The Times of India

India faces a critical gap in tracking nearly 6 lakh babies born annually with congenital anomalies, as these conditions increasingly contribute to child mortality. To address this, Smile Train India and Birth Defects Research Foundation launched BIND, advocating for a National Birth Anomalies Registry to improve data, identify risk factors, and guide health planning for better prevention and care.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has formed the committee of privileges. This important panel will examine complaints of breach of privilege. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad will lead the 15-member committee. The panel includes members from both the ruling NDA and opposition parties. A complaint against Rahul Gandhi is pending Speaker's decision.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has strongly condemned the US-Israel's actions against Iran, calling for immediate international intervention to secure a ceasefire. The board expressed sorrow over the reported martyrdom of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, and highlighted that targeting leadership and advocating regime change violates international law.

Karnataka's Congress government is reconsidering its decision to fill 56,432 government posts without internal reservation for Scheduled Castes. Following pressure from SC communities and ministers, the cabinet will discuss introducing pro-rata internal reservation within the existing 15% SC quota.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, is reportedly set to enter politics, marking a shift from his father's stance against dynastic succession. This move comes amid growing internal party pressure and concerns about leadership transition, with Nishant seen as a potential link to traditional JDU supporters.

Move To Cement Party President's Presence In National Politics

The BJP criticized Sonia Gandhi's remarks on the government's response to Iran's leader's death, recalling his past support for secessionist forces in Kashmir. The party stated that diplomacy requires restraint and respect for sovereignty, not appeasement. They also pointed out the UPA's silence on Muammar Gaddafi's death in 2011.

Iran has targeted three Amazon data centers in the UAE and Bahrain with drone strikes, causing widespread disruptions to cloud services and banking across West Asia. This marks a significant escalation, with critical infrastructure now including data centers. Repairs are expected to be lengthy, impacting regional markets and air travel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has signaled a strategic shift in India's export policy, moving from cost competitiveness to quality-driven growth. He urged industries to scale up research, adopt global standards, and align with emerging supply chains to become a trusted manufacturing partner in a reshaped global trade landscape.

India expresses deep anxiety over the escalating West Asia conflict, highlighting the critical stakes for nearly one crore Indian nationals in the Gulf and the potential economic repercussions. The Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned attacks on merchant shipping, noting the loss of Indian lives and emphasizing the need for restraint and dialogue.

Prime Minister Modi engaged with leaders of Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, condemning Iranian attacks and reaffirming India's commitment to regional peace. These discussions, completing talks with all GCC nations, highlighted India's focus on protecting its diaspora and ensuring stability. Modi stressed dialogue and diplomacy for restoring harmony and thanked leaders for their support to the Indian community.

A special NIA court has issued a letter rogatory to China seeking assistance in tracing the supply chain of a GoPro camera seized in the Pahalgam terror attack case. The camera, activated in China, is crucial for establishing pre-attack reconnaissance and the movement of the Pakistani terror module.

Curtains Come Down On 777 Foreign-Made Wristwatches Smuggling Case

Thirty-eight Indian-flagged ships, carrying crude and LNG with nearly 1,100 seafarers, are stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the West Asia conflict. Three Indian sailors died and one was injured on foreign-flagged vessels in recent attacks off Oman. Shipping authorities are prioritizing seafarer safety and maritime asset security.

NIA has requested China's assistance to identify the buyer of a GoPro camera, crucial evidence in a Lashkar-e-Taiba attack. Activated in Dongguan, China, the camera's origin is vital for tracing terrorist reconnaissance and operational links. This move highlights international cooperation efforts in combating terror.

The Congress party has unveiled its initial list of 42 candidates for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, launching its campaign early. Key figures like Gaurav Gogoi and Debabrata Saikia will contest from Jorhat and Nazira respectively, as the party seeks to regain power after a significant hiatus.

Namakkal, one of Indias major egg production and trading hubs, regularly supplies large quantities to overseas buyers. But the Middle East conflict has left exporters struggling to meet commitments and manage inventory.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the Sultan of Oman and the Crown Prince of Kuwait. Discussions focused on escalating Middle East tensions and the safety of Indians in these nations. India is actively engaging with Gulf partners. The nation prioritizes the well-being of its citizens abroad. India calls for restraint and de-escalation in the region.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has moved most Indian students to safer areas outside the city. This action follows heightened risks due to ongoing US-Iran tensions. The embassy is providing transportation, food, and accommodation. Other Indian nationals in Iran are advised to stay indoors and avoid protests. Emergency helplines are active as the security situation is closely monitored.

Middle East tensions are set to inflate your grocery bills, with prices for dal, dry fruits, and sweets potentially soaring up to 30%. Disruptions to trade routes and rising freight charges are impacting supply chains linked to Iran, Israel, and the US. While rice might offer some relief, expect your favorite comfort foods and kitchen staples to become significantly costlier.

