India's pet care industry is witnessing a massive boom, driven by affluent and middle-class urban pet owners who treat their pets as family. With pet ownership rising from 26 million in 2019 to 32 million in 2024, spending on pet products and services has surged to $3.6 billion. The pandemic accelerated this trend as more people sought companionship. Luxury pet services, including specialized diets, pet-friendly travel, and grooming, are becoming mainstream. However, challenges like limited pet-friendly spaces persist. Experts predict India's pet care market will double by 2028, mirroring global trends in the growing pet economy. (PC: BBC News)  

Comedian Tanmay Bhat has responded to the controversy surrounding fellow comedian Kunal Kamra, humorously noting that he always receives messages asking if he’s okay whenever another comedian is in trouble. His statement comes as Kamra faces backlash over his recent remarks.   Meanwhile, Tamil actress Shruthi Narayanan has strongly condemned the circulation of an alleged casting couch video featuring her. She expressed deep distress over the leak, urging people not to share the content and warning of legal consequences. The incident raises serious concerns about privacy violations and the misuse of digital media in the entertainment industry. (PC: NDTV)

Following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025—killing at least 694 and injuring over 1,670—Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged full support to both Myanmar and Thailand. The quake caused massive infrastructure collapse, including a 34-story building in Bangkok, Thailand. In response, India is dispatching over 15 tonnes of relief materials, including medical aid, food, and emergency shelters. Rescue teams are also on standby. PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to regional cooperation and humanitarian relief as both nations struggle to recover from the disaster. (PC: XP Division, Ministey of External Affairs, The Hindu)    

Mumbai Police have intensified security after a social media post on X warned of potential riots, arson, and bomb blasts during Eid on March 31 and April 1. The message, which mentioned threats in areas like Dongri, attributed them to "illegal Rohingya, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani infiltrators." Authorities, including the Crime Branch and Anti-Terrorism Squad, have increased patrolling and surveillance. A technical investigation is underway to trace the source of the threat. Similar alerts have been issued in Delhi, prompting heightened security measures across major cities to ensure public safety. (PC: The Free Press Journal)  

On March 28, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district recovered the body of a fourth policeman near the Safiyan area, where a fierce encounter began on March 27. So far, four police officers and three terrorists have been killed, while several security personnel have sustained injuries. The operation, led by the Army, CRPF, and J&K Police, remains active as forces search for a missing policeman and clear the area of remaining threats. Senior officials are monitoring the situation, with security heightened in the region to prevent further escalation. (PC: Kashmir Observer)    

India’s pet care industry has surged to $3.6 billion in 2024, nearly doubling from 2019, driven by growing urban pet ownership. The number of pets in Indian households has risen to 32 million, with pet parents like Mumbai entrepreneur Neha Bapna spending thousands monthly on premium food, travel, and wellness. Pet-friendly resorts, grooming services, and specialized healthcare are fueling the industry’s expansion. Experts predict India's pet care market could surpass $7 billion by 2028, despite challenges like limited pet-friendly spaces and economic concerns. The trend mirrors global pet economy growth, expected to exceed $500 billion this decade. (PC: Getty Images)

A fierce gunfight in Kathua’s Jakhole village left 4 policemen and 3 terrorists dead on Thursday. The encounter, led by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of J&K Police with Army and CRPF support, began at 8 a.m. after reports of a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) infiltration. Seven policemen, including a DSP, were injured. Security forces, assisted by local youth, carried heavy weaponry into the dense forest. Drones spotted 2 more terrorists, and operations resumed Friday morning. The People's Anti-Fascist Front, a JeM proxy, claimed responsibility. The search for infiltrators continues. (PC: PTI)

Myanmar was rocked by two powerful earthquakes of magnitudes 7.7 and 6.4 on Friday, with strong tremors felt as far as Bangkok, 900 km away. The quakes, centered near Sagaing, caused the collapse of the historic Ava Bridge in Mandalay and damaged multiple buildings. In Bangkok, high-rises swayed, pools overflowed, and terrified residents fled homes and malls. "I ran out in my pyjamas," a Chiang Mai resident told AFP. Social media videos showed skyscrapers shaking and collapsing. Emergency teams are assessing the damage, and aftershocks remain a threat. (PC: Screengrab from X)

The Supreme Court of India quashed an FIR against Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi, ruling that satire and art “make life more meaningful.” Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized protecting free speech, stating, “Even if many dislike a view, it must be protected.” The ruling coincides with the Kunal Kamra controversy, where Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s supporters vandalized a Mumbai venue over his satire. Kamra mocked Maharashtra’s political shifts, calling them confusing for voters. The court reaffirmed that literature, drama, and films enrich public discourse and must be safeguarded. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Uttar Pradesh Police have warned that offering namaz on public roads could result in the cancellation of driving licenses and passports. The directive aims to prevent traffic disruptions and maintain public order. Authorities have urged people to use designated places of worship instead of public spaces for religious gatherings. The move is part of broader efforts to regulate public gatherings and ensure communal harmony. This decision has sparked debate, with some supporting it for maintaining order, while others see it as restrictive. (PC: India News)