Times of India

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence detained Sandalwood actor Ranya Rao at the Kempegowda International Airport for gold smuggling, seizing nearly 15kg of gold. Additional searches uncovered gold ornaments and cash at her residence. Ranya's connection to a smuggling syndicate is under investigation. Her father, DGP Rao, claims ignorance of her activities. Bail decision pending.

A 30-year-old software engineer, Mayank Rajani, allegedly jumped to his death from the 12th floor of his Bengaluru apartment over health issues and startup losses. Rajani had previously undergone spinal surgery and experienced mental distress. The incident is under investigation as an unnatural death.

A private lander from Houston-based Intuitive Machines, named Athena, landed on the Moon near the lunar south pole. The status is still being determined to check the orientation as the previous lander, Odysseus, tipped over after landing. This attempts to support future human missions.

Delhi has been declared the most polluted city in India for winter 2024-25, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 159 micrograms per cubic metre. The National Capital Region saw several cities among the top 10 for pollution levels. Efforts to reduce pollution need to be prioritized.

During a peace committee meeting in Sambhal, DSP Anuj Chaudhary advised Muslims to stay indoors on Holi if they felt playing with colors affected their faith. He faced criticism for leading a religious procession in uniform and had previously been involved in communal tension following a mosque survey.

Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced the upcoming launch of EPFO 3.0, which will enable provident fund withdrawals through ATMs. He highlighted that this version will modernize EPFO services, making transactions similar to those in banks and removing the need for visits to EPFO offices.

Elon Musk has refuted claims of making a Nazi salute at a public event, describing the allegations as unfounded. The gesture he made during Trump's inauguration has sparked significant debate and criticism. Musk addressed the issue in a recent podcast, emphasizing that the gesture was misunderstood and expressing distress over the accusations and online threats against him.

Tahawwur Rana, a former Pakistani Army veteran involved in the 26/11 Mumbai attack, has filed an emergency appeal with the US Supreme Court to stop his extradition to India, citing potential torture. Rana alleges that his Pakistani and Muslim identity puts him at risk of severe mistreatment.

Ashok Gehlot has called Mani Shankar Aiyar a frustrated and erratic individual for his remarks on Rajiv Gandhi's competency. Aiyar's critical comments have sparked significant backlash within the Congress, with leaders like Harish Rawat and Nana Patole condemning his statements and questioning his mental state.

New Zealand and India prepare for the Champions Trophy final in Dubai. New Zealand's journey saw them adapt to multiple venues, while India played all fixtures in Dubai. Despite a previous loss to India, New Zealand pose a significant threat with their recent experience of Dubai's conditions. Both teams have similar strengths, making an exciting final anticipated.

International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8th, acknowledges the strength, resilience, and contributions of women worldwide. It is a day to honor their achievements, promote gender equality, and inspire others with messages, quotes, and heartfelt wishes to uplift and support women in all walks of life.

In a significant enhancement to the Indian Air Force's strategic airlift capabilities, the C-17 Globemaster-III made its first landing at Kargil airfield near the Line of Control with Pakistan. This trial run paves the way for future night landings, supplementing the existing use of C-130J aircraft, and boosting India's military logistics against China and Pakistan.

Donald Trump has rekindled the US-China trade war by imposing 20% tariffs on Chinese imports, citing national security concerns. This move has led to retaliatory measures from China, including tariffs and increased military spending. Both nations are poised for a prolonged economic conflict, with significant stakes for global trade and geopolitical supremacy.

With a draft executive order reportedly set for Thursday, Trump is directing his newly minted Education Secretary, Linda McMahon, to begin dismantling the very agency she now leads. Not that he can shut it down with the stroke of a pen—Congress holds that power—but the order signals his intent to weaken it, cut staff, and shift its responsibilities elsewhere.

The US temporarily suspended military aid and the sharing of intelligence, turning the heat on Ukraine after Zelenskyy left the White House meeting without signing the minerals agreement. Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Zelenskyy of not being grateful to the US for the mediation the US has been doing.