Two separate explosions at fireworks factories in West Bengal and Gujarat have resulted in the deaths of 21 people and injured six others. Authorities reported that the first explosion occurred on Tuesday morning at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Disa, Banaskantha district, Gujarat, killing at least 13 people and injuring six. The second explosion took place late Monday night in Raipur, Dholahat, under Patharpratima police station in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. The blast, which occurred at a house storing fireworks, claimed eight lives, including four children from the same family. Local sources fear that more people may be trapped under the rubble in Gujarat.

India’s Supreme Court has strongly condemned Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s bulldozer policy, declaring it unconstitutional and inhumane.

In a case concerning the demolition of homes in Prayagraj, the court ordered compensation of 1 million rupees to affected families. Several houses, including those of a lawyer and a professor, were demolished without proper legal procedures. Authorities had mistakenly identified the land as belonging to a slain gangster, Atiq Ahmed, leading to the demolition just one day after informing the residents.

In a counterinsurgency operation in Chhattisgarh, Indian security forces killed 16 Maoist rebels. Two security personnel were injured. Acting on intelligence, a joint operation by the DRG and CRPF was launched in Sukma district, leading to a gunfight. Authorities recovered AK-47s, SLRs, Insas rifles, rocket launchers, and explosives from the site.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, currently visiting London, faced protests during her speech at Oxford University’s Kellogg College. The session was interrupted by audience members questioning her on the murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar Hospital, post-election violence, and recent incidents at Jadavpur University. Protesters attempted to raise their concerns by shouting during her speech. Mamata responded calmly, saying, “Do not bring politics here. This is not a political stage. If you want to engage in politics, come to my state and do it with me.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India soon, announced Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in a televised statement on Thursday. “Preparations for the visit are underway,” Lavrov stated. He noted that following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia after his third-term re-election, it was now Russia’s turn for a diplomatic visit. However, Lavrov did not specify an exact date for Putin’s trip.

A football tournament in Panskura, East Medinipur, organized by the club Kalimata Sangha, has barred Muslim players from participating, sparking widespread controversy. Many blame the ruling BJP for fostering religious division. However, BJP leaders have denied involvement, suggesting it was a result of local communal tensions. The organizers have since apologized and withdrawn the controversial restriction.

India has strongly condemned the latest report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), calling it “biased and politically motivated.” The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that USCIRF should be declared an “internationally discredited entity” due to its prejudiced assessments. The report accuses India of discriminating against religious minorities and alleges that India’s foreign intelligence agency, RAW, has attempted to assassinate Khalistani separatists abroad. The report also calls for sanctions against RAW.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has expressed concern over the rising inhumane treatment of Muslims in India. The agency also recommended imposing targeted sanctions on India’s intelligence agency, RAW, over allegations of involvement in the assassinations of Sikh separatists in the US and Canada.

The report highlighted that religious freedom in India deteriorated further in 2024, with increasing attacks and discrimination against religious minorities. It criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP for spreading hate speech and misinformation against Muslims during last year’s election campaign. It also recalled Modi’s remarks in April, where he referred to Muslims as “infiltrators” who have “too many children,” linking this to opposition parties’ electoral interests.

India’s High Court has directed the central government to submit a status report within four weeks regarding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s citizenship controversy. Subramanian Swamy had filed a complaint with the Home Ministry, alleging that Rahul had identified himself as a British citizen in documents submitted to UK authorities. Indian law does not permit dual citizenship, and Swamy has demanded the cancellation of Rahul’s passport.

Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has admitted that India was aware of the massive protests against Sheikh Hasina's regime in Bangladesh but refrained from intervening. He stated that India lacked the "necessary influence" to dictate Hasina’s actions and could only offer advice. Jaishankar also hinted at a possible revival of SAARC and addressed concerns about Bangladesh’s military receiving warnings from Turkey’s intelligence—claims later denied by ISPR.

Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, has filed a lawsuit against the Indian government, accusing it of excessive control over online content. The controversy erupted after India’s Ministry of Home Affairs launched a new website, allowing any government office to issue notices for blocking social media posts. X has alleged that this system enables extreme censorship, giving authorities the power to suppress unfavorable content. Meanwhile, Musk is also expanding Tesla and Starlink operations in India.

A massive fire broke out at the residence of a Delhi High Court judge while the Chief Justice was away in Delhi. Firefighters took nearly an hour to control the blaze. However, while inspecting the site for any lingering fire pockets, they were shocked to discover a staggering amount of cash inside the judge’s home.

Following the incident, Supreme Court Justice Sanjiv Khanna immediately convened a collegium meeting. It was decided that Justice Yashwant Verma would be transferred to the Allahabad High Court with immediate effect. Discussions are also underway regarding his possible impeachment. Several collegium members believe that merely transferring him is too lenient for such a serious offense, arguing that it could damage the judiciary’s reputation. Many are calling for his immediate resignation.

At least 30 Maoists and one soldier were killed in two separate encounters with security forces in India’s Chhattisgarh state on Thursday. Authorities recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition from the site. In a post on X, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the Modi government is maintaining a tough stance against Naxalites, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against those who refuse to surrender.

Muslim organizations in India have staged large-scale protests in Delhi against the contentious Waqf Bill. Opposition parties, including Congress, Trinamool Congress, and the Samajwadi Party, also participated. Protesters demanded the bill’s withdrawal. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced another protest in Patna on March 20. The bill mandates that at least two non-Muslim members be included in the Waqf Board, alongside representatives from Shia, Sunni, and backward Muslim communities. It also transfers survey responsibilities from the Survey Commissioner to district collectors and revokes Waqf status from government properties. The opposition has strongly criticized the bill.

Hindu nationalist groups launched attacks on Muslims in Nagpur, Maharashtra, on Monday night. Rioters threw stones, set shops and vehicles on fire, prompting police to use tear gas. Authorities later imposed a curfew. At least six civilians and three police officers were injured. By early Tuesday morning, police had arrested 20 individuals. The violence erupted following false rumors that Muslims burned the Quran in retaliation for the vandalization of Aurangzeb’s tomb.