Tragic news from the Middle East as three Indian seafarers lost their lives and one was injured in recent incidents involving foreign-flagged vessels. Amidst escalating US-Iran tensions, maritime authorities are urging extreme caution, enhanced security, and thorough risk assessments for all voyages in the region. The remaining crew are safe, with authorities coordinating support.

India's measured response to Iran's supreme leader's assassination, focusing on regional de-escalation, has sparked domestic criticism. While condemning Iranian strikes on Gulf allies, New Delhi has avoided direct condemnation of the killing, prioritizing national interests like energy security and diaspora welfare. This stance contrasts with past criticisms of Iran's internal affairs.

Middle East tensions could temporarily disrupt India's global capability center (GCC) growth. While immediate investments might pause due to uncertainty, experts suggest companies may eventually shift operations to India for greater stability. This could position India as a key beneficiary, though prolonged conflict impacting oil prices poses a risk to global tech spending and India's GCC ambitions.

India is the worlds fastest growing major economy and a fast-growing consumer of oil. Its vulnerability to supply shocks stems from the relatively small reserves and strategic oil reserves.

Amidst rising geopolitical tensions, investors are flocking to safe-haven assets like gold and silver ETFs. Experts suggest a higher allocation to gold for stability, with silver playing a complementary role. While gold ETFs offer primary protection, silver's industrial demand makes it more volatile. A 10-15% portfolio allocation to precious metals is advised.

Qatar remains Indias largest LNG supplier - it accounts for nearly half of the countrys imports last year, based on vessel-tracking information. Qatar remains Indias largest LNG supplier - it accounts for nearly half of the countrys imports last year.

The Sensex plunged by more than 1,000 points, slipping below the 81,000 mark for the first time in over a month. The Nifty 50 also dropped sharply, losing upwards of 300 points and falling beneath the crucial 25,000 support level.

India's medical colleges are set for a digital transformation in their assessment. The National Medical Commission is now prioritizing online verification of clinical work over traditional inspections. Colleges must submit Health Facility Registry IDs and details on their hospital software integration with national digital health platforms.

The geopolitical strain has pushed up global oil and gas prices. For India, which relies heavily on imports, this surge translates into a higher import bill and adds to inflationary pressures. India depends on overseas purchases for almost 90 per cent of its crude oil needs.

Sonia Gandhi criticized the Modi government's silence on Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's assassination, calling it an 'abdication' and 'tacit endorsement.' She argued India's lack of a clear response, especially after PM Modi's recent Israel visit, raises doubts about its foreign policy's credibility and direction.

Asian stocks tumbled Tuesday amid escalating Iran tensions, impacting regional energy supplies. Japan's Nikkei and South Korea's Kospi saw significant drops, with energy and defense shares hit hard. Oil prices climbed, while US airline stocks faced pressure from rising fuel costs and potential travel disruptions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has surpassed 30 million YouTube subscribers, solidifying his status as the world's most followed leader on the platform. This digital milestone follows his Instagram achievement of over 100 million followers. His significant online presence extends to X, where he boasts a substantial following, underscoring his extensive global digital outreach.

Gold and silver prices surged on Monday due to escalating Middle East geopolitical tensions, with gold reaching Rs 1.66 lakh per 10 grams and silver Rs 2.86 lakh per kg. Experts predict further record highs if the conflict persists, driven by gold's safe-haven status. Investors are capitalizing on price dips to accumulate despite the rally.

Dalal Street investors lost Rs 6.6 lakh crore as escalating West Asian war triggered a sharp fall in stock markets. The Sensex closed 1.3% lower at 80,239 points, reflecting heightened geopolitical risks and investor uncertainty. Foreign funds led the selling, with outflows reaching nearly Rs 3,300 crore.

Prime Minister Modi condemned military strikes on UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, signaling disapproval of Iran's actions without naming the country. He also spoke with Israeli and Jordanian leaders, emphasizing peace and the well-being of the Indian diaspora. India's stance reflects its strategic alignment with GCC countries for energy security and diaspora welfare.

A total lunar eclipse, also known as Chandra Grahan, will occur on March 3, 2026, coinciding with the Hindu festival of Holi. This 'Blood Moon' event will be visible in India, with the latter part of the eclipse occurring around moonrise.

The Home Ministry has established two new empowered committees in West Bengal to expedite citizenship applications under the CAA, bringing the total to four. These panels will finalize citizenship grants for persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who arrived before December 31, 2014.

Saudi Arabia significantly boosted crude oil supplies to India in February, nearly matching Russia's top position. This surge, the highest in six years, reflects a shift by refiners away from some Russian volumes. However, ongoing Gulf disruptions may force India to seek alternative import routes, potentially altering the supply landscape.

Delhi High Court has revived disciplinary proceedings against IRS officer Sameer Wankhede concerning drugs seized in a 2021 case. This decision overturns a previous relief granted by the Central Administrative Tribunal. The proceedings relate to allegations of Wankhede threatening to implicate actor Shah Rukh Khan's son in the Cordelia cruise drug bust.