Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman underscored the significance of digital records in tax investigations, revealing that decoding encrypted mobile messages led to the detection of ₹250 crore in unaccounted money. She defended the proposed Income Tax Bill’s provisions allowing access to digital data during authorized searches, stating it will help curb tax evasion. Addressing privacy concerns, she clarified that such measures are necessary to close loopholes in the 1961 Income Tax Act. The bill is currently under review by a Select Committee and is expected to be debated in Parliament’s Monsoon Session. (PC: Fortune India)  

In a gruesome crime in Haryana’s Yamunanagar district, a man named Rakesh allegedly murdered his tenant, Sandeep, after discovering his affair with Rakesh’s wife. Under the guise of construction work, Rakesh tricked Sandeep into entering a seven-foot-deep pit, where he tied his hands, taped his mouth, and buried him alive. Sandeep’s family filed a missing person report, leading police to investigate and uncover the shocking murder. Rakesh has been arrested and faces charges including murder. The brutal nature of the crime has left the local community in shock as investigations continue. (PC: News 18)

Comedian Kunal Kamra has reportedly received over 500 threatening calls, including death threats, after a joke allegedly targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde went viral. The joke, performed at Mumbai's Habitat comedy club, led to strong reactions from Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) supporters, some of whom vandalized the venue. In response, Mumbai Police arrested 12 Shiv Sena workers, who were later released on bail. An FIR has been filed against Kamra, who has requested a week's time to appear before the authorities. (PC: Hindustan Times)

The Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu cognizance of the Allahabad High Court’s controversial ruling, which held that acts such as grabbing a girl’s breasts and breaking the string of her pyjama do not constitute an attempt to rape. The High Court had downgraded the charges from attempted rape to aggravated sexual assault under the POCSO Act. This decision has sparked widespread criticism, raising concerns about the judicial interpretation of sexual violence laws. The Supreme Court’s intervention seeks to re-evaluate the ruling to ensure legal consistency and justice for survivors. (PC: Sushil Kumar Verma/ The Hindu)  

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath criticized comedian Kunal Kamra, stating that freedom of expression should not justify personal attacks. Speaking on a podcast, he warned against using speech to deepen divisions in the country. Kamra had earlier called Maharashtra Deputy CM a “gaddar” (traitor). Adityanath also accused Congress of using George Soros’ funds to influence elections and criticized Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar over remarks on constitutional changes for Muslim reservations. The remarks have intensified political debates. (PC: HindustanTimes, X/KunalKamra)

Kannada actor Ranya Rao has confessed to using illegal hawala channels to buy gold, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) told a court. She was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru airport with 14.2 kg of undeclared gold worth ₹12.56 crore. Later, officials seized more cash and jewellery from her home, bringing the total to ₹17.29 crore. The case is linked to a gold smuggling syndicate. The CBI has filed an FIR under anti-corruption and smuggling laws. Authorities are investigating a possible connection between smugglers and public officials. The probe is still ongoing. (PC: Hindustan Times)

BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut spoke about the controversy surrounding comedian Kunal Kamra. She said the action against him was legal, unlike the demolition of her office in 2020. “That was illegal; this is legal,” she stated. Kamra’s parody of Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde led to vandalism at a Mumbai studio. Ranaut criticised Kamra, saying, “Insulting someone for their humble beginnings is wrong.” She also recalled her past conflict with Shiv Sena. “They laughed at my pain,” she wrote on X. The debate continues, with the Opposition supporting Kamra and others calling for accountability. (PC: News18)

A Supreme Court-appointed three-member committee has initiated an inquiry into the alleged cash discovery at Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma's residence. Following a fire on March 14 at Justice Varma's official bungalow in Lutyens' Delhi, firefighters reportedly found semi-burnt sacks containing Indian currency notes. The committee, comprising Justice Sheel Nagu, Justice GS Sandhawalia, and Justice Anu Sivaraman, visited the residence to inspect the premises. Justice Varma has denied the allegations, claiming a conspiracy to malign him. The Supreme Court collegium has repatriated him to the Allahabad High Court, and his judicial duties have been withdrawn pending the inquiry.(PC: Leaflet)

Comedian Kunal Kamra released a satirical song mocking Shiv Sena workers for vandalizing Mumbai’s Habitat comedy club, where he had criticized Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. The video, featuring the song Hum Honge Kangal, juxtaposes footage of Sena workers destroying property at the venue. The attack followed Kamra’s jibe calling Shinde a "traitor" over the 2022 party split. Hours after the incident, Mumbai Police summoned Kamra for questioning, but he requested a week’s extension. The controversy has sparked debates over freedom of speech in India.(PC: X/KunalKamra)

The BMC has demolished an illegal part of Mumbai’s Habitat Studio after stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra mocked Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde in a video. The action followed protests by Shiv Sena workers, who vandalised the venue. The BMC cited rule violations, including an unauthorised shed and improper use of the basement. After the attack, Habitat Studio announced its shutdown, saying it was unfairly targeted. The studio clarified that it does not control performers’ content. Police have been deployed for security. The future of the venue remains uncertain as officials review further action. (PC: Hindustan Times)