Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar surprises political circles by inviting Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar for lunch at his Baramati residence on March 2. The move sparks intrigue amid strained ties with nephew Ajit Pawar and upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Reports suggest Ajit Pawar might field his wife in Baramati. The lunch coincides with the CM and deputies' visit to Baramati for a government-organized job fair. Earlier, the Election Commission recognized Ajit Pawar's faction as the 'real NCP' and allotted party symbol.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan arrived in Jamnagar, Gujarat, for the three-day pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. The couple received a warm welcome with traditional garlands and dance performances. Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's extravagant events include performances by Rihanna, Shah Rukh Khan, and others. The festivities kicked off with 'Anna Seva,' serving food to thousands. International and Indian tycoons, along with renowned artists, are expected to join the celebrations, showcasing a star-studded affair. The pre-wedding events feature themed evenings with guests dressed in elegant cocktail attire and more.

India achieved successful tests of its indigenous Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), designed for countering hostile aircraft, drones, and helicopters at short distances. The tests, conducted off the Odisha coast, saw the missile intercept and destroy high-speed unmanned aerial targets, meeting mission objectives. Developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), the VSHORADS missile incorporates advanced technologies, providing a technological boost to the armed forces. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Army, and industry partners for the successful development trials. The missile, with a range of 6 km, aims to enhance India's air defence capabilities.

India sends its first batch of civilian "technical personnel" to operate helicopters and an aircraft in the Maldives, responding to President Mohamed Muizzu's pro-China stance urging the withdrawal of Indian military personnel. The move follows a core group meeting agreement, replacing military staff with civilians by May 10. India, a key ally, adjusts to the Maldives' evolving defense strategy. The President, perceived as close to China, aims for self-reliance, signing agreements with Sri Lanka and Turkiye. Despite geopolitical shifts, India remains committed to its "Neighbourhood First" policy, reflected in the increased budgetary allocation for the Maldives.

In an exclusive interview, Bill Gates expressed optimism about job security amid AI advancements, highlighting the world's increased access to jobs. Gates commended India's digital strides, praising the direct transfer of government payments to bank accounts, citing substantial savings. Emphasizing the Gates Foundation's support for India's vaccine industry, he called the nation's contributions during the pandemic "a treasure to the world." Gates addressed breakthroughs in anaemia treatment, where AI aids a one-time infusion. Reflecting on climate change, he noted India's resilience efforts. Lighter moments included Gates enjoying "fantastic chai" in Hyderabad, lauding the morning view.

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) uncovered a novel marine slug species, Melanochlamys Droupadi, along the coasts of Odisha and Bengal. Measuring up to seven mm, the brownish-black sea slug with a distinctive ruby red spot was named in honor of President Droupadi Murmu. Scientists found 145 specimens along a three-kilometer stretch from Digha in West Bengal to Udaypur in Odisha. Lead author Prasad Chandra Tudu shared that this hermaphrodite species, requiring another sea slug for reproduction, is the second of its kind found in India. The discovery adds to the rich biodiversity of the region.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed that the BJP will vie for 11 out of 14 Lok Sabha seats in the state, with AGP and UPPL contesting two and one seat, respectively. The allies, confident in mutual support, aim to secure victory in the upcoming elections. Sarma expressed optimism, highlighting the addition of new faces due to some existing MPs opting out. Additionally, he noted key defections from Congress, calling it a "landmark day" for Assam BJP, signaling a perceived decline in the opposition party's influence in the region.

Israeli forces in Gaza opened fire on Palestinians at an aid distribution, leaving 104 dead and over 700 wounded. Troops, citing a perceived threat, shot at the crowd during a rush for aid trucks in Gaza City. The Palestinian health ministry condemned the incident as a "massacre." Witnesses described chaos as people surged towards trucks; soldiers fired as they approached tanks. Israel initially claimed Gazans surrounded and looted aid trucks, reviewing the incident. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with the UN warning of famine. The tragic event prompted a tense exchange at the Human Rights Council.

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Regional Passport Officer Anuj Swarup cautions passport applicants against rising cyber fraud, urging them to use only the official website, https://www.passportindia.gov.in. Cybercriminals create deceptive domains resembling the official site, leading to financial scams. Legitimate portals charge Rs 1500, while fraudulent ones demand Rs 4000 to Rs 5000. Swarup emphasizes vigilance, highlighting the importance of awareness campaigns to educate applicants. Authorities must intensify efforts to enhance online security awareness, ensuring individuals can discern between genuine and counterfeit websites, especially in the face of evolving cyber threats.