Times of India

India has rejected the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) report as biased and politically motivated. The Ministry of External Affairs criticized the report for misrepresenting incidents and undermining India's democratic and tolerant society. New Delhi emphasized India's pluralistic framework and stated that the USCIRF should be considered an entity of concern.

Karni Sena leader Mahipal Makrana warned that the vandalism at MP Ramji Lal Suman’s house in Agra is just a warning, amid outrage over Suman’s controversial remarks on Rajput warrior Rana Sanga. The remarks have stirred protests and legal actions, with Rajput groups demanding action, as political figures, including Dimple Yadav, condemn the violence.

Jeff Bezos noted significant changes in President Trump during his second term, highlighting his calmer and more confident demeanor. He appreciates the administration's efforts towards reducing regulations and fostering dialogue with business leaders, signifying an improved relationship between the two influential figures.

AIADMK's Edappadi K Palaniswami dismisses talks of an alliance with the BJP, stating he will consider alliances only after election dates are announced. His meeting with Amit Shah focused on state issues, not election strategies, emphasizing continuity in AIADMK's ideology and decisions based on circumstances.

Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi further accused Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla of making an unsubstantiated remark and not allowing him to respond, leading to an adjournment of the House. Gandhi expressed frustration over being consistently prevented from speaking in the Lok Sabha, particularly about the Kumbh Mela and unemployment.

Lionel Messi and the Argentine national team will visit India in October for an international friendly, announced by the AFA. This visit is part of the team's global promotional efforts and aims to strengthen their presence in significant markets like India and Singapore.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath addresses critical issues in politics and governance, affirming communal harmony, accusing opposition of foreign interference in elections, and defending controversial policies. Adityanath also calls for legal action against comedian Kunal Kamra’s divisive remarks.

During a team bonding session in Jamnagar, Rohit Sharma was seen steering a boat with teammate Tilak Varma and support staff. Mumbai Indians, after a poor start in IPL 2025, took a break ahead of their next game. Skipper Hardik Pandya is expected to return, providing a crucial boost, but concerns remain about Jasprit Bumrah’s availability.

The Delhi high court has allowed J&K's Baramulla Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid, arrested in a 2017 terror-funding case, to attend the ongoing Parliament session in-custody. Rashid, who won as an Independent candidate, will return to jail after daily Parliament proceedings until April 4. Rashid has been in Tihar Jail since 2019 under charges involving Pakistan-based militants.

For JioStar, the newly minted behemoth, the ambition is clear: reach a billion viewers across platforms in 2025. “IPL always had the immense potential to go from where it was to unseen heights,” Sanjog Gupta, JioStar Sports CEO, told K Shriniwas Rao, Head of Content (Sports), Times Internet. The scale is staggering — 170 experts, 25+ feeds, 12 languages. But behind the slick packaging is a larger story: of a media empire staking its claim on India's cultural centrepiece.

Skygazers in the western Northern Hemisphere can witness a partial solar eclipse on March 29, 2025. The celestial event will be visible in various parts of North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The eclipse will peak at 6:47 a.m. EDT. This event is a follow-up to the 'ring of fire' eclipse in October 2024.

Bengaluru's Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna submitted a petition to Home Minister G Parameshwara after alleging politicians were honeytrapped. He denied judges were involved and clarified his statements were misquoted. Home Minister Parameshwara said further action requires Speaker UT Khader's directives, and any investigation would proceed independently without waiting for the Supreme Court's decision.

Stock market today: BSE Sensex and Nifty50, the Indian equity benchmark indices, snapped their winning streak on Thursday to close lower. While BSE Sensex went below 78,000, Nifty50 gave up 23,500 level.

Russia and Ukraine agree to halt strikes on energy facilities for 30 days as part of a temporary moratorium. The deal, mediated by the US, aims to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea amidst ongoing conflicts, with potential to be extended mutually.

Harmeet Desai, inspired by the success of 'Gully Boy,' focuses on the present moment in his table tennis career. Despite early challenges in Surat and later gaining high-level coaching in Sweden, his dedication remains strong. Now married and mature, he challenges the notion that sports is only for the wealthy, highlighting India's improved sports infrastructure.

Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar have proposed hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics, with projected costs ranging from Rs 34,700 cr to Rs 64,000 cr. The plan includes four additional cities: Bhopal, Goa, Mumbai, and Pune. The ambitious budget surpasses that of Paris 2024, but there are possibilities to optimize costs.

During the Mangla Julus procession for Ram Navami in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, a scuffle and mild stone pelting occurred between two groups. The conflict arose over objectionable songs played by one group. Authorities swiftly intervened, restoring peace. Deputy Commissioner Nancy Sahay confirmed the situation is now peaceful and under control.

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra requested Khar police for a one-week extension to appear regarding a defamation FIR over a satirical video about Dy CM Eknath Shinde. Meanwhile, political tensions rise as Kamra faces additional complaints and ongoing security measures at a vandalized hotel linked to his performance.

Donald Trump has signed an executive order to overhaul elections in his country, citing 'failure to enforce basic protections.' The order requires states to share voter lists with federal agencies and mandates documentary proof of citizenship for voters. Legal challenges are anticipated based on states' constitutional authority over elections.

The Central Bureau of Investigation raided the residences of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, seizing Rs 30 lakh in cash. The raids are linked to an alleged liquor scam that reportedly caused a loss of Rs 2,161 crore to the state exchequer. The Enforcement Directorate previously conducted a similar raid at Baghel's residence.