The Times of India

Tragedy struck the Surajkund Mela in Faridabad Saturday evening when a swing ride collapsed, killing a police inspector and injuring thirteen others. The brave officer lost his life attempting to rescue people as the ride tilted. Authorities have vowed swift action against the operator, with an FIR to be registered.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated the organization wasn't formed in opposition to any group and doesn't seek power or popularity. He highlighted over 1.3 lakh service projects by volunteers nationwide, funded by their own resources. Bhagwat also touched upon the challenging early life of RSS founder K.B. Hedgewar and his involvement in revolutionary activities during India's freedom struggle.

In an ambitious push for development, Delhi's municipal commissioner now wields expanded financial authority, increasing from Rs 5 crore to a hefty Rs 50 crore. This significant change, spearheaded by the Delhi government, aims to cut through bureaucratic red tape, ensuring that essential projects for roads, sanitation, and civic amenities are launched and completed swiftly.

Devotional music concerts are experiencing a surge in popularity, attracting younger audiences with their blend of spiritual chants and contemporary arrangements. These gatherings offer a unique, immersive experience, fostering community and emotional grounding amidst urban life. Prime Minister Modi even highlighted this growing trend, calling it 'bhajan-clubbing,' as traditional practices find new relevance.

A significant protest is under way in Rajasthan over the felling of the khejri tree. Communities are demanding stronger protection for the state tree, alleging that it is being cut to make way for solar power projects. Political leaders across parties have joined the movement, drawing attention to the trees cultural and ecological significance. In an arid landscape where survival is closely tied to ecology, the debate in western Rajasthan now extends beyond development to questions of history, i

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the strong cultural and emotional ties between India and Malaysia during his interaction with the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur. He praised the community for preserving traditions and acknowledged Malaysia's significant Indian-origin population as a living bridge. Modi also emphasised the global importance of the Tamil language and culture.

Opposition leaders are raising concerns over the India-US Interim Trade Agreement. They claim the government has compromised national interests. Worries are focused on the impact on farmers, tariffs, and oil imports. Leaders suggest the deal could lead to unrest as its full implications become clear. The agreement is part of broader trade negotiations.

Sonia Gandhi has opposed a criminal revision petition against her, labelling it politically motivated and an abuse of law. She argued that citizenship and electoral roll matters, dating back four decades, cannot be criminalised. Her response, filed in court, asserts the complainant's accusations are based on speculation, not authentic records, and urges dismissal of the plea.

A US trade representative's map, released alongside an interim trade agreement framework, correctly depicts the entirety of Jammu and Kashmir and Aksai Chin as part of India. This marks a departure from previous US maps and aligns with India's stance, potentially signaling a shift in US policy towards Pakistan and China.

PM Modi, at Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, urged students to find balance between academics and skills, emphasizing life and professional skills are intertwined. He encouraged pursuing gaming as a skill, drawing from Indian stories, but warned against gambling. Collaborative learning and prioritizing Class XII exams were also highlighted, with a call for parents to trust their children's individual growth.

The Election Commission has granted a one-month extension for filing claims and objections on Uttar Pradesh's draft electoral rolls, now allowing submissions until March 6. This marks the third extension for the state's voter list revision, with the final rolls to be published on April 10.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi advised students at 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' that education is for life, not just exams, emphasizing character and temperament over grades. He encouraged focusing on future goals rather than dwelling on past achievements, urging them to live in the present and plan for what lies ahead.

Purnea MP Pappu Yadav was arrested by Patna Police in connection with a 1995 case, expressing fears for his safety and demanding to be taken directly to court. He questioned the police's methods and the timing of the arrest. The MP was later admitted to hospital due to health concerns.

India's exports to China surged 37% to $14.2 billion in April-December, with December shipments jumping 67%. Imports, however, rose 13.5% to nearly $96 billion during the same period. The government highlighted that most Chinese imports are capital and intermediate goods, crucial for India's expanding electronics, pharma, and telecom sectors.

Iran reaffirms its commitment to the Chabahar port and cooperation with India, despite US sanctions uncertainty. While a recent budget showed no allocation, India has fulfilled its $120 million commitment and maintains a $250 million credit line for future development. Iran's ambassador highlighted the port's strategic importance for regional access and expressed confidence in India's management of the situation.

The Supreme Court sternly criticized the Jan Suraaj Party for challenging Bihar's assembly elections, questioning their motive after a significant electoral defeat. Justices noted the party's failure to win any seats and suggested their petition aimed at gaining popularity. The court emphasized that economic policy issues are for voters to address, not judicial annulment of elections.

