Israeli team recruits Indian laborers to address the country's labor shortage amidst the conflict with Hamas. Young men from Haryana and other states flock to Rohtak for a chance at higher salaries in Israel. Despite the ongoing war, applicants express eagerness for employment opportunities. The recruitment drive, focused on construction, painting, and farming jobs, is part of Israel's plan to hire thousands of Indian workers. The process, spanning six days, prioritizes candidates from Haryana. Israel aims to address its labor deficit, initially targeting 10,000 recruits with potential expansion to 30,000, offering a monthly salary of Rs 1.34 lakh.

Amidst diplomatic tensions following the expulsion of Canadian diplomats from India and a dispute over the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canada witnessed an 86% decline in study permits issued to Indian students in the last quarter of 2023. Immigration Minister Marc Miller expressed doubt about a quick rebound, attributing the drop to strained India-Canada relations, hindering the processing of applications. With Indians forming the largest group of international students in Canada, concerns over diplomatic issues and academic facilities contributed to students exploring alternative destinations. The slowdown poses challenges for Canadian universities heavily reliant on international students.

A joint delegation from India's CBI, Enforcement Directorate (ED), and National Investigation Agency (NIA) is set to depart for the UK, aiming to accelerate the extradition process of high-profile fugitives like Sanjay Bhandari, Nirav Modi, and Vijay Mallya. The team, led by a senior foreign ministry official, will engage with UK authorities to gather information on assets and banking transactions of these fugitives. Bhandari, linked to defence deals, fled in 2016, and efforts are underway to identify his properties. Extradition appeals by Modi, Mallya, and Bhandari are pending in UK courts. The visit seeks collaboration under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty.

US-based pro-Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has renewed threats against India, sharing pro-Khalistan graffiti in Delhi. The Delhi Police filed an FIR for the graffiti found in Nihal Vihar. Pannun, founder of the banned Sikhs for Justice, vows to "avenge" the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar ahead of Republic Day. Despite being declared an 'unlawful association,' Pannun persistently uses social media to incite Punjab-based individuals against India. Under National Investigation Agency (NIA) scrutiny since 2019, he faces non-bailable warrants. Last year, NIA seized Pannun's properties in Amritsar and Chandigarh. Security measures escalate amid rising concerns.

India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, expresses deep concern over escalating threats to maritime traffic near India, citing direct impacts on the country's energy and economic interests. Jaishankar, after talks with Iran's counterpart, urges the international community to address the issue promptly. He emphasizes the need to prevent further violence and hostilities in West Asia. The minister also underscores India's support for a two-state solution in Palestine, calling for dialogue and diplomacy. The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea, with recent Houthi attacks on ships and international airstrikes in Yemen.

Two Indian students, G Dinesh (22) from Wanaparthy, Telangana, and Nikesh (21) from Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, were discovered dead in their Connecticut accommodation in the US. Dinesh's family, unaware of the cause of death, sought help from Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to repatriate his body. The students, friends turned roommates, had recently moved to the US for higher studies. Local authorities have limited information about Nikesh, intensifying the mystery. Wanaparthy MLA T Megha Reddy conveyed condolences and assured support in bringing Dinesh's body back to India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing positive developments in their Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership. They agreed to create a roadmap for future initiatives, covering various regional and global topics, including Russia's BRICS presidency. The leaders reviewed progress on bilateral cooperation and expressed optimism about the strengthening of India-Russia relations. PM Modi conveyed support for Russia's BRICS presidency in 2024. Amid the Ukraine war, the leaders also touched upon the situation in Ukraine. The dialogue reflects India's commitment to maintaining strong ties with Russia while engaging with other Western nations.

Preesha Chakraborty, a nine-year-old Indian-American student from Fremont, California, shines as one of the "world's brightest students" on the prestigious Johns Hopkins Centre for Talented Youth list. Selected from over 16,000 students across 90 countries based on above-grade-level tests, Preesha, a Grade 3 student, excelled in the SAT and ACT. Scoring in the 99th percentile of advanced Grade 5 performances, she earned the Grand Honors. A Mensa Foundation lifetime member since age six, Preesha's passion for learning and exceptional academic abilities garner recognition and praise. The CTY encourages her to explore and expand her knowledge further.

In the first meeting of the India-Maldives high-level core group, India and Maldives engaged in extensive talks to find a "mutually workable solution" following President Mohamed Muizzu's request for the withdrawal of all Indian troops by March 15. Discussions centered on enabling the continued operation of Indian military and aviation platforms providing humanitarian services in the Maldives. The core group, formed after a meeting between PM Narendra Modi and President Muizzu, aims to enhance bilateral cooperation. This development adds strain to already tense relations, marked by derogatory remarks from Muizzu's ministers, sparking a Boycott Maldives campaign in India.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has issued a deadline for India to withdraw its troops, demanding they leave the island nation by March 15. The move follows Muizzu's recent state visit to China, where ties were upgraded. Tensions escalated after derogatory comments against PM Modi led to the sacking of ministers. Muizzu's "India Out" campaign, a key election promise, seeks the removal of foreign military presence. A high-level core group, including Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar, is negotiating the withdrawal. Despite prior cooperation, the sudden shift raises concerns about regional dynamics and India's role in Maldives.