Thursday, March 5

Author: TheStateLine

<div>UN Human Rights Chief lauds India’s democratic traditions, highlights jailing of human rights defenders in Pakistan</div>

UN Human Rights Chief lauds India’s democratic traditions, highlights jailing of human rights defenders in Pakistan

TOP STORIES, WORLD
Geneva, March 2 (IANS) Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has praised the vibrancy of civil society in India, highlighting that it continues to play a key role in upholding the country's democratic traditions and the rights of minorities.At the same time, while presenting his global update to the ongoing 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council last week, Turk slammed Pakistan and China for the worrisome human rights situation that exists in the countries.The UN Human Rights chief was in New Delhi last month on his first India visit during the AI Impact Summit. "During my recent trip to India, I was impressed by the vibrancy of civil society. They play a key role in upholding India’s democratic traditions and the rights of minorities. It is important f...
MoS Sanjay Seth ceremonially flags in INSV Kaundinya after Oman visit

MoS Sanjay Seth ceremonially flags in INSV Kaundinya after Oman visit

INDIA, TOP STORIES
Mumbai, March 2 (IANS) Minister of State (MoS) for Defence, Sanjay Seth, on Monday, ceremonially flagged in the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya in Mumbai Harbour, marking the successful completion of her maiden overseas voyage to the Sultanate of Oman, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, an official said.The flag-in at Mumbai marked the culmination of a landmark maritime heritage revival project and underscored India's continuing commitment to maritime outreach, cultural diplomacy and the preservation of traditional nautical craftsmanship, the official said in a statement.The flag-in ceremony also signified the revival of INSV Kaundinya's historic return passage across the Arabian Sea, reaffirming India's enduring maritime heritage and India–Oman linkages across the Indian Oce...
<div>Woman brutally kills live-in partner with friends’ help in Bengaluru; three arrested</div>

Woman brutally kills live-in partner with friends’ help in Bengaluru; three arrested

INDIA, TOP STORIES
Bengaluru, March 2 (IANS) A gruesome murder came to light on Monday in Bengaluru’s Manjunath Nagar under the Bagalagunte police station limits, where a 40-year-old man was allegedly killed by his former partner and her associates.Police have arrested three accused, including a woman who claimed to have acted in films, in connection with the case.The deceased has been identified as Mohan Rao, who was working in pigmy collection and small business activities.According to police, his body was found inside a rented house in Manjunath Nagar about three days ago, following which a murder case was registered and an investigation was launched.Deputy Commissioner of Police (North West) D.L. Nagesh said that during the investigation, it was found that a woman identified as Urmila aka Bindu and her a...
Japan likely mulls rare earth extraction from Africa to counter China’s dominance

Japan likely mulls rare earth extraction from Africa to counter China’s dominance

TOP STORIES, WORLD
New Delhi, March 2 (IANS) After surveys found sufficient reserves of dysprosium and terbium in Namibia, Japan is pressing ahead with plans to develop rare earth mines in Africa to counter China's restrictions, a report has said.The Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) confirmed the reserves, and the Japanese government aims to rid its dependence on China by the end of 2028, the report from the Asahi Shimbun said, citing government sources.Dysprosium and terbium retain magnetic properties at high temperatures and are used in high‑performance electric vehicle motors. They are considered among the scarcest of the rare earths.Japan aims to eliminate dependence on Chinese supplies by the end of 2028, according to the report."If projects in Africa get on track, Japan is exp...
Kuwait confirms several US military aircraft crashed, all crew safe

Kuwait confirms several US military aircraft crashed, all crew safe

TOP STORIES, WORLD
Kuwait City, March 2 (IANS) Kuwait on Monday confirmed that "several" US military aircraft crashed earlier in the day, adding that all the crew members were safe. Earlier, Iran claimed that a US F-15 fighter jet had crashed in Kuwait, with videos circulating on social media purportedly showing an American pilot ejecting seconds before the aircraft went down.Kuwait's Ministry of Defence confirmed that several US military aircraft crashed on Monday morning and all their crew were "completely safe".The Ministry's spokesperson stated that the relevant authorities immediately initiated search and rescue procedures, whereby the crews were evacuated and transferred to the hospital to check on their health status and provide the necessary medical care, noting that their condition is stable. "The o...
T20 WC: When and where to watch SA vs NZ semifinal

