India's ranking in the World Happiness Index has dropped to 126 out of 143 nations, raising doubts about the index's accuracy. Despite UN oversight, India fares worse than war-affected countries like Palestine and Ukraine, and even neighboring nations like Pakistan and Nepal. Notably, the index suggests that India's elderly population is happier than its youth, contrary to expectations. This unexpected finding challenges assumptions about the factors influencing happiness across different age groups. As India grapples with its position on the global happiness scale, questions arise about the validity and relevance of such rankings.

Massive snow avalanche hits Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, blocking Srinagar-Sonmarg road near Gagangeer. Few vehicles affected; passengers safe with some injuries treated at hospital. Rescue operation underway by police, Ski Petrol units, and Indian Army, with chopper assistance. Last month, avalanche struck Gulmarg ski resort trapping four foreigners; two rescued, one dead, one missing. SDM Gulmarg confirms Army involvement. Avalanche during Khelo India Winter Games. Rescue mission launched to save trapped tourists.

In response to vessel re-routings to avoid the Red Sea, bunker demand surged over 30% in ports across India and Sri Lanka, causing supply shortages in India's west coast ports like Kochi and Mumbai. Longer voyages to bypass the Red Sea led to increased activity in Sri Lankan ports. The spike in demand was mainly for VLSFO due to disrupted supplies. Despite this, price movements in the bunker fuel market have been mixed as of March 28, posing a challenge for the maritime industry.

Department of Telecommunications (DoT) warns citizens of scam calls impersonating DoT officials, threatening mobile disconnection over alleged illegal activities. Another scam involves WhatsApp calls from foreign numbers, posing as government reps to deceive people. DoT emphasizes it doesn't make such calls and urges vigilance against sharing personal info. Cybercriminals aim to steal data for fraud. Ministry of Communications issues advisory, urging public caution.

During Good Friday prayers at St Joseph's Metropolitan Cathedral in Thiruvananthapuram, Latin Catholic metropolitan Archbishop Thomas J. Netto highlighted violence against Christians in Manipur and across India, urging action against perpetrators. He criticized authorities for inadequate intervention. Auxiliary Bishop Mar Thomas Tharayil of the Syro Malabar Catholic Church emphasized the community's observance of Good Friday in Kerala, cautioning against fear, which he said facilitates subjugation. Christians in Kerala adhered to traditional customs, forsaking luxuries for prayer. The call for action against reported violence resonated throughout the service, underlining the need for protection and solidarity within the Christian community.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked Good Friday, recognizing the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ and emphasizing the importance of compassion and forgiveness. His message, shared on X, resonated with the nation. Good Friday is solemnly observed nationwide with prayers and processions depicting the 'stations of the cross'. It's a time for reflection on the teachings of Christ and the values he embodied. As people come together in prayer and contemplation, the essence of compassion and forgiveness is reaffirmed, fostering unity and understanding among communities across the country.

In Uttar Pradesh, security has been tightened in many towns after the demise of gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari. Prohibitory orders are in place, banning large gatherings. Ansari, who had a history of criminal cases, passed away in a hospital following a cardiac arrest. His family alleges poisoning while in jail. A panel of doctors will conduct a postmortem. Police presence is heavy, with CRPF units deployed. Social media surveillance is heightened to prevent unrest. Ansari's death has sparked concerns and precautionary measures across the state.

Mukhtar Ansari, a five-time MLA from Uttar Pradesh's Mau district, passed away from a heart attack while in Banda district jail. He was rushed to Rani Durgavati Medical College after falling ill, suspected of cardiac arrest. Despite efforts by a team of nine doctors, he could not be revived. Ansari, 60, faced over 60 criminal cases and had been behind bars since 2005. His death prompted condolences from political circles. Earlier hospitalised for abdominal pain, he alleged poisoning in prison food days before his demise. Police have heightened vigilance in sensitive areas following his death.

In a significant breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended Muzammil Shareef, believed to be a co-conspirator in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast case that rocked Bengaluru on March 1. The blast, which injured at least 10 individuals, marks its first arrest. The main accused, Mussavir Shazeeb Hussain, remains at large, while efforts persist to capture another suspect, Abdul Matheen Taha. NIA conducted raids across 18 locations in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh, seizing digital devices and cash. With a ₹10 lakh bounty on the main suspects, investigations intensify to unravel the broader conspiracy behind the attack.

Major reservoirs in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana register alarming lows, with some at 5% capacity. The Central Water Commission warns of widespread shortages as reservoirs across the region hover around 25% or less. Dams like Tungabhadra and Nagarjuna Sagar show critical levels, prompting concerns for agricultural, industrial, and domestic water supply. The situation worsens compared to last year and the 10-year average, signaling an urgent need for conservation measures. Kerala stands as an exception, with reservoirs averting crisis for now, highlighting regional disparities in water management.