drone interceptions, destruction of military bases and closure of Indian airports were later exposed as fabricated.

‘HYBRID WARFARE’ IN THE DIGITAL SPACE

Security analysts describe such campaigns as a form of hybrid warfare in which information manipulation accompanies geopolitical crises.

Research on digital conflict ecosystems shows that AI-generated videos, recycled battlefield footage and edited clips can spread rapidly during conflicts, making real-time verification difficult.

In response, the Indian government has expanded fact-checking efforts involving the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Defence and the Press Information Bureau to monitor viral content and issue clarifications quickly.

Officials say these agencies work continuously to counter misinformation and prevent panic among the public.

Source :https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-deepfakes-digital-propaganda-india-west-asia-crisis-2879939-2026-03-10

The UP ATS action came after intelligence inputs that the naval personnel was sharing sensitive information with Pakistan’s ISI.

A serving Indian Navy Lance Naik has been arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI and sharing sensitive naval information, officials said on Tuesday.

The arrest was made by the Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorism Squad following intelligence inputs about suspected espionage activities linked to the naval personnel.

The accused, identified as Adarsh Kumar, also known as Lucky, is a resident of Kagarol in Uttar Pradesh’s Agra district and was posted at the Indian Navy’s Southern Command base in Kochi, Kerala.

SENSITIVE INFORMATION SHARED WITH ISI

According to investigators, Kumar had allegedly been passing sensitive information related to the Navy to handlers linked to Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence.

Officials said he shared photographs and details of important naval information with the ISI through digital communication.

The probe has also found that Kumar transferred money from his personal account to the handler he was in contact with.

ARREST AFTER INTELLIGENCE INPUT

Authorities said the Uttar Pradesh ATS acted after receiving specific inputs about espionage activities involving the naval personnel.

Following verification of the information, the agency moved to arrest Kumar and began questioning him about his contacts and the information that may have been shared.

POSTED AT KOCHI NAVAL BASE

At the time of the alleged espionage activity, Kumar was serving at the Indian Navy’s base in Kochi under the Southern Command.

Officials said further investigation is underway to determine the extent of information shared and whether others may have been involved in the espionage network.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/uttar-pradesh/story/indian-navy-lance-naik-arrested-spying-pakistan-isi-sensitive-naval-information-2880059-2026-03-10

The unrest began on Monday after former Phulbari legislator Estamur Momin was allegedly assaulted by protesters, who have been demanding that non-tribals should refrain from contesting or participating in the Garo Hills council elections.

Two people were killed after security forces opened fire to disperse violent mobs in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district early Tuesday, as tensions escalated over the nomination process for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.

The incident took place in the Chibinang area, where clashes broke out between tribal and non-tribal groups, a report by news agency PTI said. West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T Sangma said the firing occurred when security forces tried to disperse an unlawful gathering.

“The two persons who died were residents of Chibinang. There was a clash between tribals and non-tribals regarding the GHADC elections, and the firing occurred while we were dispersing an unlawful assembly,” Sangma told PTI.

Authorities said the situation is currently under control. However, the district administration imposed a curfew across West Garo Hills from midnight on March 10 to prevent further escalation.

The Army was also called in to help restore normalcy.

Defence spokesperson Lt Col Mahender Rawat confirmed that Army units had been deployed in the district. “Army columns deployed in West Garo Hills on the request of civil administration and conducting a flag march,” Rawat told PTI.

He declined to specify the number of columns deployed. A standard Army column typically consists of 60–80 personnel.

Earlier, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal had written to the Commanding Officer of the 101 Area under the Eastern Command, requesting the Army to conduct a flag march in sensitive areas.

In the communication, Aggarwal said the district had witnessed disturbances amid opposition to the participation of non-tribals in the GHADC elections.

“The presence of the armed forces through a flag march will greatly help in reassuring the public, preventing any further untoward incidents, and restoring confidence among the residents,” he said.

He also noted that recent unrest had triggered “communal tensions between two groups and public unrest,” adding that a visible security presence would demonstrate preparedness to maintain peace and stability.

VIOLENCE LINKED TO COUNCIL POLLS

The unrest began on Monday after former Phulbari legislator Estamur Momin was allegedly assaulted by protesters when he reached the deputy commissioner’s office in Tura to file his nomination for the GHADC polls scheduled for April 10.

Protesters have been demanding that non-tribals should refrain from contesting or participating in the council elections.

Following the violence, authorities suspended mobile internet services in West Garo Hills for 48 hours starting March 10 to prevent the spread of misinformation on social media. Voice calls and SMS services remain operational.

Security has also been strengthened at nomination centres. The filing of nomination papers for the GHADC elections will continue till March 16, while scrutiny of nominations is scheduled for March 17.

Uttar Pradesh STF arrested Arif Hussain, wanted in a cow slaughter case and carrying a Rs 50,000 reward, from Chandauli district after he remained absconding for a long time. The investigation continues.

The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a man wanted in a cow slaughter case who had been absconding for a long time and carried a reward of Rs50,000 on his arrest, officials said.

The accused, identified as Arif Hussain, son of Najakat Hussain, was arrested from Chandauli district in Uttar Pradesh following a sustained search operation by the STF.

According to officials, Hussain had been on the run for a considerable period, prompting police to announce a reward of Rs 50,000 for information leading to his arrest.

STF teams had been actively tracking the accused in connection with the case before finally apprehending him in Chandauli, officials said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/uttar-pradesh-stf-arrests-rs-50000-reward-cow-slaughter-accused-in-chandauli-2880079-2026-03-11

‘Ministry has issued orders to oil refineries for higher LPG production and using such extra production for domestic LPG use,’ Puri posted on X.

With hotels and restaurants have facing shortage of LPG supply, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday said a committee of three Executive Director (EDs) of Oil Marketing Companies have been constituted to review the representations for LPG supply to restaurants/hotels/other industries and ensure smooth supply.

“In light of current geopolitical disruptions to fuel supply and constraints on supply of LPG, Ministry has issued orders to oil refineries for higher LPG production and using such extra production for domestic LPG use,” Puri posted on X.

“The ministry has prioritised domestic LPG supply to households and introduced 25 day inter- booking period to avoid hoarding/black marketing. Non domestic supplies from imported LPG is being prioritised to essential non domestic sectors such as Hospitals and Educational institutions,” he said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/west-asia-conflict-centre-orders-refineries-to-boost-lpg-production-for-domestic-use-amid-reports-of-shortage-3925954 

Who doesn’t love that soothing face massage after a long week? It feels relaxing and refreshing. But what if that “relaxation” could secretly be putting your eyesight at risk? Yes, it sounds shocking, but recent warnings from an ophthalmologist in Agra suggest that certain face massages, especially those using high-frequency massage guns, could actually lead to cataracts.

The idea seems far-fetched at first because how could a simple facial harm your eyes? But when you see how some modern salons use powerful massagers right near the eye, the danger becomes clear.

High-Frequency Massages And Real-Life Risks

The doctor shared a case of a young man who developed a cataract in his right eye. Curious about the cause, the doctor asked about his daily routine. “History mein ye samajh aya ki ye hafte mein 2-3 baar face massage karane poch jate the aur jaha bhi inka salon hai, wo high frequency massage gun aur massagers use karta tha (It was understood from his history that he used to get a facial 2-3 times a week, and at his salon, they used high-frequency massage guns and massagers),” he said.

Shockingly, the young man’s massage sessions involved placing the massager directly over his eyes. The doctor explained, “Uski jo high frequency hai, wo eye mein shockwaves ki tarah act kar rahi thi. Aur us shockwaves ki uski aankh mein traumatic cataract hogaya (The high-frequency vibrations acted like shockwaves in his eye, which led to a traumatic cataract).”

“On the internet, we checked, and we were surprised to see that there were so many cases,” the doctor further said.

It turns out that this isn’t an isolated incident; high-intensity vibrations near the eyes have been linked to several eye injuries, which include sudden cataract formation.

The Hidden Danger Explained

In the caption, the doctor explained about it in detail: “When high-intensity vibrations are applied near the eyes, they create Shockwaves that travel through the eyeball. This leads to what doctors call a “Coup and Contrecoup” injury.

The Lens: Can become cloudy almost instantly (Cataract).

The Retina: The delicate “wallpaper” of your eye can detach, leading to permanent vision loss.”

Source : https://www.news18.com/viral/agra-doctor-explains-high-frequency-face-massagers-cause-cataract-video-aa-ws-l-9951694.html

Resident welfare associations (RWAs) across Delhi said the findings in HT’s report highlight the need for a citywide water quality audit.

Delhi government on Monday initiated a water quality sampling exercise across locations where contamination was detected in a recent independent testing exercise conducted by HT.

Of the 18 water samples collected by HT from across the city, eight – or around 44% – were found to contain either total coliform bacteria or E. coli, indicators of possible contamination. The exercise highlighted the need for constant and extensive monitoring of water supply, particularly in light of the ageing condition of the pipeline network.

Water minister Parvesh Verma has directed the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to ramp up testing and take corrective measures in areas flagged in the report, said officials from Verma’s office.

DJB chief executive officer Kaushal Raj Sharma said on Monday that a re-sampling exercise will be carried out on Tuesday morning and rectification measures will be undertaken wherever contamination is detected. “DJB teams have been instructed to immediately take samples from all affected areas and identify the source of contamination. Corrective action will follow wherever issues are found,” he said.

“We are committed to helping residents facing contamination issues and all such cases should be brought to our notice. Contamination sources will be identified and corrective measures undertaken,” Sharma said.

Officials said the board is implementing a long-term plan to tackle contamination complaints across the city, including replacing ageing pipelines and cleaning trunk sewer lines. Delhi’s water supply network spans over 15,400km, carrying treated water from nine water treatment plants to homes across the Capital. However, more than 5,200km of these pipelines are over 30 years old, while another 2,700km are between 20 and 30 years old. Under a ₹10,000-crore plan, DJB aims to bring contamination complaints down to zero over the next four years.

According to officials, the contamination issue is being addressed through a three-pronged strategy. First, the board has begun replacing old water supply lines in 10 assembly constituencies that fall under the Chandrawal water treatment plant command area. “We have set a target to initiate replacement work in all assemblies by the end of this year,” a DJB official said.

The second major reason, officials said, is heavy silting in trunk sewer lines that can lead to backflow during supply hours. “We have divided 100km of trunk sewer lines into packages and all of them will be desilted before the monsoon,” the official said. “In Rajouri Garden, the backflow from sewer lines may be the reason behind contamination.” Third, officials said the board receives between 60 and 70 complaints daily and is working to reduce the response time to address them.

The CM’s office did not respond to requests for comment.

For many residents living in the affected localities, the findings only confirmed a problem they say they have faced for months – and in some cases even years.

“Many people have fallen sick in the past few weeks. Diarrhoea, typhoid, hepatitis… multiple people are suffering from these currently,” said 66-year-old Lalit Goyal, a resident of East Vinod Nagar, where the water sample showed a total coliform level of 6 colony-forming units (cfu). “My children live here and I am worried they will fall sick,” he said.

The water sample collected from J-Block in Rajouri Garden showed the highest contamination levels in the exercise, with a coliform value of 920 cfu per 100ml and E. coli at 270.

Hemant Monga, 62, a resident and RWA member in the area, said locals have been complaining to authorities for months.“It has been almost 10 months now that we have been facing this issue, but DJB officials have been saying they are still searching for the fault,” Monga said. “It is clear that sewage is mixing into the water and the pipeline needs to be replaced,” he said.

He also alleged that people identifying as DJB officials visited the area on Monday and told residents they should not have shared samples with the media. “DJB officials said that there was no need to inform the media and they would start the work soon. We had filed multiple complaints with DJB earlier but no action was taken,” he said.

When asked, DJB officials said directions have been issued that residents must not be harassed.

At Mayur Vihar Phase-III’s DDA D-2 flats, where tests showed total coliform levels of 620 cfu and E. coli at 200, residents said the problem has still not been resolved. “We are still getting dirty water. Soon after the story, DJB officials reached out and said they wanted to test water samples . We welcome that because we want a permanent solution,” said Vijay Singh Rawat, general secretary of the local RWA.

In Vikaspuri’s Budhela village, 55-year-old Surender Kumar linked his liver problems and his father’s death to contaminated water. Residents suspect a damaged sewer pipeline near ongoing construction.

Dwarka Sector-16B resident Sandip Singh said his family relies on bottled water due to young children. Dayanand Piwal, 71, of Devli village noted that while most households use RO systems, not everyone can afford purifiers.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhi-water-crisis-govt-orders-water-re-sampling-delhi-jal-board-corrective-measures-after-report-ht-impact-101773104476725.html

A major study published in Neurology found that lifelong mentally stimulating activities, such as reading, chess, and puzzles, may delay Alzheimer’s disease by about five years and mild cognitive impairment by seven. Researchers tracking nearly 2,000 older adults found that people with more cognitively engaging lifestyles maintained better brain health, supporting the theory that mental activity builds “cognitive reserve.”

Something as simple as just reading a book or playing chess can protect your brain from Alzheimer’s disease. A major new study suggests that mentally stimulating activities that you do throughout life may significantly delay the onset of cognitive impairment, offering fresh hope in the fight against age-related memory loss. Published in the journal Neurology, the study followed almost 2,000 adult men and women with an average age of 80 years, making it one of the largest studies to examine how lifelong mental engagement influences brain health.

The results were striking. Researchers found that those who consistently engaged in mentally stimulating activities throughout life developed Alzheimer’s disease around five years later than those with the lowest levels of cognitive engagement.

For mild cognitive impairment, often considered an early stage of dementia, the difference was even greater- a seven-year delay. Participants in the most cognitively enriched group developed Alzheimer’s at an average age of 94 years, compared with 88 years for those in the least engaged group. “I was positively surprised,” said Andrea Zammit, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences at Rush University Medical Center and co-author of the study.

Seven workers died after an under-construction wall collapsed at Signature Global Society in Gurugram on Monday evening, trapping up to 15 labourers under rubble. All were rushed to hospital.

Seven workers died after a wall collapsed at a construction site in Gurugram, Haryana, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The wall came down on Monday evening at around 8 pm at the Signature Global Society in the Sidhrawali area. Between 12 and 15 labourers were trapped under the rubble. Rescue teams pulled the workers out and took them to a hospital in Bhiwadi. Doctors declared seven of them dead on arrival. Officials are investigating the cause of the collapse.

Police have identified the deceased individuals as Satish, Bhagirath, Milan, Shiv Shankar, Mangal and Parmeshwar. They added that the condition of four — Chotelal, Deendayal, Shivkant and Indrajeet — is critical.

Compensation Announced

Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives in a tragic fire at a factory in Safidon, Jind. The Chief Minister also sanctioned Rs 2 lakh for those who sustained injuries in the incident.

According to the Haryana detailed project report, CM Nayab Singh Saini expressed deep condolences over the tragic accident at the Safidon factory. Praying for departed souls, he expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families. The Chief Minister wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.

The Chief Minister directed the district administration to conduct a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the accident. The administration must ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/city/gurugram/gurugram-midnight-mishap-7-labourers-dead-4-critical-after-under-construction-wall-collapses-article-153797339

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee alleged BJP workers distributed rally leaflets at her sit-in protest in Kolkata and asked supporters to catch them. Police later arrested two people for allegedly distributing the pamphlets. Meanwhile, BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar rejected Mamata’s claim that PM Narendra Modi insulted President Droupadi Murmu.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were distributing leaflets at the site of her sit-in protest in Kolkata.

Talking to the gathering, Mamata urged people to catch those BJP people who are distributing leaflets from her protest site and hand them over to the police.

“The BJP people can distribute their leaflets from other places and not from my sit-in-demonstration area. If anyone is coming here then they should peacefully join the protest for the people,” said Mamata.

Notably, two people were arrested by police for allegedly distributing BJP’s Brigade rally leaflet.

Meanwhile, BJP on the other hand had cleared the allegation levied against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Mamata over alleged insult to the President.

BJP MP and MoS Sukanta Majumdar said that there is no such rule that everyone has to stand while the President is delivering speech or giving Bharat Ratna.

“We stand when the President enters but then when she delivers her speech the rest of the people sit and hear,” said Majumdar.

Incidentally, on Sunday showing a photo of Modi sitting and President Droupadi Murmu standing, Mamata had criticized Modi.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/west-bengal-cm-mamata-banerjee-alleges-bjp-distributing-leaflets-at-protest-site-urges-supporters-to-catch-them-and-inform-police

India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar reassured the Indian public that the government was monitoring the situation in the Middle East and that the safety of Indian nationals was its priority, amid criticism.

The direction came during the hearing of an acid attack survivor, Shaheen Malik’s plea. Malik mentioned in her petition that it often gets difficult for the survivors to open bank accounts, obtain Aadhaar cards, register or update property, due to the impact of acid attacks.

The Supreme Court on Monday asked all the states and union territories to frame a policy to provide government jobs to all acid attack victims. If jobs can’t be provided, then the states and union territories were asked to frame a policy to pay a subsistence allowance to the survivors.

“All states/Union territories will show cause why a scheme for the rehabilitation of victims of acid attacks through jobs in government departments/agencies has not been formulated,” the bench of the Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said. Adding further, it mentioned, “If there are logistical issues in providing government employment to victims of acid attacks, the state governments could formulate a policy to pay a subsistence allowance to acid attack victims.”

The direction came while hearing the case of Shaheen Malik, an acid attack survivor. Malik, who was represented by senior advocate Sidharth Luthra pro bono (free of charge) on the court’s request, mentioned in her petition that acid attack survivors often face hardships in opening bank accounts, obtaining Aadhaar cards, registering or updating property, and purchasing mobile SIM cards.

In addition to this, the problems of KYC registration for acid attack survivors were also raised in court. It was said that the survivors go through extreme difficulties for KYC registration as the process involves digitally detailing pupils, blinking, and fingerprinting to prove life, which often becomes impossible for acid attack victims.

Several acid attack survivors earlier requested the Supreme Court to order the Central government to adopt an inclusive and alternative digital KYC process, given their difficulties and constraints.

Earlier this year, the Court flagged the need for harsher punishment in acid attack cases, suggesting that the assets of the accused should be attached and auctioned off to compensate the victims. The observations came during the hearing of the same Shaheen Malik plea, who approached the Supreme Court after a trial court acquitted the accused in her case.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/law-news/story/frame-policy-government-jobs-allowance-acid-attack-victims-supreme-court-to-states-2879394-2026-03-09

Sharjeel Imam is among several accused booked in the larger conspiracy case linked to the communal violence that erupted in northeast Delhi in February 2020. He was granted interim bail for 10 days on Monday.

A Delhi court has granted 10-day interim bail to student activist Sharjeel Imam, an accused in the 2020 northeast Delhi riots conspiracy case, to attend his brother’s wedding and take care of his ailing mother.

The development comes months after the Supreme Court in January refused to grant bail to Imam and co-accused Umar Khalid in the 2020 Delhi riots case.

Sharjeel Imam is among several accused booked in the larger conspiracy case linked to the communal violence that erupted in northeast Delhi in February 2020. The riots had left 53 people dead and over 700 injured.

The case is being investigated by the Delhi Police, which has alleged that the violence was the result of a “pre-planned and well-designed” conspiracy aimed at disrupting public order during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

In January, the Supreme Court had denied bail to Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid, with a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria observing that the prosecution had placed sufficient material on record to establish a prima facie case indicating their involvement in the alleged criminal conspiracy.

At the same time, the court had granted bail to five other accused in the case — Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmed — noting that their roles differed from those attributed to Khalid and Imam.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/law-news/story/delhi-riots-case-accused-sharjeel-imam-granted-10-day-bail-to-attend-brothers-wedding-2879403-2026-03-09

An exclusive Right To Information response accessed by India Today reveals that only two MPs in the current Lok Sabha have chosen not to draw their salary. While one MP belongs to the BJP, the other is from the Congress.

Members of Parliament are often seen coming together across party lines when it comes to increasing their salaries and perks. But there are some who do not want a paisa in remuneration. A Right To Information response reveals that only two MPs in the current Lok Sabha have chosen not to draw their salary – one from the BJP and the other from the Congress.

