States

Fifty-one Maoists, including 34 women cadres with a combined bounty of Rs 1.61 crore, surrendered in Sukma and Bijapur districts under Chhattisgarh Police’s ‘Puna Margam’ campaign, coinciding with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged the Supreme Court to intervene in the ongoing electoral roll revision, alleging mass disenfranchisement. The top court issued notices to the Election Commission, stressing that genuine voters must remain on the rolls

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly witnessed uproar as BJP and JD(S) members demanded the resignation of Excise Minister RB Timmapur over alleged corruption in liquor licensing and transfers, citing audio evidence and complaints filed with the Lokayukta

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the creation of specialised rare earth corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The initiative aims to boost mining, processing, research, and manufacturing, reducing dependence on imports and strengthening India’s critical minerals capabilities

CII welcomed the Union Budget proposal to establish dedicated rare earth corridors in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. The initiative aims to boost mining, processing, research, and manufacturing, strengthening India’s leadership in rare earth magnets and critical minerals

Around 1.5 crore devotees took ritual baths at the Ganga and Sangam in Prayagraj on Magh Purnima, braving cold conditions. Authorities ensured safety, sanitation, and traffic management, marking the conclusion of month-long kalpvas observances for thousands of pilgrims

In Jharkhand’s Palamu, a couple and their 18-year-old son were allegedly hacked to death over suspected witchcraft, while their minor daughter was injured. Police have launched a manhunt, and the bodies were sent for post-mortem in Medininagar

Fresh snowfall hit higher reaches of Kashmir while rains lashed plains as night temperatures rose above freezing in several areas, including Srinagar. Gulmarg remained coldest. Weather to stay cloudy with more rain or snow likely during Chillai Khurd period 

Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday, days after the death of her husband Ajit Pawar. She now faces the challenge of steering the NCP and managing coalition dynamics

A POCSO court in Ganjam, Odisha, sentenced six men to 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment and fines for gang-raping a 17-year-old girl. The victim will receive Rs 15 lakh compensation under the state’s victim compensation scheme

The Directorate General Resettlement held a mega Job Fair at Narangi Military Station, Guwahati, offering nearly 700 vacancies across sectors. Over 700 ex-servicemen engaged with recruiters, with on-the-spot placements highlighting efforts for dignified resettlement and career transition

Ahmedabad Police’s SHE Team rescued a 15-day-old newborn from an inter-state child trafficking network. Three suspects were arrested; two key traffickers remain absconding. The infant’s health and safety are being ensured, while a multi-team investigation continues

Mumbai Police arrested a taxi driver for allegedly cheating an American tourist, charging Rs 18,000 for a 400-metre ride near Mumbai Airport. The case went viral on social media, prompting swift police action; the driver’s associate remains at large

Four Naxalites, including two women, surrendered with weapons in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, under the state’s Poona Margem rehabilitation program. Rewards totaled Rs 8 lakh. Security camps, improved roads, and anti-Naxal operations contributed to over 200 surrenders in 2026 so far

Security forces intensified anti-terror operations in Chatroo, Kishtwar, against Jaish-e-Mohammad militants, amid heavy snowfall. Multiple encounters since January 18 caused casualties, while mobile internet remains suspended to prevent misuse. Searches continue in Poonch for two suspected terrorists

The SIT probing the Sabarimala gold heist questioned actor Jayaram, who confirmed gold plates meant for the shrine were taken to his Chennai residence for rituals, supporting claims of unauthorised movement, though investigators ruled out any wrongdoing or financial involvement by him

Chhattisgarh security forces in Bijapur recovered and destroyed two powerful Maoist-planted IEDs targeting vehicles. The swift operation prevented casualties, highlighting ongoing counter-insurgency vigilance in the Bastar region and the coordinated efforts of local security personnel

Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav pleaded not guilty in the Railways land-for-jobs corruption case. Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav sought exemptions from personal appearance. Trial will start March 9, with charges of corruption and criminal conspiracy

The CBI conducted raids in Kolkata on offices and residences of promoters of a finance company over an alleged Rs 1,000 crore bank fraud. The companies allegedly siphoned funds from multiple banks between 2014-2020, defaulting on repayments

Three men were arrested in Chennai for the brutal murder of Gaurav Kumar, his wife, and two-year-old son following an attempted sexual assault. Bodies were recovered from multiple locations, sparking political outrage over Tamil Nadu’s law and order situation

Karnataka Police arrested a BBA student in Kodagu for allegedly recording private videos with multiple young women and leaking them on social media. The case has triggered outrage, with investigations probing possible involvement of friends and related violent incidents

UAE-based social media influencer Khalid Al Ameri shared his Kashmir experience with millions of followers, praising its snow-covered landscapes, rich culture and warmth of people. Officials say such exposure is helping revive tourism after setbacks from terror incidents and harsh weather

India has submitted Meghalaya’s living root bridges nomination to UNESCO for World Heritage status 2026–27. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the move seeks global recognition for the indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities that have preserved this living cultural landscape for centuries 

Hundreds gathered at Katewadi near Baramati to mourn Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a Learjet crash. Villagers, party workers and dignitaries paid tributes as his mortal remains were brought home ahead of last rites with state honours