A suspect in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast in Bengaluru on March 1 was traced via CCTV footage to Ballari. The NIA arrested four individuals linked to an "ISIS module" in Ballari five days later. The suspects, including Minaj alias Md Sulaiman, were held for three days for investigations. The cafe blast suspect changed attire and used intra-state buses for escape. Key evidence, a discarded baseball cap, was recovered. The CCTV trail tracked the suspect on a Volvo bus and a state bus to Tumkur. Investigations are ongoing.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has exposed a human trafficking network deceiving Indian youths with false job promises, instead dispatching them to the war-torn Russia-Ukraine zone. Investigations spanned seven cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, resulting in the registration of cases against visa consultancy firms and agents. Approximately 35 cases have surfaced so far, with over Rs 50 lakhs seized alongside incriminating evidence. The CBI's crackdown underscores the gravity of the situation as suspects are detained for further questioning. This revelation sheds light on the sinister exploitation of unsuspecting individuals amid global turmoil.

The Supreme Court raises concerns over Maharashtra Speaker Rahul Narwekar's decision, questioning if it contradicts a previous Constitution bench judgement. The ruling had declared Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's faction as the "real political party" based on legislative majority. The court, summoning original records, fixes the hearing for April 8. The Speaker's refusal to disqualify any member in the Shiv Sena faction dispute faces scrutiny. Chief Justice Chandrachud queries the decision's alignment with the earlier judgement. The court instructs Shinde's response by April 1, acknowledging distinctions in legislative and organizational majorities post-defection.

The Union Cabinet approves a 4% Dearness Allowance (DA) hike for over one crore Central Government employees and pensioners. Set to be effective from January 1, 2024, the increase aims to offset the impact of rising prices. Union Minister Piyush Goyal states the hike will cost the exchequer Rs 12,868 crore annually. Additionally, House Rent Allowance sees an increment. The DA and Dearness Relief adjustments, occurring twice a year, respond to changes in the cost of living index. The move aligns with the 7th Pay Commission's recommendations, benefiting millions amid economic adjustments.

Fresh CCTV footage suggests the suspect behind the Bengaluru cafe blast could be in Tumakuru and Ballari in north Karnataka. NIA teams have reached Ballari following leads of the suspect's travel route, possibly to Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh. Investigators believe the suspect changed attire en route, with his baseball cap recovered near the blast site. The suspect, captured on CCTV boarding a bus, wore a mask and sunglasses in the cafe but revealed his face inside the bus. Authorities are questioning individuals and expanding the search across northern Karnataka and Uttar Kannada districts.

Shajahan Sheikh, a suspended TMC leader, exhibited contrasting body language a week apart. On February 29, while in Bengal Police custody, he appeared confident and assured during a court appearance. However, on March 6, in CBI custody for a medical check-up, Sheikh appeared tense and subdued. The shift aligns with his transfer to the CBI in connection with the attack on ED officials in Sandeshkhali. Previously known for confidence, Sheikh's demeanor now reflects tension, raising speculation about the impact of CBI's scrutiny. The change has drawn attention amid political controversies in West Bengal.

During the NDTV Defence Summit 2024, India's Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, issued a clear warning to China amid the ongoing border tensions. Singh emphasized India's commitment to self-reliance in defence, stating, "Whether from land, air, or sea, if anyone attacks India, our forces will respond strongly...We are in a position to give a befitting reply." He highlighted the significant strides in India's defence sector since 2014, with a focus on indigenous production, military modernization, and strengthening the defence system according to the vision of the Indian people.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted raids across seven cities in Rajasthan and Maharashtra regarding a Rs 820 crore payments scam in UCO Bank. Last year, over 8,53,049 IMPS transactions led to wrongful crediting of funds to 41,000 UCO Bank accounts. Searches focused on individuals who received and withdrew the money instead of returning it to the bank. This is the second round of searches following earlier operations in Kolkata and Mangalore. UCO Bank has recovered 86% of the total amount mistakenly credited. The case was registered in November 2023 based on a UCO Bank complaint.          

A passenger flying on IndiGo's Bengaluru to Bhopal flight 6E 6465 raised concerns after discovering a missing seat cushion. Yavanika Raj Shah shared her ordeal on social media, garnering widespread attention. IndiGo responded, stating the cushions were replaced for cleaning, with cabin crew informing customers of the change. Despite reassurances, social media users expressed humor and skepticism, suggesting various scenarios for the missing cushion. The incident underscores the importance of transparency and communication between airlines and passengers, highlighting the need for improved maintenance procedures to ensure passenger comfort and safety.          

Pramod Yadav, BJP's Jaunpur district unit president, was fatally shot by unidentified assailants near Bodhpur village turn. The attackers, feigning to deliver a 'card', fired thrice, leaving Yadav, 55, dead. The assailants fled, leaving their bike behind. Yadav, also the BJP Kisan Morcha leader, was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. Jaunpur SP Ajaipal Sharma confirmed deployment of multiple teams for the assailants' arrest, citing vital leads in the investigation. Yadav had contested the 2012 assembly elections against Jagriti Singh, wife of ex-MP Dhananjay Singh, recently convicted in a kidnapping and extortion case.