The two MPs represent constituencies separated by 2,575 kilometres – the distance between Kurukshetra and Imphal. However, one of them has gone a step further: he has chosen not to take even the government perks and allowances that come with the office.

According to the RTI reply from the Lok Sabha Secretariat, made in resposne to a query posed by India Today, the two MPs are Naveen Jindal, MP from Kurukshetra, and Dr Bimol Akoijam Angomcha, MP from Inner Manipur. Moreover, Jindal has also chosen not to avail his official allowances or perks.

According to their election affidavits, the two MPs come from very different financial backgrounds. Naveen Jindal, the MP from Kurukshetra, has declared assets worth Rs 1,241 crore, while Dr Bimol Akoijam Angomcha, who represents Inner Manipur, has declared assets of about Rs 97 lakh.

Jindal is also among the wealthiest members of the 18th Lok Sabha. Yet, he is not the richest. That distinction belongs to Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, the Telugu Desam MP from Guntur, who has declared assets worth over Rs 5,705 crore. He is followed by BJP MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, who has declared assets worth over Rs 4,568 crore.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/lok-sabha-mp-rti-naveen-jindal-bimol-akoijam-congress-bjp-salary-perks-2879460-2026-03-09

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a monthly financial assistance scheme for women, highlighting his government’s commitment to welfare and development.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday claimed that opposition parties were rattled by his government’s announcement of a monthly financial assistance scheme for women, saying their criticism reflects fear of the Aam Aadmi Party returning to power in the 2027 Assembly elections.

Speaking in the Punjab Assembly during the Budget Session while replying to the debate on the motion of thanks to the governor’s address, Mann said his government had treated its election manifesto as a “sacred commitment” and fulfilled the promises made to people.

He accused the Shiromani Akali Dal, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Congress of repeatedly betraying the public by failing to deliver on their electoral assurances.

RS 1,000 SCHEME FOR WOMEN

Defending the newly announced financial support programme for women, Mann said it was aimed at giving dignity and economic support to families.

Under the Mukh Mantri Mavaan Dhian Yojna, women aged above 18 from the general category will receive Rs 1,000 per month, while women from the Scheduled Caste category will receive Rs 1,500 per month.

“For ordinary people, especially the poor, Rs 1,000-Rs 1,500 is a significant amount. This amount is a mark of respect for mothers and daughters, and the smile on women’s faces due to this scheme gives me great satisfaction,” Mann said.

He announced that registration for the scheme will begin on April 13.

WELFARE SCHEMES AND JOBS

The chief minister said the state government had launched several welfare initiatives, including free electricity, free bus travel and health coverage for families.

He also referred to the recruitment of 63,943 youths over the past four years.

“There was a time when no one even read election manifestos because traditional parties released them merely as a formality a few days before elections,” Mann said.

“Traditional parties used to talk about religion and caste in their manifestos, but AAP’s national convenor Arvind Kejriwal made a historic initiative by including quality health and education for the common people in the manifesto,” he added.

AFFORDABLE RATION SCHEME

Mann also spoke about the Meri Rasoi scheme aimed at easing the burden on families struggling with rising prices.

“Under the Meri Rasoi scheme, 40 lakh families will receive sugar, pulses, mustard oil and salt in their ration, and a budget of Rs 1,000 crore has been allocated for this scheme,” he said.

HEALTH SECTOR PUSH

The chief minister said public trust in 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state had grown steadily, with the number of outpatient visits crossing 5 crore.

He added that the government had introduced the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna to provide free treatment to every family, offering cashless healthcare coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian cricket team after their emphatic win over New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final. India posted 255 runs, with Sanju Samson scoring 89, before bowling New Zealand out for 159. Modi praised the team’s skill, determination and teamwork in a celebratory message on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated the Indian cricket team after their emphatic victory over New Zealand in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Taking to X, the Prime Minister praised the team’s performance and lauded their determination throughout the tournament following India’s commanding win in the summit clash.

“Champions! Congratulations to the Indian team on winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup! This remarkable triumph reflects exceptional skill, determination and teamwork. They have shown outstanding grit through the tournament. This victory has filled every Indian heart with pride and joy. Well done, Team India!” Modi wrote.

In the final, India were asked to bat first after losing the toss and posted a formidable total of 255 runs, putting New Zealand under immense pressure in the chase.

India’s innings was powered by a brilliant knock from Sanju Samson, who scored 89 runs. Abhishek Sharma added 52, while Ishan Kishan contributed 54 runs, helping India set a daunting target for the Black Caps.

In reply, New Zealand struggled to keep up with the required run rate and were bowled out for 159 runs in 19 overs, handing India a comprehensive victory.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/well-done-team-india-pm-modi-praises-men-in-blue-after-beating-new-zealand-in-t20-world-cup-final

The Indian embassy in Riyadh said that it has been in touch with the concerned Saudi authorities regarding this issue.

The Indian embassy in Riyadh clarified on Monday that no Indian national was killed after a projectile fell on a residential area in Saudi Arabia the previous day, adding that the mission is in touch with Saudi authorities.

Earlier on Sunday, a Saudi Civil Defense official, said in a statement that the two individuals killed in the incident in Al-Kharj city included an Indian and a Bangladeshi national.

“It is a matter of relief that there has been no Indian fatality in the unfortunate incident at Al Kharj yesterday evening,’ the Indian embassy in Riyadh said in a post on X.

The Indian mission said it has been in touch with the concerned Saudi authorities regarding this issue.

“Counsellor (CW) Shri Y. Sabir visited Al Kharj last night and met the injured Indian national involved in this unfortunate incident. He is currently receiving treatment at a government hospital in Al Kharj,” it added.

In a social media post earlier, the Saudi authorities stated that the Civil Defense responded to the fall of a military projectile on a residential location belonging to a maintenance and cleaning company in Al-Kharj Governorate.

“The incident resulted in the death of two individuals of Indian and Bangladeshi nationalities, and injuries to 12 Bangladeshi residents, in addition to material damage,” the authorities added.

The Saudi spokesperson further stated that the attempts to target civilian infrastructure constitute a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. “The spokesperson stressed that attempts to target civilian facilities constitute a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, adding that the approved procedures in such cases have been implemented,” the statement added.

On Sunday, the the Indian embassy issued an advisory for its nationals, urging them to continue keeping vigil and adhere to safety guidelines. It asked the Indian nationals to follow advisories issued by local authorities sincerely.

“In view of the prevailing situation in the region and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, all Indian Nationals currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are advised to continue to remain vigilant, strictly adhere to the safety guidelines prevalent in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and follow advisories issued by the local authorities and the Embassy,” the embassy said in a post on X.

Escalating US-Iran war

The latest development comes against the backdrop of the escalating tensions in the Middle East, with the conflict widening with each day. Iran and the United States continue to remain at loggerheads as air strikes and attacks occur persistently.

Iranian attacks have heavily targeted the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf nations, as the war expands.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/celebrity-nutritionist-rujuta-diwekar-applauds-this-bollywood-actor-pathbreaking-pregnancy-weight-loss-journey-post-baby-101773041533169.html

A Mumbai man visited the famous Rameshwaram Cafe on Saturday, only to run into India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani.

A Mumbai man visited the famous Rameshwaram Cafe on Saturday, only to run into India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani. The Reliance Industries chairman dropped into the Churchgate eatery with his son and daughter-in-law earlier this week, leaving bystanders surprised.

Prafful Paithane, a Mumbai-based content creator, was among those who were at Rameshwaram Cafe when the Ambanis entered. He recorded a video of the high-profile billionaire family that is steadily going viral online.

Ambanis at Rameshwaram Cafe

Paithane’s video shows the Ambani convoy stopping outside The Rameshwaram Cafe in Mumbai’s Churchgate area. It then cuts to Mukesh Ambani walking into the iconic eatery, surrounded by security personnel. The billionaire was seen dressed simply in black trousers and a beige shirt. He folded his hands to greet the crowd that gathered to catch a glimpse of India’s richest man.

Prafful Paithane also filmed the moment when Anant Ambani entered the cafe, followed by wife Radhika Ambani and Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor. Anant is the younger son of Mukesh and Nita Ambani.

“Just a normal day in Mumbai casually running into Janhvi Kapoor & Radhika Ambani, Anant Ambani, Mukesh Ambani,” he captioned the clip.

Rajas Jain (@rjrajas) also shared videos of the Ambani family at Rameshwaram Cafe.

“The Rameshwaram Cafe was truly honoured to host the Ambani family today at our newly launched Mumbai outlet. It was a pleasure welcoming Mukesh Ambani, Anant Ambani, Radhika Merchant and Janhvi Kapoor for lunch. A memorable moment for all of us at The Rameshwaram Cafe,” he wrote.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/man-runs-into-mukesh-ambani-anant-and-radhika-ambani-at-rameshwaram-cafe-just-a-normal-day-in-mumbai-101773018845621.html 

Low-cost drones are reshaping warfare, as seen in Ukraine for the last four years, and now in the Iran war. Iran’s low-cost Shahed drones have inspired the US’s LUCAS. In India, low-cost, deep-strike drone projects like Sheshnag-150 and Project KAL are picking pace.

In Iran’s war with the US and Israel, low-cost drones have given Tehran unprecedented leverage. Iran’s Shahed-136 drone has been the inspiration for indigenous models, costing between $20,000 and $50,000 per unit. In fact, the US’s Low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System, aka LUCAS drone, is based on the same design as Shahed. India, too, is ramping up its firepower capability with indigenous long-range strike drones.

Before proving its mettle in the current war, Iran’s Shahed-136 drone made its mark in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, forcing Kyiv to spend millions in intercepting them. That Iran, a country without an effective air force, could hit deep inside countries, reveals the power of its drones and missiles. The US’s low-cost LUCAS drones look very similar to Iran’s Shahed-136.

Before the Ukraine-Russia war, it was the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh that showed how drones and loitering munitions could tilt the balance of military power. Azerbaijan won the war and its extensive use of drones, especially those from Israel and Turkey, is credited for its victory.

The newer dimension to this is low-cost drones that push the enemy into a financial and material attrition. For example, the Shahed-136 kamikaze drones cost anywhere between $20,000 to $50,000 each. But the US and Israel are spending millions on intercepting them. Each Patriot missile costs $4 million, while some interceptors could cost up to $12 million.

Therefore, low-cost drones and interceptors have become vital in modern warfare.

India has two low-cost long-range striking drone projects. While the Sheshnag-150 is being developed by Bengaluru-based startup NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT), the second is Project KAL, by Noida-based IG Defence, The two would give the Indian armed forces a cost-effective edge to carry out precision attacks.

India has several indigenous drones already in operation or inducted with its armed forces. While major high-end platforms like Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE), and High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs are in trials or development, smaller tactical, surveillance, swarm, and combat drones from Indian private firms and DRDO have been delivered, inducted, and used operationally, including in exercises and real scenarios.

WHAT ARE INDIA’S SESHNAG AND PROJECT KAL STRIKE DRONES?

India’s armed forces have inducted several indigenous attack drones, primarily loitering munitions, for precision strikes. One such indigenous drone is the Nagastra-1 from Solar Industries, inducted since 2024 with batches delivered. These one-way systems enable infantry-level precision attacks with minimal collateral damage.

The SkyStriker ‘suicide drones’, developed by Bengaluru-based Alpha Design (ADTL) in collaboration with Israel’s Elbit Systems, also made their operational debut during Operation Sindoor in the forward areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

However, low-cost Shahed-type drones are now being developed in India.

Project KAL, is reportedly in its early stages, and is designed as a deep-penetration strike drone with a range of up to 1,000 km and an endurance of three to five hours. It can fly into enemy territory, spot targets, adjust its path, and deliver a high-explosive payload.

Meanwhile, the Sheshnag-150, named after the mythological multi-headed serpent king, is a long-range swarming attack drone, with autonomous systems capable of deep strikes and saturation attacks.

Weighing about 150 kg, Sheshnag also boasts a 1,000-1,200 km range, and can 25-40 kg payload, and over five hours of flight time. What sets it apart is its AI-powered swarm tech — multiple drones can team up autonomously to evade defences and hit targets together. Sheshnaag-150 first flew in February 2025, and the project gained urgency after Operation Sindoor last year.

NRT’s Sheshnag series also include shorter-range versions like SN-20, that can go up to 20 km, and SN-50, which can carry out attacks up to 50 km.

VEM Technologies is also developing a similar low-cost drone, according to reports. However, the specifics remain undisclosed.

Last year, IG Drones successfully completed First-Person View (FPV) drone trials in high-altitude regions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The trials featured its cutting-edge Striker FPV drone, designed for tactical combat, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering missions.

HOW IRAN’S SHAHED DRONES HAVE INSPIRED LOW-COST DRONES GLOBALLY

Iran’s Shahed-136 drone has been the inspiration for the indigenous models as they cost just $20,000-$50,000 per unit, and can overwhelm expensive air defences when launched in swarms. In the Russia-Ukraine war, these drones, rebranded as Geran-2 by Russia, have targeted power grids and military sites, forcing Ukraine to spend millions on intercepts. Their simple design, long range (up to 2,500 km), and 40-50 kg warhead make them a game-changer in asymmetric battles.

Even the US has developed a drone based on the same design as Shahed — the Low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System, aka LUCAS drone. Priced at around $35,000, LUCAS has been used in strikes against Iranian itself. This shows how effective these low-cost drones are.

To give you an idea, let’s take the example of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian or SeaGuardian variant, made by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. Though it features longer endurance, of over 40 hours, higher altitude capabilities, certifiable for civil airspace integration, and enhanced sensors and payload options, a single unit of the MQ-9B typically costs $30-80 million, based on the configuration.

For that price, around 600 to 1,500 Shahed-136 drones could be produced.

US Central Command chief, Admiral Brad Cooper, called it “indispensable”, saying it turns Iran’s own weapon against them.

Defence experts and journalists have weighed in on the drones’ potential.

Indian Army veteran and drone expert Anshuman Narang, in an X post, urged the Indian forces to operationalise the indigenous Shahed-style drones “at the earliest”.

The Indian Army is raising specialised drone warfare units equipped with indigenous UAVs.

Aviation enthusiast Arihant Ray, said on his X account, “India’s own Shahed 136/Geran drone equivalent is here. Meet Sheshnaag… We can mass produce this and use them in swarm to saturate, degrade and destroy individual units of hostile IADS.”

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/iran-war-middle-east-crisis-pushes-india-to-fast-track-long-range-strike-drones-shahed-136-project-kal-sheshnag-2879136-2026-03-09

Vaikunth Dham, which typically handles around 20 cremations daily, has enough gas left only for two cremations according to officials.

Pune’s Vaikunth Dham, Maharashtra’s largest crematorium, has temporarily halted all gas-based cremations due to an acute shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), officials confirmed. The disruption, which affects the facility’s three gas-fired furnaces, comes amid the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East, which has impacted LPG supplies across India.

All cremations at the facility are now being conducted using electric pyres.

According to Nilesh Kalekar, Executive Engineer of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the crematorium currently has enough LPG left for only two cremations, with each requiring approximately 18 kilograms.

Spread over nearly 17 acres in Pune’s Navi Peth, Vaikunth Dham typically handles around 20 cremations daily.

The PMC has issued an official notice informing citizens that gas-based cremation units will remain closed until further orders, and all funeral services will continue through electric furnaces.

The shortage stems from a directive by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued on March 5, prioritising domestic LPG supply over commercial use.

The notification requires available propane and butane to be allocated primarily for households, ensuring that domestic consumers face no disruption despite geopolitical tensions affecting fuel imports.

As a result, Vaikunth Dham has not received fresh LPG supplies, forcing a temporary closure of its gas pyres.

PMC officials emphasised that alternative cremation options remain fully functional.

The crematorium’s five electric furnaces and wood-fired facilities equipped with air pollution control systems will continue operations, ensuring continuity of essential services without inconveniencing citizens.

“The transition to electric pyres is aimed at maintaining funeral services amid the gas shortage,” Kalekar said.

GOVERNMENT ASSURANCE ON GAS SUPPLY

Responding to public concerns over fuel availability last week, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri reassured citizens that domestic LPG supply remained uninterrupted and that India had sufficient energy stocks.

Indian Oil Corporation echoed this, stating that fuel distribution networks are functioning normally and urging the public to avoid panic buying.

Government sources added that India remains in a “very comfortable position” regarding crude oil, petroleum products, and LPG.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/middle-east-war-lpg-shortage-pune-vaikunth-dham-crematorium-electric-cremations-fuel-supply-issues-2879186-2026-03-09

The second half of the Budget session will resume today with a stormy start, with Opposition MPs set to push a motion seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla. Meanwhile, the government is expected to brief both the Houses on the escalating Middle East conflict, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar delivering a statement.

The second half of the Budget session of Parliament resumes today with a confrontational start as the Lok Sabha is set to take up an opposition-backed motion seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla, while the escalating US-Israel-Iran war is also expected to dominate proceedings.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will brief Parliament on the rapidly intensifying crisis in the Middle East, which began on February 28, according to the revised list of business for the day. The Budget session will go on till April 2.

Meanwhile, a motion against Birla, signed by 118 Opposition MPs, accuses him of acting in a “blatantly partisan” manner while conducting proceedings in the House. Following the notice, Birla recused himself from presiding over the Lok Sabha and is expected to return to the chair only after the matter is decided.

Despite the political heat, the NDA holds a comfortable majority, making it unlikely that the motion will succeed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly backed Birla, saying the Speaker has upheld the principles of the Constitution and parliamentary democracy.

The government is also closely monitoring the safety of Indian citizens across the Gulf as the war in the Middle East enters its tenth day. In recent days, PM Modi has spoken with several regional leaders, including Haitham bin Tarik, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Mohammed bin Salman, emphasising the safety and welfare of the large Indian diaspora.

Opposition parties are expected to question the government over India’s diplomatic position, rising oil prices and possible disruptions to global energy supplies. The war has also drawn in groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, widening the regional crisis.

Apart from foreign policy issues, domestic political disputes are also set to erupt. Opposition parties plan to raise concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, while the BJP may counter with allegations related to protocol during Droupadi Murmu’s recent visit to the state.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/parliament-budget-session-resumes-amid-speaker-om-birla-removal-motion-and-west-asia-crisis-briefing-by-s-jaishankar-2879144-2026-03-09

Tamil Nadu’s political scene heats up as AIADMK defends actor-turned-politician Vijay against DMK’s alleged smear campaign ahead of his first election.

Tamil Nadu’s political arena saw fresh sparring after the AIADMK came out in support of actor-turned-politician Vijay, accusing the ruling DMK of attempting to damage his reputation as he prepares for his first electoral battle.

The defence of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader came after a petition related to his divorce case surfaced in public discourse, triggering political reactions in the state.

AIADMK ALLEGES SMEAR CAMPAIGN

AIADMK leader Sellur Raju alleged that the controversy was being pushed deliberately by the DMK in an attempt to weaken Vijay’s growing political presence.

“This is DMK deliberately doing anything to come back to power,” he said.

“This is being spread to tarnish the image of brother Vijay,” Raju added, accusing the ruling party of orchestrating the issue to discredit the actor-turned-politician.

BJP QUESTIONS VIJAY’S POLITICAL IMPACT

Meanwhile, Union minister L Murugan said Vijay would soon face the real test of electoral politics in Tamil Nadu.

“He has entered politics and will face his first election,” Murugan said.

“He hasn’t proven anything in Tamil Nadu elections over what impact he will have or the votes he will get,” he added.

Murugan also drew comparisons with other film stars who entered politics in the past.

“You would have seen the crowds which gathered for Chiranjeevi or Vijayakanth, but where are they now,” he said.

“The crowd that gathers to see a cinema star is different from a crowd that gathers with a political thought.”

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/tamil-nadu/story/aiadmk-defends-vijay-amid-dmks-alleged-smear-campaign-ahead-of-tamil-nadu-elections-2024-2879118-2026-03-08

The party also wants to raise urban governance issues with a focus on Indore and Ahmedabad where public health issues had grabbed headlines.

