India

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Semicon Mission 2.0 will focus on building a strong design ecosystem and supporting deep tech startups. He highlighted talent development, equipment manufacturing, and new opportunities for students in India’s growing semiconductor sector

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated infrastructure projects worth over Rs 4,400 crore in Madurai and laid foundation stones for key highway sections. He also dedicated new railway lines and is scheduled to visit a temple and address an NDA rally

The CBSE has postponed the Class 10 and 12 board exams scheduled for March 2, 2026, across Gulf countries and Iran due to prevailing circumstances. A circular issued to schools confirmed the deferment in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has reported a sharp increase in cancellations and rescheduling requests for flights connecting India to Europe via Gulf hubs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for Puducherry projects worth ₹2,700 crore, spanning roads, urban mobility, healthcare, education, industrial estates, and water supply, aiming to boost infrastructure, economic growth, and ease of living across the Union Territory

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) unveiled their IPL 2026 jersey, featuring bold front stripes and five stars for their titles. MS Dhoni returned to camp, while the squad sees Sanju Samson joining, Jadeja and Curran traded, and young talents added

A massive blast at SBL Energy Limited explosives factory in Nagpur, Maharashtra, killed 17 and injured 18. PMO announced ex-gratia relief, while rescue operations continue. Authorities, including NDRF and PESO teams, are investigating the cause of the tragedy

Thousands protested across Kashmir, including Srinagar, condemning the US-Israel strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Shia-majority areas held peaceful marches, religious leaders expressed solidarity with Iranians, and a complete strike was called by local Muslim organizations

Lac-made ‘gulal gota,’ traditional Holi colour shells from Jaipur, are seeing rising demand nationally and internationally. Social media reels have revived this royal-era craft, boosting artisan income, increasing production, and attracting younger generations to preserve the centuries-old festive tradition

Ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu polls, V. K. Sasikala launched Amma Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK), invoking J. Jayalalithaa’s legacy, challenging T. T. V. Dhinakaran and reshaping the state’s fragmented “Amma” political landscape

India’s digital payments platform Unified Payments Interface recorded 27% annual growth in February transaction volumes, reaching 20.39 billion, as per National Payments Corporation of India data, strengthening its global expansion and dominance over cash transactions domestically

Rising Israel-Iran tensions may pressure Indian markets as crude prices climb on Strait of Hormuz concerns. Analysts warn inflation risks if oil tops $80, while energy and defence stocks could gain. Nifty 50 signals weakness amid volatility and geopolitical uncertainty 

India urged maximum restraint and respect for sovereignty after US-Israel strikes on Iran escalated regional tensions. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with Iranian and Israeli counterparts, while advisories were issued for Indian nationals

Beyond the famed temples, Kaleshwaram’s rivers, tribal traditions and indigenous Tussar silk weave an untold Telangana story

Badminton star P V Sindhu was stranded at Dubai International Airport after flights were cancelled due to Middle East tensions. She is travelling to the UK for the All England Championships and has checked into a hotel while awaiting further updates

Indian travellers faced major disruption as airspace closures following the Israel-Iran conflict led to widespread flight cancellations. IndiGo, Air India, Emirates and Qatar Airways suspended services, forcing longer routes and affecting travel to the Gulf, Europe and North America

Holds eight-time former champions Karnataka to a draw on day five, adjudged winners by way of first innings lead

West Bengal’s post-SIR electoral rolls indicate that around 66 lakh voter names may be deleted, while over 60 lakh remain under adjudication. The sweeping revision has sparked political controversy ahead of the April assembly elections and intensified scrutiny by major parties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of trying to defame India and likened it to the Muslim League and Maoists while addressing a rally in Ajmer. He criticised the party over the AI summit protest and highlighted development and health initiatives in Rajasthan

Patna Zoo has been closed to visitors till March 7 after avian influenza (H5N1) was detected in poultry samples from a nearby research centre. Authorities said the step was taken as a precaution under the Centre’s action plan to protect wildlife and staff

Supreme Court judge K V Viswanathan said artificial intelligence cannot replace core legal functions and warned lawyers against overdependence on technology. Speaking at a convocation in Nagpur, he stressed the importance of human judgment, verification, and professional skills

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu questioned whether those who betrayed God should be spared, targeting YSRCP leaders over the Tirupati laddu controversy. He also announced health initiatives and launched an HPV vaccination drive in Vizianagaram district

Nine cheetahs airlifted from Botswana have been brought to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, taking India’s cheetah count to 48. The animals were released into quarantine enclosures as part of the government’s reintroduction and revival programme

A significant number of personnel - including players, match officials, broadcast teams, and event staff - rely on Gulf hub airports, particularly Dubai, as key transit points