Renowned education reformist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike in Leh, lasting 15 days, garners support from the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). The alliance calls for a half-day general strike on March 20 in solidarity. Wangchuk demands statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh, fearing the region's vulnerability to industrial exploitation under its Union Territory status. His four-point agenda includes separate Lok Sabha seats, recruitment processes, and a dedicated Public Service Commission for Ladakh. Wangchuk plans a border march to spotlight Ladakh's plight.

Balkaur Singh, father of late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, accuses Punjab's Bhagwant Mann-led government of harassment after the birth of their second son. Singh claims officials questioned the child's legality, sparking outrage. In a video, he appeals for relief until his wife's recovery and promises cooperation. Opposition leaders, including Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, condemn the government's actions and demand an end to the family's ordeal. The incident raises concerns about privacy and government overreach, highlighting tensions between the administration and citizens.

A shigellosis outbreak has hit attendees of Victoria's Esoteric Festival, causing gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhoea and fever. The Department of Health confirms 230 reported cases. Shigellosis spreads through infected faeces and poses severe risks, especially to young children and the elderly. Festivalgoers are urged to get tested immediately if experiencing symptoms. Health officials warn of potential spread as patrons return home. Those working in sensitive sectors like food handling or healthcare should refrain from work until advised. The festival, held from March 8th to 12th in Donald, Victoria, prompts a call for vigilance and precautionary measures.

In Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, two Maoists were killed, bringing the state's tally to 29 this year, surpassing last year's total of 23. The encounter occurred in the Purangel Gampur forest area. Alongside the Maoists, 12 civilians and six security personnel have died in Naxal-related incidents. Allegations of fake encounters surfaced, prompting a magisterial probe. Since December's elections, anti-Naxal operations intensified, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah aiming to end Left Wing Extremism in three years. Security forces bolstered their presence in Bastar, establishing over 14 police camps, notably targeting Maoist strongholds.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to block Texas' law allowing state police to arrest those suspected of crossing the border illegally. President Biden's administration sought to halt the law, arguing it violates the Constitution. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the law due to perceived federal inaction on immigration. Republicans criticize Biden's handling of border crossings and advocate for stricter policies. The law makes illegal entry a state crime, with penalties ranging from jail time to deportation. Texas aims to enforce immigration laws independently amid ongoing debate over federal immigration policy.

Rose Hanbury, close friend of Prince William and Kate Middleton, dismissed swirling affair rumours linking her to Prince William amidst speculation surrounding Kate's prolonged absence. Speculation peaked after internet sleuths linked Kate's absence to alleged infidelity. On "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," Hanbury's name surfaced in discussions. However, she refuted the allegations, calling them "completely false." Hanbury, with strong royal family connections through generations, clarified her stance amidst heightened media attention. Kate's absence since a January surgery sparked global speculation about her health, prompting Hanbury to address and deny the swirling rumours.

American political scientist John J. Mearsheimer lauds India as an "aspiring great power" amid increasing global geopolitical competition involving the US, China, and Russia. Speaking at CNN News18's Rising Bharat Summit 2024, Mearsheimer highlights India's population size and growing wealth as crucial factors in its rising status. He predicts Russia's "ugly victory" in the Ukraine conflict and discusses the strategic significance of Taiwan to the US-China dynamic. Mearsheimer underscores India's major power status, emphasizing its importance in navigating the complexities of global power dynamics.

Royal Challengers Bangalore's men's team, led by Virat Kohli, paid tribute to the women's team, captained by Smriti Mandhana, after their historic Women's Premier League 2024 (WPL) victory. Despite the men's team's IPL title drought, they celebrated the women's triumph, recognizing their achievement. Mandhana dismissed comparisons between Kohli's IPL success and her team's victory, emphasizing Kohli's inspirational leadership for India. She stressed the importance of respecting Kohli's contributions, asserting the need to treat the men's and women's teams separately and appreciate their respective accomplishments.            

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned of severe food insecurity in Gaza, with the entire population facing acute shortages. Blinken called on Israel to prioritize providing aid to those in need. UN agencies have cautioned that northern Gaza could face famine by May without a halt in fighting and an increase in humanitarian assistance. Efforts to secure a ceasefire continue, with Israeli negotiators scheduled to meet in Qatar. Meanwhile, humanitarian concerns persist, with calls for access for journalists and criticism over restrictions on aid distribution. The situation underscores the urgent need for humanitarian intervention in Gaza.

The Lokpal has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra's alleged involvement in cash-for-query charges. The probe comes after the anti-corruption watchdog found "sufficient prima facie evidence" against Moitra, directing the CBI to investigate all aspects of the allegations within six months. Moitra is accused of providing access to her official MP ID to post questions on the Lok Sabha portal on her behalf in exchange for favors. The Lok Sabha ethics committee had recommended her expulsion for sharing her login credentials. Moitra denies the allegations.