India News Updates: Court rejects Engineer Rashid's custody parole plea to attend Parliament

Government of India has extended the "Free" Import policy of Urad for one year until 31 March 2026. Notification below, posts Embassy of India in Yangon, Myanmar

In a tweet, EAM Dr. Jaishankar wrote, Pleased to welcome FM Ararat Mirzoyan of Armenia this evening in Delhi. Productive discussions on advancing trade, investment, education, connectivity, mobility & culture. Also shared perspectives on the recent global and regional developments

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Imphal made its first port call at Port Louis, Mauritius, in preparation for the 57th Mauritius National Day celebrations on March 12. The ship, continuing the tradition of Indian naval participation in the event, will showcase a marching contingent, a naval band, and a helicopter flypast during the National Day Parade at Champs de Mars, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the Chief Guest. From March 10-14, INS Imphal will engage in various activities such as training, cultural exchanges, friendly sports events, and community outreach. These initiatives aim to strengthen the bilateral relationship and enhance maritime security cooperation between India and Mauritius, including joint surveillance and exercises with Mauritius Coast Guard ships.

Sky News reports that a tragic collision in the North Sea has resulted in 32 casualties off the coast of the UK

President Droupadi Murmu graced the convocation ceremony of Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana. The President urged students to adopt the mindset of generating employment instead of the mindset of getting employment. As an entrepreneur, they could find solutions to social problems through their innovative ideas and contribute to the progress of society, tweets President Droupadi Murmu

An encounter occurred between police and naxals in Kanha National Park, Mandla, where the body of one naxal was found. SP Mandla Rajat Saklecha reported that, based on information about the presence of naxals, police and security teams entered the forest. An exchange of gunfire ensued with 18-20 naxals, leading to the recovery of a naxal's body. Two supporters of the naxals were arrested, and a search operation is currently underway.

NCP-SCP MLA Rohit Pawar criticized the Maharashtra Budget, calling it misleading and claiming it offered nothing for the common people, farmers, women, students, or youth. He further pointed out that during elections, promises were made, including advance payments, but now even the promised Rs 1500 payments are delayed. He also mentioned that the government had promised a Rs 2100 monthly payout under the "Laadki Scheme" but has yet to address it.

Kannada actress Ranya Rao appeared before the Economic Offences Court after completing her three-day custody with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). Rao was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle 14.2 kg of gold on her person while returning from Dubai. The DRI has suggested that she was part of a smuggling syndicate during the process of seeking her custody before a special court.

Syria's defense ministry announced the conclusion of its military operation along the coast on Monday, following several days of intense violence, including mass killings and deadly clashes. Defense ministry spokesperson Hassan Abdul Ghani confirmed that security forces had successfully neutralized security cells and regime remnants in towns across the Latakia and Tartus provinces, leading to the operation's end.

During the presentation of the State Budget today, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis assured that the funds for the "Ladki Bahin" scheme have not been reduced. Fadnavis says, "Everyone will get their money. We have kept the money for the scheme as per trends of need. If more finance is needed for the scheme, we can make another provision for it. We will fulfil our promise of providing Rs. 2100 per month to our sisters."

A part of a building in Mahavir Enclave collapsed, and one person has been rescued and taken to the hospital. The rescue operation is ongoing, according to Delhi Fire Services (DFS).

A fire broke out at a firecracker shop in the Ranka police station area, claiming the lives of five people, including three minors. Firecrackers were stored outside the shop, and when the fire started, the children and shop owner rushed inside in panic, resulting in suffocation, as per initial reports. The bodies have been moved to the hospital for postmortem, and the district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Shekhar Jamuar, is taking necessary steps to provide ex gratia to the affected families.

India News Live: DMK workers protest in Coimbatore over Union Education Minister's remarks on PM SHRI Scheme

DMK workers staged a protest in Coimbatore following Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's statement accusing the Tamil Nadu government of being "dishonest" regarding the implementation of the PM SHRI scheme. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had said, "DMK are dishonest. They are not committed to the students of Tamil Nadu. They are ruining the future of Tamil Nadu students. Their only job is to raise language barriers. They are doing politics. They are doing mischief. They are undemocratic and uncivilised..."

Domestic flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport from next month; 85% work done, trials successfully conducted, says Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra Finance Minister Ajit Pawar announced in the assembly during his budget speech that a night landing facility will soon be available at Shirdi airport.

Third airport for Mumbai proposed near Vadhvan port, Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train station will be near port, says Ajit Pawar in assembly

Regarding the DMK's stance on the three-language policy in Parliament, Tamil Nadu BJP Vice President Narayanan Thirupathy says "The two-language policy is only in govt schools in Tamil Nadu. The state govt is not helping the government school students. DMK was exposed by the Union Education Minister in Parliament today."

India News Live: India and Kyrgyzstan launch joint military exercise Khanjar-XII to boost special forces cooperation

The opening ceremony of the Joint Military Exercise Khanjar-XII, involving the special forces of India and Kyrgyzstan, took place in Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan. The exercise, which will run from March 10 to March 23, 2025, aims to improve the interoperability of both countries' special forces, with a focus on joint operations in urban warfare, counter-terrorism strategies, and precision sniping, all conducted within the framework of a United Nations mandate.

