The Indian government has approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) to provide assured pensions to central government employees. Effective April 1, 2025, the UPS guarantees 50% of the average basic salary from the last 12 months before retirement for employees with a minimum of 25 years of service. Employees with at least 10 years of service are eligible for a minimum pension of ₹10,000 per month. The government's contribution to the pension fund will increase from 14% to 18.5%. This initiative aims to address concerns over the existing National Pension Scheme (NPS), which links payouts to market returns.

The Income Tax Department is set to initiate a nationwide crackdown on 40,000 taxpayers for failing to deposit TDS/TCS. A 16-point strategy, utilizing data analytics, will be employed to identify and investigate defaulters, focusing on recurring offenders and discrepancies between tax deductions and payments. Non-intrusive methods will be used, beginning with notifications to taxpayers who may have missed payments. The effort aims to create a fairer tax system by taking strict action against willful defaulters, while offering compliance relief for honest taxpayers. This initiative follows the simplification of TDS rates in the recent Union Budget.

BJP Minister Dilip Jaiswal resigned ahead of Bihar's cabinet expansion. His resignation is seen as a strategic move to accommodate new members in the upcoming cabinet reshuffle. Jaiswal's departure is expected to influence the political dynamics within the state government. The BJP aims to strengthen its position by inducting new faces into the cabinet. This development has sparked discussions about the party's future strategies and the potential impact on governance in Bihar. The cabinet expansion is anticipated to address various administrative challenges and enhance the party's representation in the state.

A major Azores storm is set to strike the UK from March 9, bringing up to 13 cm of snow in certain regions. According to Ventusky forecasters, southwest England and the Midlands will bear the brunt, with Swindon expected to receive up to 13 cm. Northampton, Leicester, and Peterborough will also see significant snowfall. The Met Office hints at high-pressure systems and unsettled weather dominating the UK’s early spring, with rain and winds expected in the northwest and dry spells in the south. This cold weather could bring frosts and fog, with milder conditions intermittently appearing.

Energy bills for UK households are set to rise to £1,849 annually starting April, marking a £159 increase from last year. This rise, driven by increased wholesale gas prices, is the third consecutive hike by the energy regulator, Ofgem. Only households on fixed-rate tariffs will remain unaffected for now, with over four million people having secured fixed rates since November. The increase comes amid higher demand for gas in Europe, exacerbated by colder weather. While a slight reduction in bills is anticipated in July, forecasts remain volatile due to the ongoing energy crisis. Other costs, including council tax and water bills, are also rising in April.

Harbhajan Singh recently engaged in an online dispute with an X user who demanded he chant "Khalistan Murdabad." The altercation occurred after the cricketer refused to comply, sparking a fierce debate about freedom of speech and online discourse. Harbhajan stood firm in his stance, explaining that he wouldn’t succumb to pressure to make such statements. This clash emphasizes ongoing tensions over political and cultural issues on social media platforms, where public figures are often asked to voice personal opinions on controversial topics. The incident highlights the complex dynamics between celebrity influence and social responsibility.

Republicans in the US House of Representatives narrowly passed a multi-trillion dollar government spending bill on a 217-215 vote, advancing President Trump's 2025 agenda. The bill, which includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and increased military and immigration enforcement spending, was a key test for Speaker Mike Johnson, who managed to secure support after delays. Despite opposition from some Republicans, like Thomas Massie, the bill passed along party lines. Democrats criticized it as a tax cut for the wealthy, jeopardizing Medicaid for low-income families. The bill now heads to the Senate for reconciliation, with Trump’s endorsement intensifying pressure on lawmakers.

Ukraine and the U.S. have agreed on a draft minerals deal, crucial for Kyiv's strategy to secure U.S. backing in its ongoing war with Russia. The deal will open Ukraine's vast mineral resources to the U.S. without offering specific security guarantees. Although President Trump has emphasized the U.S. will benefit financially, some European allies are concerned about the lack of security assurances for Ukraine. Trump, who wants to end the war quickly, has suggested peacekeeping troops might be needed. The minerals deal could reinvest revenues into Ukraine’s development, providing long-term economic support.

Aakash Chopra recently admitted his 2025 Champions Trophy predictions were off, particularly regarding Afghanistan's chances. He had predicted Afghanistan to reach the semi-finals but overlooked the nature of the pitches in Pakistan. Chopra noted that Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack might struggle on flat pitches in Lahore, where the ball isn't turning. He criticized their seam-bowling, which lacks potency. Chopra also pointed out Afghanistan’s batting vulnerability against bouncers, particularly against England's fast bowlers like Mark Wood and Jofra Archer. Despite this, Chopra believes England has a chance to bounce back, but they must win their next two Group B matches to stay alive in the tournament.

Over 100 Pakistani policemen have been dismissed for refusing to perform duties during the Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan. The officers were assigned to provide security at the stadium in Lahore but declined to participate. Authorities have taken strict action against the absentees, emphasizing the importance of duty during significant events. The incident has raised concerns about law enforcement commitment and the potential impact on public safety during major sporting events. The dismissed officers are expected to face disciplinary proceedings, and the police department is reviewing protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future.