Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport for smuggling 14.8 kilograms of gold valued at approximately Rs 12.5 crore. Investigations revealed that she had made 30 trips to Dubai within a year, allegedly smuggling gold each time. Authorities discovered she used customized clothing to conceal the gold and claimed to be the daughter of an Additional Director General of Police to bypass security checks. Further examination of her mobile contacts uncovered frequent communication with influential figures, leading to the arrest of star hotel owner Tarun Raj for purchasing smuggled gold from her. Ranya has denied coercion during interrogation, and her bail plea verdict is pending.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, initially slated for an eight-day mission in June 2024, have been on the International Space Station (ISS) for nine months due to technical issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Their return has been further delayed, with NASA confirming they won't be back on Earth before March 19, 2025. The delay stems from a postponed launch of SpaceX's Crew-10 mission, which was rescheduled to March 14 due to high winds and a hydraulic system issue on the Falcon 9 rocket. Once Crew-10 arrives and takes over ISS operations, Williams and Wilmore are expected to return, highlighting challenges in current space missions.

The trustees of Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital have filed a complaint against seven former trustees and 10 others, alleging financial fraud totaling Rs 1,250 crore over two decades. The case, registered on March 6, includes charges of cheating, forgery, and criminal breach of trust. This is the third FIR since June 2024. The accusations also involve bizarre claims of black magic. The high-profile hospital, which recently treated actor Saif Ali Khan, is now entangled in a major legal battle over these serious allegations.  

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated that he still shares a positive relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, despite ongoing global concerns over North Korea's nuclear advancements. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump acknowledged North Korea as a “nuclear power” and expressed his willingness to reengage with Kim. His remarks come amid increasing tensions, including North Korea’s recent missile tests and critical statements from Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, against the U.S. administration. Trump’s comments highlight his belief in personal diplomacy, even as North Korea continues to defy international denuclearization efforts.  

On March 13, 2025, American Airlines Flight 1006, a Boeing 737-800 en route from Colorado Springs to Dallas-Fort Worth, was diverted to Denver International Airport after the crew reported engine vibrations. Upon landing at approximately 5:15 p.m., the aircraft's engine caught fire while taxiing to the gate, prompting an emergency evacuation. All 172 passengers and six crew members evacuated safely using emergency slides, with some passengers seen standing on the wing amidst visible smoke. Twelve individuals sustained minor injuries and were transported to hospitals for evaluation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the engine fire.

Columbia University has expelled or suspended students involved in last spring's pro-Palestinian occupation of Hamilton Hall. The University Judicial Board issued sanctions, including multi-year suspensions, temporary degree revocations, and expulsions, based on the severity of actions and prior disciplinary records. The exact number of affected students remains undisclosed. The protests, sparked by the Israel-Hamas conflict, escalated when students barricaded themselves inside Hamilton Hall, leading to NYPD intervention and arrests. In response to perceived inadequate handling of antisemitism on campus, the Trump administration withdrew approximately $400 million in federal grants from Columbia. Additionally, Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent protest leader and Columbia graduate student, was detained by federal immigration authorities, intensifying debates on free speech and campus activism.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly expressed gratitude towards global leaders, notably U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for their efforts in addressing the Ukraine crisis. In his first public reaction to Ukraine's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, Putin acknowledged these diplomatic endeavors during a joint press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. He emphasized that while Russia agrees in principle to the ceasefire, it should pave the way for lasting peace by addressing the underlying causes of the conflict. Putin highlighted the significance of international engagement, mentioning leaders like China's President and India's Prime Minister, who are dedicating considerable attention to resolving the crisis.

Tamil Nadu’s decision to replace the standard rupee symbol with the Tamil letter "Ru" in its state budget has sparked debate. Udaya Kumar, the designer of India’s official rupee symbol, has responded to the controversy, as the move is seen as part of Tamil Nadu’s resistance to the perceived imposition of Hindi. The DMK-led government argues the change promotes Tamil identity, while critics view it as unnecessary politicization. The controversy has intensified Tamil Nadu’s ongoing linguistic and cultural disputes with the central government. Kumar’s remarks add to the discussion on the significance of national symbols and regional representation.

Delhi Capitals have appointed all-rounder Axar Patel as their captain for the IPL 2025 season, replacing Rishabh Pant, who has moved to Lucknow Super Giants. Patel, a key player for DC since 2019, was retained for ₹16.5 crore ahead of the mega auction. The 31-year-old has prior leadership experience, having captained Gujarat in domestic cricket and served as India's T20I vice-captain. With a revamped coaching staff, Patel aims to lead Delhi Capitals to their maiden IPL title. His appointment marks a new era for the franchise as they strategize for the upcoming season.  

India has strongly refuted Pakistan’s claims of a supposed train hijacking, dismissing them as false and misleading. In a sharp counterattack, India emphasized that the world recognizes Pakistan as the hub of global terrorism, citing its long history of sheltering and supporting terror groups. The Indian government accused Pakistan of spreading propaganda to divert attention from its own role in fostering extremism. This diplomatic clash adds to the ongoing tensions between the two nations, with India urging the global community to hold Pakistan accountable for its repeated involvement in cross-border terrorism.