The Times of India

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A significant gubernatorial reshuffle has seen R N Ravi appointed as West Bengal's new governor, replacing C V Ananda Bose. This move, occurring just before state elections, has drawn sharp criticism from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Taranjit Singh Sandhu is set to become the new L-G of Delhi, among other key appointments across various states and Union Territories.

The Supreme Court has strongly condemned government authorities and litigants for routinely defying court orders and resorting to delayed appeals when facing contempt. Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan emphasized that such practices erode public faith in the judiciary, urging strict action against disobedient parties, especially state entities, to uphold the rule of law.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the conflict and the sinking of an Iranian warship. They accused the government of surrendering strategic sovereignty and undoing India's foreign policy, particularly concerning oil imports and the safety of Indian citizens in the Gulf region.

India and Finland emphasized that ending the Russia-Ukraine war is crucial for global stability and called for UN reform. Both nations agreed to support a just peace in Ukraine through diplomacy. A new Migration and Mobility Agreement was signed, fostering cooperation in technology, defense, and critical minerals, strengthening bilateral ties and global supply chains.

A Srinagar court has rejected the Enforcement Directorate's bid to add charges against Dr. Farooq Abdullah and others in the JKCA scam. While the ED cannot join the existing CBI case, the court found prima facie evidence of criminal conspiracy and breach of trust.

Jammu and Kashmir authorities are coordinating with the Centre to bring back students, primarily medical students, stranded in Iran. Officials are facilitating peaceful expressions of condolences while urging against exploiting the situation. Internet services have been restricted in Kashmir ahead of planned protests. Efforts are underway to evacuate students to safer locations within Iran before flying them home.

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.