Congress will demand a discussion on the developments in West Asia following the US – Israel attack on Iran and India’s foreign policy “deviations” during the second leg of Parliament’s Budget Session starting Monday, even as government indicated to the Opposition that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will make a statement on the issue.

The main Opposition party also said it will also demand a debate on the impact of the Indo-US interim trade deal on farmers in the session that will end on April 2.

The decision was taken at a meeting of Congress Parliamentary Strategy Group chaired by top leader Sonia Gandhi at her residence and attended by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and others.

Congress General Secretary (Communications) and Rajya Sabha Chief Whip Jairam Ramesh said it has been “let known” that Jaishankar will make a statement in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on West Asia situation.

He said the problem with such Ministerial statements are that they “convey little of value over and above that is already known and more importantly MPs are not given an opportunity to seek clarifications or ask questions”.

“What the Opposition wants is a full-fledged debate. On April 8 2003 there was a spirited debate in the Lok Sabha on the US invasion of Iraq and a resolution was even passed condemning it. This was when. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who knew his ‘raj dharma’, was the PM,” he said.

After the meeting, Congress Rajya Sabha Whip and Working Committee member Syed Naseer Hussain told reporters that the meeting discussed national and international issues and decided on the issues to be taken on priority.

“We discussed the developments in West Asia, the crisis there and India’s foreign policy as also its impact on international trade and energy. We also discussed the impact of the Indo-US interim trade deal on farmers,” he said.

He said the party wants a discussion on both the issues during the session.

The meeting also deliberated on the delay in granting statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, the demands raised people in Ladakh and the green signal for development projects in ecologically sensitive Andaman and Nicobar Islands by the National Green Tribunal.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/congress-to-raise-indias-foreign-policy-deviationsin-parliaments-budget-session-after-us-israel-attack-on-iran-3924370

Modi, for the second consecutive day, attacked the Trinamool Congress on the alleged insult of Murmu by the TMC government in West Bengal during her visit to the state.

Kolkata: The spat between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party over President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to West Bengal escalated, with the state’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday citing an old picture to turn the tables on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to accuse him of insulting the first citizen of the nation.

Modi, for the second consecutive day, attacked the Trinamool Congress on the alleged insult of Murmu by the TMC government in West Bengal during her visit to the state on Saturday. He called the TMC ‘arrogant’ and accused Mamata Banerjee’s party and the government of insulting a woman tribal leader holding the office of the president. Mamata, however, displayed a March 31, 2024, picture to allege that Modi, himself, had insulted Murmu by remaining seated even when the president had stood up to confer the Bharat Ratna on L K Advani at the residence of the former deputy prime minister and the veteran BJP leader.

“The picture shows that the prime minister is seated while the president is standing. We never do that. It is the BJP which has the tradition of insulting the president, not us,” she said, displaying the picture from the podium at the site of her sit-in protest in Kolkata against the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls in West Bengal.

Murmu on Saturday expressed displeasure over the shifting of the venue of a tribal community event attended by her in West Bengal. She called Mamata her “younger sister” but expressed her displeasure over the absence of the chief minister or any other minister of the state during her visit to the International Santhal Conference held at Gosaipur near the airport in Bagdogra in North Bengal. The event was originally scheduled to be held at Bidhannagar in Darjeeling. She went on to suggest that the state government possibly had little interest in the welfare of tribal communities, and that was why it sought to stop people from coming to the event by shifting the venue.

Modi took to X on Saturday, highlighted the tribal identity of Murmu and criticised the TMC, terming the insult of the president “shameful and unprecedented”. The prime minister used an event on the occasion of International Women’s Day on Sunday to speak on the issue once again. “The Nari Shakti of the country will never forgive the TMC for insulting the president, who is also a tribal woman leader.

The TMC government’s actions not only resulted in the mismanagement of the tribal community event but also constituted an affront to the president, the Constitution and the noble tradition of democracy in the country, Modi said on Sunday.

With the assembly elections in West Bengal just a few weeks away, the BJP deployed its tribal leaders in the state and beyond to slam the TMC for the insult of the president and for the alleged boycott by the ruling party in the state of the event of the Santhals.

The TMC also deployed its ministers, legislators and parliamentarians for the counter-offensive against the BJP, and for highlighting the initiatives by the state government for the welfare of the tribal communities.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/west-bengal/west-bengal-cm-mamata-banerjee-counters-bjp-attack-with-photo-of-pm-modi-seated-while-president-murmu-stands-3924468

India confirmed on Saturday that it is continuing to import Russian oil following a temporary waiver granted by the United States.

The Centre on Saturday said that India continues to buy crude oil from any source offering the most competitive prices, as tensions prevail along the Strait of Hormuz route because of the Iran-US-Israel war.

India’s energy supplies remain secure despite the disruptions, the government said.

“Despite rising tensions on the Hormuz Route, India’s energy supply remains secure and stable. India has diversified its crude oil sources from 27 to 40 countries, ensuring multiple alternative supply routes. In the national interest, India purchases oil from wherever the most competitive and affordable rates are available,” the Centre said in a statement.

India also confirmed on Saturday that it is continuing to import Russian oil following a temporary waiver granted by the United States. The waiver was issued because of the war in the Middle East. The Centre has said that New Delhi does not require permission from any country to make such purchases.

“India has never depended on permission from any country to buy Russian oil,” the Centre said. “India is still importing Russian oil even in February 2026, and Russia is still India’s largest crude oil supplier. For three years of the Russia-Ukraine war, India kept buying Russian oil despite US and EU objections. Imports increased significantly after 2022 due to discounted prices and refinery demand.”

According to the Centre, India holds more than 250 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products in reserves and across its supply chain. This provides a buffer equivalent to seven or eight weeks of consumption. India’s total refining capacity stands at 258 million metric tonnes per annum, which exceeds current domestic demand.

The US-Israel military actions against Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes across the Gulf have disrupted global energy flows and shipping routes, pushing oil prices sharply higher.

On Thursday, the United States temporarily eased sanctions on Russia so that oil from the country already loaded on vessels at sea could be sold to India.

“Suggesting a short-term waiver ‘enables’ these purchases overlooks that the trade has continued consistently. India is a net exporter of refined products to the world – a position that reinforces, not undermines, its energy security,” the Centre said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/iran-israel-live-updates-crude-oil-strait-of-hormuz-never-depended-on-permission-india-on-trumps-30-day-russian-oil-waiver-11181752?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

Officials said India currently holds more than 250 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products across strategic reserves and supply chains. This provides a buffer equivalent to about seven to eight weeks of consumption.

India is working to ensure global volatility in energy markets does not translate into higher fuel costs for Indian consumers. Petrol and diesel prices will not increase even as tensions in the Middle East disrupt global supply routes, government sources told India Today, adding all possible steps are being taken to cushion consumers from fluctuations in global crude oil and LPG prices. The Centre is also coordinating closely with oil suppliers and monitoring developments on a daily basis.

LPG PRICES LINKED TO GLOBAL BENCHMARK

Officials said LPG prices in India are linked to the Saudi Contract Price (SCP) benchmark, which has risen sharply over the past two months. Despite the spike, the government says it has absorbed much of the pressure to keep the burden on consumers minimal.

Domestic LPG currently costs oil marketing companies around Rs 1,050 per cylinder, meaning they continue to incur losses on household LPG sales. Officials said the priority remains protecting households from sudden price shocks.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said that young job seekers aged between 21 and 40, with secondary education (class 10), will receive Rs 1,500 allowance every month to help them move towards a self-reliant future.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said that young job seekers aged between 21 and 40, with secondary education (class 10), will receive Rs 1,500 allowance every month to help them move towards a self-reliant future.

The TMC supremo made this announcement – on the eve of International Women’s Day on March 8 – during her speech at the sit-in against large-scale deletion of names of voters by the Election Commission during Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

“In the case of Yuva Sathi, all those who are still studying and are not beneficiaries of any schemes other than scholarships will receive the amount. We had earlier stated that the money would be given on April 1. But since tomorrow is International Women’s Day, as a gift, we have changed the payment date from April 1 to today (March 7),” she said.

Claiming that her government has generated employment opportunities to a great extent, Banerjee said, “The unemployment rate in Bengal has decreased by 40 per cent. We have provided skill training to at least 40 lakh people, out of which around 10 lakh are already employed.”

“This has also happened because we have linked the websites of industrialists with those who have received skill training through Utkarsha Bangla. If migrant workers are interested, they will also be given opportunities. Recently, I heard that around 10,000 people are being trained in the jute industry, and they will also be absorbed into jobs,” she added.

The CM said the state is giving Rs 10,000 to farmers every month.

“Even those with just one cottah of land used to receive Rs 4,000 earlier. Now we have also announced Rs 4,000 for landless farmers,” she said.

Banerjee added that six economic corridors are being constructed to connect the entire state.

“Apart from that, two power plants of 1,600 megawatts (800 megawatts each) are being built in Salboni. We are also number one in IT. More people are employed here than in Bengaluru. Around 200 new companies have also come here.”

“Those who defame the state should know that we are number one in small and medium-scale industries. Around 1.5 crore people work in small-scale industries. Units from across the country have come here. In Bengal’s leather hub in Bantala, at least 7.5 lakh people work there. Our self-help groups are doing really well. We have created around 12 lakh self-help groups,” she said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/west-bengal-mamata-banerjee-unemployed-secondary-education-rs-1500-allowance-from-march-7-2878681-2026-03-08

The Government of India is actively monitoring the situation in West Asia and the Gulf to ensure the safety of Indian nationals stranded there.

The Government of India is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, with a focus on the welfare of Indian nationals stranded there during transit or on short visits, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday.

ADVISORIES AND HELPLINES IN PLACE

Indian nationals in the region have been advised to follow local authority guidelines as well as advisories issued by Indian Embassies and Consulates. Each mission has set up 24×7 helplines to address concerns arising from the ongoing situation. The MEA has also established a dedicated Special Control Room to respond to queries from affected individuals and their families. Details of the helplines are available on the MEA website.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticised the West Bengal government for their treatment of President Droupadi Murmu during her recent visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the ruling All India Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal after President Droupadi Murmu expressed displeasure over arrangements during her visit to the state, calling the episode “shameful and unprecedented”.

In a post on X, Modi said the remarks made by the President had saddened people across the country, particularly those who believe in the empowerment of tribal communities.

“This is shameful and unprecedented. Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened,” the Prime Minister wrote.

PRESIDENT FLAGS VENUE, PROTOCOL ISSUES

The political row began after President Murmu raised concerns about the arrangements for an international event held in Siliguri during her one-day visit to the state on Saturday.

Murmu had travelled to the town to attend the 9th International Santal Conference organised by the International Santal Council.

Speaking at another event in Bidhannagar, the President questioned the choice of venue and said the location in Siliguri was too small for such a large gathering.

“Mamata is like my little sister. Maybe she is angry. I don’t know why she chose to organise an international event in such a cramped venue. Had the venue been bigger, more people would have attended the conference,” Murmu said.

She also compared the venue with Bidhannagar and said that as many as five lakh people could have attended if the conference had been organised there.

Murmu also pointed to protocol lapses during the visit, saying neither Mamata Banerjee nor any state minister received her.

MODI TARGETS TMC GOVERNMENT

Reacting to the remarks, PM Modi said the incident reflected poorly on the state government and hurt the dignity of the President’s office.

“The pain and anguish expressed by Rashtrapati Ji, who herself hails from a tribal community, has caused immense sadness in the minds of the people of India,” he wrote.

“The TMC Government of West Bengal has truly crossed all limits. Their administration is responsible for this insult to the President,” Modi added.

He also criticised the state government over its approach towards tribal culture.

“It is equally unfortunate that a subject as important as Santal culture is treated so casually by the West Bengal Government,” the Prime Minister wrote.

BJP JOINS CRITICISM

Anurag Dobhal, “UK07 Rider” and ex-Bigg Boss contestant, sparked concern after a viral video showed him allegedly attempting suicide while driving.

YouTuber and former Bigg Boss contestant Anurag Dobhal has sparked concern online after a disturbing video surfaced showing him allegedly attempting suicide while driving his car.

The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows Dobhal recording himself while behind the wheel and appearing visibly distressed. In the clip, he speaks about emotional struggles and a lack of love in his life.

At one point in the video, Dobhal says in Hindi: “If I am born again, mom please give me love… I needed love very much.” Toward the end of the clip, he appears to say something along the lines of “Let’s go for the final ride.”

Moments later, the car reportedly crashes into a road divider, after which the livestream abruptly ends and the screen turns black.

According to reports, the influencer later stopped the vehicle and is believed to be safe. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and Dobhal has not yet issued an official statement addressing the video.

Dobhal, popularly known online as “UK07 Rider,” rose to fame through his motorcycle travel vlogs and has millions of followers across social media platforms. He also gained wider recognition after appearing on Bigg Boss 17.

Source : https://www.news18.com/viral/uttarakhand-vlogger-anurag-dobhal-attempts-suicide-during-livestream-disturbing-video-surfaces-ws-l-9948267.html 

A 26-year-old man, Tarun, died following a violent Holi clash between two long-standing feuding families in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar, leading to the arrest of seven people, including a minor, and heightened community tensions.

Days after a 26-year-olddied after being brutally beaten up due to a dispute that had erupted between his family and neighbours, who belong to a minority community, during Holi celebrations in southwest Delhi’s Uttam Nagar, seven people, including a minor, were apprehended, police said on Saturday. Tarun was beaten up with rods near the corner of his lane after unknowingly walking into a dispute that had erupted earlier between his family and neighbours. He died during treatment the next day. Provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act were also added to the FIR on Saturday, police said.

The incident, which took place on March 4, sparked tensions in the area with an angry mob damaging several vehicles and setting them on fire. Protests over the past two days prompted heavy deployment of police and paramilitary personnel in the area. However, father of the victim demanded a CBI probe on Saturday, alleging that the family was not informed about the progress of the investigation.

“Police told us that five or six people have been arrested. We asked them to show us who had been caught, but they did not do so. I demand a CBI inquiry,” he was quoted as saying to media.

Murmu expressed disappointment over the venue change of an event and questioned the development of tribal people in the state.

President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to West Bengal on Saturday became a political flashpoint as she reproached chief minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly breaching protocol, expressed disappointment over the venue change of an event and questioned the development of tribal people in the state, in a rare rebuke of an elected government by the constitutional head.

Her remarks triggered a bitter face-off, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of “crossing all limits” and insulting the President, while chief minister Mamata Banerjee claimed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was using the country’s highest office to malign the state and questioned the President’s “silence” on alleged atrocities against tribals in BJP-ruled states.

Addressing the 9th International Santhal Conference at Gosainpur near Siliguri, Murmu said: “When I was coming here, I realised that someone was not willing for this meeting to take place. It seems some do not want the Santhals to progress, to learn, and to unite.”

The event was originally scheduled to be held at Bidhannagar in Phansidewa block, around 25 km away. Murmu also said that Banerjee did not attend the conference, even though it had been fixed much earlier. “Generally, it is seen that when the President comes, the chief minister and other ministers remain present. But the chief minister madam didn’t come. Even I am the daughter of Bengal. I am not allowed to visit Bengal. Mamata didi is like my younger sister. Maybe she is miffed with me, and that’s why the programme was held so far,” the President said.

The conference was organised by the International Santhal Council, a private organisation.

The Santhals are one of the largest tribal communities of eastern India, concentrated mainly in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar and Assam. “I don’t think the Santhals and adivasis in this area are witnessing any development,” said Murmu, India’s first tribal President, at Gosainpur.

People aware of the matter said that the venue was shifted due to safety protocols. After the conference concluded, Murmu visited the Phansidewa field to plant a sapling.

“It would have been better had the programme been held at this place. It is such a huge field. I don’t know what the administration thought. They had stated that this area was congested, but I came here easily,” the President said.

Chief minister Banerjee, who is staging a sit-in protest in Kolkata over the deletion of names during the controversial SIR exercise, rejected the allegations and said Murmu was taking the BJP’s agenda forward.

“We respect the President… But even the President was sent to sell politics and the BJP’s agenda. You have been trapped by the BJP. Do we have no work other than regularly receiving guests and accompanying them? If you come once a year, I would receive you. But if you come 50 times a year, how can I give you so much time?” she said.

Banerjee said that the President had not highlighted the plight of tribal people in NDA-ruled states, accusing her of playing politics at the BJP’s behest.

“You never said a word when tribals in Manipur were tortured. Did the BJP ask you? Why didn’t you protest when there were atrocities on tribals in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh? Many tribal voters were removed from the electoral roll. You never uttered a word on SIR. Don’t play politics at the time of elections on BJP’s instructions,” she said.

Banerjee added: “I am holding a demonstration for the people over SIR, how can I attend your programme? You are the BJP’s priority, the people are my priority.”

Responding to the shifting of the event’s venue, Mamata said: “We did not even know about it. I don’t know who organised it, who attended it or who funded it.”

In a post on X, she added: “Hon’ble President was received and seen off by Mayor Siliguri Municipal Corporation, DM Darjeeling and CP Siliguri Police Commissionerate strictly as per the approved lineup shared by the President’s Secretariat. CM, West Bengal was not part of the lineup or the dais plan. No protocol lapse happened on part of district administration.”

Soon after Murmu’s comments, the PM and several Union ministers, including home minister Amit Shah and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, too targeted the government of the poll-bound state.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/alleged-lapses-at-president-murmus-bengal-event-triggers-political-storm-cm-madam-didn-t-come-101772925428897.html

“Please mind your own business to the best of your abilities. Mutual respect between sovereign nations is the only foundation of lasting global peace,” Kamal Haasan said.

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan on Saturday night said US President Donald Trump should mind his “own business,” responding to the US announcement granting Indian refineries a 30-day “temporary” waiver to continue purchasing Russian energy.

“We, the people of India, belong to a free and sovereign nation. We no longer take orders from distant foreign shores. Please mind your own business to the best of your abilities. Mutual respect between sovereign nations is the only foundation of lasting global peace,” Kamal Haasan said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/trump-should-mind-his-own-business-kamal-hassan-3923715

Many airlines are only operating a limited number of services.

At least 100 international flights were cancelled at the Delhi and Mumbai airports on Saturday as the Middle East crisis continued to impact operations.

As many as 35 departures and 36 arrivals were cancelled at the Mumbai airport while 22 departures and 17 arrivals were cancelled at the Delhi airport, according to officials.

Delhi airport operator DIAL said in a post on X that due to the current situation in the Middle East, some west-bound international flights may experience delays or schedule changes.

Meanwhile, Air India and Air India Express said they would continue to operate scheduled flights to and from Jeddah and Muscat which are assessed safe for operations.

“Additional non-scheduled flights are planned to operate to and from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat, Ras Al-Khaimah and Sharjah on 8 March, to bring stranded passengers back to India,” Air India said in a post on X.

IndiGo said in a post on X that it would continue to operate flights to eight destinations in the Middle East as well as to Europe on March 8.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/attention-passengers-middle-east-conflict-sees-100-flights-cancelled-at-delhi-mumbai-airports-3923674

Tarun Kumar succumbed to his injuries on Thursday as his family alleged that he was “waylaid” by neighbours who assaulted him with bats, sticks, and stones.

Four more people were arrested and booked for murder on Friday, taking the total arrests to eight, two days after a 26-year-old man was killed during clashes between two families from different communities in Uttam Nagar’s JJ colony over a water-filled balloon thrown by a minor girl during Holi celebrations, police said. One minor has also been apprehended.

Tensions, meanwhile, continued for the third day in the locality, with protesters torching two vehicles and smashing the windows of two others, police said.

According to officials, the incident that led to the eventual clashes took place around 10.30pm on Wednesday when an 11-year-old girl from a Hindu family was celebrating Holi on her terrace, throwing water balloons at people below. One of these balloons hit a Muslim woman, who raised an objection. An altercation escalated into a violent clash during which both sides assaulted each other, according to investigators privy to the case details.

At least four people, three from the Hindu family, were injured. Tarun Kumar, 26, succumbed to his injuries Thursday morning. His family alleged in their complaint to the police that he was “waylaid” by neighbours who assaulted with bats, sticks, and stones.

