NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) discovered a new moon of Uranus, named S/2025 U1.
CISF Raising Day is celebrated annually on March 10 to commemorate the founding of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in 1969. This year, India marks the 56th CISF Raising Day, celebrating the bravery, dedication, and service of CISF personnel who safeguard the nation’s key infrastructure and uphold public security.
The CISF was established under the CISF Act of 1968 and initially comprised 3,129 personnel. Over the years, it has grown to a formidable force of 1,77,713 personnel as of June 2024. The CISF provides security to various critical sectors, including the Department of Space, the Department of Atomic Energy, airports, the Delhi Metro, ports, historical monuments, and key areas of the Indian economy such as petroleum, natural gas, electricity, coal, steel, and mining.
The 56th CISF Raising Day celebrations include parades, cultural programs, and official ceremonies to honor the dedication and sacrifices of CISF personnel. Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the event in Thakkolam, Tamil Nadu, as the chief guest, emphasizing the crucial role CISF plays in ensuring the development, progress, and mobility of the country.
The CISF has evolved into a multi-dimensional force, providing security across various sectors and recognizing the growing need for specialized personnel. The day is also marked by blood donation drives and health check-up camps across the country, further highlighting the CISF’s commitment to public service.
TEHRAN — Iran’s Assembly of Experts has officially named Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader. The 56-year-old cleric succeeds his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28, 2026, during joint United States and Israeli airstrikes targeting his compound in Tehran.
The appointment, announced shortly after midnight on March 9, marks the first time in the history of the Islamic Republic that power has passed from father to son.
From 15 July 2025, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication will be mandatory for booking online Tatkal tickets via the IRCTC website and app. The move aims to promote fair and transparent booking practices.
For Tatkal tickets booked at PRC counters or by authorised agents, OTP verification will be done using the mobile number provided at the time of booking.
To prevent misuse, IRCTC agents will be barred from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window:
On April 9, 2025, India approved the acquisition of 26 Rafale fighter jets from France to strengthen its naval capabilities amid growing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean. The deal, estimated at ₹630 billion (approx. $7 billion), includes 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater jets from Dassault Aviation.
Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the agreement is expected to be signed soon, with France’s defence minister likely to visit India beforehand. This move aligns with India’s goals to modernize its military, reduce dependence on Soviet-origin systems, and bolster defence ties with France, its second-largest arms supplier.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font is on a state visit to India from April 1 to April 5, 2025, marking 76 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. President Droupadi Murmu welcomed him at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a banquet in his honor.
During his visit, President Boric is engaging in New Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. He held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on minerals, energy, defense, agriculture, and space cooperation. Both leaders agreed to initiate talks for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
The visit also highlights cultural and educational exchanges, including student programs and Chile’s growing interest in Yoga and Ayurveda. President Boric emphasized Chile’s commitment to strengthening ties with India, recognizing its global geopolitical significance.
This visit reinforces India-Chile cooperation in trade, innovation, and culture, reflecting a shared vision for a prosperous future.
Wildfires have been wreaking havoc in Los Angeles recently, causing widespread destruction and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. The Palisades Fire, which started on January 7, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades area, has been particularly devastating, destroying over 17,000 acres and 1,000 structures. The Eaton Fire, which also started on January 7, 2025, in Altadena, and the Sunset Fire, which ignited on January 8, 2025, in the Hollywood Hills, have caused significant damage as well.
The fires have been fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph, and extremely dry conditions. These factors have made firefighting efforts incredibly challenging, with ground crews and aerial operations struggling to contain the blazes.
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency, and President Biden has approved federal aid for California. Despite the chaos, there have been no immediate reports of deaths or injuries, though the situation remains fluid.