States

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

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

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

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

Palayam Imam VP Suhaib Maulavi urged Muslims to open mosques and homes for Hindu devotees during the Attukal Pongala festival, promoting interfaith harmony and fraternity amid ongoing debates over the “Kerala Story 2” movie

In Madurai, elaborate security measures have been deployed at Tirupparankundram Subramanya Swamy Temple ahead of Narendra Modi’s visit, coinciding with foundation stones and inaugurations of projects worth over ₹7,100 crore across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

In Sheopur, nine cheetahs from Botswana arrived at Kuno National Park under Project Cheetah, raising India’s tally to 48 and boosting efforts to restore the species decades after its extinction.

The Election Commission of India will publish West Bengal’s final voters’ list, categorising names as “approved”, “under adjudication”, or “deleted”, with lakhs under judicial scrutiny and multiple online and offline verification options available to electors

Narendra Modi will visit Ajmer to launch a nationwide HPV vaccination drive, distribute appointment letters to 21,863 youths, and unveil development projects worth ₹16,686 crore, focusing on healthcare, infrastructure, and employment generation

The India-Nepal border at Rupaidiha in Bahraich will remain closed from March 2 to 5 for Nepal’s general elections. Authorities will suspend trade movement, while allowing essential goods and verified emergency travel under strict security checks

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar hailed Tamil Nadu’s electoral roll revision as a national model and said the state’s upcoming Assembly polls could surpass Bihar in efficiency, with a decision on single-phase voting pending

The acquittal of Arvind Kejriwal has boosted opposition morale, with Pinarayi Vijayan likely to meet him in Delhi, signalling renewed anti-Centre solidarity ahead of Kerala’s Assembly elections

After the Rouse Avenue Court discharged Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case, his wife Sunita Kejriwal said truth prevails, as the court cited lack of evidence and dismissed charges against AAP leaders 

Opposition leaders backed Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia after a Delhi court granted them relief in the excise policy case, with AAP calling the verdict proof that corruption allegations were politically motivated

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal turned emotional after discharge in the excise policy case by Rouse Avenue Court. Manish Sisodia consoled him as the court ruled insufficient evidence to frame charges against AAP leaders

Delhi Police arrested 14 protesters, including JNUSU president Aditi Mishra, after clashes during a march at Jawaharlal Nehru University over Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit’s remarks, with an FIR filed under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions

A Delhi court acquitted former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia in the excise policy case, citing lack of evidence and failure by the CBI to prove criminal conspiracy or corruption allegations

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam joined the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Chennai, in the presence of Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, marking a major political realignment ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections

Two men sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering Pukhraj in Bijnor allegedly threatened the presiding judge moments after the verdict. Authorities enhanced security for the judge following the courtroom intimidation incident, officials confirmed

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau recorded statements of actors Mohanlal and Dileep in a probe into alleged gold and fund misappropriation for the 2017 Sabarimala temple flag mast installation, as directed by the Kerala High Court