Football icon Lionel Messi will visit India in October 2025 as Argentina plays an exhibition match in Kerala, 14 years after his last appearance in the country. HSBC India, now an official partner of Argentina’s national team, confirmed the match as part of their promotional efforts. Messi’s previous visit was in 2011 when Argentina defeated Venezuela 1-0 at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. The Argentine Football Association aims to expand its global presence through this partnership. Indian football fans eagerly await the chance to witness the World Cup-winning captain in action once again. (PC: Reuters)

Millions of waste tyres from the UK, meant for recycling, are being burned in illegal Indian pyrolysis plants, causing severe health and environmental damage. Investigations revealed that 70% of UK-exported tyres end up in makeshift furnaces, releasing hazardous pollutants. Villagers near these sites report respiratory issues and toxic fumes. The UK government claims strict export controls, but campaigners demand stronger action. An explosion at one such Indian plant killed four people in January. Experts warn of cancer risks from exposure. Australia has banned tyre exports, but UK firms continue the practice for profit. (PC: Getty Images)

The proposed 8th Pay Commission could lead to salary increases of up to ₹19,000 per month for central government employees, benefiting approximately 5 million staff and 6.5 million pensioners. Currently, a mid-level employee earning ₹1 lakh monthly might see their salary rise to ₹1,14,600 with a ₹1.75 lakh crore allocation, ₹1,16,700 with ₹2 lakh crore, and ₹1,18,800 with ₹2.25 lakh crore. While there's no official announcement yet, experts anticipate the commission's formation in April 2025, with recommendations possibly effective by 2026 or 2027. (PC: NDTV)    

Congress MPs met Speaker Om Birla, protesting Rahul Gandhi's denied opportunity to speak in Lok Sabha. They called it an attack on democratic principles and urged the Speaker to ensure fair participation for all MPs. The party emphasized the need to uphold parliamentary norms, asserting that elected representatives must be allowed to voice concerns. The issue has sparked political tension, with Congress demanding accountability and transparency in House proceedings. The party sees this as an attempt to suppress opposition voices and weaken democratic debate in Parliament. (PC: PTI/ The Hindu)  

Hundreds of Palestinians marched in Beit Lahia, Gaza, in the largest anti-Hamas protest since the war with Israel began. Protesters chanted, “Out, out, out, Hamas out,” demanding the group step down. Masked Hamas militants armed with guns and batons forcibly dispersed the crowd, assaulting demonstrators. The protests erupted after Islamic Jihad's rocket attacks on Israel led to Israeli evacuation orders, sparking local anger. “We refuse to die for any party’s agenda,” said protester Mohammed Diab. Hamas has ruled Gaza since 2007, facing growing dissent amid ongoing war, which has killed over 50,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. (PC: AFP)

The Supreme Court declined an urgent hearing on a plea seeking an FIR and Delhi Police probe into the alleged cash recovery at Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma’s residence. A fire brigade reportedly discovered a pile of burnt cash at his bungalow on March 14. Petitioners alleged a cover-up, questioning the delay in action. A three-member committee, formed by the SC Collegium, is investigating. Justice Varma denies any involvement. The Delhi HC Chief Justice has withdrawn his judicial work, and the SC Collegium recommended his repatriation to the Allahabad HC. The case raises concerns about judicial corruption. (PC : Economic times)

The Critics’ Choice Awards 2025 honored outstanding achievements in Indian cinema, web series, and documentaries. Diljit Dosanjh won Best Actor for Amar Singh Chamkila, while All We Imagine As Light secured Best Feature Film. Darshana Rajendran won Best Actress for Paradise. In the web series category, Poacher dominated, winning Best Web Series and multiple acting awards. Ravi Kishan (Laapataa Ladies) and Kani Kusruti (Girls Will Be Girls) won Best Supporting Actor and Actress, respectively. Payal Kapadia won Best Director for All We Imagine As Light. The event highlighted cinematic excellence across languages and platforms. (PC: India Today)

The government has appointed former Enforcement Directorate (ED) chief Sanjay Kumar Mishra as a full-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). The decision follows the passing of former chairman Bibek Debroy. Mishra, a 1984-batch IRS officer, previously led high-profile investigations into political figures and supervised key money laundering cases. His tenure at ED saw actions against leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Hemant Soren, along with the extradition approvals for Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi. EAC-PM advises the government on economic policies. (PC: India Today)

In Ahmedabad’s Naroda area, six assailants attacked two youths, killing one, Vijay alias Vishal Shrimali, and seriously injuring his friend Priyesh. Shockingly, a police PCR van was nearby, but officers inside were found sleeping under blankets. Furious locals confronted them, capturing the moment on video, which soon went viral. Ahmedabad police later confirmed action against the negligent officers and arrested six suspects, including the main accused, Jay Singh Solanki. The incident has sparked outrage over police inaction, raising concerns about public safety and law enforcement accountability. (PC: Screengrab X/@DhurvSanchania)

Two French Air Force Alpha Jets collided mid-air near Saint-Dizier, northeastern France. Three crew members—two pilots and one passenger—ejected and were found conscious. One suffered multiple injuries. A jet crashed into a silo, causing a fire, but no civilian casualties were reported. Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed emergency response efforts. The Alpha Jets are used for pilot training, including Ukrainian trainees. France has previously faced such accidents, with two Rafale pilots dying in August 2024 after a collision. Investigations into the latest crash are underway. (PC: Screengrab from X)