The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has found high levels of fecal coliform in the Ganga river in West Bengal, making the water unfit for bathing. Despite receiving funds, no adequate sewage treatment facilities have been set up, with 258.67 million liters of untreated sewage flowing into the river daily. The NGT has warned of imposing fines if progress is not made in tackling pollution. District Magistrates have been directed to set deadlines for sewage treatment targets and disclose fund utilization. The NGT has ordered a performance audit and mandated fresh reports within eight weeks.

In Jharkhand's Jamtara, two individuals lost their lives when an attempt to escape a rumored fire on the Anga Express led them to be struck by another train at Kalajharia railway station. Contrary to initial reports, Eastern Railways clarified that the victims were not passengers but pedestrians on the tracks. A three-member committee is investigating the incident. Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Champai Soren express condolences. PM Modi in a statement said: "Pained by the mishap in Jamtara, Jharkhand. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon."  Rescue operations, including medical teams and ambulances, are underway. President Droupadi Murmu mourns the tragedy, emphasizing the need for speedy recovery for the injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to reveal a substantial Rs 1.5 lakh-crore boost for the petroleum sector in Bihar's Begusarai on March 2. The mega projects, totaling Rs 1.62 lakh crore across energy, fertilizers, infrastructure, and rail connectivity, aim to bolster economic growth and citizens' quality of life. The petroleum sector initiatives include 39 projects, with significant funding for the Krishna Godavari Basin project and Visakh Refinery Modernization. This infusion is expected to revolutionize the industry, enhancing infrastructure, production capacities, and energy distribution efficiency, while reducing import dependency and advancing environmental sustainability.

A tragic train accident occurred in Jamtara, Jharkhand, at Kalajharia railway station, where a train ran over passengers. While the exact death toll is unconfirmed, two bodies have been recovered. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, and medical teams rushed to the scene. Reports suggest passengers jumped onto the track after a fire, contradicting railway statements. Jamtara MLA Irfan Ansari is demanding accountability. Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren offered condolences and ensured relief efforts. Conflicting accounts arise about the incident, prompting an inquiry committee formation. The railways attribute the incident to alarm chain pulling and pedestrians on the track.

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) conducted a demolition drive in Khajoori Khas, demolishing illegal structures, including the house of Wakeel Hassan, a rat-hole miner involved in the Uttarakhand rescue. Hassan, part of the team that rescued 41 workers in Uttarkashi's tunnel, accused authorities of breaking their assurance that his house wouldn't be touched. In a video, Hassan displayed the aftermath and alleged police brutality during the incident. DDA justified the drive for planned development, while Delhi Police confirmed the demolition of illegal structures. The rat-hole mining team, vital in the Silkyara tunnel rescue, faces unexpected challenges.

A tourist suffered a broken leg after being grabbed and slammed by an elephant, named Gouri, during a ride in Jaipur's Amer Fort. PETA released footage to highlight animal welfare and safety concerns. Gouri previously injured a shopkeeper in 2022. PETA urges officials to relocate Gouri to a sanctuary and halt elephant rides, citing the animals' known tendencies to "lash out in fear and frustration" due to harsh conditions. The campaign group suggests replacing elephant rides with decorated electric vehicles. PETA's Poorva Joshipura emphasizes the need for authorities to act, urging tourists to refrain from supporting such practices.

The Narcotics Control Bureau, aided by the Indian Navy and Gujarat ATS, confiscated 3,300 kg of drugs from a boat with suspected Pakistani crew members off Gujarat's coast. Valued at over Rs 2,000 crore in the international market, the cache includes cannabis, methamphetamine, and morphine. Following a surveillance aircraft tip-off, an Indian Navy ship intercepted the vessel, leading to arrests and seizure. Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the agencies for their efforts towards a drug-free India. Investigations are ongoing to determine the origin and destination of the narcotics and gather more information about the arrested crew.

A Tamil Nadu advertisement for a new Isro spaceport inadvertently featured a rocket bearing China's flag, drawing BJP's ire. DMK MP Kanimozhi downplayed the gaffe, citing no hostility with China. PM Modi slammed DMK for alleged credit-stealing, while BJP's K Annamalai condemned the ad as a sovereignty breach. BJP accused DMK of aligning with China, citing historical inefficiency in Tamil Nadu's past space endeavors. The ad, celebrating Isro's Kulasekarapattinam spaceport, highlights India's space advancements. The controversy underscores political tensions over India's space program and China's influence.

The Calcutta High Court grants permission for a fact-finding team to proceed to Sandeshkhali after being initially prevented from doing so. The team, earlier arrested, sought intervention from the Court. Additionally, the court allows for the potential arrest of Trinamool Congress leader Shajahan Sheikh, accused in sexual assault and land grab cases. This decision follows an attack on ED officials by a mob during a probe into alleged ration distribution fraud. The High Court clarifies its order, emphasizing no hindrance to Bengal Police in arresting Sheikh.

BJP's Asim Sarkar alleges recent Aadhaar card deactivations in Bengal predominantly affect Hindu Dalits from Bangladesh, emphasizing their potential support for the party. Amid Trinamool Congress (TMC) claims of BJP's CAA intentions, Sarkar urges backing for BJP in upcoming polls to enforce the Citizenship Amendment Act. UIDAI's scrutiny coincides with Amit Shah's CAA declaration, affecting Dalit-Namasudra communities. TMC counters, calling the move a BJP ploy and advocating citizenship for all voters. The deactivation stirs political tensions, highlighting concerns over citizenship, identity, and electoral strategy in Bengal.