A Houthi missile strike on the Barbados-flagged True Confidence off Yemen's coast resulted in two crew members' deaths, the first fatalities from Houthi attacks on merchant vessels. The ship, abandoned with a fire onboard, was struck in the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis cited support for Palestinians in Gaza and alleged the crew ignored warnings. Six others were injured. US officials condemned the attack, calling for accountability. Amid ongoing Houthi assaults, international maritime coalition vessels aided the ship. The incident intensifies concerns about maritime security, prompting calls for increased response against Houthi aggression.

National Highways has issued a warning for significant delays as the first planned weekend closure of a section of the UK's M25 motorway approaches. The closure, spanning from junction 10 to junction 11, will last from Friday evening to Monday morning. This closure, the first of five planned as part of a £317m project, aims to facilitate bridge demolition and gantry installation. Motorists in the UK are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, anticipate heavy congestion on alternative routes, and allow extra time for essential journeys. The closure is expected to impact over 200,000 vehicles, including those heading to airports and ports.          

Former J&K CM Omar Abdullah alleges coercion as PM Modi gears up for his inaugural visit to Kashmir post Article 370 abrogation. Accusations arise that J&K administration mandates employee presence at the event, threatening disciplinary action for non-compliance. Amid preparations for Modi's address and unveiling of ₹6,400 crore projects, controversy swirls as schools shut, exams postponed, and drone operations banned in Srinagar. Abdullah's claims fuel debate over political mobilization strategies in the region.

The pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant continue in Jamnagar, drawing Bollywood celebrities like Ranveer Singh, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan for an encore performance. Organized for Reliance employees and the "Jamnagar family," the event features repeat performances and food stalls reminiscent of the grand affair held earlier. The celebration, attended by employees from various divisions and locals, adds to the opulence of the Ambani-Merchant nuptials, extending the glamour and extravagance for another round.

Taiwan's labour minister issued an apology after facing backlash for her "racist" remarks on Indian migrant workers' recruitment. In an interview, she stated that Taiwan would hire from India's northeast due to similar "skin colour and eating habits." Despite domestic criticism, she clarified that Taiwan's labour policies aim for equality. The comments sparked outrage on social media, with concerns raised over safety and crime rates. Both the labour and foreign ministries apologized to India for the remarks, emphasizing the need for review and improvement in recruitment practices.

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar faced an unexpected challenge during the opening day of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) as he was dismissed by Bigg Boss winner Munawar Faruqui in an exhibition match between Master XI and Akshay Kumar's Khiladi XI. The dismissal, occurring in the fifth over, left the stadium in complete silence as Tendulkar's bat fell silent after a quick-fire knock of 30 off 17 balls. Faruqui's feat garnered attention on social media, adding an electrifying twist to the inaugural edition of the ISPL.          

In a bid to reclaim Amethi, Rahul Gandhi gears up for a face-off with Union Minister Smriti Irani, who recently purchased a house in the constituency. Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra signals his intent, making a rare appearance in the region. Sources confirm Gandhi's candidacy approval by Congress leadership, continuing the family legacy in the Gandhi bastion. Meanwhile, Irani's persistent efforts since 2014 paid off in 2019, securing her victory. The electoral battle intensifies as both contenders vie for Amethi's allegiance ahead of the impending elections.          

Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, urges citizens to protest against President Putin on election day. She calls for forming long queues at polling stations on March 17 as a peaceful demonstration of unity. Navalny's sudden death sparked allegations against Putin, intensifying political tensions. The protest, named "Midday against Putin," aims to showcase solidarity and opposition to the regime. Despite international skepticism about the election's fairness, Navalnaya emphasizes the importance of citizen participation. The call follows Navalny's pre-death proposal, aiming for a nationwide movement accessible to all Russians.

Amidst a severe water crisis in Bengaluru's RR Nagar and Pattanagere areas, the lone water purification plant has initiated water rationing, offering water canisters at Rs 5 each. Residents endure long queues, limited to one canister per family. Operating for just two hours in the morning and evening, locals, including the elderly, face hardships accessing water. Allegations arise of discrimination against those accompanied by family members. Even residents of gated communities face scarcity, as borewells dry up, and private tanker supplies diminish due to government regulations.

The Indian Navy has officially commissioned its inaugural squadron of MH 60R Seahawk helicopters at INS Garuda in Kochi. This marks a significant milestone in India's maritime defense capabilities. The MH 60R Seahawk, a maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter, is equipped with advanced weaponry including Hellfire missiles and MK-54 torpedoes. These helicopters will bolster India's anti-submarine warfare capabilities, extending operational reach and supporting sustained naval operations. With enhanced surveillance and attack capabilities, the MH 60R Seahawk helicopters are poised to play a crucial role in safeguarding India's maritime interests.