National Highways has issued a warning for significant delays as the first planned weekend closure of a section of the UK's M25 motorway approaches. The closure, spanning from junction 10 to junction 11, will last from Friday evening to Monday morning. This closure, the first of five planned as part of a £317m project, aims to facilitate bridge demolition and gantry installation. Motorists in the UK are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, anticipate heavy congestion on alternative routes, and allow extra time for essential journeys. The closure is expected to impact over 200,000 vehicles, including those heading to airports and ports.          

Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, urges citizens to protest against President Putin on election day. She calls for forming long queues at polling stations on March 17 as a peaceful demonstration of unity. Navalny's sudden death sparked allegations against Putin, intensifying political tensions. The protest, named "Midday against Putin," aims to showcase solidarity and opposition to the regime. Despite international skepticism about the election's fairness, Navalnaya emphasizes the importance of citizen participation. The call follows Navalny's pre-death proposal, aiming for a nationwide movement accessible to all Russians.

Russia reportedly attempted to assassinate Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with a missile strike on his motorcade during his visit to Odesa, Ukraine. The attack occurred while Zelensky was meeting Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Despite the missile strike, both meetings proceeded as planned. The Greek PM described witnessing sirens and explosions near the end of their meeting. Reports suggest the missile strike prompted advisories for Odesa residents to seek shelter, with casualties reported. This incident follows Zelensky's claims of surviving multiple Kremlin assassination attempts.          

Russia and China are actively exploring a joint venture to install a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2035, according to Yury Borisov, CEO of Russia's space agency, Roscosmos. The ambitious project, discussed at the World Youth Festival, envisions an automated mission with technological solutions nearly ready. The collaboration stems from a 2021 memorandum, leading to the creation of the International Lunar Research Station. China's Chang'e missions, starting in 2026, will pave the way for a robotic base for remote experiments. The entire lunar project is expected to conclude by 2028.

NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, along with Russia's Alexander Grebenkin, hugged as they boarded the International Space Station via a SpaceX Dragon capsule. They replace astronauts from the US, Denmark, Japan, and Russia for a half-year mission. The new crew will oversee the arrival of NASA-ordered rocketships, including Boeing's Starliner capsule with test pilots and Sierra Space's Dream Chaser. The collaborative effort marks a milestone in international space cooperation.

Nikki Haley, former South Carolina Governor and ex-US ambassador to the UN, is set to withdraw from the Republican presidential race, paving the way for former President Donald Trump. Haley, the final major contender Trump defeated in the GOP primary, was part of a crowded field during which Trump notably skipped debates and had a lighter early-state travel schedule. Trump's dominance included winning 14 out of 15 GOP contests on Super Tuesday. Haley's exit solidifies Trump's position as a frontrunner in the Republican race.

The UN warns that a year-long war in Sudan between rival generals could lead to the world's largest hunger crisis, affecting 18 million people. Cindy McCain, head of the World Food Programme, emphasizes the dire situation as the conflict displaces over 10 million and prompts concerns of war crimes and genocide in Darfur. Urgent calls are made for a ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid, highlighting the risk of a forgotten crisis similar to Darfur's plight two decades ago.

Molly Caudery, 23, clinches the world pole vaulting title at 4.8m, becoming a British athletics sensation. Despite a weightlifting accident in 2021 nearly costing her a finger, she triumphs at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow. Molly, a Loughborough graduate, eyes the Paris Olympics after initially targeting LA 2028. With 224,000 online followers, she embraces pressure and aspires to medal in Paris. Originating from Redruth, Cornwall, Molly, known for baking, contemplates joining the Great British Bake Off. Her inspiring journey includes overcoming a nine-month setback to achieve world-class success.

North Korea condemns South Korean-U.S. military drills, labeling them an invasion plot. The North's Defense Ministry criticizes the exercises, expressing strong opposition and vowing "responsible" military actions. The annual drills, with 48 field exercises, trigger heightened tensions. North Korea's response is anticipated to involve missile tests or similar measures. South Korea asserts the drills are routine and defensive, warning of a robust counter-response to any North Korean provocations during the exercises. The situation underscores the delicate security dynamics on the Korean Peninsula.

Ukrainian intelligence reports that a Russian patrol ship, Sergei Kotov, was sunk in a sea drone attack, with seven dead and six injured. The vessel, part of Russia's Black Sea fleet, suffered stern and side damage. President Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's capability against Russian forces. The ship's role in the Snake Island attack was noted. The UK Defense Secretary shared a video of the incident, emphasizing the Black Sea's danger for Putin's Navy. Thirteen Russian naval ships have been damaged or destroyed in the conflict. This follows recent drone attacks sinking another Russian ship, Caesar Kunikov, and striking a Russian oil depot.