Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first underwater metro in Kolkata on March 6. The Kolkata Metro extension, which includes the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section, boasts the country's inaugural transportation tunnel beneath a major river. The 4.8 km underwater corridor connects Howrah Maidan to Esplanade, with ticket prices ranging from Rs 5 to Rs 50 based on distance. This transformative project signifies a remarkable leap in urban mobility, setting a precedent for future advancements in India's transportation infrastructure. The underwater metro is a testament to the nation's commitment to cutting-edge and sustainable transportation solutions.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed credit card issuers to allow customers the option to choose from multiple card networks. This move aims to enhance flexibility and choice for consumers. RBI prohibits issuers from agreements limiting their access to other networks. Authorized networks include American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, RuPay, and Visa. However, the directive exempts issuers with fewer than 10 lakh active cards. The new guidelines, effective in six months, seek to ensure a fair and competitive credit card market, promoting consumer empowerment and industry growth.

Protesting farmers, led by Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Samyukta Kisan Morcha, are set to march towards Delhi today to press demands, including legal guarantee of MSP. Security heightened at Punjab and Haryana borders. 'Rail roko' protest planned for March 10, 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' on March 14. Delhi Police increases vigil at Tikri, Singhu, and Ghazipur borders, as well as railway, metro stations, and bus stands. Traffic congestion expected in the capital.          

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated projects worth ₹15,400 crore in Kolkata during his 10-day visit to 12 states. Notably, he opened the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of Kolkata Metro's East-West corridor, India's first underwater metro, costing ₹4,965 crore. The 4.8-km stretch has the nation's deepest station at Howrah - 30 meters below ground. Other inaugurated projects include metro sections in Kolkata, Pune Metro, Kochi Metro extension, Agra Metro, and Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor. Modi is set to address a rally in Barasat, West Bengal, condemning atrocities on women in Sandeshkhali and urging TMC's defeat in upcoming polls.

Amid Ladakh protests, Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured Leh and Kargil representatives that concerns about land, jobs, and culture would be addressed through special provisions akin to Article 371, rejecting demands for Sixth Schedule inclusion and a legislature. Shah pledged up to 80% job reservation for locals and emphasized representation via strengthened hill councils. Protests in Ladakh seek statehood, legislative rights, and Sixth Schedule inclusion, with concerns about environmental impact. The government's high-powered committee is examining these issues. Ladakh leaders express intent to persist in their democratic pursuit of demands.

Amidst a worsening water crisis in Bengaluru, 3,000 borewells have dried up, prompting skyrocketing prices for private water tankers, charging between ₹500 to ₹2,000 each. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the setup of control rooms and helplines at Taluk levels to tackle the crisis. Only 219 out of 3,500 water tankers in the city have registered, with a warning to others for registration before March 7. Additionally, the government plans to deploy unused milk tankers for water supply and urges judicious water use, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Despite a Calcutta High Court order, the West Bengal government declined to transfer suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan to the CBI. A team of CBI officials visited the West Bengal Police Headquarters but returned empty-handed. The High Court emphasized the seriousness of the situation as Shahjahan was on the run for over 50 days before his arrest. In response, the Bengal government appealed to the Supreme Court against transferring the probe to the CBI. Shahjahan faces allegations of involvement in the attack on Enforcement Directorate officers and other criminal activities.

Six rebel Congress MLAs in Himachal Pradesh, disqualified for cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha polls, have approached the Supreme Court challenging the Assembly Speaker's decision. They contest the Speaker's ruling as 'illegal and unconstitutional.' Previously challenging their disqualification in the state High Court, the MLAs assert Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania's order violates constitutional rights. Meanwhile, seven BJP MLAs face notices for alleged misconduct in the Assembly. The Speaker refers the matter to the Privileges Committee. The rebel MLAs' move intensifies the political crisis in Himachal Pradesh, as legal battles over their disqualification unfold amidst mounting tensions.

A Spanish woman, allegedly gang-raped in Jharkhand, expressed gratitude for the kind treatment in India before departing for Nepal. She clarified, "I don’t blame the people; instead, I blame the criminals." The 28-year-old, touring with her husband, faced the assault while camping. They left for Bihar, continuing their world tour. She encouraged others, especially girls, to be resilient, stating, "You don’t forget, but you have to keep trying to leave it in the past." Five more accused were arrested, totaling eight, as the survivor's husband thanked the police for swift action. The couple traveled over 20,000 km in India, where they encountered the first such incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate India’s first underwater metro tunnel in Kolkata on March 6, marking a historic moment. The tunnel, part of Kolkata Metro's East-West corridor under the Hooghly River, connects Howrah Maidan to Esplanade. The 16.6 km stretch, 4.8 km beneath the river, is expected to have a daily ridership of 7 lakh commuters, traveling 16 meters below the river water. An engineering marvel, it covers a 520-meter stretch in just 45 seconds. The East-West Metro aims for full commercial operation by June-July, bringing a long-cherished dream to reality.