Sweden and Canada have announced the resumption of aid payments to UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, after a temporary halt due to allegations against UNRWA staff. Sweden pledges £15 million initially, with Canada also restarting funding. The move comes amidst investigations into UNRWA's staff following accusations related to a Hamas attack. UNRWA's chief warns of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and expresses hope for more donor support. Meanwhile, efforts to deliver aid via sea routes and reports of abuse of Palestinians underscore the complex situation in the region.          

UK faces urgent calls for action as 11 deaths are attributed to fires caused by e-bikes, prompting concerns over the sale of dangerous products. Campaigners liken the danger to "unexploded bombs," urging third-party certification for e-bikes and their batteries. Safety groups warn of risks associated with conversion kits and online purchases. Recent tragedies, including the death of Sofia Duarte, 21, underscore the urgency for stricter regulations. London Fire Brigade reports a surge in e-bike fires, prompting demands for stronger enforcement and retailer accountability. Government emphasizes collaboration with fire services and ongoing research into battery safety.

Opposition parties voiced alarm following the abrupt resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel just before the Lok Sabha polls. President Droupadi Murmu accepted Goel's resignation, leaving the Election Commission with only Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. Congress's KC Venugopal criticized the lack of transparency in the Election Commission's functioning, citing Goel's departure as troubling for democracy. Trinamool MP Saket Gokhale raised concerns over the Modi government's new law allowing PM Modi to appoint Election Commissioners with a majority vote. Goel, a 1985 batch IAS officer, was slated to become the next chief election commissioner.

Krystyna Pyszkova from Czech Republic emerged victorious at the 71st edition of the Miss World pageant held in Mumbai. Crowned Miss World 2024 at the Jio World Convention Centre, she clinched the title amidst stiff competition. Yasmina Zaytoun from Lebanon secured the first runner-up position. Pyszkova, a law and business administration student, also runs a foundation supporting underprivileged children. The event marked a historic return of the Miss World finale to India after 28 years. Karolina Bielawska, the 70th Miss World, bestowed the crown upon Pyszkova, adding to the pageant's legacy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated infrastructure projects worth over ₹4,500 crore in northern West Bengal during a visit to Siliguri. Emphasizing the region's significance, PM Modi stated that eastern India, historically neglected, is now considered a growth engine. The projects include railway line electrification, doubling of railway lines, and national highway developments, aimed at enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth. This marks the government's commitment to 'Viksit Bengal'. PM Modi's visit follows recent project unveilings in southern West Bengal, reaffirming BJP's focus on the state's development.

Farmers in Punjab and Haryana are set to stage a 'rail roko' protest on Sunday, March 10, demanding guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP). The protest, organized by Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, will see hundreds of farmers blocking railway tracks in 60 locations. Authorities have imposed Section 144 in Haryana's Ambala district to prevent disturbances. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal urged the government to ensure MSP for all crops. Train schedules are expected to be disrupted as farmers assert their demands, following previous delays in train services due to similar protests.

Election Commissioner Arun Goel resigns before the impending Lok Sabha elections, with President Droupadi Murmu accepting his resignation. The reasons for his departure remain undisclosed. Goel, a former IAS officer, assumed office in November 2022 and was scheduled to serve until 2027. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar now shoulders the responsibility of overseeing electoral preparations. Goel's career spans significant roles in various government departments, notably driving the Electric Vehicle movement and managing Central Public Sector Enterprises. The Election Commission is expected to announce election dates next week amidst ongoing changes in the appointment process for new commissioners.

India's Ministry of Electronics & IT considers increasing funding for the Indian Semiconductor Mission (ISM) scheme, currently set at ₹76,000 crore, to bolster semiconductor manufacturing. Secretary S Krishnan mentions the need for additional funding if the ISM exhausts its funds. The government aims to establish 2-3 semiconductor fabrication units over the next 2-3 years, with recent Cabinet approvals for additional units, including Tata Group's collaboration with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation. These initiatives aim to create a robust semiconductor ecosystem, challenging China and Taiwan's dominance, while generating significant employment opportunities.

In the 5th Test, India dominated England, winning by an innings and 64 runs to seal the series 4-1. R Ashwin's 5-wicket haul and centuries by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill led the charge. England's batting struggled, with Joe Root being a lone standout. The series showcased India's resilience, bouncing back from a series opener loss. With this win, England's Bazball era tally reaches 8 losses. The hosts, ruthless in Dharamsala, added salt to England's wounds, securing their place in the World Test Championship final. India's comprehensive victory highlighted their prowess in all aspects of the game.

The UK ranks lower than Uzbekistan in global mental well-being, according to the Sapien Labs Mental State of the World report. Despite facing a humanitarian crisis, Yemen outperforms wealthier Western nations. The UK experienced a decline in personal well-being in 2023, as reported by the Office for National Statistics, and is warned of a mental health crisis by the charity Mind. Wellness retreats, like one in Cornwall run by ex-rugby pro Anthony Mullally, are on the rise. While the World Happiness Report places the UK 19th in its rankings, concerns persist about the nation's mental health.