A suspect in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast in Bengaluru on March 1 was traced via CCTV footage to Ballari. The NIA arrested four individuals linked to an "ISIS module" in Ballari five days later. The suspects, including Minaj alias Md Sulaiman, were held for three days for investigations. The cafe blast suspect changed attire and used intra-state buses for escape. Key evidence, a discarded baseball cap, was recovered. The CCTV trail tracked the suspect on a Volvo bus and a state bus to Tumkur. Investigations are ongoing.

India's MEA Joint Secretary, JP Singh, met Taliban's Afghanistan Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, expressing India's interest in expanding relations and trade. The discussions covered bilateral ties, economic cooperation, transit matters, combating ISKP, and addressing corruption. Singh emphasized India's keenness to enhance political and economic collaboration, particularly through the Chabahar Port. Muttaqi appreciated India's humanitarian aid, seeking smoother visa issuance for Afghan citizens. The meeting, held in Kabul, also addressed measures against illegal narcotics trade. Despite the talks, India has not officially recognized the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

The Cabinet Committee on Security approved 34 new Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv choppers, with 9 for the Indian Coast Guard and 25 for the Indian Army. Manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, this move enhances indigenization efforts. The Coast Guard's choppers replace old ones, while the Army's serve multiple roles. The projects, valued over Rs 8,000 crore, signify a boost in indigenous capabilities. Additionally, the government sanctioned the upgrade of BMP infantry combat vehicles for the Indian Army's mechanized infantry. The Advanced Light Helicopter (Dhruv) is a 5.5-ton multi-role helicopter, showcasing indigenous design and development by HAL.

Hamas announced its delegation's departure from Cairo talks, signaling slim chances for a Gaza cease-fire before Ramadan. Mediators aim to resolve impasses over Hamas' demands for a phased process. U.S., Egypt, and Qatar efforts focus on a six-week truce and hostage release, with a deal previously tabled but pending Hamas agreement. Despite U.S. calls for immediate cessation, Hamas seeks commitments for a lasting peace. Israel, opposing key Hamas demands, intends to resume offensive. Tensions escalate as Ramadan approaches, typically triggering Jerusalem site disputes amid fasting.

Karnataka's Congress party faces challenges finding candidates for Lok Sabha elections as several state ministers decline requests to contest, citing reluctance to leave positions of power. Despite hopes for a turnaround following the party's state election triumph and positive response to Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra, reluctance persists. Central leadership eyes ministers for candidacy, but many, including Lakshmi Hebbalkar, refuse. With a hardline stance expected, state chief DK Shivakumar asserts compliance with high command decisions. Congress general secretary Randeeep Surjewala notes only one minister has agreed to consider contesting.

Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale criticized the BJP government's notification demanding married women obtain "permission" from their husbands to revert to maiden surnames. Gokhale labeled the rule a "shameless display of misogyny," questioning its rationale. He demanded its withdrawal, stating, "What the hell is 'husband's permission' for a woman choosing to change her own name?" The Delhi High Court has also taken cognizance of the matter, with a petitioner challenging the rule's infringement on autonomy and privacy. The contentious decree has ignited debates surrounding gender bias and personal identity rights.

Punjab Cabinet minister Kuldip Singh Dhaliwal urged the Centre to assist in bringing back five young Punjabi men stranded in Russia after being coerced into military service amid the Ukraine conflict. Congress MLA Pargat Singh emphasized the urgency in the state assembly, prompting Dhaliwal's assurance of ongoing communication with the Centre for a positive resolution. The victims, initially on visitor visas, were deceived by job promises, now requiring immediate intervention. With reports suggesting similar predicaments for other Indian nationals, calls for swift governmental action intensify to safeguard citizens abroad.

President Biden will unveil plans for the US military to establish a temporary port in Gaza during his State of the Union address. The port aims to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid by sea, crucial for a population on the brink of famine. Despite not deploying troops on the ground, the initiative seeks to significantly increase aid flow, with initial shipments arriving via Cyprus for Israeli security inspections. Amid escalating desperation and accusations of a starvation campaign, the move underscores urgent international efforts to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has exposed a human trafficking network deceiving Indian youths with false job promises, instead dispatching them to the war-torn Russia-Ukraine zone. Investigations spanned seven cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, resulting in the registration of cases against visa consultancy firms and agents. Approximately 35 cases have surfaced so far, with over Rs 50 lakhs seized alongside incriminating evidence. The CBI's crackdown underscores the gravity of the situation as suspects are detained for further questioning. This revelation sheds light on the sinister exploitation of unsuspecting individuals amid global turmoil.

ITV News presenter Nina Hossain made an unfortunate slip of the tongue on live television, accidentally uttering the C-word instead of Jeremy Hunt's surname during a broadcast. While discussing Science Secretary Michelle Donelan's accusations against an academic, Hossain mistakenly referred to Hunt as "Mr C***" before swiftly correcting herself. The incident sparked reactions on social media, with some finding humor in the mishap. An apology was issued at the end of the bulletin. The clip of the blunder circulated online, prompting discussions about live broadcasting mishaps.