Times of India

Maharashtra's Economic Survey 2024-25 reveals a substantial decline in women welfare schemes, with a 57% drop in Shakti Sadan facilities' inmates and a 36% cut in women's hostels funding. Women's counseling centers experienced a 69% reduction in allocations, raising questions about the government's commitment amid increasing demand.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick urged India to open its agricultural market, urging bilateral trade measures for American nuts, fruits, and poultry. He highlighted the potential benefits of lowering tariffs and strengthening ties, while emphasizing the need for India to diversify its military purchases away from Russia.

Posters in Ranipet and Arakkonam intended to welcome Union Home Minister Amit Shah mistakenly featured actor Santhana Bharathi, causing ridicule on social media. BJP distanced itself from the error, and state executive committee member A. Arulmozhi claimed it was a prank to embarrass her and the party. She filed a police complaint over the incident.

Pentecostal pastor 'Papa' Bajinder Singh, known for his claimed miraculous healings, is facing another criminal case after a woman accused him of sexual harassment. Singh has previously been implicated in rape and murder cases and attributes his troubles to rival pastors conspiring against him.

Indian football struggles under new leadership as Manolo Marquez takes over from Igor Stimac, who was sacked after a disappointing season. Veteran striker Sunil Chhetri's return highlights the team's lack of scoring options, reflecting the deeper issues within the sport's development and domestic competition in India.

Shahrukh Khan, Ajay Devgan, and Tiger Shroff have been summoned by the Jaipur consumer forum for allegedly endorsing a misleading Vimal Pan Masala advertisement. The ad falsely claims that each grain contains saffron, despite its high price making this unlikely. The forum will hear the case on March 19.

CM Omar Abdullah presented a Rs 1.12-lakh crore budget for J&K, marking the first in seven years by an elected government. The budget emphasized economic growth, highlighted infrastructure improvements, and introduced benefits for disadvantaged groups, such as free bus rides for women and increased pensions for seniors.

India's Pranav Venkatesh clinched the World Junior Chess Championship (Under-20) held in Montenegro, remaining undefeated with seven victories and four draws. This marks a significant achievement for Indian chess, with Viswanathan Anand congratulating him for his remarkable performance. The victory brings the open title back to India after nearly 17 years.

US President Donald Trump claimed India has agreed to reduce tariffs after being exposed for high charges. This announcement comes as Tesla anticipates entering the Indian market amidst existing hefty import duties, which could hinder their plans. Discussions about a Bilateral Trade Agreement to enhance India-US trade continue.

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak praised KL Rahul's adaptability, highlighting his transition to the No. 6 role, which strengthens the team's batting depth. With performances like his unbeaten 42 in the Champions Trophy semifinal, Rahul's versatility is crucial. Kotak also emphasised the positive influence of experienced players on the team's preparation for the final.

An Indian Air Force AN-32 aircraft made a crash landing at Bagdogra, West Bengal, with no injuries to the crew. On the same day, a Jaguar fighter aircraft crashed in Haryana's Ambala district due to a system malfunction; the pilot ejected safely. Investigations are underway for both incidents.