Ahead of the State elections in October-November this year, the Bihar government on Monday (March 3, 2025) tabled estimated Budget of ₹3,16,895.02 crore in the Assembly for the financial year 2025-26. The Budget allocation has been higher by ₹38,169.30 crore than the previous Budget of ₹2,78,725.72 crore. The Bihar government announced several provisions for the projects like setting up a cancer hospital in Begusarai.

The Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary who also holds finance department said that the State government would spend ₹60,954 crores on education, ₹20,335 crores on health, ₹16,193 crores on rural development and ₹13,483 crores for energy sectors in the financial year 2025-26. “Under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s ambitious seven nischay 2 of Aatmanirbhar Bihar (2020-2025) provision of ₹5,972.00 crore Budget was estimated in various departments,” the Budget copy said. “Besides, a provision of ₹13,368.47 crore for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC & ST), minority, Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Most Backward Classes (MBC), and social welfare has been made for the year 2025-26,” it added.

The government on Monday awarded 'Navratna' status to two railway public sector companies, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC).

With this, IRCTC has become the 25th Navratna among Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), while IRFC is now the 26th.

The new status gives these companies greater financial independence, allowing them to invest up to Rs 1,000 crore without needing approval from the government. This move is expected to help them make faster business decisions and improve efficiency.

The first population estimation of riverine dolphins in India has revealed the presence of 6,327 dolphins in the Ganga, Brahmaputra and Indus river systems, according to a government report published on Monday.

As part of 'Project Dolphin', a comprehensive survey was conducted for the first time to estimate the population of river dolphins across eight states -- Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam and Punjab.

Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of dolphins at 2,397, followed by Bihar 2,220, West Bengal 815, Assam 635, Jharkhand 162, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh 95, and Punjab 3, the report said.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order making English the official language of the United States.

It means government agencies and organisations that receive federal funding can choose whether they want to offer documents and services in languages other than English.

It rescinds a policy that required such bodies to provide language assistance to non-English speakers signed by former president Bill Clinton in 2000.

"Establishing English as the official language will not only streamline communication but also reinforce shared national values, and create a more cohesive and efficient society," the order says.

Jay Shah, chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has been honoured with the prestigious Icon of Excellence award at the 14th edition of the Forbes India Leadership Awards (FILA 2025). This award recognises his exceptional contributions to cricket administration and his role in driving innovation and inclusivity in the sport. Under his leadership, cricket has witnessed a remarkable transformation, making the game more accessible and globally competitive.

Youngest ICC chair, a trailblazer in the sport

At the age of 36, Jay Shah made history by becoming the youngest-ever chairman of the ICC. He has been instrumental in enhancing the sport’s global appeal, ensuring its financial sustainability, and introducing progressive reforms that benefit players, stakeholders, and fans alike. Through his strategic decision-making and futuristic approach, he continues to play a crucial role in elevating cricket to new heights.

The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Saturday announced that Manan Kumar Mishra, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), has been re-elected unopposed as the Chairman of the Bar Council of India for a historic seventh consecutive term.

A statement issued stated that the elected representatives of India's nearly 27 lakh vibrant legal fraternity have once again reaffirmed their trust in his distinguished leadership.

Soon after his re-election for a seventh term was announced, Mishra expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the entire legal fraternity for their continued trust and support. He reaffirmed his unshakable resolve to serve the legal community and emphasized his dedication to the welfare of advocates.

Gross GST collections rose by 9.1% to about ₹1.84 lakh crore in February, official data showed on Saturday.

Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue includes a 10.2% jump in domestic revenues at ₹1.42 lakh crore and 5.4% rise in revenues from imports to Rs 41,702 crore during February.

As per the data, during the month, mop up from Central GST stood at ₹35,204 crore, State GST at ₹43,704 crore, Integrated GST at ₹90,870 crore and compensation cess of ₹13,868 crore.

Images from ISRO’s Aditya-L1—India’s first mission to the Sun—reveal a solar flare ‘kernel’ in the lower layers of the atmosphere, according to an analysis. This provides new insights into the star’s explosive activities.

Solar flares, seen as bright areas on the Sun, are giant explosions that send energy, light, and high-speed particles into space. These particles can impact space weather and potentially disrupt radio communications and satellite operations.

Researchers from the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune said that on February 22, 2024, the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) instrument onboard Aditya-L1 captured an image of the X6.3-class solar flare, one of the most intense solar eruptions.

Lead scientist Durgesh Tripathi, senior professor at IUCAA and principal investigator of SUIT, said the observations, captured in unprecedented detail, unveiled secrets hidden in the near ultraviolet wavelength for the first time.

Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth was on Saturday (March 1, 2025) given additional charge of the post of Secretary, Department of Revenue, according to a Personnel Ministry order.

The vacancy was necessitated following the appointment of Revenue Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on February 27.

Mr. Pandey on Saturday (March 1, 2025) assumed charge as the chief of the Mumbai-based capital markets regulator.

World News Today highlights: In today’s rapidly changing world, staying updated with global news is essential. Our World News coverage offers comprehensive insights into key international events, from politics and economics to social movements and cultural shifts. Get the latest updates on geopolitical developments, policy changes, economic trends, and significant global issues that shape societies and influence lives across continents. With expert analysis and timely reporting, we bring you a clear view of the forces impacting today’s global landscape, keeping you informed and prepared. Explore stories that reveal how international events connect and affect communities worldwide, ensuring you never miss a moment.