The Centre has issued a show-cause notice to a senior BSNL director after his detailed Prayagraj travel plan triggered criticism. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the itinerary was “improper” and against rules. The trip of Vivek Banzal, Director (CFA) at BSNL, was planned for February 25–26 but was cancelled a day earlier. A document listing 21 arrangements had gone viral. Nearly 50 officials were assigned for the visit. It also mentioned bath kits and personal care items. Scindia said, “It is improper and a violation of established rules and traditions. It is unacceptable to me. It is shocking.” He added that action will follow after a reply within seven days. (PC: HT)

A 57-year-old Sikh man, Avtar Singh, who served as a volunteer and head cook at a gurdwara in Tracy, California, was kidnapped on February 17 and later found dead near Lake Berryessa on February 20. Authorities from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said surveillance footage showed three unidentified individuals forcing him into a white SUV. Investigators believe Singh was not the intended target of the abduction and homicide, suggesting the perpetrators were pursuing someone else. Officials stressed it appears to be an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the community, and detectives are working to identify those responsible. (PC: PTI)

In his State of the Union address, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told him “35 million people would’ve died” if he had not intervened to end rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Trump asserted that the two nuclear-armed neighbours were on the brink of war and said, “Pakistan and India would have had a nuclear war.” He credited his administration with facilitating de-escalation. However, India has consistently maintained that any understanding with Pakistan was reached bilaterally and has rejected claims of third-party mediation in resolving the conflict. (PC: Reuters)

The Centre has issued a show-cause notice to Vivek Banzal, a senior director at Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), over a controversial itinerary prepared for his planned Prayagraj trip that went viral online. The proposed two-day visit scheduled for February 25-26 was criticised for detailed, VIP-style arrangements, including deployment of about 50 staff and items such as bathing kits, personal comfort items and temple visits, seen as misuse of public resources. Jyotiraditya Scindia called the itinerary “improper” and “unacceptable”, giving Banzal seven days to respond. The trip was subsequently cancelled amid mounting public and government scrutiny. (PC: HT)

Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant strongly criticised a new National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) Class 8 Social Science textbook for referencing “corruption in the judiciary”, calling it a calculated attempt to undermine the institution’s credibility. The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance after concerns were raised that the content unfairly targets the judiciary without similar scrutiny of other institutions. The CJI asserted that the judiciary’s integrity must be protected and warned against attempts to defame it, stating that appropriate action would follow under the law. (PC: India Today)

Three women from Arunachal Pradesh were allegedly racially abused by their neighbours, Harsh Singh and Ruby Jain, following a dispute over dust from repair work at their rented accommodation. A video of the confrontation, showing derogatory and racist remarks, went viral and sparked outrage on social media. After backlash, Singh apologised, claiming his comments were made in the “heat of the moment” and expressing regret. Delhi Police have registered an FIR under charges including criminal intimidation and promoting enmity. Investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The US Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is facing major plumbing problems while deployed near Iran. An internal memo dated 18 March 2025 recorded more than 205 toilet breakdowns in four days. The ship carries over 4,500 sailors.   Reports said the vacuum-based sewage system can fail if a single valve breaks. Sailors have faced long queues, sometimes up to 45 minutes. Hull technicians are working extended shifts to manage repairs. Permanent fixes can only be done in dock. Shelby Oakley of the Government Accountability Office said sailors should at least have proper living facilities. The carrier was earlier deployed near Venezuela. (PC: The Print)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticised the Centre after it approved the renaming of Kerala to “Keralam”. He said the focus should be on development projects. “The government has not given us an AIIMS or any new institutions. They have given us no projects in the Union Budget. But when it comes to a name change, they are willing to authorise it,” he said.   Tharoor noted that Kerala is already called “Keralam” in Malayalam. He also asked what residents would now be called. On X, he said “Keralamite” sounds like a microbe and “Keralamian” like a mineral. The state assembly had earlier passed a resolution supporting the change. (PC: X)

Ukraine marked four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion with memorial events across the country. A minute’s silence was observed in Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky said, “Ukraine never chose this war,” and added, “We have defended our independence.” The Kremlin said its aims “haven’t been fully achieved yet.” (PC: BBC)   Russia controls nearly 20% of Ukraine’s territory. Heavy fighting continues in the east. European leaders joined events in Kyiv in a show of support. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Russia gained “0.8% of land… at a terrible cost.” French President Emmanuel Macron said he was “very sceptical” about near-term peace.

Sanju Samson was the focus at India’s training session in Chennai after Rinku Singh flew home due to a family emergency. Rinku is doubtful for the Super Eight match against Zimbabwe. He missed practice under lights at Chepauk. Samson had a long batting session. He faced both pace and spin. He also worked on his keeping. Coach Gautam Gambhir watched closely. If Rinku is unavailable, Samson could return to the XI. India are also reviewing their top-order options after the loss to South Africa. Axar Patel trained with bat and ball and may come back on the black-soil pitch. (PC: X)