[QUICKREADS]

JNU not a place to pursue political aspirations: VC Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit
Students with political aspirations should pursue their interests outside the university, the first woman vice chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit said in an interview with news agency PTI. Vice chancellor Pandit also said linguistic parties are quite popular and they can take advantage if the mother tongue is pushed too much. Vice chancellor Pandit said JNU is a politically active campus, however, “ninety percent of the students are apolitical and only 10% are troublemakers.”

‘Narendra Modi’s 10 years saw more growth than 70 years of all past govts': Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decade of governance, claiming it has led to more development than in the previous 70 years. He highlighted India's vast transportation networks and announced several infrastructure projects in Gujarat, including a railway overbridge and new hospitals, emphasizing improved connectivity and healthcare access for residents.

‘Eliminate evils, embrace goodness’: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's Holi message
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla extended Holi greetings, emphasizing the festival's role in promoting social harmony, unity, and brotherhood. He highlighted Holi as a time to forget grievances and embrace goodness, wishing happiness and prosperity for all. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his wishes, noting the festival's potential to enhance national unity and enthusiasm.

Murder, illicit affairs in Delhi suicide victim's past
In southeast Delhi, Pooja, 42, and her two daughters were found dead in an apparent triple suicide linked to Pooja's troubled past. Once married and later involved in a murder plot, Pooja faced financial distress after her partner's death. Investigations revealed remnants of froth around their mouths and possible drug involvement, complicating the tragic circumstances of their demise.

People must show due respect to traditions, festivals: RSS functionary
Senior RSS functionary Sunil Ambekar emphasized the Maha Kumbh's role in uniting people and preserving traditions during an event in New Delhi. He highlighted that festivals like Holi foster unity amidst diversity and urged respect for cultural practices. Ambekar also addressed societal differences, advocating for collective progress and a pollution-free life, while encouraging journalists to report thoughtfully.

'Bharat's giant stride in space': Amit Shah on ISRO's de-docking of SpaDeX satellites
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised ISRO for successfully de-docking the SpaDeX satellites, highlighting it as a significant achievement for India's space ambitions. This milestone paves the way for future missions, including moon exploration and the development of a national space station. Shah emphasized that the accomplishment aligns with Prime Minister Modi's vision for India's space exploration.

Karnataka govt mulls raising retirement age for doctors in super-speciality hospitals
The Karnataka government is considering raising the retirement age for doctors in super-speciality hospitals from 60 to 65 years to retain experienced professionals. Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil announced plans to discuss this with the Chief Minister. Additional initiatives include improved insurance for doctors, funding for robotic surgery, and enhancements to Jayadeva Hospital's infrastructure.

Punjab: Abducted boy rescued within 24 hrs, kidnapper killed in gunfight
Punjab Police rescued a seven-year-old boy within 24 hours of his abduction for a ?1 crore ransom. The main kidnapper was killed in a gunfight with police, injuring three officers. The police received a ?10 lakh reward for their efforts. The boy was found scared but unharmed, and two other suspects were arrested.

Arrested Meghalaya varsity chancellor produced in Assam's Tezpur court
The chancellor of Meghalaya's University of Science and Technology was arrested for allegedly facilitating cheating in exams. After being presented in court, he awaits a decision on his bail. He faces multiple legal issues, including previous fraud allegations regarding an OBC certificate. Assam's Chief Minister criticized him, labeling him a "big fraud" and linking him to controversial flood claims in Guwahati.

Assam women SHG members to help geo-tag beneficiaries for PMAY-G houses: CM
The Assam government will engage women from self-help groups for geo-tagging beneficiaries under the Prime Minister Awas Yojana-Gramin, aiming to ensure proper housing allocations. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that this initiative will identify eligible households, including those in tea estates. The process will start on March 17, with the first housing allotments expected from March 19.

Rain, snowfall likely in Himachal Pradesh till Sunday
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, is expected to experience widespread rain and snowfall until Sunday, with a "yellow" alert for heavy weather in Chamba, Kangra, and Kullu districts. Light to moderate snowfall is forecasted in tourist areas, while heavy rainfall is anticipated in Mandi. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities and drive cautiously due to slippery roads and reduced visibility.

Over 11,300 habitations in 96 districts hit by water contamination: Parliamentary panel
A parliamentary panel in India has raised alarms over water contamination, revealing 11,348 habitations in 96 districts lack short-term measures for pollutants. The report urges the Centre to act swiftly, especially in Punjab, where uranium contamination affects 32 areas. The committee also highlighted issues with fund utilization in the Swachh Bharat Mission and called for improved water service delivery.

CBI probing alleged role of public servants in facilitating gold smuggling from Dubai
The CBI has initiated an investigation into public servants' potential involvement in gold smuggling from Dubai after the DRI arrested actress Rabya Rao and two foreigners for attempting to bring in large quantities of gold. The inquiry follows concerns about a coordinated smuggling syndicate and has led to searches and money laundering charges against Rao.

Manoj Tiwari slams AAP over protests on free LPG cylinder, sets deadline for rollout
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari celebrated Holi in Delhi, criticizing AAP's protest over free LPG cylinders, asserting the scheme is progressing and will launch soon. AAP leaders accused the BJP of failing to fulfill promises, labeling them a "jumla" party. Tiwari and BJP state president Virendra Sachdeva vowed to meet their commitments, while AAP continued its protests for immediate action.

Progressive social policies, robust infra, placed TN on economic growth trajectory: Economic Survey
Tamil Nadu's economic survey for 2024-25 reveals a resilient economy, contributing 9.21% to India's GDP with a nominal growth rate of 13.71%. The state excels in manufacturing, housing over 1,500 auto factories, and ranks second in MSMEs. Tamil Nadu's per capita income is 1.6 times the national average, with significant progress in poverty reduction and employment rates.

Delhi: Octogenarian woman donates kidney to son, gives him 'second birth'
Darshana Jain, 59, donated her kidney to her son Rajesh, who was suffering from end-stage renal disease. Initially hesitant, Rajesh agreed to the transplant after his condition worsened. The surgery was successful, highlighting the importance of organ donation and the resilience of family. Both are recovering well, with Rajesh advised to rest for three months.