Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) launched a demolition drive at The Habitat studio after comedian Kunal Kamra's video mocking Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde went viral. Officials claim the studio was in an encroached area. Kamra faces an FIR for alleged defamation, while Shiv Sena functionary Rahul Kanal and 11 others were arrested for vandalizing the venue. CM Devendra Fadnavis condemned Kamra’s remarks, stating satire must not be used to insult individuals. "Freedom has limits," Fadnavis said, demanding an apology. Kamra has not yet responded to the controversy. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, currently imprisoned on charges of corruption and alleged terror links, has been officially nominated as the Republican People's Party's (CHP) presidential candidate for the 2028 elections. The CHP's primary election saw an unprecedented participation, with nearly 15 million citizens endorsing İmamoğlu's candidacy. His arrest has ignited mass protests across Turkey, leading to over 1,100 detentions amid clashes with police. Opposition leaders have condemned the charges as politically motivated, viewing them as an attempt by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's administration to sideline a formidable rival ahead of the upcoming elections. (PC: AFP)

The central government has announced a 24% salary hike for Members of Parliament, raising their monthly pay from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.24 lakh, effective retroactively from April 1, 2023. Daily allowances increased from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500. Former MPs’ pensions rose from ₹25,000 to ₹31,000, with an additional ₹2,500 per year for service beyond five years. The revision, based on the Cost Inflation Index, was notified under the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act. MPs will receive arrears for the period since April 2023. The move follows similar hikes in states, including Karnataka. (PC: News18.com)

Comedian Kunal Kamra refused to apologise for his joke on Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, stating he would cooperate with police but adhere to the law. Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers vandalised a Mumbai studio where Kamra performed, leading to 11 arrests. An FIR was filed against Kamra following a complaint by Shinde Sena MLA Murji Patel. Opposition leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray and Jaya Bachchan, defended Kamra, condemning attacks on free speech. Meanwhile, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis demanded Kamra apologise, stating insults against leaders won’t be tolerated. (PC: X/kunalkamra88)

US and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia on Monday to discuss a possible Black Sea ceasefire and maritime security, according to Moscow. The talks follow Kyiv-US discussions in Riyadh, which Ukraine’s defense minister called “productive.” Meanwhile, Russian forces launched overnight strikes on Ukraine, claiming to have intercepted 28 Ukrainian drones. Ukraine responded by destroying four Russian military helicopters, with BBC Verify analyzing the footage. As diplomatic efforts continue, hostilities persist, raising concerns about regional stability. The outcome of these negotiations could have significant implications for global shipping and security in the Black Sea. (PC: BBC)

KL Rahul will miss Delhi Capitals' (DC) IPL 2025 opener against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after being granted special permission due to the birth of his child. The 32-year-old cricketer left DC’s camp to be with his wife, Athiya Shetty, who is expecting delivery soon. Rahul, DC’s star batter, is expected to return for their second match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. With Rahul absent, DC will rely on captain Axar Patel and vice-captain Faf du Plessis. LSG, led by Rishabh Pant, will look to capitalize on DC’s weakened batting lineup in Visakhapatnam. (PC: NDTV)

Several schools in Northern Ireland were closed on Monday due to a "security concern" after threatening emails were sent to institutions in Co Fermanagh, Co Tyrone, and Co Antrim. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is coordinating with the Metropolitan Police in London to investigate. Schools, including Holy Cross College in Strabane and Cross and Passion College in Ballycastle, asked parents to collect children immediately. Some schools reopened after receiving the all-clear. Local officials condemned the threats, calling them “despicable” and “scary” for students and staff. The PSNI continues to monitor the situation. (PC: Stock Image)

A 100-foot chariot collapsed during the Huskur Madduramma Devi Jatra Mahotsava in Karnataka’s Anekal, killing 2 people and injuring several others. Eyewitnesses blamed strong winds and heavy rain for the incident. The victims were identified as Rohit (26) from Tamil Nadu and Jyoti (14) from Bengaluru. Officials dismantled remaining chariots due to safety concerns. Families of the victims alleged no financial aid from authorities. Residents criticized officials for lack of preparedness and support. A police investigation is underway. In 2024, a similar chariot collapse occurred in Rayasandra but had no casualties. (PC: India Today)

The Balochistan insurgency, rooted in the region's controversial annexation by Pakistan in 1948, has intensified dramatically. Historically led by tribal groups, the movement now sees participation from educated individuals like 23-year-old chartered accountant Kamran Hasan, who vanished to join the militants. Militant organizations, notably the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), have escalated their tactics, executing sophisticated assaults on military targets and Chinese infrastructure projects. High-profile incidents include the hijacking of a passenger train and coordinated suicide bombings. Allegations of human rights abuses by Pakistani security forces have further fueled the insurgency, complicating prospects for political resolution. The conflict presents a formidable security challenge for Pakistan, with no clear resolution in sight. (PC: The Guardian)

Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) kick off their IPL 2025 campaigns under new leadership. DC's Axar Patel faces LSG's Rishabh Pant, who switched teams for ₹27 crore. DC's lineup features KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, and Mitchell Starc, while LSG boasts David Miller, Aiden Markram, and Nicholas Pooran. Key players include DC's Tristan Stubbs and LSG's Ravi Bishnoi. The match is set for March 24 at Visakhapatnam's Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium, starting at 7:30 PM IST. (PC: Indibet & One Cricket)