On March 23, 2025, a fierce encounter broke out in the Sanyal area of Hiranagar sector, Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, after security forces spotted 4-5 heavily armed terrorists near the International Border. Acting on intelligence inputs, a joint operation involving the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF was launched. A gunfight ensued as terrorists opened fire. The dense forest terrain has made the operation challenging, and additional reinforcements have been deployed. The situation remains tense as forces attempt to neutralize the threat. Search operations are ongoing to prevent any infiltration attempts. (PC: India Today)  

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has detained notorious Punjab gangster Jagdeep Singh, known as Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act for one year. This preventive measure aims to curb his alleged involvement in drug trafficking and related criminal activities. Bhagwanpuria, often referred to as the "Supari King," is implicated in over 50 criminal cases, including murder, extortion, and smuggling. Despite previous acquittals in some cases, authorities remain vigilant due to his extensive criminal network. The NCB's action underscores a commitment to dismantling organized crime and ensuring peace in Punjab. (PC: The Tribune)

Muskan Rastogi and her lover, Sahil Shukla, accused of murdering Muskan's husband, Saurabh Rajput, are experiencing severe drug withdrawal symptoms in Meerut District Jail. Both are refusing food and exhibiting extreme restlessness; Sahil is demanding marijuana, while Muskan seeks morphine injections. Their dependency on injectable drugs has led to these acute withdrawal symptoms. The jail's de-addiction center is providing treatment, with the medical team closely monitoring their condition. Officials anticipate it may take at least ten days for them to stabilize. The duo had allegedly murdered Saurabh on March 4, dismembered his body, and concealed it in a cement-filled drum, before attempting to cover their tracks with a trip to Himachal Pradesh. (PC: India Today & Aaj Tak)

India has set ambitious space exploration goals, aiming to establish its own space station by 2035 and send Indian astronauts to the Moon by 2040, according to ISRO Chairman S. Somanath. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is actively working on the Gaganyaan mission, India's first human spaceflight program, which will lay the foundation for future deep-space missions. ISRO is also focusing on advancements in space technology, including sustainable lunar exploration. These milestones align with India's broader vision of becoming a global leader in space research and exploration, further strengthening its position in the global space community. (PC: Republic/ ISRO)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially closed its investigation into the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, concluding that he died by suicide and ruling out any foul play or criminal conspiracy. The 34-year-old actor was found hanging at his Mumbai residence on June 14, 2020, sparking nationwide controversy and multiple investigations. The CBI’s findings clear actress Rhea Chakraborty and others accused of abetment. After forensic analysis and extensive questioning, the agency found no evidence supporting murder allegations. This closure marks the end of a high-profile case that gripped the nation for nearly four years. (PC: India.com)  

The Supreme Court has received a probe report detailing the discovery of charred bundles of cash at the official residence of Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma after a fire on March 14. The report, accompanied by visuals, was submitted along with a letter from Delhi HC Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, urging a thorough investigation. Justice Varma denied any wrongdoing, calling it a conspiracy, but the Chief Justice emphasized the need for an independent probe. The incident has sparked serious concerns about potential corruption within the judiciary, with calls for accountability growing louder. (PC: Maktoob Media)    

In a shocking incident in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, the autopsy report of Saurabh Rajput has exposed the gruesome brutality of his murder. His head was completely severed from his body, and his hands were also cut off, indicating extreme violence. The horrific crime has sent shockwaves through the region, raising concerns about rising brutality. Authorities are investigating possible motives behind the killing, including personal enmity or gang involvement. Police are actively working to identify and apprehend the culprits. The case has sparked widespread outrage, with demands for swift justice for the victim and his family. (PC: PTI Photo)  

A fire at Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma's official residence on March 14 led to the discovery of a large stash of cash by first responders. Justice Varma and his wife were in Bhopal at the time. Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna took immediate action, forming a three-member committee to investigate the allegations. The committee comprises Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the Punjab & Haryana High Court; Justice GS Sandhawalia, Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court; and Justice Anu Sivaraman of the Karnataka High Court. Pending the inquiry, Justice Varma's judicial duties have been withdrawn, and he has been transferred back to the Allahabad High Court, his parent court. ( PC: India Today & Financial Times )

In a recent escalation, four Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses were vandalized at Amritsar's Shaheed Madan Lal Dhingra Inter-State Bus Terminal. The miscreants shattered windshields and defaced the buses with 'Khalistan' slogans. This incident follows a similar attack on an HRTC bus near Kharar, Punjab, where the windshield was broken by assailants. In response, HRTC has suspended services on 10 routes to Punjab. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has engaged with his Punjab counterpart, Bhagwant Mann, to address the issue, leading to plans for DGP-level discussions between the states. The vandalism is linked to recent tensions over the display of flags bearing Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale's image on vehicles from Punjab in Himachal Pradesh.

In Pune, a 32-year-old IT professional, Dinesh Popat Thombre, has been arrested for the murder of his 27-year-old live-in partner, Jayashree Vinay More. The couple, together for over five years, had a three-year-old son. Tensions arose due to Thombre's suspicions of infidelity and financial disputes. On November 24, a heated argument in their car near Bhumkar Chowk escalated, leading Thombre to fatally strike More with a hammer in the presence of their child. He then transported her body approximately 130 kilometers to Khambatki Ghat in Satara district for disposal. Subsequently, he abandoned their son in Alandi and reported More missing to the Wakad police. Authorities became suspicious following the discovery of More's body and inconsistencies in Thombre's statements, leading to his arrest.