The air we breathe just got deadlier and India is at the very centre of the crisis.

The 2025 World Air Quality Report, released Tuesday by Swiss firm IQAir, delivered a gut punch, ranking India sixth amongst the world's most polluted countries, with a national average PM2.5 concentration of 48.9 g/m. That is nearly ten times the WHO's safe limit of 5 g/m.

PM2.5 refers to microscopic particles that are smaller than 2.5 micrometres and often come from vehicles, factories, crop burning, and construction, and are invisible to the naked eye but devastating to human health. They penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, contributing to cardiac and respiratory diseases and premature deaths.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday (March 24, 2026) declared a state of ‌national energy emergency in response to the West Asia conflict and what ⁠he called an “imminent danger” posed to the country’s energy supply.

Mr. Marcos said a Committee has been formed ‌to ensure the orderly movement, supply, distribution and availability of fuel, food, ‌medicines, agricultural products and other essential goods.

The Lok Sabha has passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026. The Bill aims to amend the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. Under the Act, a transgender person may apply to the District Magistrate for issuing a certificate of identity as a transgender person. The Bill adds that the District Magistrate will issue the certificate after examining the recommendation of a designated medical board. The board will be headed by a Chief Medical Officer or a Deputy Chief Medical Officer. The District Magistrate may take the assistance of other medical experts. The Bill also provides that transgender persons will be entitled to change the first name in the birth certificate and other official documents based on the certificate of identity.

Replying to the debate on the Bill, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar said, ‘Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve is Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas, and the NDA government has worked for the welfare of all.’ He said the Government’s goal is to build a strong, prosperous and developed India, a modern, compassionate, and inclusive society in which everyone can live with respect and dignity.

The Government of India has approved the appointment of Shri T. N. Natarajan as the next Director (Commercial) of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), one of India’s largest public sector steel producers. The approval comes through the Ministry of Steel with the consent of the President of India.

Currently serving as Chief General Manager (Sales) and Regional Manager, Western Region, SAIL, Shri Natarajan will assume the role of Director (Commercial) once he takes charge. His tenure is expected to be five years, subject to superannuation or further government directions.

In a landmark initiative spearheaded by Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, a new chapter has begun for the weavers of Chanderi. A strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the Handloom Park between the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) and the District Archaeology, Tourism and Culture Council (DATCC), Ashoknagar, to launch "Project Padma Doree".

The agreement was executed by Shri Mara Kocho, Managing Director of NEHHDC, and Shri Saket Malviya, District Collector and Chairman of DATCC.

A Fusion of Heritage and Innovation

"Project Padma Doree" is set to introduce a premium line of textiles that blends the rustic, "Ahimsa" (non-violent) Eri Silk of the North East with the world-renowned Chanderi Weaving technique.

Andhra Pradesh will mark a major step in its industrial development with the foundation laying of a large integrated steel plant in the Anakapalli district today.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will lay the foundation stone along with Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H. D. Kumaraswamy and other Union Ministers from the state.

They are scheduled to visit the project site in the afternoon, review the plant model, and later address a public gathering.

The project is being set up by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India with an investment of 1.36 lakh crore rupees, the largest in the state’s steel sector to date.

Secretary (West), Ambassador Sibi George, on Sunday called on Iceland Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir to discuss issues of bilateral, regional and multilateral interest and the implementation of India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

In a post on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Secretary (West) @AmbSibiGeorge called on Foreign Minister of Iceland, Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir. They discussed issues of bilateral, regional and multilateral interest, also the positive progress made in bilateral engagement in recent years, especially in sectors such as geothermal, fisheries and clean energy. The implementation of India-EFTA TEPA was also discussed."

Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has been named the ICC Player of the Month for his record-breaking performances in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 during February, while India seam bowler Arundhati Reddy secured the women's award after her fine performances in a T20I series in Australia.

Sahibzada won the award ahead of many stalwarts as he broke Virat Kohli's record for runs in one edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and became the first to register two centuries in a single edition of the tournament - against Namibia and Sri Lanka.

The dynamic opener topped the charts, amassing 383 runs in seven T20Is at an impressive average of 76.60, while maintaining a strike rate of 160.25, including two centuries and two fifties. His performances stood out from the tournament for the monthly award as the final two Super Eight fixtures and the knockout stages took place in March and will be evaluated in the next cycle.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will introduce in the Rajya Sabha on Monday an "umbrella law" for central armed police forces (CAPFs) to regulate recruitment, deputation, promotion and other conditions of services of their officers, according to the List of Business issued by the House.

All the CAPFs -- CRPF, BSF, ITBP and SSB -- are governed by their respective Acts. The rules under these Acts govern the recruitment and conditions of service of Group A General Duty Officers and other officers and members in the CAPFs.

The Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, provides that for the purposes of appointment of officers from the Indian Police Service in CAPFs, 50 per cent of the posts will be filled by deputation in the rank of Inspector General and a minimum of 67 per cent of the posts will be filled by deputation in the rank of Additional Director General.

The story of Meerut's para-athlete Riya Solanki is an example of triumph over poverty and physical disability. Despite missing one arm, Riya won a gold medal at the National Para Games 2026, completing a hat-trick of gold medals. Her father, a driver, and her mother, a cook, sacrificed their own lives to give wings to Riya's dreams. This journey from a rented room to becoming a national champion is an inspiration for millions of daughters across the country.

It is said that 'only those who have life in their dreams can reach their destination. Wings are of no use, it is courage that makes one fly.' A disabled girl from Meerut has proved this saying true. Even the physical challenge of not having one arm and the financial hardship at home could not stop Riya Solanki. By winning the gold medal in the shot put event at the 24th National Para Athletics Championship 2026 held in Bhubaneswar, Riya has brought glory not only to her family but to the entire state of Uttar Pradesh. This is Riya's third consecutive national gold medal win, which bears testimony to her hard work and never-say-die spirit.