The Times of India

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

TechGig launches She Builds the Future: Power, Presence & Progress, a virtual leadership summit on March 7-8, 2026. The event features global women leaders discussing leadership in AI, automation, and hybrid work, focusing on building high-performance teams and driving business outcomes. An exclusive podcast on March 16th will explore women's roles in the AI shift.

India extended condolences on Iran's Supreme Leader's passing while PM Modi engaged Gulf leaders amid rising regional tensions. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar filed for Rajya Sabha, signaling a leadership shift. Indian markets surged as global sentiment improved.

India has formally expressed condolences for the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, with the Foreign Secretary visiting the Iranian Embassy. Amidst escalating regional tensions, Prime Minister Modi has engaged in extensive diplomatic outreach, speaking with leaders of several Gulf nations and Israel. These discussions focused on regional security and the welfare of the large Indian diaspora.

A 16th-century bronze statue of Saint Tirumankai Alvar, taken from a Tamil Nadu temple, is returning to India from the UK. Acquired by the Ashmolean Museum in 1967, its provenance became questionable after a 2019 discovery. Following an investigation and a formal claim by India, the museum has agreed to its repatriation, highlighting a commitment to ethical collections.

Vehicle owners can now rejoice as hypothecation removal from registration certificates becomes automatic post-loan repayment. The road transport ministry's new online system, launched with select banks and NBFCs, eliminates manual visits to RTOs. This seamless process, leveraging RBI's ULI, ensures real-time data exchange, simplifying loan closure for citizens.

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.

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.

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.

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.