According to The Hindu, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy engaged in extensive discussions on bilateral relations and current geopolitical tensions during Jaishankar’s official visit to the UK. In addition to addressing various India-UK matters, the two diplomats also discussed the situations in Bangladesh and Ukraine. While the meeting covered a range of global geopolitical issues, Jaishankar did not disclose specific details about the discussions related to Bangladesh.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar faced a violent protest by Khalistani separatists during his visit to the UK. As Jaishankar left Chatham House following a discussion with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, a protester ran toward his car and tore an Indian flag in front of police officers. Law enforcement quickly intervened, arresting the protester and several others. Analysts suggest this incident, allegedly orchestrated by the ‘Sikhs for Justice’ organization led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, highlights security lapses in Jaishankar’s protection.

India’s central government is now aiming to take control of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar stated that the country is progressing in phases. “We have already completed several steps—first, revoking Article 370; second, boosting development and economic activity in Jammu and Kashmir; and third, holding legislative elections there,” he said. “Now, we are entering the fourth phase: integrating the region that is currently occupied by Pakistan into India’s map.”

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced retaliatory tariffs on India and other countries that impose what he calls unfair trade duties. The new tariffs will take effect from April 2. Citing India as an example, Trump criticized the country for imposing over 100% tariffs on U.S. automobiles. He stressed that the U.S. must counter unjust trade policies, assuring that, despite potential price increases, the move would not significantly harm the American economy. The retaliatory tariffs could impact China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and the European Union.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to visit Russia on March 7 for discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other key officials. According to Hindustan Times, the visit aims to boost trade, balance bilateral commerce, and ensure continued Russian energy supplies to India amid increased Western sanctions. The discussions may also cover the Ukraine conflict. India had previously faced diplomatic challenges during the Biden administration due to its stance on Russia.

To promote electricity conservation, Indian Minister Pradyumn Singh Tomar has declared that he will refrain from ironing his clothes for a year. His announcement has sparked widespread discussion and criticism across the state. Tomar, who has previously made controversial statements on energy saving and pollution control, claimed this act would save half a unit of electricity daily. Further emphasizing his commitment, he stated that even on his daughter’s wedding day, he would wear un-ironed clothes. The minister urged everyone to adopt energy-saving practices and take small initiatives to reduce consumption.

On February 15, a woman from Uttar Pradesh, India, was executed in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The woman, Shahzadi, had been sentenced to death under UAE law. On the eve of her execution, she called her family in Uttar Pradesh, crying as she informed them of her fate. Shahzadi had been convicted for the death of a child she had been caring for. The Indian government has been urged to intervene by her family in a bid to prevent the execution.

The Indian Army has conducted a large-scale military exercise using state-of-the-art T-90 battle tanks near the border. According to an official statement, the Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army carried out a month-long live-fire drill featuring T-90 tanks, mortars, and firearms. The exercise was focused on securing the Sikkim region and the Siliguri Corridor, a strategically vital area. The T-90, one of the most advanced tanks in the Indian military’s arsenal, played a crucial role in the drills.

A video of Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif taking a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj has gone viral. Katrina, accompanied by her mother-in-law, performed the ritual at Triveni Sangam wearing a yellow salwar-kameez and a Rudraksha mala. However, the video, recorded by two young men, sparked criticism as it showed inappropriate excitement and media frenzy around her. Actress Raveena Tandon condemned the incident, calling it disturbing. Despite VIP security arrangements, celebrity bathing moments continue to be leaked and widely shared.

Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen praised Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s Interim Government, calling him highly competent and expressing full confidence in his abilities. In an interview with PTI at his Santiniketan residence, Sen described Yunus as an extraordinary person and an old friend. He warned against banning the Awami League, stating that it would repeat past mistakes. While concerned about Bangladesh’s political situation, Sen remains hopeful for a freer and fairer election and believes Yunus faces significant challenges ahead.

An avalanche near the Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand, India, claimed the lives of four workers on Friday. The disaster occurred in Mana village near the India-China border, trapping 55 personnel from the Border Roads Organization. According to ANI, 50 workers have been rescued, while efforts continue to save the remaining five. A rescue operation involving 60 to 65 personnel was launched immediately after the incident, but adverse weather conditions have hampered progress.

In Maharashtra, India, a Muslim businessman’s shop was bulldozed after he was accused of chanting “Pakistan Zindabad” during an India-Pakistan cricket match on Sunday. The incident led to heightened tensions, resulting in the arrest of two individuals. Following the incident, Sindhudurg MLA Nilesh Rane directed the Malvan Municipality to take strict action. Subsequently, the businessman’s shop was demolished in the presence of police officials. Images of the bulldozed shop have gone viral on social media, with Rane labeling the shop owner as an “outsider.”

Tensions have flared once again in India’s Manipur state. On Friday, a group of devotees visited Kongba Maru, a sacred site for the Meitei community. Security officials reported that as the devotees arrived under security escort, armed Kuki militants fired seven rounds at them from a nearby hill.

Following the incident, additional security forces were deployed to the area. Local residents took to the streets in protest, demanding the dismantling of bunkers in the hills to ensure the safety of the Meitei community.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, an armed Meitei group in Manipur voluntarily surrendered 246 weapons to security forces, signaling an effort toward de-escalation.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the deportation of alleged illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants residing in and around New Delhi. In a meeting with Delhi Police on Friday, he instructed authorities to take immediate action against those living in the capital without valid documents.

A senior police official stated that an inspection is underway in colonies where Bangladeshis and Rohingyas are known to reside. Efforts have begun to identify individuals using forged documents or staying without any paperwork. Shah has urged law enforcement to adopt a stricter approach in handling the issue.

Pakistan’s Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar accused India of illegally occupying Jammu and Kashmir during a session at the UN Human Rights Council. In response, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, K. Tyagi, dismissed the claims as baseless and driven by Pakistani military directives. He criticized Pakistan for wasting the UN’s time, labeling it a failed state that survives on international aid. Tyagi further accused Pakistan of severe human rights violations, persecution of minorities, and sheltering UN-designated terrorists, asserting that Pakistan has no moral standing to lecture others.