On Friday, communal tension simmered as members of a Hindu political outfit allegedly committed arson in the area in protest. Around 2pm, a group of protesters shouting slogans against the Muslim community set fire to two vehicles, said senior police officers.

Officials from the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) confirmed a call from the scene, finding a car and motorcycle gutted.

Protests continued for a second day outside Uttam Nagar metro station, police station, and Hastsal Colony, where residents blocked roads. Several local shop owners shut their establishments, locals and police officials said.

A day earlier, members of Kumar’s family and neighbours had protested outside Uttam Nagar police station, along with members of a Hindu political outfit. Later, protesters allegedly tried to attack the Muslim family’s house, prompting police intervention.

The deceased’s uncle, Ramesh, said the 11-year-old girl threw balloons at family members, but one burst on the ground, splashing a woman’s burqa. “I apologised and even made the 11-year-old apologise. What else could we have done? They first beat us. I suffered heavy injuries on my head, chest and hands. Doctors put eight stitches and I am still in pain. Tarun came half an hour later… Before he could park his bike, they jumped at him and attacked him.” He added that he now demands “bulldozer justice” – an apparent reference to the controversial, extra-legal practice using bulldozers to demolish structure of individuals accused of crimes.

He also alleged previous confrontations with the same family. “This is not the first time, they attacked us during Holi around 12 years back.”

Tarun’s grandfather, Mann Singh, also injured, said the families have known each other since the late 1960s, having lived together in slums near Uttam Nagar before moving to Hastsal Colony. Both families originally hail from Rajasthan.

A senior police officer, speaking anonymously, however, said that the families have known each other for decades and have a long history of run-ins with each other often resulting in fights and brawls over petty matters.

“It’s not entirely a communal issue. The families have always fought over garbage, water, parking and other petty issues. They also get into physical fights and then sort out the issues later. We are still investigating from all angles,” the officer cited above said.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/4-more-held-in-delhis-uttam-nagar-after-killing-in-holi-clash-triggers-protests-101772840373434.html

Nishant Kumar, son of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, will join the Janata Dal (United) on March 8, marking a significant change in Bihar’s political dynamics. This decision comes as Nitish prepares to transition to the Rajya Sabha.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sought to reassure the Janata Dal (United) workers after his nomination to the Rajya Sabha sparked speculation about his future as Chief Minister. Addressing party concerns following protests outside the JDU office, Kumar reassured leaders that he will continue to guide the party. At the same time, in a significant shift from his long-held opposition to dynastic politics, Kumar has given the green light for his son Nishant Kumar to formally enter politics, with the JDU confirming he will join the party on Sunday, March 8.

According to JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar, during the meeting at the CM’s house, Union Minister and MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan) and MP Sanjay Jha made the suggestion to bring Nishant into state politics and said that he will be taking the party membership tomorrow.

“Union Minister Lalan Singh and MP Sanjay Jha suggested that Nishant Kumar should enter the party, and the party enthusiastically welcomed the suggestion. Hence, Nishant Kumar will be joining the party tomorrow. He has given his acceptance to the same and will be conducting a political tour in the state as well,” the JD(U) leader said without clarifying further on Nishant’s role in the state politics amid the shift in government following the CM’s decision, PTI reported.

He further said that “no discussion on the formation of a coalition government was done during the meeting.” He also said that the party leaders expressed disappointment towards Nitish Kumar’s decision but extended support for his new political journey.

“Today, a meeting of the party leaders was conducted in the presence of JDU Chief and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. In the meeting, we all expressed the party’s and the people’s difficulty and grief over his decision, but since you have decided, the party stands with you as you made the party,” he said.

“They are in pain and this was conveyed to the CM at today’s meeting. He said – main hoon na,” JDU spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Washington is allowing India to refine stranded Russian oil at sea as a short-term measure to stabilize global supply and ease price pressure amid West Asia tensions.

The United States has said it is “allowing our friends in India” to refine Russian oil already stranded at sea around southern Asia in a short-term effort to stabilise global energy supplies amid tensions in West Asia.

“We have implemented short-term measures to help keep oil prices down. We are allowing our friends in India to take oil that is already on ships, refine it, and move those barrels into the market quickly. A practical way to get supply flowing and ease pressure,” US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said.

Speaking in an interview with ABC News Live, Wright said the move is a temporary step aimed at ensuring adequate supply in the global oil market at a time when shipping disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz are raising concerns.

In an interview with ABC News Live, Wright said that long-term oil supplies are “abundant” and there are no worries regarding that, but in the short term, there is a need to get oil on the market.

Wright emphasised that global oil supplies remain strong in the long run, but the immediate challenge is ensuring that enough oil reaches the market. “Long-term oil supplies are abundant and we are not worried about that. But in the short term, we need to get oil onto the market,” he said.

Wright explained that several shipments of Russian oil have been sitting in floating storage around southern Asia after Chinese buyers slowed purchases.

“But as oil gets bid up a little bit because of those constraints coming out of the Strait of Hormuz, we’re taking a short-term action to say all this floating Russian oil storage that’s around southern Asia, it’s China just backed up, China does not treat their suppliers well, so there’s a bunch of floating barrels just sitting there.

“There’s a bunch of floating barrels just sitting there. We’ve reached out to our friends in India and said, ‘Buy that oil. Bring it into your refineries,’” he said. That pulls stored oil immediately into Indian refineries and releases the pressure on other refineries around the world to buy oil that they’re no longer competing with the Indians for in that marketplace,” Wright said.

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The US official stressed that the decision does not represent a shift in Washington’s broader policy toward Moscow.

“So we have a number of measures like that that are short-term and temporary. This is no change in policy towards Russia. This is a very brief change in policy just to keep oil prices down a little bit better than we could otherwise,” he added.

On Thursday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington had issued a temporary 30-day waiver allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil already stranded at sea.

Bessent said the measure was deliberately short-term and would not significantly benefit the Russian government.

“India is an essential partner of the United States, and we fully anticipate that New Delhi will ramp up purchases of US oil,” Bessent said. He added that the waiver would help stabilise energy markets during a period of heightened geopolitical tension. “This stop-gap measure will alleviate pressure caused by Iran’s attempt to take global energy hostage,” he said.

The move comes after tensions in West Asia raised concerns about possible disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments.

The decision also follows recent trade developments between Washington and New Delhi. Last month, the two countries announced a framework for an interim trade agreement, after US President Donald Trump removed earlier punitive tariffs imposed on India over its purchases of Russian oil.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/our-friends-in-india-us-energy-secretary-chris-wright-explains-why-it-allowed-delhi-to-buy-russian-oil-2878486-2026-03-07

While India is unlikely to enter the conflict in the Middle East militarily, the repercussions are already being felt, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, particularly by Indian nationals living and working in the Gulf states.

India will not be drawn into the ongoing war in the Middle East, but the conflict is already having serious consequences for the country and its citizens abroad, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor told India Today TV.

In an exclusive conversation with Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai as US-Israel’s war on Iran entered the seventh day, Tharoor stated that New Delhi’s priority should be pushing for a ceasefire at the earliest.

“It is very much in India’s interest to demand de-escalation and diplomacy,” Tharoor said.

While India is unlikely to enter the conflict militarily, the repercussions are already being felt, he said, particularly by Indian nationals living and working in the Gulf states. He highlighted the plight of those who were stranded at airports due to projectiles flying overhead as well as business-owners impacted due to the outbreak of war.

“We are a country with nine to ten million of our nationals in the Gulf. For us, this is something that really does affect their lives and their ability to do well, send remittances home, all of that. So we can’t be indifferent,” he said.

THAROOR’S TAKE ON US OIL WAIVER

Tharoor’s remarks come amid political sparring after the US announced a 30-day waiver “allowing” India to continue purchasing Russian oil. The move by the Donald Trump administration is aimed at stabilising global energy markets as tensions in the Middle East drive uncertainty in oil supplies.

Opposition parties have lashed out at the government over the waiver, questioning whether it undermines India’s sovereignty. Asked whether New Delhi should send a tough message to Washington, Tharoor said the government faces difficult economic realities.

“The problem is the consequences if we don’t. For the companies that are purchasing Russian oil and putting it into their refineries, without that waiver they get subject to sanctions which effect on all their businesses. So there is, to my mind, a choice that has to be made,” he said.

The Congress MP pointed out that the waiver would provide significant relief to Indian refiners, without risking sanctions.

“With that waiver, they can openly purchase for those 30 days, knowing that those purchases will be exempt from any negative consequences for their companies,” he said.

Despite his own party’s criticism of the government’s approach to Washington, Tharoor said policy choices must be evaluated in terms of national interest.

Ultimately, he added, India’s interest is in ending the conflict as soon as possible.

‘RESPECT THE CHOICES GOVT HAS MADE’

Asked whether India should take a principled stand on the conflict or choose not to antagonise the mercurial Trump, he remarked, “I think you really have to respect the choices the government has made as choices that they deem at that point to be in the best interests of India, given that there would be consequences for other choices,” he said.

A career diplomat, Tharoor noted that New Delhi has tried to strike a careful balance at a fraught time. While India hasn’t endorsed the US-Israeli military action against Iran, it has also not condemned it.

Pointing to the cautious positions taken by several other countries, Tharoor said restraint can sometimes be a deliberate diplomatic strategy.

“We have kept open lines of communication to Iran and we have expressed a hope that matters will be resolved very quickly. That seems to be the choice that we have made,” he said.

Critics often underestimate the practical constraints governments face when taking public positions in international conflicts, he remarked.

“So I find it difficult to sit here outside the government and say, I want the government to say all these things because the government then has to live with the consequences,” the Congress leader said.

Ultimately, he added, “India’s interest is in ending this war as soon as possible.”

ON TRUMP’S JUSTIFICATION FOR WAR

On the broader justification for the war, Tharoor poked holes into US and Israeli claims that their joint operation against Iran was pre-emptive.

“The logic of pre-emptive self-defence, which is something that has been cited by apologists for this war saying that if we hadn’t done it, the Iranians would have developed a nuclear weapon and attacked us first, doesn’t really hold up when the Omani negotiators who’ve been mediating talks between the Americans and the Iranians claimed that the Iranians had already agreed to no nukes, zero enriched uranium stockpiles, and other steps that would have essentially eliminated the threat of a nuclear weapon from Iran,” he said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/shashi-tharoor-on-middle-east-conflict-iran-us-israel-russian-oil-waiver-diplomacy-modi-government-praise-2878472-2026-03-06

Days before a US submarine sank IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Sri Lanka, India gave safe harbour to another Iranian frigate. According to government sources, the ship’s crew has been put up at naval quarters in Kochi.

Days before a US submarine sank an Iranian frigate in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka, Iran had approached India seeking urgent docking for another naval vessel in Kochi after it developed technical problems, government sources said.

Tehran requested permission on February 28, the day the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran, for IRIS Lavan to dock at Kochi, saying the vessel had developed technical issues and required urgent attention. The ship was in the region for the International Fleet Review.

According to sources, approval was granted on March 1, and IRIS Lavan docked in Kochi on March 4. The vessel’s crew of 183 is currently being accommodated at naval facilities in the southern port city.

While IRIS Lavan got safe harbour in the nick of time, its sister vessel wasn’t so lucky. IRIS Dena, which was sailing back to Iran after participating in a military exercise at Visakhapatnam, sank in the Indian Ocean on March 4 after being struck by a torpedo fired from a US submarine. The attack sharply escalated tensions in the widening conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel.

The sinking occurred in international waters about 40 nautical miles off the southern Sri Lankan port of Galle. The warship issued a distress call at dawn reporting an explosion but had already sunk by the time Sri Lankan rescue ships reached the scene. More than 80 sailors perished when the frigate went down.

Facing flak for apparently not aiding the Iranian ship that had been its guest, the Indian Navy clarified what had transpired on the day of IRIS Dena’s sinking. In a statement on Thursday, the Navy said it launched search-and-rescue operations after receiving the distress signal from the frigate.

A long-range maritime patrol aircraft was deployed to speed up search efforts already underway by Sri Lankan authorities, while another aircraft equipped with air-droppable life rafts was kept on standby.

INS Tarangini, which was operating in the vicinity at the time, was diverted to assist in the rescue mission. Another vessel, INS Ikshak, sailed from Kochi to support the search operations and remains in the region to help locate missing personnel as a humanitarian measure, the Navy said.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had condemned the sinking of the frigate, calling it an “atrocity at sea” in a post on X. He said the ship, carrying nearly 130 sailors, had been struck without warning in international waters, about 2,000 miles from Iran’s shores.

Araghchi described IRIS Dena as a “guest of India’s Navy” and warned that the US would “bitterly regret” setting such a precedent.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/days-before-us-sank-iranian-warship-near-sri-lanka-tehran-sought-urgent-docking-for-another-vessel-in-kochi-2878433-2026-03-06

During an interaction with students at a college in Kerala, Rahul Gandhi claimed that under the US deal, India’s biggest asset – data – has been handed over to America.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Thursday that Indian higher education is under ideological attack, with a certain type being imposed. He made the remarks during an interaction with students at Kerala’s Marian College Kuttikkanam (Autonomous). “If you look at VCs, a large number of them are made VCs because they belong to the RSS. Of course, that has to be stopped. The Indian education system should particularly not be limited to the divisive view of RSS,” he added.

The Leader of Opposition also claimed that India has not been successful with the advent of AI, appearing to take a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who promoted the country’s potential and vision to be a global player in the future.

“There are two players in the AI game. The United States and China. India, unfortunately, whether it is in robotics, or AI, or modern technology, is not really a major player. Certainly, when compared to the US or China. You saw that in the AI Summit itself, a Chinese robot was masquerading as an Indian robot. If you want to be powerful at AI, you have to control your own data…The US deal that has just been done by the Prime Minister has handed over our entire data to the United States…We have damaged our potential in AI tremendously over the last couple of weeks… Jobs in the services and software industry, which were the mainstay of our country, are going to be wiped out by AI. I am worried that a transition is taking place on the data, manufacturing, and mobility front, and we are just looking,” Rahul Gandhi said during the interaction.

His remarks about the Chinese robot were in reference to the Galgotias University row at the India AI Summit, where they showcased a Chinese robodog as their own creation. The incident stirred up a massive controversy.

Additionally, the rise of AI remains a point of big worry across the globe, especially amid the mass layoffs happening in big fims.

Rahul Gandhi also took a jibe at the PM Modi-led government over the recent India-US trade deal, which has received massive backlash from the Opposition who claim it goes against the farmers.

During the interaction, he said that if a nation has to be powerful at AI, it needs to control its own data. “The US is successful because they have access to global data. Who do you think controls data when you are using WhatsApp? India doesn’t control data. The US does. Any information moving onto India’s communication system, our phones are owned and controlled by the US. That’s not the case with China. They own their data. They don’t use WhatsApp,” Rahul Gandhi said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rahul-gandhi-kerala-students-interaction-india-ai-player-technology-produce-anything-dig-pm-modi-ambanis-adanis-2878371-2026-03-06

The price of domestic LPG cylinders has been increased with effect from Saturday, March 7, with the cost of a 14.2-kg household cooking gas cylinder rising by Rs 60 across the country, according to sources.

The price of domestic LPG cylinders has been increased with effect from Saturday, March 7, with the cost of a 14.2-kg household cooking gas cylinder rising by Rs 60 across the country, according to sources.

Similarly, the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder has also been increased by Rs 115 from the same date, impacting businesses such as hotels, restaurants and small commercial establishments.

As per the source, the price of a 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder in Delhi has increased from Rs 853 to Rs 913. In Mumbai, the new rate of a domestic LPG cylinder now stands at Rs 912.50, up from Rs 852.50 earlier. In Kolkata, the price has risen from Rs 879 to Rs 030, while in Chennai it has increased from Rs 868.50 to Rs 928.50. The revised rates will come into effect immediately from today.

The hike also applies to commercial LPG cylinders used by businesses. In Delhi, the price of a 19-kg commercial cylinder has increased from Rs 1768.50 to Rs 1883. In Mumbai, the price has risen from Rs 1720.50 to Rs 1835. Similarly, in Kolkata, the price has gone up from Rs 1875.50 to Rs 1990, while in Chennai it has increased from Rs 1929 to Rs 2043.50.

Earlier, the price of a domestic LPG cylinder had remained unchanged since April 2025, when the non-subsidised rate in Delhi stood at Rs 853. The latest revision marks a significant increase for household consumers as well as commercial users who rely on LPG for daily operations.

The increase comes amid discussions around India’s energy supply and fuel availability. Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri earlier assured that there is no shortage of energy in the country and that consumers need not worry about supply disruptions.

“Our priority is to ensure the availability of affordable and sustainable fuel for our citizens, and we are doing it comfortably. There is no shortage of energy in India, and there is no cause of worry for our energy consumers,” the minister said in a post on X.
Meanwhile, Indian Oil Corporation also dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting a shortage of petrol and diesel in the country, terming them baseless.

“India has sufficient fuel stocks, and supply and distribution networks are functioning normally. IndianOil is committed to maintaining uninterrupted fuel supply across the country. Citizens are requested not to panic or crowd fuel stations and to rely only on official sources for accurate information,” the company said in a statement on X.

Earlier on Friday, government sources said India is in a “very comfortable position” regarding crude oil, petroleum products and LPG supplies despite concerns over disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the sources, the country currently has access to more energy supplies from diversified sources than the volume that could potentially be impacted through the Strait of Hormuz. India’s existing stock of crude oil and petroleum products is also adequate to meet domestic demand.

Sources said the government is closely monitoring the situation and plans to ramp up supplies from alternative geographies to offset any potential supply constraints linked to the Strait of Hormuz. They highlighted that India has significantly diversified its crude import basket over the past few years.

Since 2022, India has been importing crude oil from Russia. While Russia accounted for only 0.2 per cent of India’s total crude imports in 2022, the share has risen substantially in the following years. “In February, India imported about 20 per cent of its total crude oil imports from Russia, amounting to around 1.04 million barrels per day,” government sources said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/iran-israel-war-domestic-lpg-price-hiked-by-rs-60-commercial-cylinder-up-rs-115-from-today-11180069?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

The woman’s claims come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following the US-Israel joint strikes on Iran.

An astrologer has caught widespread attention online as she claimed in a viral video about the possible attack on Pakistan by India. The woman identifies herself as a Vedic Astrologer and Vastu expert shared her prediction on social media. These claims come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following the US-Israel joint strikes on Iran.

In her post, the astrologer warned viewers to prepare for a possible conflict and cited March 21, 2026, as the date of the alleged attack by linking it to astrological calculations.

Astrologer Predicts Pakistan Will Be Attacked By India On This Date

In the clip, she states: “Please get ready with some liquid cash, medicines, solar charger for your phone and khane-peene ke liye ration at least for 1-2 months. Kyuki ab Iran ke baad, Pakistan ki bari hai (Please get ready with some liquid cash, medicines, solar charger for your phone and food supplies for at least 1-2 months. Because after Iran, it is Pakistan’s turn).”

She adds: “Pakistan ko ek taraf se Afghanistan gherega aur dusri taraf se India. And as per astrology, jo date nikal kar aari hai jab Pakistan par Bharat ki aur se hamla hoga, wo hai March 21, 2026. Us din Rikta Tithi hai, Ramadan khatam ho chuke honge aur Navratri March 19 March ko shuru hojayenge. Aur March 21 ko jo kundli ban rahi hai, uske 4th house mein Buddha, Rahu aur Mangal baithe hai jaha Angarak Yog ban raha hai. Aur 5th house mein, Sun, Saturn, Neptune aur Venus conjunct hai aur ye lagan aaya hai Scorpio Lagan jo ki hai Jyeshta Nakshatra mein” [Pakistan will be surrounded by Afghanistan on one side and India on the other. According to astrology, the date coming up for an attack by India on Pakistan is March 21, 2026. That day will be Rikta Tithi, Ramadan will have ended and Navratri will begin on March 19. On March 21, the horoscope shows Mercury, Rahu and Mars in the 4th house which will form Angarak Yog while Sun, Saturn, Neptune and Venus are conjunct in the 5th house. This will be in Scorpio Lagan in Jyeshta Nakshatra).”

