NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, 59, and Butch Wilmore, 62, are returning to Earth after a nine-month mission aboard the ISS, extended due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner. Their spacecraft is set to splash down off Florida’s coast. After landing, they will undergo medical checks for microgravity effects before heading to NASA’s Johnson Space Center for debriefings. Williams looks forward to reuniting with family and her two dogs. Astronauts often face dizziness and muscle atrophy after extended space missions.

India strongly rejected Pakistan’s criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir in his podcast with Lex Fridman. The Ministry of External Affairs called Pakistan the “biggest roadblock” to regional peace, accusing it of cross-border terrorism. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal demanded Pakistan vacate Indian territory under its “illegal and forcible occupation.” Pakistan’s Foreign Office had termed PM Modi’s comments “misleading.” The diplomatic row intensified as US official Tulsi Gabbard highlighted “Islamist terrorism” as a common threat. PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to peace but blamed Pakistan for rejecting peace overtures.

In 2014, MS Dhoni, known for his calm demeanor, was reportedly angered when a Hyderabad five-star hotel refused to allow homecooked biryani inside. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had 180 rooms booked but shifted to Taj Krishna after the ITC Grand Kakatiya restricted outside food. Ambati Rayudu had sent biryani for the team, but the hotel’s policy prevented players from consuming it in common areas. Despite the disruption, CSK played against Kolkata Knight Riders the next day, losing by three wickets. However, players at least enjoyed their biryani. CSK has since won five IPL titles, equaling Mumbai Indians.

Hamas announced its head of government was killed as Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza, killing 400 people and ending a two-month ceasefire. Israel vowed stronger military action after Hamas refused to release hostages. Strikes targeted multiple locations, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting many child casualties. Hamas claimed an Israeli hostage was among the dead. Hospitals, overwhelmed by casualties, saw bodies stacked in plastic sheets. Israeli PM Netanyahu ordered intensified operations, warning actions would extend beyond airstrikes. Military officials hinted at a potential ground assault. The fate of 59 remaining hostages in Gaza remains uncertain.

Indian American student Sudiksha Konanki, 20, went missing on March 6 while walking on a beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Despite extensive searches using drones, helicopters, and naval units, she remains unaccounted for. Her family has urged authorities to declare her dead. Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old Minnesota student, was last seen with her and is under police supervision but not a suspect. He claims they were pulled by a strong tide but he brought her ashore. US officials insist it is a missing person’s case, not a criminal investigation.

The Trump administration deported hundreds of Venezuelans and Salvadorans despite a U.S. judge’s order blocking the removals. Judge James Boasberg had halted deportations under Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, but flights were already en route to El Salvador and Honduras. Trump defended the move, calling the immigrants “bad people” and describing migration as “an invasion.” El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele agreed to house 300 deportees in high-security prisons. Critics warned Trump’s declaration could be misused to expel Venezuelans without due process. The Justice Department has appealed the ruling, with a hearing set for Friday.

India coach Manolo Marquez confirmed that Sunil Chhetri will play against the Maldives on March 19, marking his return after retiring in June 2024. Marquez defended his decision, stating that Chhetri remains India's top scorer this season and fitness, not age, determines selection. "If we need to win, we need the best players," he said. Chhetri, set to earn his 152nd cap, could start or come off the bench. Marquez also emphasized squad rotation ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25. India aims for a strong performance in both matches.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, expressing pride in her achievements as she returns to Earth after nine months in space. Modi stated that 1.4 billion Indians admire her resilience and perseverance. In his letter, dated March 1, he recalled meeting her father in 2016 and conveyed blessings for her journey. Williams, along with Butch Wilmore, undocked from the International Space Station for a 17-hour trip back. Modi also invited Williams to visit India after her return, calling her "one of India's most illustrious daughters." The nation awaits her safe homecoming.

Israel is carrying out "extensive" airstrikes across Gaza after ceasefire talks collapsed, with Hamas’ health ministry reporting over 400 deaths. The Israeli military says it is targeting Hamas, accusing the group of rejecting proposals to extend the ceasefire and refusing to release hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to "act against Hamas with increasing military strength." Hamas condemned the attacks, calling them assaults on "defenceless civilians," and urged mediators to hold Israel responsible. Israel claims 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with up to 24 alive. A hostage family group accused the government of abandoning captives by resuming attacks.

Former US President Donald Trump declared Joe Biden’s last-minute presidential pardons, including one for Hunter Biden, "null and void," alleging they were signed via autopen without Biden’s awareness. Trump claimed those pardoned would face investigations, accusing Biden’s team of misconduct. While US presidents hold absolute pardon power, Trump suggested courts should determine their validity. Legal experts note the Constitution does not require pardons to be handwritten. If enforced, Trump’s move could lead to prosecutions of political opponents. The Justice Department has yet to respond, but the announcement could escalate political and legal battles in Washington.