India is set to finalize four major defense deals worth over Rs 1.5 lakh crore, including contracts with France for 26 Rafale-Marine fighters and three Scorpene submarines. The deals also cover 156 Prachand light combat helicopters and 307 advanced towed artillery gun systems, significantly enhancing India's military capabilities.
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Kannada actor Ranya Rao was caught smuggling 14.2 kg gold at Bengaluru airport. Her father, DGP Ramachandra Rao, has been sent on 'compulsory leave' to avoid embarrassment. Three central agencies are investigating, with Rao's involvement denied by Ranya, who claims she was coerced into signing documents. The central agencies might summon Rao for questioning.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's eighth Union Budget for 2025-26 included significant announcements for Bihar ahead of elections, sparking criticisms of political bias. Opposition leaders also pointed out the neglect of Andhra Pradesh and accused the government of ignoring vital welfare policies. Measures include new airports in Bihar, increased FDI in insurance, and initiatives for the marine sector.
A 23-year-old truck driver, Vikas Bansode, was allegedly beaten to death in Beed, Maharashtra, by ten people, including truck owner Bhausaheb Kshirsagar, over a love affair. Lured under the pretext of Holi celebrations, Bansode and his friend were held captive and assaulted. He was later abandoned at a hospital, where he was declared dead. Police have arrested six suspects and are searching for the remaining accused.
The Gujarat government has approved the creation of a new Vav-Tharad district by bifurcating Banaskantha. This decision, aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency and addressing public demand, establishes Tharad as the new district's headquarters. The new district will encompass eight talukas while Banaskantha will retain six talukas.
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the nation's growing alignment with Europe, highlighting economic progress and strong bilateral relations with Ireland. He emphasized the significance of finalizing the free trade agreement with the EU and the increasing convergence as India becomes a major global economy.
The 70-year-old retired professor from Andhra Pradesh grapples with the Supreme Court's acquittal of the man convicted of his daughter's rape and murder. Despite years of fighting for justice, the recent verdict leaves his family in a state of disbelief, questioning the legal outcome and struggling with an unending sense of loss and unanswered questions.
Pharma giant Eli Lilly has launched Mounjaro, a popular weight-loss drug, in India. Priced at Rs 3,500 for 2.5 mg and Rs 4,375 for 5 mg, Mounjaro is available by prescription and aims to address obesity and type 2 diabetes. The tirzepatide shortage has been resolved.
A viral video shows rural women at Bihar’s Buxar railway station claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modi allowed them to travel ticketless to Prayagraj Maha Kumbh. Danapur railway official Jayant Kumar corrected them, insisting tickets were mandatory. The ongoing pilgrimage has caused an unexpected rush, contributing to a recent stampede in New Delhi that killed 18 people. Over 50 crore devotees have visited Prayagraj, with Maha Kumbh ending on February 26.
In a controversial move, the Trump administration has approved a $397 million package for Pakistan's F-16 fighter jet fleet, while offering India the advanced F-35 Lightning II jet. This dual approach aims to recalibrate South Asia's power dynamics, but raises concerns about Pakistan's potential misuse of the F-16s.
The supreme court of India quashed proceedings against a firm accused of manufacturing sub-standard drugs, ruling that the trial court's summoning order lacked reasoning. Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih called the order "non-speaking" and set aside the Andhra Pradesh high court’s 2023 decision. The case stemmed from a 2018 drug sample test, but the supreme court dismissed the trial court’s July 2023 order due to procedural lapses.