She further claimed: “So kroor nakshatra, kroor greha ka lagan, Angarak Yog ka banna, Khapar Yog ka banna, Rikhta Tithi ka hona, grahan ke baad ke jo 30-35 din bahut vulnerable hote hai uske bich mein es date ka padna, Durga ki shakti desh ke sath hona, PM Narendra Modi ki khud ki Mangal ka mahadasha ka hona, desh ki Mangal ki mahadasha mein Rahu ki antar dasha ka hona jo ki us Angarak Yog ko aur activate karta hai aur past mein Modi ji ka aadhi rat ko hamle ki tyari karna – ye sab fully indicate karta hai ki ye tarik ek bahut yaadgar tarik banne wali hai (The cruel nakshatra, cruel planetary positions, formation of Angarak and Khapar Yog, Rikta Tithi, the 30–35 vulnerable days after the eclipse, Durga’s energy with the nation, PM Narendra Modi’s personal Mangal Mahadasha, Rahu’s Antar Dasha during the nation’s Mangal Mahadasha which will further activated Angarak Yog and historical preparation attacks at midnight – all this fully indicates that this date will become very memorable).”

She concluded with a bold claim: “Bahut jald humare desh ke nakshe ki boundaries mein badlav ayega aur ye PoK ke Bharat mein wapis aane ke shuruwat hogi (Very soon, there will be changes in our country’s boundaries and this will mark the beginning of PoK returning to India).”

Watch The Clip Here

What Are People Saying Online

One user commented, “Everyone is trying to prove that their prediction is best… so all astrologers are releasing such reels.”

Another added, “Kuch bhi mat bolo aur logon ko darao mat… for God sake (Don’t say anything and don’t scare people… for God’s sake).”

Source : https://www.news18.com/viral/india-to-attack-pakistan-on-march-21-astrologer-bold-claim-video-aa-ws-l-9944181.html

Israeli–US raids on Iran have disrupted shipping and aviation across the Middle East, leaving nearly 3,000 merchant ships and about 45,000 sailors stranded. Maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf has largely halted, raising fears of global trade disruptions and worsening conditions for crews and livestock vessels stuck at sea.

The logistical and economic network across the Middle East has been severely disrupted following Israeli–American raids on Iran, leaving thousands of merchant vessels stranded and tens of thousands of sailors unable to move through key maritime routes.

Air and maritime transport disrupted

Air freight and passenger traffic have reportedly been suspended across Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iran and Israel, while maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf has largely come to a standstill.

According to estimates cited by the Paris-based NGO Robin des Bois, nearly 3,000 merchant ships are currently stuck in the region. Based on an average of 15 crew members per vessel, around 45,000 sailors—many of them from countries such as the Philippines and India—are effectively stranded due to the conflict.

Threats to global trade routes

Decongesting Bengaluru, a city hogging headlines for its traffic and bad infrastructure, is another battle the government has picked.

Karnataka will ban social media for children under 16 and the picturesque Mysuru will be developed to decongest Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, whose 2026-27 Budget revealed the state’s deepening financial woes, forcing him to stick to such reformist announcements.

In spite of a widening fiscal deficit, Siddaramaiah has presented an ambitious outlay of Rs 4.48 lakh crore in an attempt to speak to all sections of society.

Given the financial constraints, including an allocation of Rs 51,286 crore for the ‘guarantee’ schemes, Siddaramaiah had to pick his battles. And one of them was to keep children from the ills of social media.

“With the objective of preventing adverse effects of increasing mobile use on children, use of social media will be banned for children under the age of 16,” Siddaramaiah said. The government, however, did not explain how this will be implemented. Regulations will be framed for this, he said.

Decongesting Bengaluru, a city hogging headlines for its traffic and bad infrastructure, is another battle the government has picked.

Easing Bengaluru’s burden will now be upon Mysuru, Siddaramaiah’s native place, which will be developed as the state’s second IT city. Mysuru already has 30,000 employees across 100 IT companies, he said.

In his record 17th Budget, Siddaramaiah has announced programmes for women, farmers, backward classes, SC/STs and minorities, some of them either have a minor allocation or a long-term rollout plan.

Siddaramaiah also made it a point to discuss jobs. “This year, we have initiated the process to fill 56,432 posts,” he said. He even announced a programme of providing loans up to Rs 5 lakh to help unemployed youth start “modern laundries”. Plus, an online employment exchange scheme called ‘Kayaka Bhagya’ will be implemented to provide skill-based jobs to workers in the unorganised sector.

But a bigger battle awaits Siddaramaiah in the next fiscal: meeting revenue targets.

For the fiscal ending 2025-26, Siddaramaiah reduced the budget size to Rs 3.95 lakh crore owing to a revenue shortfall. To achieve an expenditure of Rs 4.48 lakh crore with a saturated tax base seems difficult.

Sample this: Siddaramaiah has fixed an own-tax revenue collection target of Rs 2.20 lakh crore for the upcoming fiscal, a modest rise from the earlier Rs 2.08 lakh crore. Revenue shortfall also meant that capital expenditure fell 7% to Rs 65,982 crore in the current fiscal. For 2026-27, capital expenditure is estimated at Rs 74,682 crore.

The government is expected to rely on borrowings. In 2026-27, Siddaramaiah wants to borrow Rs 1.32 lakh crore. For the fourth year in a row, Siddaramaiah has tabled a revenue-deficit Budget. The deficit for the new fiscal is pegged at Rs 22,957 crore. Fiscal deficit is projected to be Rs 97,449 crore. The state’s total liabilities at the end of 2026-27 could be around Rs 8.24 lakh crore.

Siddaramaiah has argued that he is within fiscal discipline parameters. However, these numbers will make spending difficult unless resources are mobilised.

Cut-off box – Loans to fund B’luru infra CM Siddaramaiah presented his Budget with several infrastructure projects announced for Bengaluru. However a key takeaway of the Budget is the increasing reliance on external funding and loans including ‘municipal bonds’ to execute projects.Details on Page 6

Cut-off box – Alcohol price curbs scrapped In an overhaul of the Excise Act the CM announced a shift to a global taxation standard and deregulation of alcohol pricing. Starting April taxes will be levied based on alcohol content and not volume.Details on Page 7

Cut-off box – Rs 1.5k cr to curb wildlife conflicts A Rs 1500-cr commitment for a five-year plan to mitigate wildlife conflicts and a promise to fill vacancies in the forest department were highlights of the budget which otherwise glossed over major challenges posed by climate change. Details on Page 9

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/karnataka-budget-kids-off-social-media-mysuru-to-be-it-hub-3922696

The manual OFS regime was misused to discriminate against established liquor brands, which were deliberately marginalized or removed from the market.

The Enforcement Directorate which has launched a probe into the alleged liquor scam taken place during YSRCP regime in Andhra Pradesh has so far found a money trail of Rs 1,048.45 Crore in the form of kickbacks which several liquor distilleries were compelled to pay in the form of cash, gold, etc. as well as in the form of control and operation of some distilleries by the liquor syndicate and also in the form of financial gains derived from transport of liquor.

ED initiated investigation on the basis of FIR registered by Andhra Pradesh CID, under section 120-B, 409 & 420 of IPC, 1860 on the complaint of Principal Secretary to Government of Andhra Pradesh, for loss to the Government exchequer to the tune of Rs 4000 Crore.

PMLA investigation has revealed that the proceeds of crime were used for purchase of immovable properties and personal enrichment of the members of liquor syndicate and their associates. Substantial portion of the Proceeds of Crime has been found to be concealed or dissipated by the accused persons.

ED investigation revealed that through manipulation of procurement and supply mechanisms, the syndicate generated illegal revenues estimated at approximately Rs 100 Crore per month, resulting in wrongful personal enrichment while causing corresponding loss to the State exchequer. The investigation has revealed that physical cash kickbacks were collected and stored at multiple locations in Hyderabad, from where they were subsequently moved, distributed, or disposed of by designated cash handlers of the syndicate.

ED on Friday has attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs 441.63 Crore belonging to Kessireddy Rajasekhara Reddy, his family members and related entities; Booneti Chanakya and his related entities; relatives and entities of Donthireddy Vasudeva Reddy; and other persons and entities under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The attached properties are in the form of bank balances, fixed deposits, land parcels and other immovable properties. Rajasekhar Reddy, Chanakya, and Vasudeva Reddy a civil servant are the main accused in the case registered by the CID and ED.

PMLA investigation has revealed that prior to the year 2019, the liquor trade in Andhra Pradesh was regulated through a transparent and automated software system, which ensured end to-end digital tracking of procurement, supply, and sales, thereby leaving a verifiable electronic audit trail.

Subsequent to the 2019 Assembly elections, the newly formed State Government monopolized retail liquor outlets through Government Retail Outlets (GROs) operated by the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL). As part of the criminal conspiracy, the automated system was deliberately disabled and replaced with a manual system, thereby vesting unfettered discretionary powers with APSBCL officials in the issuance of Orders for Supply (OFS), said ED.

The manual OFS regime was misused to discriminate against established liquor brands, which were deliberately marginalized or removed from the market. Simultaneously, preferential and irregular allocations were extended to select “favoured” brands on receipt of kickbacks. As part of the scheme, the syndicate promoted the introduction of “similar-sounding brands” (SSBs) with artificially inflated basic prices. This pricing manipulation enabled the distilleries manufacturing such brands to generate surplus margins, which were utilized to meet the illegal monetary demands of the cartel.

PMLA investigation further revealed that distilleries were coerced into paying illegal kickbacks ranging from 15% to 20% of the basic price per case as a precondition for receiving OFS approvals. Manufacturers who refused to comply were subjected to coercive measures, including withholding legitimate payments and rejection of supply orders.

Communications relating to the demand and collection of kickbacks were carried out through encrypted VOIP calls and applications such as Signal, in order to conceal the identities and roles of key operatives, including Booneti Chanakya alias Prakash, Muppidi Avinash alias Sumeeth, and Mohammed Saif.

ED investigation revealed that Kessireddy Rajasekhara Reddy, along-with other members of the liquor syndicate, orchestrated a multi-crore scam in liquor procurement and distribution system. The scam primarily involved control and manipulation of the procurement process of APSBCL, leading to an estimated wrongful loss of Rs 3,500 Crores to the state exchequer. The Proceeds of Crime generated from this scam were laundered and distributed among the members of the syndicate for personal enrichment.

Investigation has also brought on record that the accused established and/or acquired control over several distilleries, which were utilized as Special Purpose Vehicles for generation of proceeds of crime. Entities such as M/s Adan Distillery Pvt. Ltd., M/s Leela Distilleries Pvt. Ltd. and M/s U.V. Distilleries were operated under the effective control of the syndicate and were granted disproportionately high business volumes by abusing political and administrative influence to acquire Proceeds of Crime in form of financial gains arising out of the operations of such distilleries.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/andhra-pradesh/andhra-liquor-scam-ed-probe-reveals-rs-1048-crore-money-trail-rs-100-crore-illegal-income-per-month-3922524

Taranjit Singh Sandhu is Delhi’s new Lt Governor, to replace Vinai Kumar Saxena

Former diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu is set to become Delhi’s new L-G as and will replace Vinai Kumar Saxena. The announcement was made by the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday.

Along with major rejig in Delhi, governors of several other states were also changed with Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi replacing CV Ananda Bose in West Bengal. Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (retd) has been named as new governor of Bihar.

Bose tendered his resignation earlier in the day which was accepted by President Droupadi Murmu, news agency PTI reported, citing a communique issued by her office.

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar will discharge the functions of Governor of Tamil Nadu, it said.

Delhi’s current L-G Vinai Kumar Saxena has been appointed as Ladakh’s LG in place of Kavinder Gupta, who has been named Himachal Pradesh Governor. Gupta resigned on Thursday after serving less than nine months in office.

Gupta, who started off as a Rashtriya Swayamasevak Sangh worker, was the third LG of Ladakh, succeeding Brigadier BD Mishra, who assumed the role in February 2024.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/fashion/sara-tendulkar-mom-anjali-tendulkar-chose-traditional-pink-sarees-for-arjun-tendulkar-saaniya-chandhok-wedding-inside-101772700443838.html

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet went missing on Thursday evening shortly after it took off from Jorhat and lost radar contact on Thursday evening.

The Indian Air Force on Friday confirmed that two pilots were killed after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district during a routine training mission after losing radar contact shortly after taking off from Jorhat last evening.

In a statement, the IAF identified the pilots as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar.

Earlier today, the IAF had confirmed that the fighter jet went down in a hilly area of Karbi Anglong, around 60 km from the Jorhat airbase.

“The Su-30MKI which was on a training mission crashed in the area of Karbi Anglong, approx 60 km from Jorhat. Search operations are underway,” the IAF said in a statement.

After the Sukhoi took off from Jorhar on Thursday, the aircraft’s last communication with ground control was at 7.42 pm.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/sukhoi-fighter-jet-that-lost-radar-contact-after-take-off-assam-jorhat-crashes-karbi-anglong-2878040-2026-03-06 

The Indian Navy said rescue operations were launched following a distress call from Iranian warship IRIS Dena, which was hit by a torpedo by a US submarine, killing most of the sailors on board.

The Indian Navy said on Thursday that it has launched search and rescue efforts after receiving a distress call from Iranian warship IRIS Dena, which was torpedoed by a US submarine off the Sri Lankan coast.

In a statement, the Navy said that the call was received at the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Colombo in the early hours of March 4. The Iranian warship was located 20 nautical miles of Galle in the Special Administrative Region (SAR) under Lankan responsibility.

As soon as the Indian Navy received the call, they promptly launched rescue operations. A long-range maritime patrol aircraft was sent to speed up search efforts that had already been started by Sri Lanka. Another aircraft with air-droppable life rafts was also kept on standby.

INS Tarangini, which was operating in the vicinity at the time of the call, was deployed to help in the search and rescue operations. Additionally, INS Ikshak sailed from Kochi to contribute to the rescue operations, and it remains in the region to help search for missing personnel as a humanitarian measure, the Navy said.

The Indian Navy’s coordination with the Sri Lankan side on the search and rescue operations is ongoing.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/iris-dena-distress-call-indian-navy-responded-indian-ocean-us-sank-iran-frigate-sri-lanka-2877945-2026-03-05

With Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announcing that he will be contesting the Rajya Sabha polls, the Congress on Thursday said a “leadership coup and regime change orchestrated by G2” has taken place and is a “huge betrayal” of the mandate of the people.

With Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announcing that he will be contesting the Rajya Sabha polls, the Congress on Thursday said a “leadership coup and regime change orchestrated by G2” has taken place and is a “huge betrayal” of the mandate of the people.

Kumar on Thursday announced that he will be contesting the Rajya Sabha polls, bringing the curtain down on his tenure as the longest-serving CM of Bihar.

He said the new government that will be formed in the state will have his full cooperation and guidance.

Reacting to the development, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, “What the Indian National Congress had often been saying during the Bihar election campaign has now come to pass.”

“A leadership coup and regime change orchestrated by G2 has taken place. It is, in many ways, a huge betrayal of the mandate of the people,” Ramesh said on X.

Earlier, Kumar, expressing gratitude to the people of the state, said, “For more than two decades, you have consistently placed your trust and support in me, and it is on the strength of that trust that we have served Bihar and all of you with complete dedication. It was the power of your trust and support that has enabled Bihar today to present a new dimension of development and dignity.”

Kumar said that from the very beginning of his parliamentary journey, he wanted to become a member of both Houses of the Bihar legislature and both Houses of Parliament.

“In keeping with this aspiration, I seek to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections being held this time,” he said.

“I want to assure you with complete honesty that my relationship with you will continue in the future as well, and my resolve to work together with you to build a developed Bihar will remain steadfast. The new government that will be formed will have my full cooperation and guidance,” he added.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nitish-kumar-rajya-sabha-betrayal-of-people-mandate-congress-2877668-2026-03-05

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has been appointed as the new Governor of West Bengal after CV Ananda Bose resigned.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose, who made headlines over his differences with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has resigned. Bose is currently in Delhi, where he told news agency Press Trust of India that he has “spent enough time at Governor’s office”.

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has been appointed as the new Governor of West Bengal.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that she has not been consulted before the appointment and that the Centre’s move is an “unilateral” decision that “erodes democratic conventions and the dignity of States”.

Sources indicated that that Bose’s resignation is part of a rejig, and Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta has also resigned. “Governors in several states may be replaced, and the list of new Governors and Lieutenant Governors will be released by the Rashtrapati Bhavan soon,” a source said.

Bose, who was appointed the governor of Bengal on November 17, 2022, told PTI: “Yes, I have resigned. I have been the Governor of Bengal for three-and-a-half years; it’s enough for me.”

In her first reaction, Banerjee said she is “shocked and deeply concerned”.

“The reasons behind his resignation are not known to me at this moment. However, given the prevailing circumstances, I would not be surprised if the Governor has been subjected to some pressure from the Union Home Minister to serve certain political interests on the eve of the forthcoming State Assembly elections,” Banerjee said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

“Union Home Minister just informed me that Shri R.N. Ravi is being appointed as Governor of West Bengal. He never consulted with me as per the established convention in this regard. Such actions undermine the spirit of the Constitution of India and strike at the very foundation of our federal structure. The Centre must respect the principles of cooperative federalism and refrain from taking unilateral decisions that erode democratic conventions and the dignity of States,” she added.

“Jagdeep Dhankhar suddenly resigned from the post of the Vice President. CV Ananda Bose suddenly resigned from the post of Governor. What happened? Because they disobeyed the Union Home Ministry? Bengal wants to know what the reason is,” said Trinamool Congress MP and party spokesperson Shashi Panja.

Governor Vs State

Much like his predecessor Jagdeep Dhankhar, the former Vice President, Bose had made headlines with his frequent run-ins with the state government on the issues of political violence, law and order and elections.

He had made strong statements about the government and visited victims of violence and riot-hit areas– once even against the advice of the state government.

As for the Chief Minister, he said while he shares a good rapport with her, the “politician Mamata Banerjee is not my cup of tea”. On one occasion, he even called her “Lady Macbeth” and said he would socially boycott her.

“Socially means I will never share any stage with the Chief Minister. I will not attend any meeting where the Chief Minister is present,” he had said in a video message released by his office.

“I will take proactive steps against her for violating Constitutional provisions. My role as the Governor will be confined to the Constitutional obligations,” Mr Bose said in the video message.

The relations between the Raj Bhavan and the State government went downhill since the controversy of a contractual woman employee levelling allegations of sexual harassment against the Governor in May last year.

Bose had even gone to court, filing a defamation suit against her. The court said a legal tussle between the Governor and the Chief Minister of any state is not desirable and in an interim order, restrained Banerjee from making any defamatory statements against Governor.

Bose’s Replacement?

RN Ravi, the Governor of Tamil Nadu, has also made headlines over his differences with the DMK government led by MK Stalin.

His move to withhold assent to multiple bills passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly had pushed the state to go to the Supreme Court, which in a landmark judgment last year, ruled his actions “illegal” and “arbitrary”.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bengal-governor-cv-ananda-bose-resigns-weeks-before-polls-sources-11173333?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Both leaders expressed shared concern over the ongoing conflict and called for a return to dialogue and diplomacy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the escalating situation in West Asia, with both leaders expressing shared concern over the ongoing conflict and calling for a return to dialogue and diplomacy.

“Spoke with my friend President Emmanuel Macron today. We discussed our shared concerns over the evolving situation in West Asia and the need for a return to dialogue and diplomacy. We will continue to engage closely and coordinate efforts towards the early restoration of peace and stability in the region,” PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter), tagging the French President.

France Shifts Military Posture

The call comes at a time when France is repositioning its forces in the region as Macron ordered the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to move from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean to help protect allied assets. Macron said the carrier would be escorted by frigates and supported by its air wing and confirmed that Rafale fighter jets, air-defence systems and airborne radar platforms have already been deployed to the region.

“And we will continue this effort as much as necessary,” Macron said.

