Former J&K CM Omar Abdullah alleges coercion as PM Modi gears up for his inaugural visit to Kashmir post Article 370 abrogation. Accusations arise that J&K administration mandates employee presence at the event, threatening disciplinary action for non-compliance. Amid preparations for Modi's address and unveiling of ₹6,400 crore projects, controversy swirls as schools shut, exams postponed, and drone operations banned in Srinagar. Abdullah's claims fuel debate over political mobilization strategies in the region.

Amidst a severe water crisis in Bengaluru's RR Nagar and Pattanagere areas, the lone water purification plant has initiated water rationing, offering water canisters at Rs 5 each. Residents endure long queues, limited to one canister per family. Operating for just two hours in the morning and evening, locals, including the elderly, face hardships accessing water. Allegations arise of discrimination against those accompanied by family members. Even residents of gated communities face scarcity, as borewells dry up, and private tanker supplies diminish due to government regulations.

In compliance with a directive from the Calcutta High Court, the West Bengal Police relinquished custody of suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Shahjahan is implicated in allegedly instigating a mob attack on Enforcement Directorate officers during a raid related to a multi-crore ration distribution scam in Sandeshkhali. The CBI will now spearhead the investigation into the attack, which transpired on January 5. Despite initial reluctance from the Bengal Police, Shahjahan's transfer to CBI custody ensued after the High Court's scathing remarks questioning the police's impartiality in the case.          

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has declared a ₹10 lakh reward for information on the suspect involved in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast in Bengaluru. Shared on social media, a CCTV image reveals the suspect in a grey shirt, black pants, and beige cap just moments before the explosion. Despite the Karnataka Chief Minister's optimism, the NIA's reward hints at a lack of leads. The "golden hour" for apprehension may have lapsed, as the suspect was captured entering and leaving the cafe and disembarking from a bus. The blast on March 1 injured at least nine people.

Telangana's Drugs Control Administration (DCA) confiscated counterfeit medicines worth Rs 33.35 lakh. The fake drugs, filled with chalk powder and starch, were uncovered during inspections at medical shops. The non-existent company "Meg Lifesciences" was found to be the source of these illicit pharmaceuticals. The DCA is taking stringent measures to curb the distribution of such potentially harmful fake medicines in the market.

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.