Opposition parties voiced alarm following the abrupt resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel just before the Lok Sabha polls. President Droupadi Murmu accepted Goel's resignation, leaving the Election Commission with only Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. Congress's KC Venugopal criticized the lack of transparency in the Election Commission's functioning, citing Goel's departure as troubling for democracy. Trinamool MP Saket Gokhale raised concerns over the Modi government's new law allowing PM Modi to appoint Election Commissioners with a majority vote. Goel, a 1985 batch IAS officer, was slated to become the next chief election commissioner.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated infrastructure projects worth over ₹4,500 crore in northern West Bengal during a visit to Siliguri. Emphasizing the region's significance, PM Modi stated that eastern India, historically neglected, is now considered a growth engine. The projects include railway line electrification, doubling of railway lines, and national highway developments, aimed at enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth. This marks the government's commitment to 'Viksit Bengal'. PM Modi's visit follows recent project unveilings in southern West Bengal, reaffirming BJP's focus on the state's development.

Farmers in Punjab and Haryana are set to stage a 'rail roko' protest on Sunday, March 10, demanding guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP). The protest, organized by Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, will see hundreds of farmers blocking railway tracks in 60 locations. Authorities have imposed Section 144 in Haryana's Ambala district to prevent disturbances. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal urged the government to ensure MSP for all crops. Train schedules are expected to be disrupted as farmers assert their demands, following previous delays in train services due to similar protests.

Election Commissioner Arun Goel resigns before the impending Lok Sabha elections, with President Droupadi Murmu accepting his resignation. The reasons for his departure remain undisclosed. Goel, a former IAS officer, assumed office in November 2022 and was scheduled to serve until 2027. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar now shoulders the responsibility of overseeing electoral preparations. Goel's career spans significant roles in various government departments, notably driving the Electric Vehicle movement and managing Central Public Sector Enterprises. The Election Commission is expected to announce election dates next week amidst ongoing changes in the appointment process for new commissioners.

A fire erupted on the third floor of the Vallabh Bhavan state secretariat building in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Multiple fire tenders rushed to the scene, with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav confirming the fire's containment. No injuries were reported. Sanitation workers first observed smoke, prompting the fire brigade's response. Bhopal Municipal Corporation's Fire Officer Rameshwar Neel stated that approximately 15 to 20 fire tenders were deployed to manage the situation. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire and ensure preventive measures for future incidents.    

The newly completed Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, India, at an altitude of 13,116 feet, ensures year-round connectivity between Guwahati and Tawang. The two-lane tunnel, spanning 2,598.24m, includes an escape tunnel and reduces the Tawang-Dirang distance by 12km, saving 90 minutes each way. As the world's highest bi-lane tunnel, it enhances accessibility, especially in extreme weather conditions with temperatures dropping to -20 degrees C. The tunnels boast safety features like ventilation, lighting, and firefighting systems, accommodating 3,000 cars and 2,000 trucks daily. This infrastructure marks a significant milestone in enhancing transportation and security.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced the deportation of the first group of Myanmar nationals who entered India illegally amid escalating conflict between the junta and pro-democracy insurgents. Despite India's non-signatory status to the 1951 Refugee Convention, humanitarian aid has been extended to those fleeing Myanmar's crisis. The move comes after India's decision to terminate a free movement border agreement with Myanmar and amid efforts to erect a 1,643-km-long fence along the porous border. Tensions persist as ethnic ties link fleeing refugees with local tribes amidst ongoing clashes and violence in the region.

Security forces successfully rescued Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) Konsam Kheda Singh, who was abducted from his home in Manipur's Thoubal district. Singh, on leave at the time, was taken by assailants earlier in the day. The coordinated efforts of security forces led to his safe recovery at 6:30 PM on March 8, 2024. Manipur Police is now investigating the incident, suspected to be linked to extortion. This marks the fourth such abduction targeting soldiers or their relatives amidst ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, which has claimed over 200 lives and displaced nearly 50,000 people since May last year.

A Delhi police officer's video kicking Muslim men during Friday prayers on the road prompts outrage, leading to his immediate suspension. The incident occurred in Delhi's Inderlok area, where overcrowding at a mosque forced worshippers onto the street. Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi condemned the officer's actions, calling for legal action. Deputy Commissioner MK Meena confirmed an inquiry and disciplinary measures, with heightened security in the area. The incident highlights tensions surrounding public worship spaces and police conduct, prompting calls for accountability and sensitivity in law enforcement.    

Konsam Kheda Singh, a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Indian Army, was abducted from his home in Manipur's Thoubal district while on leave. The incident, believed to be an extortion case, saw Singh taken by assailants from Charangpat Mamang Leikai village. Security agencies have initiated a search operation along National Highway 102. This marks the fourth such abduction targeting soldiers or their relatives in Manipur since the conflict began. Ethnic violence in the region has led to over 200 deaths and nearly 50,000 displacements since May, with militant groups reportedly gaining ground.