The Supreme Court issued a stern warning to the government, emphasizing that "women cannot be left out," regarding the denial of a Permanent Commission to women officers in the Indian Coast Guard. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud stated, "If you do not do it, we will do it. So, have a look at that." The court rejected functionality arguments, asserting such reasoning doesn't hold water in 2024. The hearing stems from a plea by a woman Coast Guard officer, with the next session scheduled for March 1. The court previously criticized the Coast Guard's "patriarchal attitude" and urged alignment with Navy and Army policies.

Vijay Shekhar Sharma, founder of Paytm, resigns as non-exec chairman of Paytm Payments Bank, leading to a board reshuffle. Srinivasan Sridhar, Debendranath Sarangi, Ashok Kumar Garg, and Rajni Sekhri Sibal join the new board. The move follows RBI's scrutiny and non-compliance concerns, with a March 15 deadline to wind down operations. Sharma owns 51%, and One 97 Communications holds the rest. New board members aim to enhance governance and operational standards. RBI restricts banking activities but allows interest and refunds. Paytm likely to collaborate with Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, SBI, and Yes Bank for UPI transactions.

The income tax department's investigation into Alkem Laboratories reveals alleged large-scale tax evasion exceeding Rs 1,000 crore. The pharma company reportedly claimed bogus deductions for its Sikkim manufacturing units, leading to potential heavy penalties. Additionally, the probe exposes significant payments made to doctors for prescribing Alkem's drugs. The investigation, initiated in September last year, involved surveys, statements from officials, and scrutiny of financial records. Sources suggest the findings could result in severe consequences for Alkem Labs.

Haryana's Home Minister, Anil Vij, assures a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the murder of Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) chief Nafe Singh Rathee. The decision follows the killing of Rathee and an acquaintance by unidentified assailants in Bahadurgarh. The Haryana government's commitment to a CBI investigation came during a state assembly session. Meanwhile, Rathee's nephew, present during the attack, recounts shooters sparing his life, relaying a message to the family. Police register a murder case against seven individuals, including BJP leader Naresh Kaushik. Authorities are searching for the Hyundai i10 car used by the assailants.

Renowned ghazal and playback singer Pankaj Udhas, best known for hits like 'Chitthi Aayi Hai,' breathed his last at 72. Udhas succumbed to a prolonged illness at Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai, as confirmed by his family. Daughter Nayaab shared the sad news on Instagram, triggering an outpouring of condolences from fans. The singer, survived by wife Farida and daughters Nayaab, Reva, and brothers Nirmal and Manhar, will have his last rites on Tuesday. Udhas' illustrious career spanned memorable songs and revered ghazal albums, leaving an indelible mark on Indian music.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared the repeal of the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act, 1935, aiming to eradicate child marriages in the state. Sarma, adamant on preventing child marriages, pledged to shut down the practice before 2026. The Assam Cabinet's approval to repeal the act faced criticism in the state Assembly, with Sarma defending the decision as a move against child marriage. The Chief Minister emphasized relief for Muslim women and the end of exploitation. The opposition, Congress, briefly walked out in disagreement, suggesting amendments rather than a complete repeal.

A 70-year-old woman, Susheelamma, was found murdered and dismembered in a plastic drum near her flat in Nisarga Layout, KR Puram. Suspects are being questioned. She was a BJP worker. Her limbs were found severed. Police suspect she was killed Friday night. Her daughter and granddaughter reside in the same complex. Jewelry was found on her body, raising questions about robbery. She was expecting money soon, according to a neighbor. Police are investigating the source of this money. The victim's son occasionally provided financial support. Her husband was deceased. Investigation ongoing

Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed an underwater puja at the ancient site of Dwarka, submerged in the Arabian Sea off Gujarat's coast. Donning scuba gear, he made a symbolic offering of peacock feathers to Lord Krishna. The visuals of his dive into the historic city, now underwater, circulated widely on social media. Earlier, PM Modi inaugurated 'Sudarshan Setu', India's longest cable-stayed bridge, connecting Beyt Dwarka island to mainland Okha. The bridge, adorned with verses from the Bhagavad Gita, aims to enhance connectivity and promote tourism in the region.

In a brazen daylight attack, Haryana's Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) president Nafe Singh Rathee was fatally shot in Jhajjar district, Haryana. Rathee, a prominent Jat leader and former MLA, was traveling in his car when unidentified gunmen, suspected to be linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, opened fire. Despite having three private gunmen for security, Rathee succumbed to multiple bullet injuries. Rathee had faced legal trouble last year as the main accused in a suicide case. Police are investigating possible motives, including property disputes. The incident highlights the escalating violence in Haryana's political landscape.

Three Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district. The face-off occurred during an anti-Naxalite operation based on intelligence inputs about the presence of Maoist cadres. Security forces, including the District Reserve Guard and Border Security Force, engaged in a gunfight with the Naxalites in Bhomra-Hurtarai villages. The Naxalites fled after a brief exchange of fire, leaving behind three bodies and seized weapons. The identity of the deceased Naxalites is yet to be determined.