T20 WC: When and where to watch SA vs NZ semifinal

SPORTS
New Delhi, March 2 (IANS) The knockouts of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 are all set, with the first semi-final taking place at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Wednesday between New Zealand and South Africa. South Africa will come in with high spirits after beating New Zealand in their group game. The Proteas beat the Kiwis by seven wickets in Ahmedabad on February 14 and will look to replicate that result. A five-wicket win over Zimbabwe in their final Super 8 game meant South Africa finished first in their group with a perfect record of 3 wins from 3 games.New Zealand will look to take revenge against South Africa and put an end to their unbeaten streak in the tournament after finishing second in Group 1 and will look to return to the T20 World Cup final for the first time since 2021.In 202...
<div>Zareen Khan shares update on her mother’s health: Out of ICU but still in hospital</div>

Zareen Khan shares update on her mother’s health: Out of ICU but still in hospital

ENTERTAINMENT
​Mumbai, March 2 (IANS) Actress Zareen Khan shared an update about her mother's health through a social media post. On Monday, the 'Veer' actress revealed that while her mother has been shifted out of the ICU, she continues to be in the hospital.Urging her InstaFam to keep her recovering mother in their prayers, Zareen wrote on the Stories section of her Instagram handle, "Mom's out of the ICU...but still in the hospital. Please continue keeping her in your duas/ prayers. Much needed (sic)," followed by a folded hands emoji.On February 23, Zareen dropped an emotional note on the photo-sharing app. Marking her Islamic birthday on the 5th day of Ramadan, she informed that her mother is currently in the hospital.She took to her official social media account and wrote, “It's the 5th of Ramadan...
SA, NZ meet in T20 WC semis for the first time; key stats ahead of historic clash in Kolkata

SA, NZ meet in T20 WC semis for the first time; key stats ahead of historic clash in Kolkata

SPORTS
New Delhi, March 2 (IANS) South Africa and New Zealand head into the semi-finals of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 following impressive yet contrasting campaigns and gear up to face each other on Wednesday at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. South Africa are heading into the semifinals on the back of a flawless campaign, having remained unbeaten through the group stage and Super Eights. The Proteas topped their Super Eight group with commanding performances that underlined both their batting depth and bowling discipline.A comfortable chase against Zimbabwe capped their second-round run, while a commanding victory over India underlined their title credentials. Having finished as runners-up in the previous edition, the Proteas appear determined to go one step further this time.New Zealand, meanwhi...
As Sunetra Pawar takes control, NCP merger hopes fade away

As Sunetra Pawar takes control, NCP merger hopes fade away

INDIA, TOP STORIES
Mumbai, March 2 (IANS) Following the untimely demise of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, his wife, Sunetra Pawar, officially assumed the role of National President of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on February 26, signalling a definitive shift in the state's political landscape, effectively dimming the prospects of a reconciliation or merger between the NCP and the Sharad Pawar-led faction. Party seniors have hailed the appointment as the dawn of the "Sunetra Era", sending a clear message that the party will not succumb to pressure from the Sharad Pawar camp.NCP sources indicate that Sunetra Pawar intends to lead on her own terms, carrying forward the political legacy and ideology of her late husband while focusing on further strengthening the party organisation in the days t...
Pakistan players likely to face fines after India defeat and poor World Cup show: Report

Pakistan players likely to face fines after India defeat and poor World Cup show: Report

SPORTS
New Delhi, March 2 (IANS) Pakistan cricket authorities are expected to impose a heavy fine of five million rupees (approximately 17900 USD) on underperforming male cricketers after the team's exit in the Super Eight round in Sri Lanka, according to a news report on Monday."Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has conveyed to the players that they get good amounts in central contracts and endorsement money so on poor performances they will get fines and that will be to the tune of five million Pakistan rupees," sources told Telecom Asia Sport.Sources reported that PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi was upset after the poor performance and some questionable decisions in the February 15 match against India, and he had decided to punish the players."Naqvi was in the stadium and noticed how Pakistan team wilted u...