An IIT-Guwahati student was detained for allegedly pledging allegiance to ISIS in Assam's Hajo. The fourth-year Biotechnology student went missing after claiming on social media his intent to join ISIS. Charged under UAPA, he was sent to 10-day police custody. The arrest follows ISIS India head's arrest in Dhubri. The student, a Delhi resident, was found in Hajo, 30 km from Guwahati, after issuing an open letter on LinkedIn. IIT-Guwahati confirmed him missing since noon.          

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Holi greetings, wishing happiness and harmony. He emphasized the festival's significance in bringing new energy and enthusiasm. Holi, celebrated on March 25, includes the ritual of 'Holika Dahan,' symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. This pre-festival event is observed nationwide with unique traditions. Holika Dahan marks the burning of the demon Holika, followed by vibrant celebrations across the country, uniting people in joy and color.

Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, a grand Holi celebration is planned, led by the temple's chief priest, Acharya Satyendra Das. This year's festivities hold special significance, honoring Lord Ram's divine presence. Devotees will gather to apply colored powder and offer traditional sweets like kachori, gujiya, and puri to Lord Ram. The celebration aims to replicate the joyful atmosphere witnessed during Lord Ram's darshan after the pran pratishtha ceremony. It promises to be a vibrant and joyous occasion for all who participate.

Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister, highlighted the positive outcomes of Article 370's revocation during his visit to Singapore. He stressed that the move unlocked opportunities for progress in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. Jaishankar labeled Article 370 as a barrier to extending beneficial laws to the regions. He pointed out its role in fostering separatism, violence, and terrorism, posing threats to national security. The minister's remarks reaffirm the government's commitment to integrating the territories and fostering development. Jaishankar's statements echo ongoing discussions regarding the impact of constitutional changes on the region's stability and growth.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in August that the landing site of Chandrayaan 3's moon lander would be named Shiv Shakti. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has now officially recognized this name, designating it as  'Shiv Shakti'. Chandrayaan 3, India's third lunar mission, took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on July 14. The Vikram lander successfully touched down on the moon's surface on August 23, alongside the Pragyan Rover. This accomplishment makes India the fourth country to achieve a controlled lunar landing and the first to do so near the lunar South Pole.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated Holi with army personnel in Leh after plans to visit Siachen were changed due to extreme weather conditions. Singh praised Ladakh as the "capital of bravery," recognizing its significance as the location of Siachen and Kargil. His decision to shift the celebration underscores the challenges faced by troops in demanding terrains. The event highlights the importance of their service in safeguarding the nation's borders. Siachen Glacier, near the India-Pakistan Line of Control, remains a strategic location, despite its harsh conditions.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke on several key issues during a lecture session on his book 'Why Bharat Matters'. Jaishankar highlighted Pakistan's alleged sponsorship of terrorism, calling it "almost an industry level" practice. He emphasized the need for honest dialogue to address the issue. Additionally, he addressed troop movements on China's borders, dismissing China's claims on Arunachal Pradesh as "ludicrous" and asserting India's sovereignty. Jaishankar also discussed India's multi-vector policy in relations with Russia and the US and hinted at ongoing considerations regarding dual citizenship for OCI cardholders, initially proposed during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure.

India's Railways Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, hailed progress on the Mumbai to Ahmedabad bullet train project, emphasizing its transformative impact on regional economies. Vaishnaw highlighted key cities along the corridor like Mumbai, Surat, and Ahmedabad, emphasizing the project's goal of enhancing connectivity and economic cohesion. He pointed out the success of bullet trains globally in dominating transportation share and hinted at competitive pricing compared to air travel. Speaking at the NDTV Indian of the Year awards, Vaishnaw underscored the project's potential to revolutionize travel patterns, allowing for seamless movement between cities and facilitating economic integration across the region.

Astronomers have pinpointed the earliest elements of the Milky Way, dating back 12-13 billion years, calling them 'Shakti' and 'Shiva'. These stellar clusters, akin to founding blocks of a city, emerged as smaller galaxies merged to form our galaxy. Researchers from Germany's Max Planck Institute for Astronomy detailed in The Astrophysical Journal that these star groups retained unique energy and angular momentum signatures. Their findings illuminate the Milky Way's formation through galactic collisions, providing insights into the origins of our cosmic home.

A man in Assam's Dhubri district has been sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for kidnapping and raping a five-year-old girl from his neighborhood in 2022. The accused was swiftly apprehended based on the family's complaint, facing charges under POCSO and IPC sections. The victim's mother filed an FIR on February 17, 2022, detailing how the man lured the child with chocolate, abducted, and assaulted her in an abandoned location. Locals found the girl in a distressed state, while the perpetrator fled. This verdict underscores the gravity of crimes against children.