India

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

Indian embassies in Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Tehran have issued urgent advisories urging nationals to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay indoors amid escalating regional tensions.

Catholicos Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews III of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church welcomed Prime Minister Modi’s stance supporting the Church’s unity. Speaking at Vattasseril Thirumeni’s memorial, he emphasized historical legacy, Supreme Court rulings, and the need to maintain a united Malankara Church

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised its citizens to exercise “utmost caution” and remain indoors due to escalating regional tensions following Israel’s pre-emptive strike against Iran.

In Kasaragod, Kerala, the Sree Poobanam Kuzhi Temple hosted a community Iftar during the Brahmakalashotsavam festival, reflecting religious harmony. Local Muslim residents, unable to attend previous feasts due to Ramadan, shared dates and meals in the temple courtyard

In Devanahalli, Karnataka, a residential school owner Dhananjay and his wife Shailaja were booked under the POCSO Act for repeated sexual harassment of minors, illegal confinement, and cover-up. Victims contacted parents, prompting police action and ongoing legal proceedings

In Amaravati, the Andhra Pradesh government plans to develop rare earth and titanium-based minerals from its beach sand reserves, aiming to reduce dependence on China, build a coastal value-addition corridor, and boost domestic manufacturing for clean energy and defense

Air India passengers in Tel Aviv were evacuated to shelters, and the airline has suspended flights to New Delhi for a week after Israel launched a pre-emptive strike on Iran.

In Prague, Grand Master Jorden van Foreest defeated World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju in round three of the 2026 Prague Chess Festival Masters, moving into a tie for first while Gukesh fell into a tie for last

DMK and Congress began formal seat-sharing talks for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with Congress seeking more than 25 seats, a Rajya Sabha berth, and a share in power