In a significant development, Rahul Gandhi has been confirmed to contest from Kerala's Wayanad constituency for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. However, discussions on whether he will contest from Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, were deferred. The decision came after the central election committee meeting, attended by top Congress leaders including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi via Zoom. Shashi Tharoor will contest from Thiruvananthapuram. The first candidate list is expected to include contestants from several states, with further deliberations scheduled for March 11. No candidates from Uttar Pradesh were discussed due to the seat-sharing agreement with Samajwadi Party.

Israel escalated its criticism of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees, alleging that 450 of its Gaza employees were militants. Despite lacking evidence, Israel accused 12 workers of involvement in Hamas attacks. UNRWA's head, Philippe Lazzarini, denied receiving proof and noted past cooperation with Israeli authorities. UN envoy Pramila Patten cited "reasonable grounds" for Hamas committing atrocities during October's violence. Amidst ongoing tensions, a missile strike from Lebanon killed a foreign worker in Israel, prompting a diplomatic effort to defuse conflict. UNRWA called Israel's actions misinformation, endangering staff and operations.

Israel has handed over 47 bodies, retrieved from a graveyard near Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis during a recent military incursion, to Gaza. The bodies, badly decomposed and lacking identification, are being buried in Tal as-Sultan, Rafah. This marks a recurring violation as graves are frequently desecrated, causing anguish for bereaved families. The international community condemns such actions as breaches of international law. Despite Israeli assertions that none of the bodies belonged to captives, the continued desecration of graves remains a tragic reality for Gazans who have already endured profound loss.

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora becomes the first Sikh provincial minister in post-partition Punjab, sworn in by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. Arora, an influential minority leader, won the Feb 8 polls, marking his third term in the Lahore provincial assembly. The 49-year-old, also elected president of the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee, holds the minorities portfolio in Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's cabinet. Arora's extensive contributions include human rights activism and enacting the Sikh Marriages Registration Act, earning him the National Human Rights Award in 2016. Pakistan takes a historic step in minority representation.

The Supreme Court raises concerns over Maharashtra Speaker Rahul Narwekar's decision, questioning if it contradicts a previous Constitution bench judgement. The ruling had declared Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's faction as the "real political party" based on legislative majority. The court, summoning original records, fixes the hearing for April 8. The Speaker's refusal to disqualify any member in the Shiv Sena faction dispute faces scrutiny. Chief Justice Chandrachud queries the decision's alignment with the earlier judgement. The court instructs Shinde's response by April 1, acknowledging distinctions in legislative and organizational majorities post-defection.

Sweden officially becomes NATO's 32nd member, concluding a nearly two-year ratification process. Hungary's withdrawal of opposition paves the way for Sweden's membership, solidifying NATO's dominance in the Nordic region. The move, prompted by Russia's Ukraine invasion, marks a historic shift away from Sweden's neutrality. The accession ceremony, attended by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, signifies Sweden's equal participation in NATO policies. Diplomatic hurdles, including Turkey's demands and Hungary's delay, were overcome. Sweden now enjoys NATO's protection under Article 5, strengthening its security stance.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on Article 370, questioning the narrative that it hindered progress. Abdullah retorted, "If Article 370 was this bad, how did Jammu and Kashmir ever make progress?" PM Modi, during his Srinagar visit, hailed the scrapping of Article 370 as ushering in a "new Jammu and Kashmir." Abdullah countered, citing past comparisons of progress under Article 370. He also criticized the scrapping of the provision, stating, "Today, education is only free up to the 14th class." He called for an impartial investigation into the pre and post-370 revocation discrepancies.    

The Union Cabinet approves a 4% Dearness Allowance (DA) hike for over one crore Central Government employees and pensioners. Set to be effective from January 1, 2024, the increase aims to offset the impact of rising prices. Union Minister Piyush Goyal states the hike will cost the exchequer Rs 12,868 crore annually. Additionally, House Rent Allowance sees an increment. The DA and Dearness Relief adjustments, occurring twice a year, respond to changes in the cost of living index. The move aligns with the 7th Pay Commission's recommendations, benefiting millions amid economic adjustments.

Fresh CCTV footage suggests the suspect behind the Bengaluru cafe blast could be in Tumakuru and Ballari in north Karnataka. NIA teams have reached Ballari following leads of the suspect's travel route, possibly to Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh. Investigators believe the suspect changed attire en route, with his baseball cap recovered near the blast site. The suspect, captured on CCTV boarding a bus, wore a mask and sunglasses in the cafe but revealed his face inside the bus. Authorities are questioning individuals and expanding the search across northern Karnataka and Uttar Kannada districts.

Mumbaikars are in for a treat as singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran brings his + - = ÷ x Tour to the city on March 16. Hosted by BookMyShow Live, the event promises an immersive experience with a 360-degree revolving stage, offering a full view of Sheeran from all angles. Preceding his performance, singer Prateek Kuhad will entertain the crowd, followed by an opening act by Calum Scott. Sheeran's setlist will feature hits from his albums spanning over a decade, ensuring an unforgettable two-hour concert experience for attendees.