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.

The State Bank of India (SBI) has petitioned the Supreme Court for an extension until June 30 to furnish electoral bonds details to the Election Commission. Facing a contempt petition from the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), SBI's plea will be heard by a 5-judge bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud on March 11. This follows the top court's recent invalidation of the electoral bonds scheme, citing it as "unconstitutional". SBI highlighted the complexity of data compilation due to separate record-keeping for bond issuance and redemption, with donor details sealed for anonymity. Opposition members criticize SBI's move as elections loom.          

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi awarded the inaugural 'National Creators Awards' in New Delhi, recognizing excellence in storytelling, environmental sustainability, education, and gaming. The ceremony featured 23 winners across diverse categories, including Best Storyteller, Disruptor of the Year, and Cultural Ambassador of the Year, won by Maithili Thakur. Notable winners include Gaurav Chaudhary for Best Creator in Tech, Drew Hicks as Best International Creator, and RJ Raunac for Most Creative Creator-Male. The awards aim to harness creativity for positive transformations, honoring influencers shaping various fields nationally and internationally.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a ₹100 reduction in domestic gas cylinder prices on International Women's Day, aiming to alleviate financial burdens on households, particularly benefiting women. The move, promoting affordable cooking gas, aligns with the government's commitment to women's empowerment and a healthier environment. Additionally, the Central government extended the ₹300 per LPG cylinder subsidy for poor women under the Ujjwala Yojana in the upcoming fiscal year. PM Modi celebrated International Women's Day by saluting the strength and resilience of India's women, emphasizing the government's dedication to women's empowerment across various sectors.

The Supreme Court quashed an FIR against a Maharashtra college professor for his WhatsApp status critical of Article 370 abrogation and Pakistan's Independence Day. Justices Oka and Bhuyan emphasized citizens' right to criticize such actions, stating it's not an offense under Section 153-A. They underscored the importance of democratic values, expressing dissent within lawful limits. The ruling stressed the need to sensitize the police on freedom of speech, highlighting that legitimate dissent is integral to constitutional rights. The High Court's concern about stirring emotions was dismissed, focusing on the impact on reasonable people, not those with weak minds.

Delhi police arrested a man for fatally stabbing his 29-year-old son, Gaurav Singhal, just hours before the son's wedding in south Delhi. The crime scene indicated a possible involvement of multiple individuals. The strained relationship between Gaurav and his father surfaced during the investigation, revealing that Gaurav resisted marriage under family pressure and was in love with someone disapproved by his family. The accused showed no remorse and confessed to the crime. Gaurav's objections to the arranged marriage were a recurring source of conflict. Further investigation is ongoing.

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.