The Times of India

India's decision to withdraw its updated seismic zonation map and earthquake design code has alarmed experts, who fear it weakens national preparedness for major seismic events. The revised framework, which placed the entire Himalayan arc in the highest risk zone, was seen as a crucial step in enhancing disaster resilience and ensuring safer construction practices against devastating earthquakes.

Congress criticizes the Modi government, calling Prime Minister Modi's actions cowardly after the US Treasury Secretary praised India for agreeing to halt Russian oil imports. The party also attacked the government over rising LPG prices, highlighting a contradiction with the Petroleum Minister's earlier statement on affordable fuel.

India's Chips to Startups programme is training engineers in semiconductor design. Students from 315 institutions are gaining hands-on experience. The government plans to expand this initiative to 500 institutions. This aims to build a strong talent pipeline for the growing global semiconductor industry. The programme is part of India's larger semiconductor mission.

Opposition-ruled states are fiercely criticizing the central government over surging LPG prices. West Bengal's Chief Minister urged women to protest on Women's Day against the hike and voter list deletions. Karnataka's CM blamed PM Modi's foreign policy for the price rise, demanding his resignation. Jharkhand's JMM spokesperson pointed to strained ties with Russia as a contributing factor.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the West Bengal government for disrespecting constitutional office and tribal communities after President Droupadi Murmu expressed disappointment over her reception and event organization. Modi called the incident shameful and unprecedented, highlighting the insult to the President and the casual treatment of Santal culture. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of political maneuvering.

Women relying on morning-after pills face health risks, doctors warn. Frequent use disrupts hormonal balance and menstrual cycles, with potential long-term reproductive health impacts. These pills are for emergencies, not routine contraception, and do not protect against STIs. Experts urge considering more reliable birth control methods if frequent use is needed.

Domestic LPG cylinders will now cost Rs 60 more, reaching Rs 913 in Delhi, while commercial prices saw a Rs 114.5 increase. This hike, attributed to global energy market pressures and the West Asia conflict, comes despite government efforts to shield households. Ujjwala beneficiaries will pay Rs 613, with a Rs 300 subsidy.

India's ascent is unstoppable, driven by its own strength, not others' missteps, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserted. He confirmed India granted humanitarian docking to Iranian ship IRIS LAVAN in Kochi following technical issues, days before another Iranian warship was sunk. Jaishankar emphasized India's role as a security provider in the Indian Ocean, guided by humanitarian principles.

Congress believes the removal notice against Speaker Om Birla sends a strong message about the undermining of the opposition under BJP rule. The opposition is buoyed by TMC's support for the no-confidence motion, aiming to show a vertically divided Lok Sabha and highlight an unequal parliamentary battle.

An Assistant Sub-Inspector, Jagjit Singh, was tragically beaten to death in his native village near Amritsar following a personal dispute. The altercation reportedly began when relatives of his son's girlfriend raised objections, escalating into a violent scuffle where the ASI was struck with iron rods. Five suspects have been apprehended, with police continuing efforts to locate others involved.

Inter-state vehicle transfers are set to become significantly easier as the government plans to eliminate the need for No Objection Certificates (NOCs). A NITI Aayog committee recommended an auto-generated clearance system, leveraging the centralized VAHAN database. This reform will greatly benefit vehicle owners relocating between states, streamlining the registration process.

Indians in Qatar and Bahrain are seeking Saudi transit visas as a backup plan due to flight cancellations. With airports in Doha and Bahrain largely shut, many are preparing for overland journeys to Saudi Arabia or Oman. This comes amid ongoing regional tensions, prompting a need for alternative travel routes home.

India is championing women's financial empowerment, with initiatives like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and the NaMo Drone Didi program enabling women to build independent livelihoods. Self-help groups are thriving, offering credit and skills, while entrepreneurship schemes and financial inclusion policies are bringing more women into the economic mainstream, fostering inclusive national development.

Rahul said the entry of large and mechanised American agricultural corporations into the Indian market would put small farmers under severe pressure and could lead to devastation in the agricultural sector. He further alleged that the countrys energy sector had been compromised and claimed that US President Donald Trump had obtained Indian data through the agreement.

