Indian chess player Divya Deshmukh, 18, ignites discussion on sexism in chess through Instagram. Deshmukh, an International chess Master, addresses online comments focusing on appearance rather than skill. The post, following the Tata Steel Chess tournament, prompts support from tournament organizers. Sexism in chess, still under-discussed, impacts confidence of women players. Online trolling deepens stereotypes, affecting gender balance with only 10% of licensed players globally being women. Chess experts call for breaking socio-cultural barriers, promoting women's participation, and increasing women-only tournaments for a more equal chess environment. Deshmukh's post gains thousands of likes, highlighting the need for change.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that the recent deaths of five Indian students in the United States are unrelated, with "no foul play or connection." MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal provided details during a weekly briefing, emphasizing that two were Indian nationals, and three were of Indian origin with US citizenship. Investigations are ongoing, and the MEA is actively collaborating with local authorities, consulates, and missions to assist affected families. The MEA stressed the independence of each case, urging recognition that there is "no interconnectedness" among the incidents involving Indian students and individuals of Indian origin in the US.

India has announced plans to replace its military personnel stationed at aviation platforms in the Maldives with skilled technical personnel, following a formal request for troop withdrawal from the Mohamed Muizzu-led Maldives government. The Ministry of External Affairs revealed the decision after a second high-level core group meeting in New Delhi, stating that the process will commence by March 10 and be completed by May 10. Both nations have agreed on mutually workable solutions to ensure the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms providing humanitarian and medvac services in the Maldives. The budget for the Maldives has been revised to ₹779 crore, up from the projected ₹600 crore.

A substantial avalanche struck the Sonamarg area along the Srinagar-Leh Highway, as captured on camera, with no reported casualties, according to officials. The incident occurred near the workshop for the Zojila tunnel construction. Authorities had previously issued an avalanche warning for the Kashmir Valley's higher reaches following heavy snowfall. Residents are advised to avoid avalanche-prone zones for the next 24 hours. Gulmarg and Pahalgam registered frigid temperatures, with Pahalgam recording a minimum of minus 10.8 degrees Celsius. Travelers are urged to adhere to traffic police advisories due to significant snow accumulation and freezing temperatures in hilly areas.

Farmers protesting on the Noida Expressway concluded their demonstration Thursday evening after assurances from police and authorities to address their demands. Since December 2023, farmers in Noida and Greater Noida have been advocating for increased compensation and developed plots for their acquired land. The protest led to heavy traffic jams on the Delhi-Noida border, prompting a 24-hour closure of all borders with extensive police deployment. Section 144 was imposed, restricting assembly and processions. Police sealed the route from Noida to Delhi, advising school buses to use alternative routes. Despite disruptions, authorities facilitated dialogue with farmers to resolve grievances.

A bomb blast outside a polling station in Lajja town, southwestern Pakistan, has resulted in the deaths of two security officers and left nine others injured. The incident occurred on Thursday, with the Pakistan Levies provincial paramilitary force in Balochistan confirming the casualties. The blast underscores the ongoing security challenges faced during elections in the region. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine the motive behind the attack and apprehend those responsible. This tragic event highlights the need for heightened security measures to ensure the safety of citizens and officials during the electoral process in Pakistan.

Reports suggest King Charles postponed a helicopter flight to Sandringham to meet Prince Harry following his cancer diagnosis. Harry, upon learning about his father's illness, traveled to London for a private 30-minute meeting at Clarence House. The encounter marked the first between Charles and Harry since Queen Elizabeth's passing in 2022. Notably, Meghan Markle did not accompany Harry. Despite reported tensions, insiders claim the meeting sparked optimism. Prince William, absent from the gathering, acknowledged Charles' condition at a charity event, hinting at strained relations within the family amidst the health crisis.    

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has caught the INDIA bloc off guard by announcing candidates for three seats in Assam ahead of the Lok Sabha election. AAP MP Sandeep Pathak expressed frustration, stating that months of talks with the alliance had yielded no breakthrough in seat sharing. Pathak emphasized the importance of contesting and winning elections, urging the alliance to expedite negotiations. Despite reaffirming support for the INDIA alliance, AAP's move signals impatience with the ongoing discussions. The development follows the Samajwadi Party's unilateral declaration of candidates in Uttar Pradesh amid seat-sharing talks, highlighting growing tensions within the coalition.

India's Ministry of External Affairs dismissed Canadian Security Intelligence Service's (CSIS) allegations of Indian interference in Canadian elections, asserting it's not India's policy to interfere in other countries' democratic processes. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated Canada has been meddling in India's internal affairs. The statement follows a declassified document citing India as a concern for foreign interference. Tensions between the two nations have escalated, notably over allegations regarding the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India suspended visas for Canadians after Trudeau's claims, leading to diplomatic strains and stalled trade negotiations.

Police in Noida halted hundreds of farmers near the Mahamaya Flyover as they attempted to march to Parliament, causing heavy traffic disruptions. Farmers were seen trying to breach barricades, prompting police intervention. The Noida traffic police issued advisories for alternative routes due to expected congestion. Protesters demanded increased land compensation and better rehabilitation facilities. Bharatiya Kisan Ekta Sangh leader Sukhbir Yadav cited grievances with the Uttar Pradesh government, including unmet demands for land allocation and compensation. Plans to enter Delhi by tractors and vehicles were thwarted as police monitored the situation.