France, the United Kingdom and Germany have previously said they were not involved in the US and Israeli strikes on Iran that began late last week. However, Macron made clear that Paris is prepared to take defensive action. French forces shot down drones “in legitimate self-defence in the very first hours of the conflict, to defend the airspace of our allies, who know they can rely on us,” he said, without elaborating on operational details.

Macron cited a strike on a British air force base in Cyprus as the reason for repositioning the carrier group. Cyprus is a European Union member state with which France recently signed a strategic partnership.

PM Modi’s Message On West Asia Crisis

Earlier, PM Modi underlined India’s position on the conflict while speaking at a joint press conference with Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/pm-modi-speaks-with-frances-macron-discusses-west-asia-conflict-9944394.html

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2026, Landau said the proposed deal would help expand trade flows and strengthen economic cooperation between the two democracies.

The proposed bilateral trade agreement between India and the US is close to the finish line, which would unlock huge economic potential for both countries, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said on Thursday.

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2026, Landau said the proposed deal would help expand trade flows and strengthen economic cooperation between the two democracies.

Landau’s remarks came amid continued uncertainty over the India-US bilateral trade agreement. Last month, India and the US announced a framework for an interim trade agreement. However, the US Supreme Court’s recent ruling that invalidated Trump’s tariffs, has added to the uncertainty over the deal.

Meanwhile, in another setback to US President Donald Trump’s administration, the US Supreme Court has ruled that the companies which paid the now-struck-down duties are entitled to refunds.

On the Trump administration’s “America First” policy, Landau said “America First” does not mean ‘America alone’. He claimed that cooperation of the US with other nations remains important, and national sovereignty remains the foundation of the international system.

Underlying the importance of reciprocity, he said the US would not make the same mistakes with India that it made with China two decades ago.

“India should understand that we will not make the same mistakes with India that we did with China 20 years ago. We are going to let you be able to develop all these markets and the next thing you know, you are beating us at many commercial things,” he said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/business/india-us-trade-deal-close-to-finish-line-says-landau-3921304

The police rushed to the spot upon learning about the incident and sent the girl and the newborn to the government hospital. Both are safe and secure.

A 16-year-old girl in Telangana gave birth to a newborn in the washroom of a private diagnostic centre. The girl, after appearing for her intermediate examination, felt acute pain in her abdomen and was first taken to a private hospital by her mother. The doctors advised a scan, and hence, the girl was soon moved to a scanning centre. While waiting for her turn, she rushed to the washroom, suddenly went into labour, and gave birth to a newborn.

As per sources, the staff of the scanning centre noticed the newborn, who was allegedly placed in a dustbin by the girl and her mother. They soon alerted the police, and the latter rushed to the spot as soon as they learnt about the entire incident. The police immediately sent the 16-year-old and the newborn to the Nagarkurnool Government Hospital for medical for further medical care. As per the latest updates, both the girl and the newborn are in a safe and secure condition.

Meanwhile, the reason behind the girl’s pregnancy is still unknown. The police are continuing with further investigations.

Last year, in a similar incident, a class 10 student of a government-run residential school in Odisha’s Malkangiri district gave birth to a baby after giving her board exam.

The girl, who was staying in the school hostel, delivered the child at Chitrakonda Sub-Divisional Hospital after returning from her board examination. Reports suggested that the girl continued attending classes and appearing for exams without the school authorities noticing her condition.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/telangana/story/16-year-old-telangana-student-gives-birth-to-newborn-in-washroom-hours-after-board-exam-2877439-2026-03-04

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s reception look was minimal yet brimming with subtle traditional and cultural details.

We are almost at the last leg of Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s wedding festivities, and the photos from their Hyderabad reception have finally dropped. After serving one strong look after another, their reception ensembles too (just like their wedding) stayed firmly rooted in South Indian tradition — elevated, personal and rich in detail without feeling excessive.

Both Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda wore bespoke ensembles by JADE by MK that featured pure silver and gold taar embroidery.

What Rashmika Mandanna wore

The United States submarine sank an Iranian warship off the southern coast of Sri Lanka, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on Wednesday.

At least 87 people were killed when a US submarine struck and sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean off Sri Lanka, officials confirmed.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said an American submarine had carried out the strike on the Iranian vessel near Sri Lanka’s southern coast, marking a major escalation in naval operations in the region.

180 ON BOARD THE IRIS DENA

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told parliament that around 180 people were on board the Moudge-class frigate IRIS Dena when it went down about 40 nautical miles off the island. The vessel had issued a distress call before sinking.

“A US submarine sank an Iranian warship off the southern coast of Sri Lanka,” Hegseth said, adding that the vessel was a military target.

The sinking follows separate US operations, with the Department of War confirming that a Soleimani-class corvette had also been sunk in the Strait of Hormuz near Iranian shores.

VESSEL RETURNING FROM INDIA EXERCISE

The ship, named IRINS Dena, had recently taken part in the International Fleet Review 2026 in India before beginning its return voyage. It was listed as taking part in a naval drill held in the Bay of Bengal from February 18 to February 25, according to the exercise website.

Two weeks before the sinking, the Eastern Naval Command had welcomed the Iranian vessel during its port call at Visakhapatnam.

In a post on X, the command wrote: “Welcome! | ! Indian Navy welcomes IRIS Dena, of the Iranian Navy, on her arrival at #Visakhapatnam to participate in #IFR2026_India and #MILAN2026, reflecting long-standing cultural links between the two nations.”

RESCUE OPERATIONS CONTINUE

Sri Lankan authorities said 32 people had been rescued and several bodies recovered from the sea. The injured were being treated at a state-run hospital in the southern port city of Galle.

“We are hopeful we can rescue more people and will continue operations until we are sure,” Sri Lankan navy spokesman Commander Buddhika Sampath said.

He added, “Cannot give details on the number of dead as of now.”

Sampath said rescue boats that reached the site did not see the ship and observed only an oil slick. The navy received a distress call from the Iranian vessel and informed the Sri Lanka Air Force, with both launching a coordinated search and rescue operation.

“The ship is a military vessel. Incident took place beyond Sri Lankan waters but Sri Lanka is committed to providing support,” he said.

Sri Lankan forces had not observed any other ship or aircraft in the area at the time of the incident.

“Did not observe any other ship in the area,” the spokesman said.

A Sri Lanka Air Force spokesman said, “No aircraft observed in that area during time of distress call.”

CONFLICTING ACCOUNTS BEFORE US CONFIRMATION

Before Hegseth’s remarks, sources in Sri Lanka’s navy and defence ministry had said the vessel may have been attacked by a submarine and that at least 101 people were missing. They had added that it was unclear who may have targeted the ship.

A Sri Lankan navy spokesman had earlier rejected reports about the cause of the sinking, saying, “Reject reports of any reported causes for the ship sinking,” and stressing that the immediate focus was on saving lives.

“Focusing on saving lives on the ship, afterwards we can conduct investigations into other details,” he said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/101-missing-78-injured-after-submarine-attack-on-iranian-ship-off-sri-lanka-coast-news-agency-reuters-2877390-2026-03-04

The Bombay High Court has set a precedent by overturning a divorce decree granted solely on WhatsApp evidence, emphasising the need for both parties to be heard.

The Bombay High Court has overturned a divorce decree granted by the Nashik Family Court, saying a wife must get a chance to respond before a court decides if she was cruel to her husband.

DIVORCE GRANTED ON WHATSAPP EVIDENCE

Earlier, the Nashik Family Court had allowed the husband’s divorce plea. The court relied on his testimony and a series of WhatsApp and SMS messages between the couple. The husband claimed the messages showed his wife forced him to move to Pune, insulted his family, and caused him “mental cruelty.”

The Nashik court said, “A wife who insists that her husband leave his parents and shift to Pune, using derogatory language against in-laws, commits mental cruelty.”

Based on this, the husband was granted a divorce without the wife being heard.

HIGH COURT: WIFE MUST BE HEARD

The Bombay High Court, however, disagreed. It said the wife was not given any opportunity to explain or challenge the messages. The judges ruled that WhatsApp chats alone cannot prove cruelty.

“Merely relying on WhatsApp chats, the divorce decree cannot be granted. The matter is sent back to the Family Court to allow the wife to be heard and present her evidence,” the court said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/maharashtra/story/bombay-high-court-overturns-divorce-decree-based-on-whatsapp-evidence-orders-rehearing-to-ensure-fair-trial-2877461-2026-03-04

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which met on Sunday night under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has expressed concern over the safety and security of the large Indian diaspora living in West Asia.

Amid escalating West Asia tensions and widening conflict, the central government is in touch with Indian missions in the Gulf region to ensure the safe return of stranded Indian nationals as state governments across the country stepped up efforts to assist such residents. Asserting that it was closely monitoring the evolving airspace situation in parts of the region, the civil aviation ministry on Monday evening said IndiGo plans to operate 10 special relief flights from Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) to various Indian cities on March 3.

“IndiGo has planned 10 special relief operations from Jeddah to India on 3 March to facilitate the return of stranded passengers, subject to required approvals and prevailing airspace conditions. IndiGo is coordinating with the Consulate General of India at Jeddah for passenger facilitation,” the ministry said in a statement. The flights from Jeddah will be operated to Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, reported PTI.

On Monday, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Centre is fully prepared to bring back Indians stranded in the Gulf region and is in touch with Indian missions abroad to ensure their safety.

In a statement, Joshi said discussions have been held with senior officials of the concerned embassies to facilitate the safe return of those affected by the war situation.

“Whenever Kannadigas and other Indians face distress anywhere in the world, the Central Government has ensured their safe return. Earlier, we brought back those stranded in Ukraine. Wherever Indians are, their safety remains our first priority,” he said.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which met on Sunday night under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has expressed concern over the safety and security of the large Indian expatriate community in the Gulf nations.

The CCS also directed all concerned departments to take necessary and feasible measures to assist Indian nationals affected by the developments.

Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry has asked states to keep an eye on “pro-Iran radical preachers giving inflammatory statements” that may result in violence in the wake of the Israel-US attack on Iran, news agencies reported.

The ministry has asked the states to heighten vigilance, as global events might have a domestic ripple effect through rhetorical statements. In a letter circulated to all states on February 28, the Ministry also asked all states and UTs to keep vigil on social media activities of extremists and global terror group handles, reported PTI. The states have been advised to ensure that no law and order issues arise in the country.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/india-ready-to-evacuate-citizens-stuck-in-middle-east-10-flights-to-be-operated-from-jeddah-today-article-153739537

Mumbai Traffic Police have issued a traffic advisory for the India–England T20 semi-final at Wankhede Stadium on March 5. With heavy congestion expected near Marine Drive, spectators are urged to use public transport. Gate-wise access routes via Churchgate and Marine Lines stations have been detailed for smoother movement.

The Mumbai Traffic Police have issued a traffic advisory in view of the T20 semi-final match between India and England scheduled to be held at the Wankhede Stadium, Marine Drive, on March 5, 2026, at 7:00 pm.

Match Schedule and Expected Crowd

The stadium gates will open for spectators at 4:00 pm. A large turnout is expected for the high-profile clash, and heavy traffic congestion is anticipated in and around the Marine Drive area.

Motorists have been advised to plan their journeys in advance and, wherever possible, use alternate routes to avoid delays. The traffic police have strongly encouraged spectators to use public transport to ensure smooth vehicular movement.

Commuters can use Western Railway services and alight at Churchgate railway station or Marine Lines railway station. Those opting for the Metro can use Churchgate Metro Station on Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line).

Gate-wise Travel Advisory:

Gates 1, 2 & 7:

Spectators are advised to use Churchgate Railway Station or Churchgate Metro Station via E Road.

PM Modi also has more than seven times as many subscribers as US President Donald Trump

After becoming the world’s most followed global leader on Instagram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’sYouTube channel has now crossed 30 million subscribers, strengthening his standing as the most-followed world leader on the platform.

The second-highest, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, has a subscriber base that is only about one-fourth of Modi’s. Modi also has more than seven times as many subscribers as US President Donald Trump, highlighting the vast scale of his digital reach across the world.

In India too, the gap is significant. Modi’s subscriber count is nearly three times that of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and more than four times higher than that of the Aam Aadmi Party and the Indian National Congress individually.

Prime Minister’s YouTube channel is now the most-subscribed among world leaders.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/pm-modis-youtube-channel-crosses-30-million-subscribers-becomes-most-followed-global-leader-on-platform-3918330#google_vignette

Meanwhile, at legislative council on Wednesday, deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe said that the registration of accused doctor must be cancelled.

The Badlapur police arrested Dr Amol Patil, director of Malti IVF Centre in Thane, on Tuesday night, in connection with the alleged illegal human egg extraction and surrogacy racket. Dr Patil has been charged with operating an unauthorised IVF centre in Thane, for conducting illegal surrogacy procedures and selling human eggs. Police are also investigating his and the centre’s possible involvement in international surrogacy and human egg trafficking. Malti IVF Centre is registered in Nashik.

Dr Patil is the sixth person arrested in the case. Recently, four women and one man were taken into custody for their alleged involvement in the racket, which was being operated from an apartment in Badlapur.

Sachin Gore, deputy commissioner of police, Zone 4, told Hindustan Times, “We had summoned Dr Patil to examine his role in the racket. The arrested agents and other accused were reporting directly to him. After interrogation, we arrested him for running the Thane center without legal permissions, his involvement in illegal egg extraction and suspected links to an international surrogacy racket. He has been remanded to five days police custody.”

Leaders ask for action

Meanwhile, at legislative council on Wednesday, deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe said that the registration of accused doctor must be cancelled.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/are-you-at-risk-of-throat-cancer-bengaluru-oncologist-shares-how-a-48-year-old-woman-s-symptoms-led-to-early-detection-101772619092895.html

The accused, identified as Prathamesh Desai, a resident of Lokmanya Nagar in Thane, worked as a delivery partner for a local courier company.

A 23-year-old man was arrested by the Vartak Nagar Police on Sunday for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old schoolgirl multiple times over six months and extorting ₹50,000 from her through blackmail.

The accused, identified as Prathamesh Desai, a resident of Lokmanya Nagar in Thane, worked as a delivery partner for a local courier company. Police said the victim and the accused lived in the same neighbourhood and were previously acquainted.

According to investigators, between September 2025 and February 2026, Desai allegedly took the minor to isolated locations on several occasions and sexually assaulted her. Exploiting her fear and the fact that she came from an affluent family, he then began blackmailing her. He repeatedly threatened to reveal details of their “relationship” to her parents unless she paid him money.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/recipe/fitness-influencer-shares-veg-galouti-kebab-bowl-recipe-loaded-with-35g-protein-and-only-490-calories-101772633889301.html

The Defence Ministry approved Rs 5,083 crore contracts for six maritime helicopters for the Coast Guard and VL-Shtil air defence missiles for the Navy, strengthening India’s maritime security framework.

The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore for the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch–Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy.

The agreements were inked at South Block in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

ALH Mk-III (MR) FOR COAST GUARD

The Rs 2,901 crore contract for six ALH Mk-III (MR) helicopters has been signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru under the Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category.

The deal includes operational role equipment, an engineering support package and performance-based logistics support.

According to the Ministry, the twin-engine helicopters incorporate advanced features superior to currently operated airborne platforms. They are capable of undertaking a wide range of maritime security missions from shore-based airfields as well as from ships at sea.

The induction of these helicopters is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s capability to safeguard artificial islands, offshore installations, fishermen and the marine environment.

The project envisages supply of equipment from more than 200 MSMEs and is expected to generate approximately 65 lakh man-hours of employment.

The Ministry said the contract reinforces the government’s push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make in India initiative, while strengthening India’s maritime security architecture.

VL-SHTIL MISSILES FOR NAVY

The second contract, valued at Rs 2,182 crore, has been signed with JSC Rosoboronexport of the Russian Federation for the procurement of Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch–Shtil missiles and associated missile holding frames.

The acquisition is aimed at substantially enhancing the air defence capabilities of frontline Indian Navy warships against a wide spectrum of aerial threats.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/big-boost-for-indian-navy-and-coast-guard-as-mod-seals-rs-5083-crore-military-contracts-2877220-2026-03-04

Sonia Gandhi argued that such silence reflected a departure from India’s long-standing foreign policy based on sovereignty, non-intervention and adherence to international law.

As the West Asia war entered its fourth day, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi questioned the Indian government’s response to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei in a US-Israel strike, in an editorial published in The Indian Express.

What Sonia Gandhi said?

In her article titled “Government’s silence on killing of Iran leader is not neutral, it is abdication,” Sonia Gandhi wrote that Iran confirmed on March 1 that its Supreme Leader had been assassinated in a targeted strike carried out the previous day by the United States and Israel.

She said the killing of a sitting head of state during ongoing negotiations marked a grave rupture in international relations, adding that New Delhi’s silence stood out as strongly as the event itself.

According to her, the Government of India refrained from condemning the assassination or the violation of Iranian sovereignty. She noted that the Prime Minister’s Office issued only a brief condolence message, avoiding reference to the circumstances of the killing, and that this ambiguity later turned into “conspicuous quiet” despite global diplomatic reactions.

Sonia Gandhi on India’s foreign policy

Gandhi argued that such silence reflected a departure from India’s long-standing foreign policy based on sovereignty, non-intervention and adherence to international law. She wrote that India had historically opposed targeted assassinations and extra-territorial use of force across regions including West Asia and Latin America.

She added that India’s credibility as a voice of the Global South, advocating dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution, had been weakened. By not condemning what many view as a breach of international norms, she said India risked appearing selective in its principles.

The editorial stated that silence during crises sends signals to allies, adversaries and the international community, suggesting geopolitical convenience may outweigh commitments to norms. Gandhi warned this could affect India’s strategic autonomy and its ambition to help shape a rules-based multipolar world order.

She acknowledged India’s deepening ties with Israel in defence, technology and political cooperation but argued that partnerships should not come at the cost of foundational principles. Foreign policy, she wrote, requires balance.

Sonia Gandhi cautioned that allowing powerful nations to eliminate foreign leaders without consequence could push the international system towards retaliatory violence and instability. Smaller nations, she said, rely on international law for protection against coercion and unilateral aggression.

She added that India’s civilisational ethos and constitutional values emphasise peace, dialogue and respect for sovereignty, and abandoning these principles could erode both moral standing and global trust.

Calling for clarity, she wrote that democracies are judged by courage when principles are tested and urged India to reclaim its voice, saying a clear articulation of concern would reaffirm commitment to a just and stable world order. She concluded that “silence, in this context, is not prudence. It is abdication.”

Political reactions

Reacting to the editorial, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that when the targeted killing of a foreign leader draws no clear defence of sovereignty or international law from India, it raises doubts about the direction and credibility of the country’s foreign policy. He said India must stand for sovereignty and peace and rediscover its moral strength.

Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also backed the remarks, stating that the government’s silence was “not neutral” and calling the column an important piece, adding that when India stops standing for something, it risks falling for anything.

Source : https://www.news18.com/politics/silence-is-abdication-sonia-gandhi-questions-indias-stand-on-khamenei-killing-in-editorial-9939718.html

The regulatory agency advised doctors and healthcare professionals to carefully prescribe the affected product.

India’s drug regulator issued an alert after a consignment of insulin manufactured by French drugmaker Sanofi India was reported stolen, raising concerns about possible improper storage and patient safety, News18 learnt.

In an official communication dated March 2, seen by News18, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) said it had been informed by Sanofi India Limited about the theft of Lantus SoloStar – insulin Glargine injection, especially its batch number 5F0347B.

Insulin glargine is a long-acting basal insulin used in the management of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and is prescribed to thousands of patients daily to maintain stable blood glucose levels. In a country known as the diabetes capital of the world, where millions depend on uninterrupted insulin access, the integrity of such temperature-sensitive products becomes especially critical.

The regulator, in the alert notice, mentioned that these r-DNA origin injectables are required to be stored between 2°C and 8°C.

“The quality of the products may be compromised if the products are not handled in proper storage conditions since the formulations are supposed to be maintained at 2°C to 8°C failing which would impact the quality of the product and in turn impact the safety of the patients,” the advisory stated.