The President said she was very sad about the last minute change in the venue and also pointed out how chief minister Mamata Banerjee chose not to meet her, which is against the set norm. Murmu on Saturday said the contributions of the Santals to the country's freedom struggle have not received due recognition, and asserted that the names of several legends belonging to the community were ot deliberately included in history.

The upcoming patent expiry for Ozempic in India is set to dramatically lower the cost of semaglutide, making this once-premium diabetes and weight-loss drug accessible to more patients. This shift could reshape the market, prompting earlier prescriptions and potentially altering societal views on weight management and body acceptance.

Trinamool Congress MPs will now back the no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, a shift from their earlier stance, following party chief Mamata Banerjee's directive. This move intensifies the political battle as the Lok Sabha prepares to vote on March 9. Opposition parties accuse Birla of partisan conduct, jeopardizing the House's proper functioning and the rights of members.

The National Medical Commission is mandating medical colleges to link their hospital systems with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission within 15 days. This move aims to digitize patient records, enabling verification of Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries and weeding out fake entries. It will also allow doctors to access patient medical histories for seamless treatment and improve regulatory oversight of teaching hospitals.

Highway users failing to pay toll charges due to FASTag issues or insufficient balance will receive an e-notice. They will have three days to pay the exact toll, after which double the amount will be charged and vehicle-related services suspended. This measure is crucial for the upcoming multi-lane free flow tolling system.

Congress party has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party stated the US gave India 'permission' to buy Russian oil. This move is seen as a humiliation for India. Congress demands an explanation from the Prime Minister. The US Treasury Secretary confirmed the permission to ease global oil supplies.

The Madras High Court ruled that the principle of equal pay for equal work applies only to employees within the same institution and under identical service conditions. The court clarified that comparisons cannot be made between employees of public sector undertakings and government departments due to differing service rules.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged farmers to make Indian agriculture export-oriented by leveraging the country's diverse climate to boost productivity and farm produce exports. He highlighted the growing global demand for natural and chemical-free products, suggesting this could open up world markets. The government is considering certification and laboratory support for these initiatives.

Mumbai airport received 13 repatriation flights from Fujairah and Dubai on Friday, bringing home Indian travellers. Despite these arrivals, flight disruptions persisted with 73 air traffic movements cancelled. Appeals for urgent support for Indians stranded in the West Asia war situation continue, with families expressing deep worry.

Karnataka is introducing a new alcohol-in-beverage (AIB) based excise duty system from April, becoming the first state to directly link liquor taxation to alcohol content. This reform aims to modernize the system, improve transparency, and simplify pricing, potentially making beer and wine cheaper. The state also plans to promote alcohol tourism and allow 24-hour operations for distilleries and breweries.

The Enforcement Directorate has attached properties worth Rs 441 crore in the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam. The probe, based on an AP CID FIR, uncovered a multi-crore fraud involving manipulation of liquor procurement and distribution, allegedly causing a Rs 3,500 crore loss to the state exchequer. The ED has traced a money trail of Rs 1,048 crore in kickbacks.

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi emphasized the critical need for robust industrial preparedness in modern warfare, citing recent global conflicts that have shattered assumptions of short, decisive wars. He highlighted the imperative for nations to cultivate resilient defense industrial capacities, stressing the importance of large-scale production, continuous technological upgrades, and sufficient surge capacity to meet evolving security challenges.

Goa Cashew Fest 2026, from April 10-12 in Panaji, will highlight feni and cashew products while championing safe driving awareness. Organized by GFDC, the event features discussions on cultivation, production, and rural livelihood support. Efforts to rejuvenate cashew plantations are already showing positive results, increasing cultivation areas.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that left-wing extremism will be completely wiped out by March 31, ending the ambition of a ed corridor from Tirupati to Pashupati. Speaking at CISF's raising day, he lauded security forces for curbing Naxal activities and launched housing projects for the paramilitary force.

Nishant Kumar, son of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, is set to join the JDU on March 8, marking his political debut. Nitish Kumar has affirmed his decision to move to the Rajya Sabha is final and irreversible, assuring party members he will remain involved in Bihar's development. Nishant's entry sparks speculation about his future role within the party or government.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee launched a sit-in protest, accusing the BJP and Election Commission of a conspiracy to disenfranchise voters by removing genuine names from electoral rolls. She highlighted instances of living individuals being declared dead, vowing to expose the alleged plot ahead of the EC's visit and upcoming assembly polls.

