Trigger warning: This item contains a graphic description of torture.

Myanmar protests: An update

Aung Suu Kyi may be in custody, but leaders of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party are keeping the fight alive. Mahn Win Khaing Than—leader of a group of politicians ousted by a military coup who is in hiding—has vowed to press for a "revolution" in a public address, where he said, "This is the darkest moment of the nation and the moment that the dawn is close.” The military has declared martial law in six parts of Yangon—Myanmar’s biggest city. The latest protest casualty count: 138. 

Also sparking horror: The gruesome death of Zaw Myat Lynn—a community activist and member of the NLD—who was killed in custody. The Guardian has accessed photos of his body, and can confirm the following:

“It appears that boiling water or a chemical solution had been poured into his mouth. The tongue was melted, his teeth missing. Facial skin was peeling off. The body had been wrapped up to conceal further traumatic injuries. These included a stab wound to the abdomen seemingly made by a cross-sectional knife. The wound appears to have been inflicted while he was still alive, and may have been the cause of death. Severe bruising can be seen on the sides of his body, which had been cut open and stitched up.”

Oscar nominations are out!

And they are the most diverse in the Academy’s history. The wonders to note: 

• Only four of the 20 nominees across the four acting categories are white Americans.
• ‘Nomadland’ director Chloe Zhao is the first woman of color to be nominated for best director. This is the first time two women have been nominated for best director (including Emerald Fennell, director of Promising Young Woman)
• Minari actor Steven Yeun is the first Asian-American to be nominated in the best lead actor category. Also nominated in the same category: Riz Ahmed for ‘Sound of Metal’. 
• Seventy women received 76 nominations in total—the most ever.
• Three of the five actors nominated in the supporting category are Black. The full list is here.
• Making Indians happy: White Tiger made the list for best adapted screenplay—which stars and was executive produced by Priyanka Chopra. 
• PC’s other starring Oscar role: She got to announce the nominees along with hubby Nick Jonas. Watch it here—but be sure to skip ahead to the 5 minute mark.

One big reason: for all this diversity, according to Quartz:

“Because of the pandemic, many low-budget and independent movies—which often have more diverse casts and crews than the standard big-budget Hollywood production—have received more attention as a result of blockbusters being postponed. And that’s helped the Academy’s long overdue effort to promote diversity within its ranks to gain traction.”

In other actor-related news: Aamir Khan has quit Twitter forever—not that he was very active on the platform. (The Hindu)

Is AstraZeneca in serious trouble?

Germany, France and Italy became the latest EU countries to suspend the use of the Oxford vaccine (hamara Covishield)—until further investigation into the possibility that it may be triggering blood clots. Thailand was planning to follow suit, but has suddenly reversed itself. That said, Europe’s drug regulator, the European Medicines Agency, has said there is no indication that the vaccine is causing blood clots, adding that it believes its benefits “continue to outweigh its risks.” 

AstraZeneca’s response: “A careful review of all available safety data of more than 17 million people vaccinated in the European Union (EU) and UK” reveals only 15 such events. 

Denmark has revealed details as to why it put the vaccine on hold. It has to do with “highly unusual” symptoms experienced by a 60-year old woman who died after receiving it: “The woman had a low number of blood platelets and clots in small and large vessels, as well as bleeding.” This was true of three others under the age of 50.

In other pandemic-related news:

• Maharashtra now accounts for 61% of all new cases recorded since last week—but at least 10 other states have also spiked from March 8-14. The state recorded 15,051 cases on Monday, while India’s daily tally is 24,458.
• Mumbai authorities have filed an FIR against actor Gauahar Khan for not following pandemic protocol. The allegation: Despite testing positive, Khan was out in public places and took part in shootings—and has since been quarantined.
• Italy has instituted a widespread lockdown due to rising numbers—specifically, a 15% jump in daily cases last week.
• Also clamping down: Gujarat. Motera stadium will be empty tonight as India plays the third T20i against England. 
• The last member of an Amazon tribe has died due to Covid. There were an estimated 15,000 Juma people in the 18th century, but that number dwindled to 100 in 1943 due to disease and massacres by rubber tappers, loggers and miners. There were only six left in 1964. Now there are none.

Delhi vs Centre: A big battle brewing

The union government just fired a big shot at Arvind Kejriwal’s government—which has long been a bitter political rival. It has introduced a parliamentary bill that may effectively remove its power to independently govern Delhi. The National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill essentially says:

• The term “government” in any law made by the Legislative Assembly shall mean the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi—who is appointed by the Centre.
• And the CM, his cabinet or any of his ministers will have to take the opinion of the LG before taking any action in “pursuance of the decision of the Council of Ministers or a Minister” or to “exercise powers of the government.”
• Deputy CM Manish Sisodia’s interpretation of the bill: “The Centre has brought in Parliament an undemocratic and unconstitutional Bill. It says L-G is the government and all decisions and files have to be routed through him.”
• Indian Express explains why this bill matters in greater detail.

Zomato delivery agent fights back

On March 10, a woman in Bangalore, Hitesha Chandranee, accused a Zomato delivery agent of assaulting her—when she complained that her order was late by 50-odd minutes. And she posted a video of her bleeding nose on Instagram. The agent, Kamaraj, was arrested and later released on bail. He has also been temporarily suspended—although Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal made it clear that his company will extend its support to both parties until the facts become clear. Now, Kamaraj has filed a police complaint against Chandranee, accusing her of insulting and assaulting him. (Indian Express)

Two interesting studies

The right diet: A Harvard study has identified the perfect mix of fruits and vegetables to lower risk of death. The magic answer: two servings of fruit and three of veggies. Anything more offers zero extra benefits. Big Think has more.

Early bird Indians: According to the annual Great Indian Sleep Scorecard, there has been a 100% increase in the number of people going to bed before 10 pm since last year’s survey. The most surprising bit: This trend is most notable among 18-year-olds, whose numbers of early birds rose from 22% to 50%. (Mint)

Can the royal ruckus get nastier?

Thanks to the in-your-face liberatarian French magazine Charlie Hebdo, yes, it can! Here’s their Black Lives Matter-inspired take on the family feud: a front-page cartoon of Queen Elizabeth kneeling on the neck of Meghan Markle. The headline reads: “Why Meghan Quit Buckingham?” Meghan’s response: “Because I couldn’t breathe anymore!” We are 100% offended (not on behalf of the royal family), and anything we say will be 100% offensive, so we’re going to take a pass on this. 

Just as ugly: A ‘super straight’ campaign that is sweeping TikTok. The phrase was coined by a male user who said he is only attracted to cisgender women—and could not be called transphobic for refusing to date trans women. And that being ‘super straight’ should be respected as a new sexuality since it is “something I can't control.” Now, it’s ballooned into a ‘movement’—and attracted all the expected suspects, including Neo-Nazis. TikTok's statement—"We’ve banned the hashtag #superstraight. When someone tries to search for that hashtag, they are redirected to our Community Guidelines." Mashable has more.

Newly wed news!

Rising cricket star Jasprit Bumrah married TV anchor Sanjana Ganesan, and shared photos! So purty in pink (both groom and bride)!