India's first survey of riverine dolphins has found 6,327 dolphins in 28 rivers across eight states, with Uttar Pradesh recording the highest numbers. Prime Minister Modi emphasized dolphin conservation and announced various initiatives for wildlife management, including the expansion of Project Cheetah and the launch of new conservation projects.
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Sudarsan Pattnaik has created a sand sculpture on Puri beach to welcome the Union Budget 2025, ahead of its presentation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The budget is highly anticipated, with expectations for measures on economic growth, tax relief, and support for key industries.
BJP announced Rekha Gupta as Delhi’s new chief minister, succeeding Arvind Kejriwal. Gupta, a first-time MLA, leads a six-member cabinet, marking BJP’s return to power in Delhi after 26 years. The cabinet includes former AAP leader Kapil Mishra. Gupta, also a municipal councillor, becomes the fourth woman to hold the position in the capital.
S Jaishankar met with Wang Yi during the G20 meeting in Johannesburg. They discussed bilateral ties, focusing on direct flight resumption and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. They reviewed border peace management and the impact of the pandemic on flights, reflecting on multiple past agreements. Renewed initiatives aim to rebuild trust and stability.
The central government informed Parliament that it had raised concerns with the US about the use of restraints on Indian deportees, especially women. The US assured India that no women or children were restrained on recent deportation flights. Concerns related to religious sensitivities and food preferences of deportees were also addressed by both governments.
Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association is launching its first T20 Advocates’ Premier League on February 23 with a match between CJI XI and SCAORA XI at Arun Jaitley stadium. Senior advocates are sponsoring the seven teams, and the event will feature day-night matches under floodlights. The association plans to include two women's teams as well.
An IndiGo Airbus A321, VT-IBI, experienced a tail strike while landing in Chennai on March 8, 2025. This aircraft, which previously encountered a similar incident, is now grounded for inspections and repairs. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Board is investigating, with IndiGo prioritizing safety and addressing flight cancellations.
The US's increased tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada could benefit Indian exporters in sectors like agriculture, engineering, and textiles. Experts highlight opportunities to source key commodities from Canada at competitive prices. India may propose a "Zero-for-Zero Tariff" arrangement to bolster trade with the US while avoiding comprehensive Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
The Indian Ports Bill, 2025, proposes significant changes to the 118-year-old Indian Ports Act. It mandates all ports to report incidents threatening pollution and defines 23 violations as criminal offences, including non-payment of port fees, and safety violations. It also introduces significant penalties and requires data integration with central systems.
Police in Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit district have filed an FIR against Gursewak Singh, a Sikh man, for allegedly posting weapons photos and expressing support for Khalistan on social media. This follows the deaths of three Khalistan supporters in an encounter with police. Authorities are investigating and urge residents to report similar incidents.
The Congress party protested in Jammu against the Central government’s handling of terrorism and the delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The march was sparked by the recent killing of four police officers in an encounter with Pakistani terrorists. Party leaders called for immediate action to ensure peace and job opportunities in the region.