Karnataka plans to ban social media for children under 16, aligning with global efforts to curb digital exposure. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the policy, aiming to address concerns over screen addiction and mental health. While welcomed by educators, experts caution about potential FOMO and withdrawal, urging careful implementation and support for children.

Days before the sinking of IRIS Dena, India granted permission for the Iranian ship IRIS Lavan to dock at Kochi port due to technical issues. This decision, made on March 1, allowed IRIS Lavan and its 183 crew members to safely shelter, avoiding the fate of IRIS Dena which was sunk by a US submarine.

The BJP highlighted a substantial decrease in India's crude oil imports from Iran during the UPA era, which secured the nation an exemption from US sanctions. This revelation came as a response to Congress's criticism of the current government's oil dealings with Russia. Communications from former US Secretaries of State John Kerry and Hillary Clinton confirmed these significant reductions.

Congress has accused Prime Minister Modi of being lackmailed by the US, citing American permission for Indian refiners to buy Russian oil. Party leaders claim India's strategic autonomy and sovereignty are threatened, with Rahul Gandhi asserting foreign policy should stem from India's ethos, not a compromised individual's actions.

Two IAF pilots, Squadron Leader Anuj Vashishth and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, were killed when their Su-30MKI jet crashed in Assam's Karbi Anglong district during a training sortie. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat airbase and lost contact shortly after. Duragkar was known for his participation in Operation Sindoor last year.

A Bangladeshi national walks free after 21 years in jail for murder. The Calcutta High Court ruled he was a minor when the crime occurred. Another convict from Birbhum district also gained freedom after 14 years on similar grounds. The court emphasized juvenile justice laws.

The Bombay High Court ruled that religious symbols in a home do not prove conversion to Christianity, emphasizing the need for documentary evidence like baptism certificates. The court set aside a caste scrutiny committee's decision, which had denied a Scheduled Caste certificate based on such inferences, and directed its issuance.

AIIMS graduate Anuj Agnihotri has clinched the top spot in the Civil Services Examination 2025, with 958 candidates recommended for various services. Medical, engineering, law, and commerce graduates once again dominated the prestigious exam. Rajeshwari Suve secured the second rank, followed by Ekansh Dhull at third.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized self-reliance as crucial for navigating global uncertainty, citing supply chain realignments and rising maritime activities. He highlighted India's growing domestic defence production, which surpassed Rs 1.5 lakh crore in FY24-25, with exports reaching Rs 24,000 crore. Singh also stressed the importance of technological dynamism and private sector participation in achieving defence 'atmanirbharta'.

The National Commission for Women is launching nationwide 'Mahila Jan Sunwais' in 500 districts across 25 states until March 14. This initiative aims to resolve approximately 15,000 complaints, with a focus on domestic violence and dowry harassment. NCW chief Vijaya Rahatkar will lead hearings in five states lacking commission chairpersons, bringing support directly to women in distress.

The highway developers said they anticipated an increase in transportation cost on the back of increase in diesel price and rising input material costs are expected to escalate transportation expenses. They also suggested NHAI to reduce the price indexation lag from three months to one month to better reflect real-time market conditions and prevent under-compensation to contractors.

Just days before the Iranian warship IRIS Dena was sunk by a US strike, India provided urgent assistance to another Iranian vessel, IRIS Lavan. The ship, facing technical issues, was granted emergency docking at Kochi port on March 1st and arrived on March 4th. Its 183 crew members are currently housed at Indian naval facilities.

Lok Sabha will debate a rare motion to remove Speaker Om Birla on Monday, with 118 opposition MPs backing the notice. Allegations include partisan conduct and silencing dissent. The resolution requires 50 MPs to stand in support to proceed. Both BJP and Congress have issued whips for MPs to attend.

Janata Dal (United) leaders expressed pain over Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's move to Delhi as a Rajya Sabha MP, but he reassured them, stating main hoon na and clearing the path for his son Nishant's political debut. Party lawmakers were assured of his continued guidance for Bihar. This decision follows Nitish's Rajya Sabha nomination alongside Amit Shah.

He questioned the Union govts silence on the sinking of Irans warship IRIS Dena.