EVERY MORNING, TheJournal.ie brings you the nine stories, a little before nine, you need to know with your morning coffee.

1. #MALAYSIA There has been a new lead in the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines jet. A fleet of planes and ships has raced to a new search zone after news that the plane could have been flying faster than previously thought when it plunged into the Indian Ocean.

2. #GARDAGATE The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors wants to know if telephone calls involving its members were recorded or monitored at garda stations. The AGSAI said the recent news has caused ‘disquiet and concern’.

3. #ROADS A man died in a collision on the M7 in Portlaoise last night. The 47-year-old was driving the car when it crashed at Ballymacken, and sadly he was pronounced dead at the scene. No other vehicle was involved.

4. #HOMEOWNERS Mortgage approvals are up 33 per cent, according to the Irish Banking Federation, says the Irish Independent. Nine out of every 10 mortgage applications are now being approved, according to a new survey.

5. #ACCUSATIONS GSOC are examining accusations that a judge put pressure on garda whistleblower John Wilson to withdraw allegations against a senior member of the force, says the Irish Independent.

6. #PISTORIUS The Oscar Pistorius murder trial has been adjourned until 7 April due to the illness of a court official. Pistorius had been expected to take to the witness stand today. He denies murdering Reeva Steenkamp.

7. #COURT A judge has been asked to clarify a remark he is said to have made in court about Muslim men ‘beating their wives’. The Immigrant Council of Ireland has called on Judge Anthony Halpin to withdraw his remark.

8. #JOBSWATCH Vodafone is to create 113 jobs across its business in Ireland, with 57 of those jobs being permanent. In addition, CloudStrong in Co Mayo is to create 19 new jobs.

9. #DAFFODIL DAY It’s Daffodil Day today, and people are being encouraged to give generously to the cause. Last year, bad weather hampered the Irish Cancer Society’s efforts, but it said that this year will be “waterproof”.