According to a Sanofi spokesperson, “patient safety is of paramount importance” to the company.

“An FIR has already been lodged in this matter. In the interest of transparency, we are working closely with CDSCO and other stakeholders to address this issue. We uphold the highest ethical standards in all our operations and endeavours,” the spokesperson said.

The regulatory agency advised doctors and healthcare professionals to carefully prescribe the affected product and educate patients to report any “adverse drug reactions”. Patients and consumers have been asked to procure the product only from authorized sources and ensure proper invoices are available at the time of purchase.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/stolen-insulin-lantus-batch-patients-told-to-watch-for-side-effects-avoid-unauthorised-sellers-ws-l-9941298.html

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran will open a condolence book on March 5, 6, and 9 to honor the “martyrdom” of Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei after US and Israeli strikes killed him. Visiting hours are 10 am to 3 pm daily. Iran observes national mourning and heightened security.

The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi on Tuesday announced that a condolence book will be opened this week to commemorate the “martyrdom” of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Imam Khamenei.

“On the occasion of the martyrdom of His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Imam Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, a condolence book will be opened at the Embassy of the I.R. Iran in New Delhi,” the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran posted on X.

According to a statement issued by the embassy, those wishing to pay their respects and offer their condolences may visit the Embassy on March 5, 6, and 9 to sign the condolence book. The visiting hours will be from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on each of the above days.

The condolence book will be available at the Embassy on the following dates. “Thursday, March 5, 2026, Friday, 6 March 2026, Monday, 9 March 2026, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.”

“The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi appreciates the kind expressions of sympathy and solidarity,” the embassy said.

This came after US and Israeli strikes on February 28, which targeted Iran’s leadership, military installations, and strategic assets. The strikes killed Supreme Leader Khamenei along with other senior figures, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran on American and Israeli interests in the region.

Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a strongly worded statement condemning the killing of Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, describing it as a “terrorist act” by the United States and the “Zionist regime” of Israel.

The statement, shared on X by the Iranian Embassy in India on Sunday, described the incident as martyrdom following brutal attacks on his residence during the early hours of the tenth day of Ramadan.

Iran’s Supreme Leader’s office has declared a period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public gatherings planned to pay respects, marking the closing of a 37-year chapter in the Islamic Republic’s history.

Ayatollah Khamenei succeeded the Revolution’s founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1989, and his tenure was marked by consistent opposition to Western influence.

Authorities have heightened security across the country, particularly in major cities such as Tehran, to prevent unrest and ensure public safety.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/iran-embassy-in-delhi-opens-condolence-book-for-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-on-march56

Russia has expressed its willingness to assist India with energy supplies amid the escalating crisis in West Asia, which threatens oil flows and prices.

Russia is ready to fulfil India’s energy demands if disruptions arise from the ongoing West Asia crisis, diplomatic sources said, with Moscow assuring continued supplies and offering backup arrangements to New Delhi as Gulf tensions threaten global oil flows.

Sources indicated that Moscow has conveyed its willingness to step in should existing supply routes face prolonged disruption. The offer is aimed at ensuring continuity in energy flows to India, which relies heavily on imports to meet its domestic demand.

The assurance comes as India said it has sufficient crude and fuel inventories to meet domestic demand for six to eight weeks, cushioning the country against short-term supply shocks amid escalating military conflict in the region.

About half of India’s crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas imports transit the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy chokepoint that has faced disruptions following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. Iran has warned shipping away from the strait, and insurers have reportedly withdrawn coverage, affecting tanker movements.

A top oil ministry official said the government is monitoring the situation “on a daily and hourly basis” and expressed confidence in managing the crisis, which some estimates suggest may last a week or 10 days, reports PTI.

India currently has crude stocks sufficient for about 25 days and fuel inventories for a similar duration. Additional buffers include commercial reserves and strategic petroleum reserves at Mangalore, Padur and Visakhapatnam, bringing total commercial crude stocks to around 100 million barrels. Combined reserves could cover roughly 40 to 45 days of imports in a disruption scenario.

The oil ministry said Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri “briefed the media on the country’s preparedness in the current circumstances” and that “the country is well stocked with crude oil and inventories of key petroleum products including petrol, diesel and ATF to deal with short-term disruptions arising from the Middle East.”

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/russia-signals-backup-oil-supply-for-india-if-gulf-crisis-disrupts-flows-article-153744948

NIA seeks China’s assistance to trace GoPro camera used in Pahalgam terror attack

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has sought China’s judicial assistance to trace a GoPro Hero 12 Black camera linked to the Pahalgam terror attack. The anti-terror agency, during its investigation, found that the Pakistani terrorists had used a Chinese-manufactured GoPro camera for reconnaissance. At around 2 pm on April 22, 2025, Pakistan-based terrorists came down from the mountain in Baisaran valley and opened fire on the tourists.

The NIA, for the first time, has moved an application before a court in Jammu seeking issuance of a Letter of Rogatory to a competent judicial authority in the People’s Republic of China through the Ministry of External Affairs in connection with the ongoing probe into the Pahalgam terror attack case.

In an application moved before the NIA court in Jammu, the Chief Investigating Officer of the NIA stated: “A crucial electronic device is a GoPro Hero 12 Black camera bearing Serial No. C3501325471706, which is relevant for establishing pre-attack reconnaissance, movement, and operational preparation of the terrorist module involved in the Pahalgam attack.”

The NIA subsequently issued a notice to the manufacturer seeking details of the supply chain and activation of the said device. In its official response, GoPro B.V. informed that the camera was supplied to AE Group International Limited, a distributor based in the People’s Republic of China, and that it was activated on 30.01.2024 in Dongguan, People’s Republic of China.

The manufacturer further stated that it does not possess downstream transaction details or end-user records of the device. The activation, initial use, and commercial trail of the device lie within the territorial jurisdiction of the People’s Republic of China. The information necessary to trace the purchaser, end user, and associated technical records can only be obtained through judicial assistance from the Chinese authorities. Hence, the present application.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has given the concurrence for issuance of LR to China for seeking legal assistance in the investigation of the case (RC-02/2025/NIA/JMU) dated April 27, 2025.

A special court in Jammu on March 2 allowed the NIA to seek judicial assistance from China to trace the purchaser and end-user of a GoPro camera allegedly linked to the conspiracy based on an application presented by the agency in Jammu court seeking approval for issuance of an LR to the competent judicial authority of the People’s Republic of China, through the Ministry of External Affairs.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/nia-tracks-gopro-used-in-pahalgam-terror-attack-recce-trail-leads-to-china-article-153742112

What was supposed to be an unforgettable trip to one of the most beautiful islands turned into a nightmare– for all the unforgettable reasons possible! Taking to social media, a man shared how he was left majorly “disheartened” after witnessing the “devastating” condition of the Andaman Islands. He shared multiple videos and photos, which showed the heavily littered islands. Most pictures had plastic and glass bottles just lying around on the roadside. As per the man, he had made the same trip four years ago as well; however, the reason one, in particular, left him broken.

He highlighted how the place is “known for pristine beauty”, due to which it “deserves so much better” than what is actually happening. The video went viral in an instant, leaving many reacting. Most agreed with the man and shared similar stories and experiences, while some tagged the authorities and asked them to take action. Netizens also blamed the “lack of civic sense” behind such a condition.

The murder came to light nearly 12 days later after neighbours detected a foul smell coming from the house, after which they called the police

A shocking love triangle murder has surfaced in Bengaluru’s Manjunathanagar, where a man was allegedly killed as part of a planned conspiracy after his partner decided to marry another man. Police have arrested three accused, including a TV actor. The victim has been identified as Mohan Rao, whose murder took place on February 18.

Actor Urmila alias Bindu reportedly acted in small roles in Kannada films such as Bhajarangi, Police Quarters, and Kalabhairava.

Marriage Plan Led To Murder Conspiracy

According to the police, Bindu and her lover Vinay decided to get married. Investigators believe the two hatched a plan to kill Mohan Rao, who was living with Bindu in a live-in relationship.

As part of the plan, a party was organised at the house where Bindu and Mohan were staying together.

Murder After Party

The police said that after drinking alcohol at the party, Mohan was allegedly attacked and murdered inside the house. Vinay, with the help of his friend Dhanush, is suspected to have stabbed Mohan repeatedly. As he screamed, Bindu allegedly wrapped a tape around his mouth and nose, and tied his hands and legs.

Mohan is said to have died due to suffocation combined with injuries. The accused then fled the scene.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/karnataka-news/bengaluru-actor-urmila-alias-bindu-tapes-live-in-partners-mouth-kills-him-with-lovers-help-11159230?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

Earlier today, PM Modi said India continues to urge peace and stability in West Asia amid rising tensions in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held telephonic conversations with Bahrain’s King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman and Jordan’s King Abdullah II, condemning Iran’s attacks on the Gulf nations and reiterating India’s support for diplomatic efforts aimed at the early restoration of peace and stability in the region.

“Had a productive telephone conversation with the King of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa. India condemns the attacks on Bahrain and stands in solidarity with its people in this difficult hour. I thank him for the steadfast support extended to the Indian community in Bahrain,” PM Modi said on X.

“Discussed the evolving situation in West Asia with Crown Prince and PM of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman. India condemns the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia in violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We agreed that earliest restoration of regional peace and stability is of utmost importance. I thanked him for looking after the well-being of the Indian community in these difficult times,” he said in another post.

In a separate post, the Prime Minister said he also spoke with King Abdullah II of Jordan. “Spoke with His Majesty King Abdullah II, the King of Jordan. Conveyed our deep concern at the evolving situation in the region. We reaffirm our support for peace, security and the well-being of the people of Jordan. I thanked him for taking care of the Indian community in Jordan in this difficult hour,” he wrote.

The United States and Israel targeted Iran in coordinated strikes on February 28 that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dozens of other senior figures, triggering retaliatory missile attacks by Tehran on several Gulf countries.

PM Modi on Sunday spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and strongly condemned Iranian attacks on the Gulf country and condoled the loss of lives. He also expressed concern over the safety of Indian citizens in the Gulf.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India continues to urge peace and stability in West Asia amid rising tensions, emphasising that conflicts must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

PM Modi In Touch With Several Countries

The Prime Minister said that when two democracies stand together, their voice becomes stronger on global issues. He added that India is in contact with several countries to ensure the safety and security of Indian citizens affected by the situation.

His remarks followed a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid the escalating regional situation, as tensions continued to rise after recent military developments. PM Modi also chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Security to review the ongoing conflict.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/pm-modi-speaks-with-saudis-mohammed-bin-salman-bahrain-king-amid-west-asia-conflict-9938912.html

In Dhamnagudi and Kharhari villages of Korba, tribal communities including Kanwar and Painkra have not celebrated Holi for nearly two centuries. Villagers believe defying a historic curse could bring fire, disease, or divine wrath, keeping streets deserted and enforcing ritual checks during the festival.

While the rest of India prepares to erupt in a kaleidoscope of colors and the crackle of ritual bonfires, a haunting silence will prevail in the twin villages of Dhamnagudi and Kharhari of Located in Korba district of Chhattisgarh.

These villages are mainly dominated by tribal communities such as Kanwar, Painkra and others. Despite these villages follow Hindu religion, the villagers continuously shunned Holi celebrations for nearly two centuries. The reason behind that viilagers believe, if they violate the tradition, they will be cursed.

Bound by a legendary curse and a deep-seated fear of divine retribution the viilagers keep away themselves from colourful celebration of Holi, a local journalist Manoj Sharma said.

The origins of this self-imposed ban date back approximately 150 to 200 years. Local elders recount a chilling oral history: during a long-ago Holika Dahan, a catastrophic fire broke out, reducing the village to ashes and coinciding with a deadly outbreak of disease.

Shaken by the tragedy, a village elder reportedly received a divine vision from the local deity, Mata Madwarani, who warned that the loud revelry and fire of Holi were unwelcome in her domain.

To this day, the villagers adhere strictly to this “pact of silence.” The consequences of defiance are whispered to be physical and immediate.

Tameshwar Singh Paikra, a resident of Kharhari, recalls a chilling modern instance from about nine years ago. “A family tried to celebrate Holi in the village,” he shares. “Shortly after they began playing with Rang-Gulaal, a fire suddenly broke out in their home and quickly engulfed several neighboring houses.”

On the day of the festival, the streets of Dhamnagudi and Kharhari remain deserted. If a resident travels outside and returns, they are strictly questioned about whether they touched colors or gulal before they are permitted to enter the village limits—a ritual linked to the community’s tradition of protection and warning.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/chhattisgarh-villages-where-holi-is-forbidden-for-centuries

MKD Vyom, flying the flag of the Marshall Islands, was attacked by a drone boat about 52 nautical miles off the coast of the Muscat governorate

At least three Indian nationals were killed in Iranian attacks on two merchant vessels in the waters off Oman, while some 20 more were injured in strikes across the region, people familiar with the matter said on Monday.

The Indian embassy in Oman confirmed the “tragic demise of an Indian national on board MKD Vyom” in a social media post. The embassy said it was coordinating with authorities in Oman to “facilitate the safe and early repatriation of our nationals on board the vessel”.

MKD Vyom, flying the flag of the Marshall Islands, was attacked by a drone boat about 52 nautical miles off the coast of the Muscat governorate. The attack resulted in a fire and an explosion in the main engine room, which resulted in the death of an Indian national, Omani authorities said.

Another two Indian nationals who were part of the crew of the Palau-flagged oil tanker Skylight were killed when the vessel was targeted by Iranian forces in waters near Oman’s Musandam ‌peninsula over the weekend, the people said on condition of anonymity.

Three more Indian crew members of the Skylight were injured, the people said. The tanker’s 21-member crew included 16 Indians.

Another Indian national was critically injured in an attack on the vessel LCT Alyh, the people said.

Nearly 20 Indian nationals were injured in Iranian strikes across West Asia, including about 13 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the people said. Most of them had sustained minor injuries and were out of danger, they said.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/art-culture/want-to-make-your-home-feel-cosier-3-easy-ways-to-style-rugs-to-add-visual-depth-101772454660462.html

Four people, including a woman, have been arrested in connection with the crime that took place on February 18.

A 48-year-old man was allegedly murdered by his friends and chopped into pieces before his body was thrown into Delhi’s Yamuna river, police said on Monday. The brutal and pre-planned attack, was reportedly carried out after the victim refused to hand over money.

Four people, including a woman, have been arrested in connection with the crime that took place on February 18. One accused is still on the run, news agency PTI reported.

What happened?

According to police, the prime accused, Happy alias Suraj (29), had become friends with Anroop Gupta, who managed a canteen at Chhattisgarh Sadan in Delhi, about a year ago. Happy had noticed that Gupta regularly wore gold jewellery and had also learned that he was living separately from his family, police said.

On February 18, Happy invited Gupta for a party at his rented room in Matiala Extension. When Gupta reached the flat, he was allegedly tied up with ropes and assaulted with sticks by Happy and his associates. They demanded money from him, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Ankit Singh said.

Gupta reportedly told them that his gold rings and bracelet were kept inside his SUV, which was parked at Chhattisgarh Sadan. The accused then took the car keys, brought the vehicle to Matiala and removed the ornaments.

Police said that when Gupta refused to give them more money, the group beat him again and stabbed him to death.

Body cut into pieces, thrown in river

“In a shocking act of brutality, Happy procured a big knife (machete) and cut the body into pieces. The body parts were packed in three plastic bags. Transported the bags by using Gupta’s SUV and disposed of them in the Yamuna River near Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh,” DCP Ankit Singh said.

Police said the accused tried to divert suspicion by leaving Gupta’s mobile phone inside the car and keeping it switched on. Messages were sent from his phone to the canteen staff, asking them to shut the outlet and return home.

Another message was sent to Gupta’s family, claiming he was travelling to Goa for a holiday and should not be disturbed.

The crime surfaced after Gupta’s family lodged a missing person complaint at Dwarka North police station on February 23, when they could not contact him and his SUV also went missing.

“After the missing report, a dedicated team was formed under the supervision of senior officers to trace the missing man. The team cracked the blind murder case with the help of technical and manual intelligence in a proactive manner,” the DCP said.

Based on evidence gathered, a case was registered at Bindapur police station. Police in Uttar Pradesh were alerted, and joint efforts were launched.

“Based on the evidence, a case was registered at Bindapur police station. The details were also shared with the police in Uttar Pradesh. Following coordinated efforts with police in Mathura district, the mutilated body parts were recovered from the Yamuna river,” the officer said.

Police examined CCTV footage from toll plazas and the area around the building in Matiala for three days. They found that Gupta had booked a bike ride on February 18, leaving his SUV parked at Chhattisgarh Sadan before heading to Matiala Extension. Cameras captured him entering a building there.

“He was never seen coming out. Four other persons were later seen entering the same building,” DCP Singh said.

Call detail records helped police trace the bike rider who had dropped Gupta at the location. CCTV footage later showed the victim’s SUV moving in and out of the building’s basement during the night of February 19 and 20, before heading towards the Yamuna Expressway.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/gold-jewellery-a-party-invitation-then-murder-delhi-man-killed-by-friend-body-chopped-into-pieces-dumped-in-yamuna-101772447708199.html

Air travel in the Middle East is restarting cautiously after disruptions caused by the US-Israeli attack on Iran. India’s civil aviation ministry said carriers are gradually restoring long-haul operations through alternative routings that avoid restricted Middle East airspace. Aircraft and crew repositioning is under way to stabilise schedules.

A flight from Abu Dhabi landed in Delhi on Monday as airlines across the Middle East began cautiously restoring limited services after days of disruption caused by the US-Israeli attack on Iran, with schedules still fragile and liable to change at short notice.

India-linked travel is slowly resuming. According to PTI, the Abu Dhabi flight arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport, with passengers describing tense skies over the Gulf. Another Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi is also landing in Mumbai.

“We could see missiles being constantly intercepted. The airspace is very busy. There was not a very visible impact in Abu Dhabi,” returnee Shiv said.

Air India Express said it would resume flights to and from Muscat from 3 March, restoring connections with Delhi, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, Mumbai and Tiruchirappally. Travel platform EaseMyTrip has also announced to run special charter flights from Fujairah in the UAE to Delhi and Mumbai on March 3, scheduled between 7 pm and 9 pm, to assist passengers affected by the disruption. The company said seats are limited and will be allocated on a first-come basis, urging those in urgent need to get in touch promptly.

While Emirates would begin operating a limited number of flights from the evening of March 2, focusing first on customers with earlier bookings. “We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority,” the airline said, adding that rebooked passengers would be contacted directly.

“Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified,” Emirates said, stressing that most flights remain suspended. “All other flights remain suspended until further notice. The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority.”

Budget carrier Flydubai also confirmed it would run a small number of flights from March 2. “Customers are advised to update their contact details and check Flight status before travelling to the airport,” it said.

CAUTIOUS REOPENING AMID AIRSPACE RISKS

The broader regional network remains heavily constrained. Etihad Airways said all scheduled passenger flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 14:00 UAE time on 4 March (15:30 IST), though some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights may operate with government approval.

“Guests should not travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad,” the airline said, adding that services would resume only when safety criteria are met.

Air India has extended its own suspension of Middle East flights until late 3 March, citing ongoing airspace closures across the region. The airline said it was “closely monitoring and assessing the evolving situation in the Middle East” while maintaining services to North America, Europe and the UK.

INDIA STEPS UP RELIEF EFFORTS

The Punjab government has launched a dedicated helpline to assist Punjabis stranded in the Middle East amid ongoing conflicts.

The Punjab government on Monday issued a dedicated helpline for Punjabis stranded in parts of the Middle East as tensions and conflict across several Arab countries continue to disrupt travel and daily life.

Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Dr Ravjyot Singh said the state administration had activated its NRI Wing control room after receiving reports that Punjabi tourists and residents in the region were facing serious difficulties.

“Because of the conflict in Arab countries, many Punjabis in those nations are facing difficulties,” the minister said during a press interaction in Chandigarh. “Today, we are releasing the NRI Wing contact numbers. If anyone, personally, or any member of their family, is stuck in these countries, please contact us immediately.”