While presenting the state budget for 2025/26, Maharashtra Deputy CM and Finance Minister, Ajit Pawar, highlighted that Maharashtra is the leading state in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India. During the Davos meeting, the state signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 56 companies worth approximately Rs 15.72 lakh crore, expected to create 16 lakh jobs. Maharashtra contributes 15.4% to the nation's GDP. To further boost growth, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will be developed into a key growth hub, with plans for seven business centers across the region.

Mumbai Metropolitan Region being developed as growth hub, it will have USD 1.5 trillion economy by 2047, says Ajit Pawar presenting state budget in Maharashtra state assembly

I am presenting the budget for the financial year 2025/26. Maharashtra will be number one in fulfilling the Prime Minister's dream of developed India by 2047. Maharashtra is number one in foreign direct investment. In Davos, Maharashtra signed MoUs with 56 companies worth Rs 15.72 lakh crore, which will provide employment to 16 lakh people, says Maharashtra Finance Minister Ajit Pawar

Bihar BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul has stirred controversy with his remarks urging Muslims to remain indoors during Holi, which coincides with a Friday in the holy month of Ramazan this year.

Speaking to reporters at the Vidhan Sabha premises, the Bisfi constituency legislator said that since there are 52 Fridays in a year, Muslims should not object to Holi festivities falling on one of them.

"I appeal to Muslims to let Hindus celebrate their festival without disruptions. If they have a problem with colours being smeared on them, they should stay indoors. This is necessary to maintain communal harmony," Bachaul stated.

Punjab’s Director General of Police (DGP), Gaurav Yadav, announced a significant breakthrough on X today, confirming the arrest of Shehnaz Singh, also known as Shawn Bhinder, a transnational drug lord sought by the FBI. Bhinder, a key figure in an international narcotics syndicate, was involved in smuggling cocaine from Colombia to the United States and Canada.

The arrest follows the recent detention of four of Bhinder's associates in the US on February 26. The individuals identified include Amritpal Singh (alias Amrit, alias Bal), Amritpal Singh (alias Cheema), Takdir Singh (alias Romy), Sarbsit Singh (alias Sabi), and Fernando Valladares (alias Franco).

The Shimla centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Himachal Pradesh, forecasting thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places on Monday, and continuing from Wednesday to Friday.

The weather is expected to remain turbulent in parts of the state, with the possibility of severe weather conditions.

This morning, isolated areas in the higher reaches of the state experienced light snowfall.

In light of the weather conditions, police in the Lahaul and Spiti districts have urged commuters to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly near the Atal Tunnel in Rohtang, where snowfall has been reported.

Congress leaders today staged a protest outside the residence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, condemning the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid as a conspiracy orchestrated by the Centre.

The ED conducted a raid at Baghel's premises in Bhilai town, Durg district, as part of its ongoing money laundering investigation involving his son, in connection with the alleged liquor scam case, according to official sources.

A large group of Congress leaders and workers gathered outside Baghel's house to express their support and protest against what they termed as political victimization.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore, this morning, slammed the ED following the raid at the residence of former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel.

Tagore stated, "We all know that the ED has become the pet dog of PM Modi and Union HM Amit Shah. They can send this dog anywhere they want. Bhupesh Baghel has been a strong leader for Congress and has fought these battles. The Congress party and the people of Chhattisgarh stand with him. We all know that these fake narratives built by BJP and RSS will be defeated."

State BJP chief Arun Sao,  reacting to the ED raids at the residence of former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, stated today, "It is undeniable that significant scams took place during Bhupesh Baghel's tenure. The ED's action is not sudden; it has been ongoing for a long time. The agency has been investigating for a while, and during this process, they must have uncovered facts and suspicions. Based on these findings, the ED has taken action. If there is no involvement, then there should be no reason to fear or panic."

Following the dismissal of a false case that had been ongoing for seven years, guests from the ED entered the Bhilai residence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress General Secretary Bhupesh Baghel this morning, said the ex-CM's office later today.

Further, in response to the ED raids, Baghel’s office issued a statement, asserting that "If anyone believes that this conspiracy is intended to stop Congress in Punjab, it is a misunderstanding."

Srivastava highlighted that this would be the eighth occasion an Indian dignitary would attend as the chief guest for Mauritius' National Day celebrations. He noted that the India-Mauritius relationship is “truly special” and spans several key areas, including capacity building, health and education cooperation, and strong trade and investment ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Mauritius on March 11-12 will be a significant milestone in the India-Mauritius relationship, Indian High Commissioner to Mauritius Anurag Srivastava said on March 9.

During his visit, PM Modi will participate as the chief guest at Mauritius' National Day celebrations, which hold special significance for both nations. March 12 marks Mauritius' Independence and Republic Day, while for India, it is the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi March.

Mauritius specifically chose this day to mark its independence.

At least seven people were killed and 14 others injured after a car collided with a truck in Madhya Pradesh’s Sidhi district late last night, police said.

According to DSP Gayatri Tiwari, the accident occurred near Utni Petrol Pump around 2 AM.

"We received information about a collision between a bulker and a car. The bulker was traveling from Sidhi to Bahri. At least seven people have died, and 14 others are injured. An investigation is underway," she said.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting searches at the residence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel’s son as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation, sources said this morning, reported ANI.

The agency is also raiding 14 locations across Chhattisgarh in connection with an alleged liquor scam, which is under scrutiny for financial irregularities.

At least seven people were killed and 14 others injured after a collision between a truck and an SUV in Madhya Pradesh’s Sidhi district, police said on Monday, reported PTI.