India's 'Mission Divyastra' marked a milestone as Agni-5 missile, equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, was successfully tested. Led by Sheena Rani, a veteran scientist at DRDO, the test underscores her 25-year contribution to India's defence. Rani, following the legacy of 'Agni Putri' Tessy Thomas, has been pivotal in Agni series development since 1999. Trained in electronics and communications, she transitioned to DRDO post-Pokhran Nuclear tests. The test affirms India's missile prowess and Rani's role in safeguarding the nation.

The Indian government has streamlined citizenship rules for minorities from neighboring countries, permitting Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan before December 31, 2014, to seek Indian citizenship. They can now prove nationality through ancestry documents without the need for passports or visas. The move aids non-Muslim migrants, fulfilling a promise by PM Modi's administration. Despite past protests, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 rules were enacted, diminishing states' involvement in citizenship grants. Opposition-led states oppose but have reduced influence under the new regulations.

The water crisis in Bengaluru intensifies as residents struggle with limited water supply, resorting to measures like ordering out instead of cooking and relying on water tankers. With only five showers a month and escalating tanker prices, residents express frustration over the government's handling of the situation. Hospitals are also affected, with one requiring 24,000 liters every three days. Migrant tech workers, a significant portion of Bengaluru's population, are considering work-from-home options to reduce water usage. Political tensions rise as opposition parties blame the government for negligence amid warnings of protests.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made a significant breakthrough in the Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast case by detaining a key suspect identified as Shabbir from Karnataka's Bellary district. This development comes after the NIA announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to the suspect's capture. The arrest follows extensive CCTV analysis, revealing the suspect's involvement in the low-intensity blast on March 1, which injured 10 people. The suspect was seen carrying a bag believed to contain the improvised explosive device (IED) used in the attack, demonstrating meticulous planning and execution.

The State Bank of India (SBI) chairman filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court, confirming the submission of electoral bond details to the Election Commission of India. The affidavit disclosed that 22,217 bonds were purchased between April 1, 2019, and February 15, 2024, with 22,030 bonds redeemed. SBI submitted two sets of information, including political party names and bond redemption details, meeting the court's deadline. Despite SBI's request for an extension until June 30, the court directed compliance by March 12, warning of contempt charges for non-compliance. ECI is expected to make the information public by March 15.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya is drawing an average of 1 to 1.5 lakh devotees daily, as reported by the temple trust. Opened on January 22, pilgrims can visit from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm. The process for darshan is streamlined, taking 60 to 75 minutes. Devotees are advised to leave belongings outside for convenience. Mangala, Shringar, and Shayan Aartis are conducted at specific times. Since inauguration, over a million visitors have sought Lord Ram Lalla's blessings. Donations of ₹25 crore, including gold and silver, have been received within a month.

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for March 15 on a plea by Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) to prevent the Union government from appointing election commissioners under the new law. With two vacancies in the three-member panel, following Arun Goel's resignation and Anup Chandra Pandey's retirement, concerns over the appointment process under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, have emerged. Critics argue the law, replacing the Chief Justice of India with a Union minister in the selection panel, risks government influence over the electoral watchdog.            

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually lay the foundation stones of three semiconductor projects worth nearly ₹1.25 lakh crore today, aiming to position India as a global hub for semiconductor design and manufacturing. These projects include a semiconductor fabrication facility in Gujarat and two Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facilities in Assam and Gujarat. Led by Tata Electronics Private Limited and CG Power and Industrial Solutions Limited, these initiatives will bolster India's semiconductor ecosystem, generate employment opportunities, and catalyze growth in electronics and telecom sectors.

The Maharashtra Cabinet mandates inclusion of mother's first name in all government documents, effective for births from May 1, 2014. CM Eknath Shinde oversaw the decision. The format will be applicant's first name, mother's first name, father's first name, and surname. Exceptions include orphans and married women, who can continue using husband's name. The move aims to recognize mothers more. Public health department will consult with the Centre on adding mother's name to birth or death registrations. Decision detailed in Cabinet Decision dated March 11, 2024, available on Maharashtra government's official website.

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019 offers hope to persecuted minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan by reducing the qualification period for Indian citizenship. Indian Muslims continue to enjoy their rights as equal citizens without any impact from the CAA. There are no provisions in the Act for repatriating illegal Muslim migrants, and it does not discriminate against Muslims. The Act aims to provide a compassionate response to the plight of persecuted minorities, demonstrating India's inclusive ethos. It upholds existing naturalization laws, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of religion, have the opportunity to seek Indian citizenship. Previous initiatives, such as granting long-term visas to minorities, further underscore India's commitment to humanitarian values.