Top commanders from Pakistan-based terror groups JeM and LeT have issued direct threats against India and global powers during rallies coinciding with 'Kashmir Solidarity Day'. Speeches incited violence, calling for jihad and targeting major Indian cities like Delhi and Agra. Intelligence agencies are on high alert for potential cross-border attacks.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Arvind Kumar, a former resolution professional for Richa Industries Ltd., on charges of collusion, asset siphoning, and money laundering during insolvency proceedings. This marks the first such arrest of an RP by an enforcement agency. The ED's investigation revealed unexplained cash deposits and illicit fund transfers linked to the company's original bank fraud.

The Union government has rejected the Supreme Court's suggestion to introduce a Romeo-Juliet clause for genuine adolescent relationships under the Pocso Act. Citing child safety concerns, the government stated that diluting the age of consent would increase exploitation risks and undermine child protection efforts.

Himachal Pradesh government has approached the Supreme Court. They are challenging a High Court ruling. The ruling prevented the withdrawal of 65 cases against politicians. These cases involve non-serious offenses. The government believes withdrawing these cases serves public interest. The Supreme Court has issued a notice and will hear the matter further.

NEET PG cut-off reduction to zero in 2023 disproportionately benefited private medical colleges, especially for clinical specialties. General category candidates saw the largest gains, with a significant portion of these seats going to them. The analysis highlights admissions with extremely low scores, raising questions about data completeness.

Commuters using partially operational expressways like Delhi-Mumbai will now pay the same toll as normal national highways. This relief, effective for one year or until full operationalization, addresses concerns that higher tolls deterred usage of incomplete stretches. The decision aims to boost traffic on these corridors.

Over 50 lakh highway car users have embraced the FASTag Annual Pass in six months, facilitating 26.5 crore toll payments. This scheme has spurred a 50% surge in trips for frequent travelers, with 28% of car transactions now utilizing the pass. Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi lead in adoption, paving the way for barrier-less toll collection.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presented a Rs 1.27-lakh crore budget for 2026-27, addressing challenges from recent attacks and floods. The budget includes provisions for emergency hospitals, bullet-proof ambulances, fee waivers for economically weaker students, and support for orphans and disabled individuals. Opposition leaders criticized the budget, calling it uninspiring and a repackaging of central schemes.

Seven Naxals, including top leader Prabhakar with a Rs 25 lakh bounty, were killed in an encounter with Maharashtra police in Gadchiroli. The operation, launched three days ago, also resulted in the death of a special force jawan, Deepak Chinna Madavi, while another jawan is out of danger. The anti-Naxal operation is ongoing.

India's tourism landscape is rapidly evolving beyond beaches and hills. A new generation is flocking to spiritual and heritage sites like Ayodhya and Varanasi, driven by religious revival, infrastructure growth, and social media influence. These destinations are now vibrant, year-round hubs attracting diverse travellers seeking cultural immersion and authentic experiences.

A suicide blast at a crowded Shia Imambargah in Islamabad killed at least 31 people and injured over 160 during Friday prayers. Meanwhile, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's son stated no leadership change is expected.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta noted that Delhi's transport agencies have historically functioned in silos, with limited coordination in route planning, infrastructure development and service delivery.

A gas leak at a factory in Sarigam, Valsad district, Gujarat, has led to four people being hospitalised. The incident that occurred at Cynax Metachem, caused eye irritation. Authorities quickly contained the leak and cordoned off the area. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the gas release.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union government for denying facts surrounding former Army chief General MM Naravanes memoir. Kharge accused the government of evading questions on national security and China, leading to an Opposition walkout from Rajya Sabha.

A political row erupted in Parliament over Rahul Gandhi quoting former Army Chief General MM Naravane's memoir. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the government's decision to keep the Henderson Brooks-Bhagat report on the 1962 war classified. He stated the report is a sensitive defence document and should not be used for political purposes.

SC rejected Bengal govts defence it lacked funds and said it is not open for the State to shirk its responsibility of paying DA on account of financial difficulty, given that it is an obligation arising out of a statute of its own creation. SC said the least that is expected of a State in a democracy is that it honours its obligations and commitments arising from a legislation or judicial decisions, for such obligations are not discretionary.

Possibility of a re-unification grew stronger after Pawar Senior took the lead to minimise tension within the family when he went to meet Sunetra and her sons at their Baramati residence for the second consecutive day on Thursday. Some senior NCP members, including Patel and state chief Sunil Tatkare, have refuted Sharad Pawars claim that his nephew had initiated steps for NCPs merger.

India and Malaysia have an extradition treaty, but the case, as Malaysia maintains, will be resolved based on judicial consideration. The official said that Modi and his counterpart Anwar Ibrahim will review progress under the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, especially in priority areas of cooperation such as trade, investments, defence, security, semiconductors, digital technologies, renewable energy, education, healthcare, and people-to-people exchanges.