President’s Prachand Sortie

President Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie in the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter ‘Prachand’ at Jaisalmer Air Force Station. Designed for high-altitude operations, Prachand has significantly boosted the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities, marking a milestone in India’s defense modernization and indigenous aerospace development.

Reform Express Momentum

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is riding the “Reform Express,” highlighting simplified processes, improved ease of doing business, and technology-led governance. Addressing a Post Budget Webinar, he stressed that delivery excellence, not just policy intent, is crucial to sustain reform momentum and achieve Viksit Bharat.

Navy Inducts Dolphin Hunter

The Indian Navy commissioned ‘Dolphin Hunter – Anjadip,’ its fourth Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, at Chennai Port. Equipped with torpedoes, rockets, sonar, and water-jet propulsion, the 77-metre vessel enhances India’s maritime defense capabilities.

Paradip Green Jetty

The Centre approved a Rs797.17 crore project for a dedicated jetty at Paradip port to handle green hydrogen, ammonia, and liquid cargo. Implemented on a BOT basis, the facility will strengthen Paradip’s role as a green energy hub with a handling capacity of four million tonnes annually.

Shah to Visit Odisha

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Odisha on March 5–6. He will attend CISF Foundation Day in Cuttack, lay stones for forensic science campuses in Bhubaneswar, inaugurate projects, and open the ‘Naveen Nyaya Sanhita’ exhibition, highlighting cooperation and justice reforms.

NCERT Book Row

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized NCERT for including a chapter on judicial corruption. Calling it unfortunate, he directed withdrawal and cancellation of such chapters, emphasizing that the government has no intention of showing contempt toward the judiciary and is treating the matter seriously.

Mahanadi Tribunal Visit

A 10-member Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal team began a five-day Odisha visit to inspect key basin sites amid inter-state disputes. Led by Justice Bela M. Trivedi, the team will review Hirakud Dam, Burla power channel, Debrigarh Sanctuary, and Chilika Lake to assess water-sharing issues.

Kejriwal, Sisodia Discharged

A Delhi court discharged former CM Arvind Kejriwal, ex-deputy CM Manish Sisodia, and 21 others in the excise policy case. Judge Jitendra Singh said the CBI chargesheet had lacunae unsupported by evidence. The case involved alleged corruption in the scrapped AAP government excise policy.

Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions

Pakistan declared “open war” against Afghanistan after Taliban forces claimed to have killed and captured Pakistani soldiers in a cross-border offensive. The escalation marks a dangerous turn in bilateral relations, raising concerns about regional stability and security in South Asia.

T20 World Cup

In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, England face New Zealand in a Super Eight clash at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium. Last night, India defeated Zimbabwe by 72 runs in Chennai. India’s next match is against West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.