Times of India

International Women's Day prompts reflection on the vital roles women play, often quietly. The article highlights the significance of acknowledging their strength, effort, and presence. It offers a collection of messages, wishes, and quotes to help express appreciation for the women who enrich our lives, encouraging a pause to recognize their impact.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner is determined to "break a few hearts" by defeating defending champions India in the T20 World Cup final.

Legal experts question the effectiveness of state-level bans on social media for children, citing central government jurisdiction over IT and telecommunications. While appreciating the intent to protect young minds, they advocate for education on constructive usage and pan-India legislation rather than fragmented state laws.

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.

Punjab and Haryana High Court acquitted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in the 2002 murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati, overturning a life sentence. Ram Rahim remains jailed for rape convictions, and his family plans to challenge the acquittal in the Supreme Court.

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.

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.

India is poised to finalize trade deals with the US within months, pending clarity on American tariff strategies. New Delhi remains committed, aiming for favorable terms for its farmers, including market access for mangoes without reciprocal farm product commitments. The nation has secured a competitive advantage, with assurances for domestic apple and walnut producers.

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.

Israel vows to eradicate Iran's regime, escalating strikes on Tehran and military targets. Iran retaliates across the Gulf, hitting US bases and warning allies. The conflict, now in its second week after the deaths of Iran's Supreme Leader and US strikes, has spread regionally, causing global market jitters and rising casualties.

A 25-year-old homemaker in Bengaluru died by suicide after consuming a grain-preserving tablet following a dispute with her husband over serving leftover sambar. The argument escalated when the husband scolded her for not preparing fresh food on the third day of serving the same dish. Her father has requested a police investigation into the circumstances.

Prime Minister Modi lauded Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla ahead of an opposition no-confidence motion, praising his impartiality and ability to manage "arrogant and unruly" members. Birla's recent rulings, particularly disallowing a quote from a former Army chief, had sparked significant opposition protests and led to the removal notice.

India continues to source crude oil from Russia, asserting its right to procure from any supplier based on national interest, affordability, and availability. Government sources clarified that recent US waivers were for domestic audiences, as New Delhi's energy security is not solely dependent on single maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz, with a significant portion of imports unaffected.