National News

Ghaziabad was the most polluted city, recording an average PM2.5 concentration of 172 g/m³, followed by Noida (166 g/m³), and Delhi (163 g/m³), as per CREA, a Finland-based independent research group.

The event, called ‘2026 Dosti ki Iftar’ and being organised by the Deeniyat Muallima College (located in Santragachi, across the river from Kolkata) and the city-based initiative Know Your Neighbour, intends to “provide a space for women to exchanges their views, and break myths and stereotypes”.

Domestic cooking gas prices are set to rise from Saturday, with a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder increasing by Rs 60 nationwide. Commercial cylinders will also see a Rs 115 hike. This marks the first significant domestic LPG price change since April 2025. Despite global energy concerns, the government assures comfortable energy supply and diversified import sources.

The Budget proposes a ninefold growth of the agricultural economy, aiming to raise the sector’s GDP from $55 billion to $500 billion by 2047. The State’s revenue receipts are estimated at around ₹6.56 lakh crore, resulting in a revenue deficit of about ₹40,500 crore.

A government primary school headmistress in Chitrakoot district has been suspended. A video showing a student giving her a foot massage during school hours went viral. The incident occurred at the Naya Bazar school. The headmistress denies the allegations, claiming the video is doctored. An inspection report led to her suspension.

Lok Sabha will debate a no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla on March 9, moved by Congress and allies over alleged partisan conduct. Despite NDA's majority rendering the motion's defeat inevitable, it will test opposition unity. Whips have been issued by both BJP and Congress for the crucial vote.

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.

An explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem village of Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh, claimed 28 workers’ lives, including eight women. Preliminary investigations reveal that the unit’s owners had allegedly stored explosive materials far beyond the permitted limit and engaged 31 workers, nearly four times the number allowed under licence, in a bid to fulfil festival and wedding orders, reports T. Appala Naidu

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'.

An official said residents and political outfits raised objections after officials of Kerala’s Public Works Department placed the board at Thaloor on the evening of Thursday (March 5, 2026)

The Opposition leaders question the government’s silence over U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s latest remark objecting to the tone of his announcement ‘allowing’ India a temporary waiver to purchase Russian oil

As many as 51 flights are planned on Saturday (March 7, 2026)— the highest since airstrikes in the region beganon February 28, 2026

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.

Britain is piloting a scheme offering up to £40,000 per family to failed asylum-seekers to leave voluntarily. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated this aims to save taxpayer money, as hotel accommodation costs are substantial. Families have seven days to decide, or face forced removal. The government is also making refugee status temporary and introducing new legal routes.

Hoteliers in Tamil Nadu fear distributors may cite shortages to divert supplies to the black market or increase prices, raising operating costs for restaurants and hotels

The Florida Panthers acquired forward Vinnie Hinostroza from the Minnesota Wild just hours before the NHL Trade Deadline. The Panthers' general manager, Bill Zito, signed Hinostroza in 2020, which makes this trade a reunion for the two players. The experienced forward will help Florida during its important season-ending matches because he provides essential depth to its roster.

Karnataka pins hopes on raising its own tax revenue and increasing borrowing to push capital expenditure