The UK government intends to pay migrants denied asylum thousands of pounds to relocate to Rwanda, according to reports. Asylum seekers who refuse the offer won't be able to work or claim benefits in the UK. The scheme aims to remove those with no legal right to stay in the UK but can't be returned to their home countries. It's part of efforts to tackle illegal migration, with 19,000 people voluntarily removed from the UK last year. The move comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's legislation to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda faces scrutiny in the House of Commons.

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for March 15 on a plea by Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) to prevent the Union government from appointing election commissioners under the new law. With two vacancies in the three-member panel, following Arun Goel's resignation and Anup Chandra Pandey's retirement, concerns over the appointment process under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, have emerged. Critics argue the law, replacing the Chief Justice of India with a Union minister in the selection panel, risks government influence over the electoral watchdog.            

South Korean actor Park Hyung-sik, renowned as the 'romance king' of Hallyu, opens up about his role in 'Doctor Slump', working with co-stars like Park Shin-hye, and his aspiration to explore new genres. In an exclusive interview with IndiaToday.in, he shares his love for Indian food, especially 'tandoori chicken', and expresses eagerness to hold a fan-meeting in India. With a growing fanbase in India, Hyung-sik's charm and versatility continue to captivate audiences worldwide. His ongoing series, 'Doctor Slump', highlights mental health issues and underscores the importance of personal well-being.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually lay the foundation stones of three semiconductor projects worth nearly ₹1.25 lakh crore today, aiming to position India as a global hub for semiconductor design and manufacturing. These projects include a semiconductor fabrication facility in Gujarat and two Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facilities in Assam and Gujarat. Led by Tata Electronics Private Limited and CG Power and Industrial Solutions Limited, these initiatives will bolster India's semiconductor ecosystem, generate employment opportunities, and catalyze growth in electronics and telecom sectors.

At the Critics Choice Awards 2024 in Mumbai, Vidhu Vinod Chopra's "12th Fail" clinched Best Film, with lead actor Vikrant Massey securing Best Actor. Shefali Shah won Best Actress for "Three of Us," while Barun Sobti's "Kohrra" bagged Best Series. The event honored excellence in films, web series, and short films. Notable winners included "Nocturnal Burger" for Best Short Film and "Jubilee" for Best Web Series. The star-studded affair boasted celebs like Richa Chadha and Karan Johar. The awards recognized outstanding contributions across various categories, showcasing the diverse talent within the Indian entertainment industry.

Haryana's new Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini is set to secure the majority in a special assembly session after the BJP-JJP alliance breaks, prompting a trust vote. Saini, sworn in after Manohar Lal Khattar's surprise resignation, claims the support of 48 MLAs. The alliance dissolution, attributed to seat-sharing disputes for upcoming polls, sets the stage for a critical political shift. As the BJP holds a legislative meeting, the JJP's future remains uncertain. Former CM Khattar hints at a possible Lok Sabha contest, while tensions rise amid opposition accusations and speculations of further political realignments.

A Bangladeshi cargo vessel, MV Abdullah, has reportedly been hijacked in the Indian Ocean and is now headed towards the Somali coast. According to reports from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, the vessel was boarded by multiple individuals using two crafts, one large and one small. The crew, reportedly unharmed, are facing 22 unauthorized armed persons onboard. The vessel's last known position places it on a course towards the Somalian coast. This incident marks a resurgence of attacks by Somali pirates, posing heightened risks to maritime security in the region.

The EU's foreign policy chief, Joseph Borrell, condemns the use of starvation as a weapon in Gaza, describing the humanitarian crisis as "manmade." Israel's restrictions on land routes hinder aid delivery, leading to alternative methods like sea and air drops. UN warns 576,000 in Gaza are one step from famine, with 27 deaths due to malnutrition. A Spanish ship en route with food supplies, while the US military ship heads to build a temporary pier. Israel vows to continue its offensive in southern Gaza. International calls grow for open ports to alleviate the worsening situation.

After intense negotiations, the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, comprising BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, reached an agreement on seat allocation. Ajit Pawar's NCP will contest four seats, including Baramati, Raigarh, Shirur, and Parbhani. The decision marks a significant development in the alliance's efforts to finalize their electoral strategy. Notably, Baramati, a long-held bastion of the Pawar family, will witness an intriguing contest between Supriya Sule and Sunetra Pawar. With this settlement, BJP secures 31 seats, Shiv Sena 13, and NCP four, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.            

New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has cast doubt on Canada's claims of an alleged Indian link in the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. As a member of the Five-Eyes intelligence alliance, New Zealand received intelligence from Canada regarding the case. However, Peters expressed skepticism about the evidence during an interview, marking the first instance of a Five-Eyes partner openly challenging Canada's assertions. Nijjar, designated a terrorist in India, was shot dead in Surrey, British Columbia, sparking a diplomatic row. Despite Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations, India has dismissed them as baseless, and no evidence has been presented.