COORDINATION WITH CENTRE

Dr Ravjyot Singh said the Punjab government was in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure assistance reaches those affected at the earliest.

“I am in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs, and we are committed to providing all necessary assistance to them as soon as possible,” he said.

24 BY 7 CONTROL ROOM ACTIVATED

The NRI Wing of the Punjab government has set up a round-the-clock control room to receive distress calls and coordinate support for families in Punjab and those stranded abroad.

• NRI Wing Punjab – 24 by 7 Control Room
• Phone: 0172-2260042
• Phone: 0172-2260043
• WhatsApp: +91 94787 79112

While Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader who was killed in US-Israeli strikes wasn’t seen as a champion of rights by many, Shia women who came to Delhi’s Karbala to mourn his death brought a different perspective. They said the loss felt deeply personal.

Women in black abayas and niqabs stood shoulder to shoulder, some whispering prayers, others openly weeping. Many had never attended a public protest before. Yet on Sunday evening, they stepped out of their homes, bringing children, sisters and elderly mothers along at Delhi’s Shah-e-Mardan Karbala in Jor Bagh, to mourn the killing of Iran’s Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

For them, this was not distant geopolitics. It felt personal.

Zaibun Nisa Zaidi from Laxmi Nagar arrived with six members of her family. She clutched her candle tightly as she spoke, her voice steady but her eyes moist.

“He stood for humanity. He raised his voice for the oppressed,” she said. “What was the fault of an 86-year-old man? If standing with humanity is a crime, then we are all guilty.”

Around her, women nodded in agreement.

Dilkash, a first-year BSc student from Ghaziabad, said she woke up to the news early in the morning. The shock, she said, stayed with her through the day.

“He was a rehbar, a guide,” she explained softly. “He united Shias and Sunnis across the world and always sided with the oppressed. His demise is not just a community’s loss. It is a loss for the world.”

A few steps away stood Seerat, balancing her one-year-old daughter on her lap. The child, unaware of the gravity of the gathering, played with the edge of her mother’s niqab. Seerat, however, could barely contain her tears.

“It is the loss of a century,” she said, breaking down mid-sentence. “He was like a father to us. This feels like we have lost someone from our own home.”

Her sister, Shahana, described how the family reacted when news first emerged of the attack on Iran. “We stopped cooking. We did not eat properly. We kept praying for his safety,” she said. “When his death was confirmed on Sunday morning, we wept as if we had lost a family member.”

For 53-year-old Nishat Fatima, the journey to the vigil was physically demanding. Unwell but determined, she came from New Ashok Nagar.

Holding her daughter’s hand, she said, “I had to come,” she said. “It was important to be present. It was an inhuman act against an elderly man.”

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/delhi/story/veiled-women-mourn-irans-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-in-delhis-karbala-2876488-2026-03-02

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated that India supports the resolution of all disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. Modi also said India will continue working closely with all countries to ensure the safety and security of Indian citizens living in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India’s position on multiple ongoing global tensions remains clear, emphasising that New Delhi has consistently called for peace and stability.

He said when two democracies stand together, their collective voice for peace becomes stronger.

“The current situation in West Asia is a matter of deep concern for us. India supports the resolution of all disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.” the Prime Minister said.

He reiterated that India supports the resolution of all disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.

Modi also said India will continue working closely with all countries to ensure the safety and security of Indian citizens living in the region.

The statement came after talks with the Canadian PM Carney in Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/situation-in-west-asia-deeply-worrying-india-backs-dialogue-and-diplomacy-pm-modi-2876460-2026-03-02

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched the second day of its Jan Ashirwad Yatra from Deosal Mandir, aiming to enhance its outreach before the Assembly elections.

After drawing a massive turnout during its launch on February 28 at Dhekiajuli, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday rolled out the second day of its Jan Ashirwad Yatra from Deosal Mandir in Jagiroad, stepping up its statewide outreach ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections. The yatra is being led by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma along with senior party leaders. Conceived as a large-scale public engagement exercise, the campaign is travelling through key constituencies including Morigaon, Nagaon, Dhemaji, and Tinsukia, with daily road journeys of approximately 70–80 kilometres to facilitate direct interaction with voters in both rural and urban areas.

The meeting was convened to take stock of the situation emerging in the wake of the attack on Iran by the US and Israel and the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi  on Sunday night chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, the highest decision-making body on security and strategic matters of the country, and it is learnt to have discussed the evolving situation arising out of the fresh conflict in West Asia.

The meeting was convened to take stock of the situation emerging in the wake of the attack on Iran by the US and Israel and the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“The prime minister chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS),” a source said, without disclosing details of the meeting.

The CCS meeting was held shortly after Modi arrived in the national capital at around 9:30 pm following his two-day tour of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

The meeting, which was attended by committee members, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, was briefed by top officials on the prevailing situation in West Asia and its implications on India, the sources said.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, principal secretaries to the prime minister, P K Mishra and Shaktikanta Das, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also attended the meeting.

It is believed that the meeting discussed the safety of Indian nationals living in West Asia, and also those who are stranded, and how to deal with the situation if it deteriorates, the sources said.

Currently, the airspace of West Asia is almost closed.

With flight services disrupted due to the military escalation in West Asia, hundreds of Indians are stranded in Dubai, Doha and other key airports in the region, with many taking to social media to appeal to the Indian government for assistance.

The meeting is also learnt to have taken stock of the situation arising out of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is a major shipping route for Indian oil carriers, by the Iranian authorities, the sources said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/pm-modi-chairs-ccs-meeting-west-asia-situation-stranded-indians-discussed-3916819

Modi also thanked the UAE president for taking care of the Indian community living in the Gulf nation, and said New Delhi supports de-escalation, regional peace, security and stability.

New Delhi: Amid tension in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, condemning the attacks on the UAE and condoling the loss of lives due to them.

“Spoke with President of the UAE, my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE and condoled the loss of lives in these attacks. India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times [sic],” the PM posted on X.

“Thanked him for taking care of the Indian community living in the UAE. We support de-escalation, regional peace, security and stability,” he added.

According to the Union Ministry of Defence, the UAE air force and air defence systems had detected and destroyed hundreds of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.

Officials confirmed three deaths and 58 minor injuries resulting from debris fall, alongside material damage to several civilian properties.

One of the casualties is reportedly an Indian national, something that the Indian Embassy in the UAE has confirmed.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/india-stands-in-solidarity-pm-modi-speaks-to-uae-president-condemns-attacks-on-gulf-nation-3916802#google_vignette

The spotlight was on the 60.06 lakh voters in the under-adjudication category — those with unresolved “logical discrepancies” — the luckier among whom are to be included in supplementary rolls on yet unspecified dates

The Election Commission on Saturday published a preliminary “final” post-SIR list for Bengal, which included 60 lakh “under adjudication” and over 5 lakh “deleted” voters, leaving people, parties and officials still confused about who and how many would be eventually able to vote.

The spotlight was on the 60.06 lakh voters in the under-adjudication category — those with unresolved “logical discrepancies” — the luckier among whom are to be included in supplementary rolls on yet unspecified dates.

Officials made two key points: (a) Some 6.44 crore voters had already been approved and (b) Most of those under adjudication had failed to furnish the required documents and are likely to be deleted.

One-third of these 60 lakh are from Murshidabad and Malda, districts with the highest proportions of Muslims, sources said.

After 58.25 lakh names were deleted from the previous list of 7.66 crore as dead, absent, shifted or duplicate, the draft rolls of December carried 7.08 names.

“After the completion of hearings in the post-enumeration phase, including those under Form 7, a total of 5.46 lakh voters have been deleted. But 1.82 lakh new voters have been added through Form 6,” Bengal chief electoral officer Manoj Agarwal told a news conference.

These deletions and additions mean that 7.04 are either approved or under adjudication, although the deleted names too are mentioned on the list and marked “D”.

“Now, the final rolls have 7.04 crore voters, including 60.06 lakh voters under adjudication,” Agarwal said.

Sources said more fresh voters can be registered — under Form 6 for resident Indians and Form 6A for NRIs — and make it to the supplementary rolls. Form 7 is filed by people seeking the deletion of specific voters.

A senior state government official involved in the SIR suggested that far fewer than 7.04 crore are likely to be able to vote.

“Right now, the rolls include 7.04 crore (eligible) voters, as only 63.71 lakh have been deleted from the rolls of October 27 last year, which is much lower compared with states like Uttar Pradesh, where 2.89 crore voters were deleted,” a senior state government official involved in the SIR said.

The official said: “But the picture will change significantly if the majority among the under-adjudication cases face deletion.”

Uttar Pradesh has nearly two-and-a-half times Bengal’s population.

The uncertainty over the under-adjudication voters was the talking point in Bengal’s administrative and political circles onSaturday.

This category was drawn up as the electoral registration officers (EROs), their assistants (AEROs) and the micro-observers failed to agree over them.

While the EROs and AEROs approved these voters for inclusion, the poll panel-appointed micro-observers deemed them to be lacking the specifieddocuments.

When the matter reached the Supreme Court, it ordered the engagement of judicial officers, if necessary from outside Bengal, to settle these cases.

“A total of 501 judicial officers are adjudicating these cases. Reports from the ground suggest the judicial officers are carrying out their task with the utmost sincerity,” a poll panel source said. “It’s almost certain that no ineligible voter will make it to the (final) rolls.”

Another official said: “According to the rolls published today, 6.44 crore people will be able to cast their votes without any doubt. However, the 60.06 lakh whose fate is under adjudication cannot vote until they are cleared by the judicial officers and make it to the supplementarylists.”

Source : https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/election-commission-publishes-bengal-sir-final-list-60-lakh-queries-5-lakh-deletions-prnt/cid/2149372#goog_rewarded

A ₹12-crore Lamborghini seized after a February 8 crash in Kanpur was released after its owner furnished an ₹8.30-crore security bond. The accident on VIP Road left six injured. A court barred sale or modification of the car. The owner’s son, allegedly driving, was arrested and later granted bail.

A high-profile lambo drama came to an end this week as a luxury Lamborghini involved in a road crash was released from police custody after the car’s owner paid a ₹8.30 crore security bond in court. The vehicle, valued at around ₹12 crore, had been seized following a February 8 accident on VIP Road that left six people injured when the high-end sports car collided with an autorickshaw, a motorcycle and ultimately hit a pole.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court in Kanpur approved the release order after the surety was furnished, along with strict conditions that the Lamborghini must not be sold, transferred, modified, or have its engine or chassis tampered with. Once the bond was accepted, the car was loaded onto a truck late at night and taken away from the Gwaltoli police station where it had been stored for nearly 20 days. The high-value release has stirred debate among the public, with some criticizing the steep bond as favouring the wealthy, while others note it sets a legal precedent.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/kanpur-lamborghini-crash-luxury-car-released-after-owner-pays-830-crore-bond-six-were-injured-in-february-8-accident

A German woman’s lighthearted take on Bengaluru’s notorious traffic has struck a chord online, with many social media users saying her experience felt all too relatable. In a video shared on Instagram, the woman named Liz highlighted that living in Bengaluru requires “meticulous preparation” for cab rides due to their extreme duration. In the video, she filmed herself completing some tasks while navigating the “crazy traffic”.

“When living in Bengaluru, you really learn how to prepare well for cab rides because it takes so long. So you see, I have some food here, I’m editing, I’m taking phone calls, and I’m still not there. Traffic is crazy,” she said in the video.

“Bangalore traffic, we’re all part of it,” the video was captioned.

Watch the video here:

The video has since sparked a flurry of reactions, with locals chiming in to share their own survival tips for enduring the city’s infamous traffic snarls. The clip also sparked humorous comments about the city’s infrastructure.

One user wrote, “You need prior planning before you step out in Namma Bengaluru.”

Another said, “Some of us literally have to work on laptops while driving motorcycles.”

“I can’t agree more with you. During heavy rains you can take a good nap,” commented a third while a fourth joked, “Where do you think all the startup ideas come from? Bangalore gives you time to rethink your life choices in the cab. That’s why it’s a startup hub.”

“Sounds like you have been stuck on Outer Ring Road,” stated a fifth.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/german-womans-light-hearted-rant-on-bengalurus-traffic-sparks-buzz-it-takes-so-long-11155406?pfrom=home-ndtv_lateststories

Seventeen people died and 18 others were injured in an explosion at a gunpowder factory near Nagpur. PM Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh respectively for the families of the victims.

At least 17 people were killed and 18 others injured after a blast at a gunpowder factory in Maharashtra’s Nagpur district on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condoled the deaths and announced compensations of Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh for the families of the victims.

The blast occurred at the SBL Energy Limited factory at Raulgaon near Nagpur. Visuals from the site showed a thick black plume of smoke coming out of the facility.

Nagpur Rural Superintendent of Police (SP) Harrsh Podar told India Today TV that the explosion took place at the factory, which manufactures mining and industrial explosives. Company representatives later told PTI that the incident occurred at the detonator packing unit between 7 am and 7:15 am.

Emergency teams rushed to the spot soon after the blast. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel joined local responders, while rescue operations were intensified.

District Collector Vipin Itankar and SP Podar were present at the site to oversee relief efforts. The injured were shifted to hospitals in Nagpur, police said.

PM Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives, calling the incident “deeply distressing.” In a post from the Prime Minister’s Office, he announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each victims and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nagpur-explosives-factory-blast-killed-injured-pm-modi-cm-fund-ex-gratia-victims-2876103-2026-03-01

Addressing a public meeting at Jantar Mantar, Arvind Kejriwal hit out at PM Modi and Amit Shah and alleged the liquor policy probe was part of a conspiracy to politically target him and the Aam Aadmi Party.

Days after a Delhi court discharged him in the excise policy case, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday sharpened his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying “when a tyrant is scared, it signals the end of his rule”.

Addressing a public meeting at Jantar Mantar, his first since the court relief, the former Delhi chief minister alleged the liquor policy probe was part of a conspiracy to politically target him and the Aam Aadmi Party. He described the court’s ruling as “historic” and said it reaffirmed his claim of being “kattar imaandar” (hardcore honest).

A Delhi trial court on Friday discharged Kejriwal, former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and 21 others in the case linked to the now-scrapped excise policy. In its order, the court criticised the CBI’s chargesheet, saying it suffered from “internal contradictions” that weakened the conspiracy theory.

In his public address after discharge, Kejriwal accused the prime minister of being fearful of critics and claimed the BJP’s “countdown” from power had begun. He also alleged that during the BJP’s years in power, sectors such as education, healthcare, roads and sanitation had deteriorated.

Taking a swipe at the Centre’s “Viksit Bharat” pitch, he said people were instead seeking a “Rahne Layak Bharat (a liveable India)” and urged the government to focus on preventing exam paper leaks.

Kejriwal further alleged the excise case was part of the “biggest political conspiracy” in independent India aimed at finishing AAP. He challenged the BJP to hold fresh elections in Delhi, claiming the party would fail to cross even 10 seats.

Recalling his career, he said he had built his life on honesty and public service and insisted repeated investigations had failed to dent his credibility.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/arvind-kejriwal-aap-jabs-pm-after-clean-chit-in-liquor-policy-case-2876247-2026-03-01

An Indian man working in Dubai has praised the UAE’s response as Iranian missiles targeted the United Arab Emirates on Saturday, February 28.

An Indian man working in Dubai has praised the UAE’s response as Iranian missiles targeted the United Arab Emirates on Saturday, February 28. Tushar Gagerna said that UAE authorities communicated clearly with stranded passengers, distributed free food and water, and issued emergency visas on the spot after news of the attacks broke.

Gagerna had already boarded a flight to Delhi when Iran attacked the UAE. After waiting for more than two hours inside the aircraft, all passengers were asked to disembark. “My flight to Delhi was scheduled for 1 PM. We boarded. We waited. And at 3 PM – we were asked to disembark,” he said in a LinkedIn post. “Iran had attacked the UAE.”

The Dubai-based Indian man said there was uncertainty and anxiety in that moment, as people checked news alerts and tried to understand what was happening. However, instead of chaos, the UAE authorities responded quickly and calmly.

‘UAE kicked into gear immediately’

“The UAE kicked into gear immediately,” Gagerna said in his LinkedIn post yesterday. The senior manager of growth and product at Confidential said that within a short period of time, UAE authorities set up a dedicated waiting area for all affected passengers.

After that, all passengers were given free food and water. Gagerna said that offering refreshments was a simple gesture but it signified something bigger.

“And then – free refreshments started coming around. Water. Food. A simple gesture that said: we see you, you’re not stranded, we’ve got this,” he wrote.

And finally, the most significant detail — UAE authorities began issuing emergency visas on the spot.

‘No chaos. Instant humanity’

Tushar Gagerna described the leadership style as “organised” and “calm” with clear communication. He said that in the middle of a geopolitical crisis, with airspace shutting down and flights grounded, the UAE ensured that visitors had one less thing to worry about.

“Think about that for a second. In the middle of a geopolitical crisis, with airspace shutting down and flights grounded – the UAE was actively making sure that visitors who had no plan to stay, who had no hotel booked, who were just passing through – were legally covered, safe, and documented,” he wrote.

“Not chaos. Not bureaucracy. Instant humanity. This is what separates world-class nations from the rest,” said Gagerna.

He argued that what makes a country “world-class” isn’t just infrastructure or wealth, but how it behaves under pressure. “It’s not just the skyscrapers. Not just the tax-free salaries. Not just the safety record. It’s how a country responds under pressure,” he said.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/not-just-tax-free-salaries-indian-expat-praises-uae-s-response-to-iranian-missile-attacks-101772415173307.html

CM said the blast claimed mostly women and SC community members who had come for daily wage work to support their families.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday evening visited the injured victims at Government General Hospital (GGH) in Kakinada following the devastating explosion at Suryashree Fireworks unit in Vetlapalem village, Samalkot Mandal, Kakinada district and announced an exgratia of Rs 20 lakhs to each family of the victims.

He also announced suspension of four senior district officials. He said the blast claimed mostly women and SC community members who had come for daily wage work to support their families.

Naidu, who rushed from Vizianagaram after reviewing the situation with senior officials, consoled the grieving kin and assured comprehensive government support. “The government stands firmly with the affected families,” he said, announcing ex gratia of Rs 20 lakh per deceased family from state funds. The Centre has separately declared Rs 2 lakh per family.

Expressing outrage over negligence by local officials, Naidu announced the immediate suspension of four key officers, RDO, DSP, District Labour Officer, and Fire Officer. “Post-inquiry, action will extend to all responsible parties,” he added.

Addressing the media at GGH, Naidu called the firecracker incident “highly unfortunate and heart-wrenching. So far, 20 have died; nine remain critical, with two narrowly escaping. Among victims 12 SC members and nine women,” he said.

“This is the second such event recently,” he noted, vowing prevention measures. “We will conduct a thorough inquiry, fix responsibility, and ensure no recurrences,” said Naidu.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/andhra-pradesh/kakinada-blast-andhra-cm-vows-justice-after-visiting-victims-four-officials-suspended-3915807

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma initiated the BJP’s Jan Ashirwad Yatra in Dhekiajuli, marking the start of a significant campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday launched the BJP’s massive public outreach programme, the Jan Ashirwad Yatra, from the premises of Gupteshwar Temple in Dhekiajuli, marking the beginning of an intensive campaign ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. Standing atop an open vehicle as the procession began, Sarma said he was “seeking the blessings of the people of Assam,” signaling the start of what the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) describes as a large-scale mobilisation drive to highlight its governance record.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by state BJP president Dilip Saikia and Union Minister Pabitra Margherita.Party leaders said the first phase of the yatra will run from February 28 to March 9, covering 34 Assembly constituencies before concluding in Rangiya.

According to party plans, the Chief Minister will interact with nearly one lakh people each day, traveling 70 to 80 kilometres daily to showcase the government’s work over the last five years, including initiatives in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and welfare delivery. The BJP, which has governed the state for the past decade, is aiming for a third consecutive term in power.

Party strategists view Assam as a crucial political gateway to the Northeast, where Sarma has played a key role in building alliances with regional forces, strengthening the party’s footprint across the region.