KTCT Higher Secondary School in Kerala unveils 'Iris,' an AI teacher robot developed by Makerlabs Edutech. Part of the Atal Tinkering Lab initiative, Iris features an in-built voice assistant, runs on an Intel chipset, and uses an Android app interface. This saree-clad humanoid interacts with students, providing personalized learning experiences. Iris's ability to understand various languages and tackle complex subjects reflects the school's commitment to innovative education. Tech leaders, including Bill Gates, share optimism about AI's potential to positively impact learning styles in the future.

Union Minister Smriti Irani taunted the Congress for hesitating to announce its Amethi candidate, asserting it reflects fear of defeat. Irani, BJP's candidate for Amethi, defeated Rahul Gandhi in the 2019 elections. She suggested the delay signals Amethi's declining stronghold for Congress. Responding to rumors of Rahul contesting from both Wayanad and Amethi, Irani challenged him to face Amethi alone, implying anticipation of defeat. The BJP leader made these remarks while inaugurating projects worth Rs 206 crore in her constituency. Congress district president Pradeep Singhal later stated Rahul would contest from Amethi.

Shajahan Sheikh, a suspended TMC leader, exhibited contrasting body language a week apart. On February 29, while in Bengal Police custody, he appeared confident and assured during a court appearance. However, on March 6, in CBI custody for a medical check-up, Sheikh appeared tense and subdued. The shift aligns with his transfer to the CBI in connection with the attack on ED officials in Sandeshkhali. Previously known for confidence, Sheikh's demeanor now reflects tension, raising speculation about the impact of CBI's scrutiny. The change has drawn attention amid political controversies in West Bengal.

India's tourism rank in the Maldives dropped to sixth place, declining since President Mohamed Muizzu's tenure began. India held over 11% market share till December 31, 2023, but slid to sixth by March 3. China now tops the list with 12% of total tourist arrivals, marking a shift in Maldives' diplomatic relations. Muizzu's policies, including military cooperation and agricultural agreements with China, signal a departure from India. Tensions heightened as Muizzu requested India's military withdrawal, while forging military ties with China. The Maldives government reviews over 100 agreements signed with India by previous regimes.

22 retired civil services officers wrote to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, urging him not to administer the oath to Rajya Sabha member Syed Naseer Hussain. Allegations suggest he didn't oppose pro-Pakistan slogans in the Karnataka Assembly. Three arrested for 'Pakistan Zindabad' chants after a Congress candidate's Rajya Sabha win. Congress denies, claims slogans were in support of Hussain. Government orders forensic investigation into the allegations. Tensions rise as controversy unfolds.

India's Union cabinet is set to review an agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), possibly announcing the first formal free trade deal on Sunday. The deal includes duty-free access for India's animal products, fish, processed food, and vegetable oils. EFTA nations - Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland - propose a $100 billion investment in India, potentially creating a million jobs. The agreement, under negotiation since 2008, offers immediate duty elimination on 40% of trade lines. Experts anticipate gains in services and investment, marking a significant achievement for India if the plan proceeds.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confronts former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay, now with BJP, warning that if he runs in the upcoming Lok Sabha election, she'll ensure his defeat. Speaking at a Trinamool march for International Women's Day, Banerjee criticized the ex-judge, previously known for probing irregularities in her government's recruitments. Gangopadhyay, joining BJP after resigning as a judge, expressed intent to work against the "corrupt TMC regime." Banerjee, countering Prime Minister Modi's remarks, defends Bengal's safety for women amidst the Sandeshkhali controversy.

During the NDTV Defence Summit 2024, India's Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, issued a clear warning to China amid the ongoing border tensions. Singh emphasized India's commitment to self-reliance in defence, stating, "Whether from land, air, or sea, if anyone attacks India, our forces will respond strongly...We are in a position to give a befitting reply." He highlighted the significant strides in India's defence sector since 2014, with a focus on indigenous production, military modernization, and strengthening the defence system according to the vision of the Indian people.

According to a Copernicus report, Earth has experienced its warmest February on record, marking nine consecutive months of rising temperatures. The global average surface air temperature in February soared to 56.37°F, surpassing the previous warmest February in 2016. This warmth extended to the entire winter, making it the warmest in the Northern Hemisphere. Disturbingly, global sea surface temperatures reached unprecedented levels, with marine heatwaves persisting despite weakening El Niño conditions. The report also highlights a concerning rise in energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, emphasizing the urgent need for continued efforts in clean energy alternatives.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted raids across seven cities in Rajasthan and Maharashtra regarding a Rs 820 crore payments scam in UCO Bank. Last year, over 8,53,049 IMPS transactions led to wrongful crediting of funds to 41,000 UCO Bank accounts. Searches focused on individuals who received and withdrew the money instead of returning it to the bank. This is the second round of searches following earlier operations in Kolkata and Mangalore. UCO Bank has recovered 86% of the total amount mistakenly credited. The case was registered in November 2023 based on a UCO Bank complaint.