Human Interest

A massive fire destroyed around 80 shanties in a slum cluster near the fish market in Delhi’s Matiala area late Wednesday night. Nearly 28 fire tenders battled the blaze for hours before bringing it under control. No casualties were reported

Strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran have damaged several cultural heritage sites, including Golestan Palace and Isfahan’s Chehel Sotoun Palace, prompting Iran and Lebanon to seek enhanced protection from UNESCO amid fears that the escalating conflict threatens historic landmarks

BRS working president KT Rama Rao condoled the death of former Union Minister Kavuri Sambasiva Rao, recalling his support to Telangana’s textile sector during the 2013 agitation. He extended sympathies to the bereaved family, calling his demise a loss to the people

The Supreme Court directed the Centre to form a committee of legal experts within a week to finalise NCERT’s legal studies curriculum, following controversy over Class 8 textbooks on judicial corruption. Publication of the book remains banned until review

Gold and silver prices fell as investors booked profits, despite geopolitical tensions and a softer US dollar. MCX gold dropped to Rs 1,62,452/10g and silver to Rs 2,73,150/kg, while crude oil eased below $90, easing inflation concerns

Zoological Survey of India scientists discovered two new lichen moth species—*Caulocera hollowayi* and *Asura buxa*—in the eastern Himalayas. The findings, published in *Zootaxa*, enhance understanding of India’s moth biodiversity and aid ecological monitoring of sensitive ecosystems

The Supreme Court allowed passive euthanasia for 32-year-old Harish Rana, in a coma for over 12 years, permitting withdrawal of artificial life support at AIIMS-Delhi. The order follows 2018 and 2023 guidelines upholding the right to die with dignity under Article 21

In Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, 108 DKSZC cadres surrendered under the Poona Margem initiative, renouncing violence and joining mainstream society. The move led to the largest ever recovery of arms caches in India’s anti-Naxal operations, marking a major security breakthrough

Rain in the plains and moderate snowfall in higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir lowered temperatures and improved water levels in rivers and streams. The weather department forecast mostly dry conditions until March 14, with light rain or snow expected afterward

Residents of Bhadrachalam in Kothagudem district complain about daily burning of garbage on the banks of the Godavari River, causing heavy smoke, health problems and inconvenience to locals and devotees ahead of Sri Rama Navami celebrations

Animal rescue groups in Dubai report a surge in abandoned pets as residents leave the Middle East amid rising tensions and missile threats. Shelters are overwhelmed with dogs, cats and other animals left behind as owners struggle with costly relocation and complex travel procedures

Crude oil prices fell after reports the International Energy Agency may release record emergency reserves to curb the surge triggered by the US-Iran war. Brent and WTI declined sharply as G7 nations explored measures to stabilise markets and ease global energy costs

Afghan analyst Ajmal Sohail accused Pakistan’s ISI of targeting Chinese projects in Afghanistan, aiming to preserve CPEC’s strategic role. Arms shipments to anti-Taliban groups in Wakhan Corridor highlight proxy conflicts, regional insecurity, and Pakistan’s efforts to influence Beijing-Kabul engagement

Opposition leaders warned of potential LPG shortages and rising fuel prices amid West Asia tensions, citing impacts on households and businesses. Ruling alliance MPs dismissed fears, citing India’s alternative energy sources and urging against public panic over supply disruptions

The parents of a critically injured student have sued OpenAI, alleging its chatbot ChatGPT was used by Jesse Van Rootselaar to plan the deadly 2026 Tumbler Ridge school shooting in British Columbia, claiming the company knew about potential violence but failed to alert police

Rabi Lamichhane, chairman of Rastriya Swatantra Party, thanked Narendra Modi after the party’s sweeping win in Nepal’s parliamentary elections. He pledged “development diplomacy” to strengthen Nepal-India cooperation in connectivity, tourism, energy and trade as the party prepares to form a majority government

Kerala Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar’s wife Bindhu Menon withdrew her complaint after he admitted his mistake and apologised. She said her earlier allegations of infidelity were made during an emotional outburst and added the issue would be resolved privately

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Central Industrial Security Force personnel on their Raising Day, praising their discipline and dedication in protecting critical infrastructure. Established in 1968, CISF has grown to over 2.2 lakh personnel and secures 361 installations, including 70 airports

Namibian cheetah Jwala gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, raising India’s cheetah population to 53. This marks the 10th successful cheetah litter on Indian soil, highlighting the progress of Project Cheetah

In Ballia, a 38-year-old man, Shashi Singh, was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting his 12-year-old nephew under the POCSO Act. The incident occurred on March 5 in Dokati area, and the case was filed following the boy’s father’s complaint

Meesho received an income tax demand of around Rs 1,500 crore for AY 2023-24, which it plans to contest. Despite rising revenue, the e-commerce firm reported a widened Q3 loss of Rs 490.6 crore due to higher expenses

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar faced protests by Trinamool Congress activists showing black flags and “Go Back” posters outside Kolkata’s Kalighat temple during his visit. Demonstrators raised slogans against him and the Special Intensive Revision as the Election Commission began meetings with political parties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged faster integration of India’s education system with the real-world economy, emphasising greater focus on AI, automation, digital economy and design-driven manufacturing. He also highlighted improvements in healthcare infrastructure and the global popularity of yoga and Ayurveda

Death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during Ramadan could mark a historic shift as his son Mojtaba Khamenei emerges as a likely successor. His rise may strengthen the security establishment and reshape Iran’s politics amid regional tensions