The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has detained notorious Punjab gangster Jagdeep Singh, known as Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act for one year. This preventive measure aims to curb his alleged involvement in drug trafficking and related criminal activities. Bhagwanpuria, often referred to as the "Supari King," is implicated in over 50 criminal cases, including murder, extortion, and smuggling. Despite previous acquittals in some cases, authorities remain vigilant due to his extensive criminal network. The NCB's action underscores a commitment to dismantling organized crime and ensuring peace in Punjab. (PC: The Tribune)

A fire broke out at Disney World's Epcot theme park in Orlando on Saturday evening, originating from a walk-in cooler in a backstage area behind the France Pavilion. The incident led to the evacuation of the Remy's Ratatouille Adventure ride, with visitors observing plumes of dark smoke near the replica Eiffel Tower. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District fire department swiftly extinguished the blaze, and no injuries were reported. The pavilion reopened to guests by early evening. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. (PC: Travel Weekly & Disney Dining)

Elon Musk's SpaceX plans to send humans to Mars by 2029, aiming to establish a self-sustaining city within two decades. However, Mars presents formidable challenges: its atmosphere is about 100 times thinner than Earth's, lacking breathable oxygen and adequate pressure, exposing inhabitants to harmful cosmic and solar radiation. Temperatures fluctuate drastically, from daytime highs of 70°F to nighttime lows below -100°F. Massive dust storms can last for weeks, hindering visibility and damaging equipment. Liquid water is absent, necessitating advanced technologies to extract and utilize ice deposits. Additionally, Mars' gravity is only 38% of Earth's, potentially leading to muscle atrophy and bone density loss in settlers. (PC: TechCrunch & CNN)

The International Space Station (ISS), operational since 1998, is nearing the end of its service life and is scheduled for decommissioning by 2030. In response, Jeff Bezos' aerospace company, Blue Origin, in collaboration with Boeing and Sierra Space, is developing Orbital Reef—a $10 billion (£7.7 billion) commercial space station. Designed as a "mixed-use business park" in orbit, Orbital Reef will cater to both research and tourism. The station will feature spacious modules and large windows offering breathtaking views of Earth. With a volume of 8,200 cubic feet, it is slightly smaller than the ISS but aims to provide extraordinary experiences for researchers and tourists alike. Orbital Reef is expected to be operational by 2030, marking a significant milestone in commercial space infrastructure. (PC: BBC & UNILAD Tech)

Adi Alexander, father of 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander—the last known living American hostage in Gaza—expresses hope that U.S. President Donald Trump can secure his son's release. Edan is among 59 hostages, over half presumed dead. Hamas proposed releasing Edan and four others if Israel recommits to a ceasefire. However, Israel's recent rocket attacks ended the two-month truce, escalating the conflict. Adi believes Netanyahu aims to free all hostages but on his terms, whereas Trump's focus is clear: bringing them home. Many families credit Trump with initiating the ceasefire and appreciate his direct engagement with Hamas, despite its designation as a terrorist organization since 1997. (PC: Reuters)

In Accomack County, Virginia, a tragic shooting occurred at a convenience store on Lankford Highway, resulting in the deaths of 56-year-old Pradipkumar Patel and his 24-year-old daughter. Deputies responded to reports of a shooting victim shortly after 5:30 am on March 20. Upon arrival, they found Mr. Patel deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. His daughter was discovered injured and transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Authorities arrested 44-year-old George Frazier Devon Wharton of Onancock in connection with the incident. He faces charges including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a felon, and two counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation. (PC: The Indian Express & NDTV)

New data from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) indicates that by 2030, all UK families will experience reduced living standards, with the poorest households facing declines twice as severe as those of higher earners. This projection challenges Prime Minister Keir Starmer's commitment to improving financial conditions for working individuals. The analysis coincides with Chancellor Rachel Reeves's upcoming spring statement, expected to include £5bn in public spending cuts, notably affecting disability benefits. The JRF urges the government to consider increasing taxes on the wealthy instead of reducing benefits, especially for disabled individuals, to address economic disparities and support growth. These developments have sparked internal criticism within the Labour Party regarding its economic strategies. (PC: LinkedIn, Bloomberg & Counter Currents)

Starting April, approximately 75% of English councils will implement a 100% council tax premium on second homes, effectively doubling the tax on these properties. This measure aims to address housing shortages and generate an estimated £445 million in additional revenue. While areas like Cornwall, Torbay, Norfolk, and Somerset are adopting this tax, urban regions such as Rochdale, Bristol, and several London boroughs, including Wandsworth, Camden, and Hackney, are also participating. Critics, like the TaxPayers' Alliance, label the move a "naked cash grab," arguing that second homeowners use fewer local services and thus should not face higher taxes. Conversely, housing advocates believe the premium is a positive step but insufficient alone to resolve the housing crisis. In Cornwall, where second homeownership is prevalent, some residents feel that merely doubling the tax won't deter second home purchases, suggesting more robust measures are necessary. (PC: iStock)

In a tragic incident, 48-year-old Saritha Ramaraju has been charged with the murder of her 11-year-old son, Yatin, following a three-day Disneyland trip. On March 19, 2025, Ramaraju called 911 from a Santa Ana motel, confessing to killing her son and attempting suicide by ingesting pills. Authorities found Yatin's body on the bed, surrounded by Disneyland souvenirs, with a large kitchen knife nearby. The boy appeared to have been dead for several hours before the call. Ramaraju, who had moved out of California after a 2018 divorce, was visiting Yatin during a custody arrangement and was scheduled to return him to his father that day. She faces charges of murder and personal use of a weapon, with a potential sentence of 26 years to life if convicted. (PC: Los Angles, Theme Park Database & India Today)

In light of the impending April 2 deadline for reciprocal tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, senior U.S. officials are set to visit India to engage in critical trade discussions. Trump has expressed concerns over India's high tariffs on American goods and anticipates substantial reductions. During a recent interview, he stated, "I believe they're...probably going to be lowering those tariffs substantially, but on April 2, we will be charging them the same tariffs they charge us." India's Commerce Minister, Piyush Goyal, has been in Washington to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement aimed at averting these reciprocal tariffs. Both nations are working to address issues related to tariff and non-tariff barriers, with the goal of finalizing the first phase of the agreement by the end of 2025. (PC: Fortune India & Bizz Buzz)