As per a new rule under the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023, individuals born on or after October 1, 2023, must provide a birth certificate to obtain essential documents like a passport, Aadhaar, voter ID, and driving license. This law aims to create a unified database for easier verification and record-keeping. Earlier, multiple documents could be used for such purposes. The move is expected to streamline administrative processes and ensure accurate demographic data. However, concerns remain regarding implementation challenges, particularly in rural areas with limited access to birth registration facilities.  

Operations have entered the seventh day to rescue workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel in Nagarkurnool, Telangana. India’s South Central Railway has deployed experts and heavy equipment, including plasma cutters and debris removal machinery, to speed up the search. The collapse occurred on February 22 due to a sudden inflow of water and soil. While 42 workers escaped, there has been no response from those still trapped. The National Disaster Response Force has been involved since the night of the accident. Officials continue efforts to locate and rescue the missing workers as time runs critical.  

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has intensified efforts to restore peace in Manipur amid escalating ethnic violence. After canceling election rallies in Maharashtra, Shah chaired high-level meetings on consecutive days, directing the deployment of an additional 50 companies (over 5,000 personnel) of Central Armed Police Forces to the state. The violence, persisting since May 2023, recently escalated following the abduction and killing of six civilians in Jiribam district, leading to attacks on residences of state ministers and MLAs. Authorities have imposed curfews and suspended internet services in several districts to curb unrest. Shah emphasized strategic deployment and strict legal action against perpetrators to restore normalcy.

An avalanche near Mana village in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district has led to a massive rescue operation. Of the 55 workers initially trapped, 47 have been rescued, while 8 remain unaccounted for. The Indian Army, along with State and National Disaster Response Forces, is confronting severe weather, including heavy snowfall and the risk of additional avalanches, which have impeded progress. Efforts continue as authorities strive to locate and extract the remaining workers. 

In a major breakthrough, Pune police arrested 37-year-old Dattatray Ramdas Gade, accused of raping a 26-year-old woman inside a Maharashtra state transport (ST) bus at Swargate bus station. Gade was found hiding in a paddy field in his native village, Gunat, in Shirur taluka. Medical reports indicated ligature marks on his neck, suggesting an attempted suicide before his capture. Authorities had announced a ₹1 lakh reward for information leading to his arrest. The police plan to recognize and honor villagers who played a role in locating the fugitive.    

India’s GDP grew 6.2% in Q3 FY25, up from 5.6% in Q2, according to NSO data. The real GDP growth for FY24 stood at 9.2%, the highest in 12 years. The government expects 6.5% growth in FY25, though some analysts predict lower figures. Rural demand and strong agricultural output boosted Q3 growth. Kotak Mahindra Bank’s Chief Economist Upasna Bhardwaj noted that Q3 numbers met expectations, but Q4’s projected 7.5% growth appears optimistic. Global trade uncertainties could impact FY26 growth, expected at 6.4%.

An avalanche struck a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp near Mana village in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, burying 57 workers. Rescue teams have saved 33 so far, while 24 remain trapped. The Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF are conducting operations on a war footing. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the situation, and Indian Air Force helicopters are on standby. A temporary control room has been set up in Joshimath. The Prime Minister’s Office and other ministries are monitoring developments. Authorities are racing against time amid unpredictable weather to complete the rescue mission.

A massive avalanche struck Uttarakhand’s Badrinath on Friday, trapping 57 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers. The disaster, triggered by a glacier burst near the Mana-Ghastoli National Highway, has led to an extensive rescue operation. So far, 32 workers have been rescued, while 25 remain trapped. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed four teams for the ongoing efforts. Uttarakhand authorities confirmed that relief operations are being carried out on a war footing. The region has a history of avalanches, with a deadly incident in 2022 claiming 27 lives. Rescue teams continue efforts to locate and evacuate the remaining workers.

An avalanche hit a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp between Mana and Badrinath in Uttarakhand on Friday morning. The snowslide buried 57 workers. So far, 16 have been rescued, but 41 remain trapped. Bad weather is making rescue efforts difficult. Helicopters cannot be used due to heavy snowfall. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has sent four teams to help. More teams are on standby. The Uttarakhand government and army are working together to save the workers. Officials say they are using all possible resources to speed up the rescue. No casualties have been reported yet.

India's GDP grew by 6.2% in the October-December quarter, aligning with estimates. This marks an improvement from the previous quarter's 5.8% growth. The acceleration is attributed to increased government expenditure, which rose by 8.3%, and a 6.9% year-on-year surge in private consumer spending, driven by better rural demand and festival season purchases. The gross value added (GVA), a more stable measure of economic activity, also grew by 6.2%. The government has raised its full-year growth forecast to 6.5% from 6.4%. Additionally, India's central bank implemented its first rate cut in nearly five years to further support economic growth, as inflation dropped to 4.3% in January.