In a major encounter in Jammu & Kashmir, three police officers lost their lives while engaging in action against terrorists. Two terrorists were neutralized during the operation. Reports indicate that three to four terrorists remain holed up in the area, and security forces continue their efforts to eliminate the threat. The gunfight occurred after terrorists opened fire on a joint team of police and security forces. The tragic incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in countering terrorism in the region. (PC: NDTV)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's speech at an Oxford seminar turned chaotic when she was confronted about the alleged rape and murder at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College. Tensions escalated as Banerjee accused opposition parties, including BJP and Left, of orchestrating unrest and vandalism at the hospital. The CM also addressed concerns regarding Tata and Hindu organizations. Amid the turmoil, Banerjee urged junior doctors to return to work and suggested the CBI handle the investigation into the incident. (PC: Business Standard)  

A gunfight broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, killing three policemen and injuring two others. Security forces shot dead two terrorists. The clash happened near Jakhole village, about 30 km from Hiranagar, where another encounter took place earlier. Officials believe the terrorists entered India through a tunnel from Pakistan. A large anti-terror operation has been ongoing since March 22, involving police, the Army, NSG, BSF, and CRPF. "Reinforcements were rushed to the spot," officials said. Security forces are using drones and bulletproof vehicles to track down more infiltrators hiding in the area. (PC: PTI)

Mumbai Police have asked comedian Kunal Kamra to appear for questioning by March 31. Kamra requested time until April 3, citing threats to his life, but police denied his request. He faces charges, including defamation, after making jokes about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Sena workers vandalized the comedy venue after his show, and civic officials later demolished parts of it. Kamra said, "I won’t hide and will cooperate with police." He also questioned whether the law would be fairly applied to those responsible for vandalism. The controversy has sparked political debate between Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray. (PC: NDTV)

Maharashtra minister Shambhuraj Desai has demanded comedian Kunal Kamra’s immediate arrest, saying, “Don't test our patience, arrest him soon.” Desai accused Kamra of deliberately mocking Eknath Shinde, Nirmala Sitharaman, and Narendra Modi in parody videos. “The water has gone above the head. Kamra needs to face consequences,” he warned. Shiv Sena workers had already vandalized Kamra’s show venue in Mumbai. Referring to police action, Desai added, “Nab him from wherever he is, put him in a tyre, and give him ‘prasad.’” Kamra, undeterred, continues posting satirical videos, further escalating tensions. (PC: X/@KunalKamra88)

Over the past five days, three minors have died, and 25 others have fallen ill at the Rajkiya Balgriha children's shelter home on Mohan Road, Lucknow, due to suspected groundwater contamination. The facility houses around 170 destitute children aged 10 to 18. The first illness was reported on March 22, with cases rapidly increasing. Authorities suspect a link between the borewell and a nearby septic tank. Water and food samples have been collected for testing, and a new borewell and industrial-grade water purifier are being installed to prevent further health hazards. Investigations are ongoing. (PC: The Hindusthan Gazette)  

India's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has blocked the release of Santosh, the UK’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, citing concerns over its portrayal of misogyny, Islamophobia, and police brutality. Directed by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, the film explores systemic discrimination, caste violence, and anti-Muslim sentiments. The CBFC demanded extensive cuts, which Suri called "impossible" to implement. Santosh premiered at Cannes, earned a BAFTA nomination, and won Best Actress at the Asian Film Awards. The ban has sparked controversy over artistic freedom in India’s film industry. (PC: Seen From Santosh)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced 'Sahkar Taxi,' a cooperative-based ride-hailing service aimed at benefiting drivers directly. The initiative aligns with PM Narendra Modi’s 'Sahkar Se Samriddhi' vision and ensures drivers retain full earnings without intermediaries. The announcement follows allegations of discriminatory pricing by Ola and Uber, prompting government scrutiny. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) is investigating pricing disparities based on users’ phone models. Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi called such practices "unfair" and vowed to examine pricing strategies in other sectors, including food delivery and ticketing platforms. (PC: India Today)

    The Chipko Movement, originally focused on forest conservation, inadvertently played a significant role in the demand for a separate Uttarakhand state. The movement's leaders, like Chandi Prasad Bhatt and Sunderlal Bahuguna, gained international recognition for their environmental advocacy. Though its primary aim was tree protection, Chipko’s methods and leadership inspired political movements for Uttarakhand’s statehood. The movement's influence continues, exemplified by the naming of schemes after Gaura Devi, one of its central figures. The Chipko leaders’ contributions to both environmentalism and regional political change remain vital to Uttarakhand’s history. (PC: The Print)    

Mumbai Police have summoned stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra for the second time following a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel over a parody song allegedly mocking Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. Kamra’s video satirized the Shiv Sena and NCP splits, sparking controversy. While the BJP-backed complaint led to police action, opposition leaders questioned why the ruling party remained silent on Kamra’s jokes about PM Narendra Modi. They accused the BJP of selective outrage, highlighting inconsistencies in its stance on free speech. Kamra has defended his satire, asserting his right to criticize political figures.