Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared the BJP will contest the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections independently, aiming to form its own government. He asserted the party's growing vote share and criticized the AAP government's performance on law and order, drugs, and corruption. Shah also pledged to enact a law against religious conversions if the BJP wins.

The National Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship at Sarla Birla University in Ranchi saw over 400 players compete. Abhimanyu Puranik won the Blitz title with 9 points, beating Sayantan Das on tie-break, while Madhavan N B finished third. In Rapid, Aronyak Ghosh remained unbeaten with 9.5/11 to claim the championship.

The FBI issued an alert about a potential Iranian drone attack on California, launched from a vessel off the US coast. Officials emphasize this warning is based on unverified intelligence and does not indicate an imminent threat, circulating the information out of caution.

Tragedy strikes as five Indians lose their lives and one remains missing amid escalating Middle East conflict. Meanwhile, two Indian LPG carriers have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, en route to India with vital fuel supplies. Missions are working tirelessly to aid affected nationals and ensure repatriation.

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav is set to tie the knot with Vanshika Chadha on March 14, 2026, in Mussoorie, following India's T20 World Cup victory. Pre-wedding rituals are underway at the historic Savoy Hotel. A grand reception in Lucknow on March 17 will host prominent figures from cricket, politics, and business.

Pakistan's Prime Minister has approved significant salary cuts for state-owned enterprise employees, ranging from 5 to 30 percent, as part of a broad austerity drive. This move follows a sharp fuel price hike linked to the Middle East conflict. The government is also reducing fuel allocations for official vehicles and banning new purchases to fund public relief efforts.

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has stepped down as mentor of Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League, citing lack of time for the role. He will still appear as a commentator during the tournament. Pietersen joined the franchise in 2025 and previously played for several IPL teams during his career. The season begins March 28 in Bengaluru.

Pakistan's selectors are demanding an inquiry into how star players Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman sustained injuries, with concerns raised that fitness issues were not disclosed during the T20 World Cup. Aaqib Javed questioned if players would have been declared fit had Pakistan advanced, highlighting a lack of transparency. Younger players are now being given opportunities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a strong attack on the TMC in Kolkata, accusing the party of protecting rapists and insulting President Droupadi Murmu. He also alleged that the TMC opposes electoral roll revisions to shield infiltrators and deliberately alters demographics, making Hindus a minority in several areas.