The US and UK impose sanctions on Israeli settlers and farming outposts amidst escalating violence in the West Bank. Fares Samamreh, a Palestinian sheep farmer, recounts harassment and attacks by Israeli settlers, leading to his family's displacement. While settlers deny allegations of violence, sanctions reflect international concern. Israeli officials dismiss accusations, citing support within the country. Sanctions impact settler finances, signaling disapproval to Israel and President Biden's Democratic base. As tensions rise, fears of further conflict loom. The West Bank remains a battleground as opposing forces vie for control within complex political dynamics.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has advised all Indians to evacuate Myanmar's Rakhine state due to worsening security conditions. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the ongoing conflict, urging citizens to refrain from traveling there. India seeks peace and stability in Myanmar, advocating for constructive dialogue and inclusive democracy. The advisory follows heightened violence after ethnic minority forces launched an offensive last October. This situation prompted a surge of refugees into Mizoram, along the Indo-Myanmar border. The MEA cites disrupted telecommunications and scarcity of essentials in Rakhine as reasons for the cautionary measure.

Madras High Court has granted permission for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow in Coimbatore on March 18. Despite initial denial by district authorities citing security concerns, the court directed police to permit the event with specified conditions. These conditions include designated routes, distance limitations, and restrictions on flex boards. The roadshow, part of PM Modi's South India tour ahead of elections, faced opposition due to security risks and the city's communal history. However, the court's intervention ensures the event proceeds under regulated conditions.

The Indian Navy responded to an SOS from a Bangladesh-flagged bulk carrier, MV Abdullah, seized by Somali pirates off the coast. The vessel, carrying 55,000 tonnes of coal from Mozambique to the UAE, was attacked on Tuesday. The Navy deployed aircraft and intercepted the hijacked ship on Sunday, ensuring the safety of its 23 Bangladeshi crew members. This incident raises concerns about a resurgence of piracy in the Indian Ocean, alongside heightened attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels. Meanwhile, the Houthis continue launching strikes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in response to Israel's actions in Gaza.

McDonald's customers across parts of Asia faced ordering difficulties on Friday due to a system outage. The glitch impacted Japan, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. In Japan, operations were temporarily halted at many outlets, while China experienced several hours of disruption. Hong Kong's mobile ordering and kiosks were affected, but gradually returned to normal. South Korea's delivery website cited server maintenance, while unaffected countries included India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. McDonald's assured full restoration of online ordering in China. The incident sparked discussions on social media platforms like Weibo.

The Indian Army has established its inaugural Apache attack helicopter squadron in Jodhpur, strengthening its defense along the Pakistan border. Led by Lt Gen Ajay Suri, the squadron awaits the arrival of its first batch of desert-colored choppers by May, despite slight delays due to global security concerns. Procured from the US, these advanced helicopters signify India's commitment to enhancing military capabilities. Affectionately dubbed "tanks in the air," they will initially land at Hindon Air Force Station before deployment to Jodhpur. This strategic move underscores India's resolve to bolster its defense infrastructure in the face of regional challenges.

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan was hospitalized at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital in Mumbai for a health scare. Contrary to initial reports of a heart angioplasty, it was revealed that the procedure was performed on a clot in his leg. Bachchan confirmed a successful operation via Twitter, reassuring fans. Well-wishers flooded social media platforms with recovery wishes. Earlier, he was spotted cheering for his team at a sports event alongside son Abhishek Bachchan. Bachchan's recent film appearance was in 'Ganapath Part 1', starring Tiger Shroff. He is now recuperating at home after the procedure.

Top electoral bond purchasers reveal a concerning trend as many are linked to past scrutiny by enforcement agencies. Future Gaming and Hotel Services PR, led by Santiago Martin, bought ₹1,368 crore worth, half before and half after ED searches in May 2023 related to a lottery scam. Similarly, Keventer Food Park Infra Ltd., MKJ Enterprises Ltd., and Madanlal Ltd. from Kolkata, with a common director, Siddharth Gupta, collectively donated ₹573 crore. Notably, Keventer and Madanlal made significant purchases in April-May 2019 amid shared scrutiny. The pattern raises questions about the source and timing of political contributions.

India's first underwater metro line debuted in Kolkata, West Bengal, amidst cheers and patriotic chants. Commuters eagerly queued for the inaugural ride on the East-West metro corridor. Traversing beneath the Hooghly River, the 520-meter under-river section marks a groundbreaking engineering feat. With trains departing simultaneously from Howrah Maidan and Esplanade stations, excitement was palpable. The tunnel, adorned with blue LED lights, enhances the underwater experience. Operating on weekdays with a frequency of 12 to 15 minutes, the metro offers convenient transportation. The milestone journey concluded with the last metro departing at 9:45 pm, heralding a new era in Kolkata's transportation network.

Kensington Palace faces scrutiny as speculation swirls around Princess Kate Middleton's mysterious absence and a Photoshop scandal. Piers Morgan questions why the recovering princess would undertake amateur editing tasks when palace staff could handle them, fueling conspiracy theories. The contentious photo, featuring Princess Kate and her children, was pulled after allegations of manipulation. Morgan suggests a hidden agenda behind the princess's involvement in editing, including the absence of her wedding ring. The incident raises doubts about transparency and sparks renewed interest in the palace's handling of Princess Kate's health issues.