Elon Musk plans to launch SpaceX's Starship to Mars in late 2026, carrying Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus. If successful, human missions could commence by 2029, though 2031 is more probable. Optimus, initially designed for factory tasks, is now envisioned to prepare Mars for human colonization by constructing habitats and infrastructure. Critics question Optimus's readiness, noting that prototypes struggled with basic mobility. While NASA and China focus on direct human missions, Musk's robot-first approach is unconventional. However, Starship's recent test failures and subsequent FAA investigations cast doubt on the 2026 timeline. The success of this mission could revolutionize space exploration, positioning robots as pioneers of interplanetary settlement.

Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian doctoral student at Columbia University, self-deported after her U.S. visa was revoked over alleged support for Hamas. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused her of advocating violence and terrorism, leading to the State Department's cancellation of her F-1 visa on March 5. Srinivasan utilized the newly launched CBP Home App to voluntarily leave the U.S. on March 11. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that advocating for violence forfeits the privilege to reside in the U.S. In related actions, Palestinian student Leqaa Kordia was arrested for overstaying her visa, and the Trump administration withdrew $400 million in federal funding from Columbia University, citing inadequate protection of Jewish students.

A powerful storm system swept through the U.S. Midwest and South, resulting in at least 16 fatalities and widespread destruction. Missouri reported ten deaths, including two in Ozark County, while Arkansas experienced three fatalities and numerous injuries. In Texas, a dust storm led to a car crash that claimed three lives. The severe weather spawned numerous tornadoes, particularly affecting Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, and Mississippi. High wind gusts of up to 80 mph were recorded, causing blizzard conditions in northern regions and elevating wildfire risks in the south. Over 300,000 homes lost power across six states. The storm system is expected to continue moving southeast, posing further tornado risks until Sunday.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has resigned, prompting the Liberal Party to seek his successor by March 24. Anita Anand, the Indian-origin Transport Minister, is a leading contender. Born in Nova Scotia to Indian physician parents, Anand has held key roles since her 2019 parliamentary entry, including Minister of Public Services and Procurement, where she secured COVID-19 vaccines, and Minister of National Defence, addressing military misconduct and supporting Ukraine. Her academic tenure includes professorships at the University of Toronto and Yale Law School. If chosen, Anand would be Canada's first woman of colour and first person of Indian descent to serve as Prime Minister.

Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore from Dubai. Subsequent searches of her residence uncovered gold jewelry valued at ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash, bringing the total seizure to ₹17.29 crore. Ranya, who had traveled to Dubai 27 times in the past six months, initially confessed to possessing 17 gold bars but later claimed she was 'trapped' and alleged mistreatment by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials. In response to the incident, her stepfather, DGP K Ramachandra Rao, has been placed on compulsory leave, with KV Sharath Chandra appointed as his interim replacement.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened a virtual meeting with approximately 25 global leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and NATO's Secretary General, to bolster support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts with Russia. The coalition aims to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into accepting a U.S.-proposed ceasefire, while preparing robust plans to secure any potential peace agreement. Starmer emphasized the necessity of continued military aid to Ukraine and the tightening of economic sanctions against Russia to weaken its war capabilities. Despite Russia's tentative acceptance of the ceasefire proposal, its conditions mirror existing war objectives, indicating a protracted path to peace.

A series of tornadoes struck the U.S. Midwest and Southeast, resulting in three fatalities in Missouri. The National Weather Service reported at least 26 tornadoes overnight as a powerful low-pressure system caused thunderstorms across Arkansas, Illinois, Mississippi, and Missouri. Forecasters warn there is a high risk of additional tornadoes, particularly in Alabama and Mississippi, with a 30% chance. In Missouri, two deaths occurred near Bakersfield in Ozark County and one in Butler County. Some injuries were reported, but numbers are not yet available. The highest threat of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes is expected on Saturday night.

The Trump administration is considering implementing extensive travel restrictions affecting citizens from 43 countries, as part of a new immigration policy aimed at enhancing national security. An internal memo categorizes these nations into three groups based on the severity of the proposed restrictions. 1) Red List: Comprising 11 countries, including Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria, whose citizens would face a complete suspension of U.S. visa issuance. 2) Orange List: Consisting of 10 countries such as Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan, which would experience partial suspensions, limiting access to tourist, student, and some immigrant visas, though certain exceptions may apply. 3) Yellow List: The largest category includes 22 countries, including Belarus, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan, which could see partial visa restrictions if their governments fail to address security-related deficiencies within 60 days. This proposal is pending approval from key administration officials, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and reflects a continuation of President Trump's stringent immigration policies aimed at addressing perceived security threats.

Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has hinted at potentially concluding his tours to Australia, stating, "I might not have another Australia tour in me." This remark has fueled speculation about his future in Test cricket. Discussing his post-retirement plans, Kohli admitted uncertainty, mentioning a desire to travel extensively. Reflecting on India's recent ICC Champions Trophy victory in Dubai, he credited the team's adaptability to diverse conditions. Kohli also expressed optimism about the growth of women's cricket in India, emphasizing the significance of the Women's Premier League (WPL) in fostering a balanced sporting culture. Looking ahead, he is enthusiastic about cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Olympics, viewing it as a prime opportunity for India to secure a medal.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has refuted claims that Ukrainian forces are encircled in Russia's Kursk region, asserting they continue to resist Russian and North Korean troops. He cautioned about a Russian military buildup near Ukraine's Sumy region, indicating potential new offensives. This follows U.S. President Donald Trump's warning that thousands of Ukrainian soldiers were "completely surrounded." Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed conditional support for Trump's 30-day ceasefire proposal but remains committed to ongoing military objectives. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized increasing pressure on Russia to accept a ceasefire. Zelenskiy also highlighted the stabilization of the battlefield near Pokrovsk and the successful deployment of Ukraine's domestically-produced "long Neptune" missile, boasting a 1,000-kilometer range, underscoring efforts to bolster self-reliant defense capabilities.