Fuel Prices Hiked
Premium petrol prices have been raised by Rs 2 to Rs 2.3 per litre, impacting fuels like Indian Oil’s XP95 and HPCL Power petrol. Industrial diesel prices jumped sharply to Rs 109.59 from Rs 87.67 per litre, increasing cost pressures, while regular petrol and diesel remain unchanged.

Happy Pakhala Dibasa
Pakhala Dibasa is being observed across the globe on Friday, celebrating Odisha’s culinary heritage. A grand 'Pakhala Paraba' was held at OTDC in Bhubaneswar, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attending and relishing the traditional dish, highlighting its deep cultural significance in Odia identity.

Fire Breaks Out
A fire broke out at a market complex near CRP Square in Bhubaneswar around 10 am Friday. Firefighters used oxygen support to enter smoke-filled premises and douse flames. Several shops were damaged, but no injuries reported.

CJI Recuses From Case
Chief Justice Surya Kant recused himself from hearing petitions challenging the 2023 law on appointing Election Commissioners, citing a possible conflict. The law excludes the CJI from the selection panel, replacing him with a Union minister, overturning a Supreme Court ruling earlier that year.

Prez Meets Premanand Maharaj
President Droupadi Murmu met revered saint Premanand Maharaj at his Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Ashram in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. The meeting marked a key highlight of the President’s ongoing three‑day visit to Uttar Pradesh, where she is participating in religious ceremonies and public engagements.

Avoid West Asia Airspaces
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has directed airline companies to avoid several airspaces in West Asia amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. The regulator has asked flight operations firms to refrain from operating in the airspace of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Iran Executes Wrestler
Iran has executed 19-year-old wrestler Saleh Mohammadi along with Saeed Davodi and Mehdi Ghasemi in public hangings in Qom. They were accused in the killing of two policemen during January 8 protests. Activists say the move marks an escalation in the crackdown on dissent.

USS Tripoli To Enter War Zone
The 50,000-ton USS Tripoli, carrying over 2,000 Marines of the 31st MEU, is set to enter the north Arabian Sea around March 22–23. Currently, south of Sri Lanka, it will reinforce the USS Abraham Lincoln group amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.

'Dhurandhar 2' Opens Big
“Dhurandhar: The Revenge” opened strong, earning Rs 102.55 crore net across 21,728 shows on day one in India. It surpassed the first-day collections of Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan, becoming not only the highest-opening Hindi film but also the only A-rated Indian film to achieve such a massive Day 1 total.

Dhaka Reconsiders PSL Clearance
Bangladesh may review clearance for players in PSL amid Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions. The board had issued NOCs to six players, but chairman Nazmul Abedin said government approval will now be sought, citing security risks due to the current situation.