Israel's bloodbath in Gaza continues

At least 38 Palestinians have been killed, including women and children, and scores wounded in Israeli air strikes on a residential building in Al Shujaiah neighbourhood in Gaza City, as Tel Aviv's deadly onslaught on the enclave continued unabated.

At least eight women and eight children are among the victims, while more than 85 people were also wounded, including many in critical condition.

More than 34 people remain missing under the rubble of the targeted building, including several women and children.

US strikes kill at least 16 in Yemen

Yemen's Houthi group has said at least 16 people were killed in US air strikes.

The strikes targeted areas of Hudaida and the capital Sanaa.

A strike hit al-Hawak district in Hudaida, killing 13 people, most of them women and children. In Sanaa, multiple air strikes targeted the Rajam area in the Bani Hushaysh district and the al-Nahdayn area in the Al-Sabeen district

China hits US with 84% tariffs in trade war escalation

Beijing has sharply retaliated to the United States' trade war, announcing an increase in tariffs on American goods to a total of 84 percent, up from the previously stated 34 percent.

The Chinese Finance Ministry's declaration is set to take effect from April 10th. The Chinese countermeasures had an immediate impact as

US stock index futures experienced a sharp decline following the announcements

Trump declares 90-day reciprocal tariff pause except for China

President Donald Trump has announced a 90 day pause on his sweeping tariffs, giving all countries a 10 percent baseline except China, which will see even higher levies.

Trump said based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, the tariff charged to China by the United States of America was raised 125 percent.

The US president also said that more than 75 countries had asked for negotiations over the tariffs and that he authorised a 90 day pause, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10 percent.

US imposes new sanctions on Iran

The United States has announced new sanctions targeting Iran's nuclear programme ahead of closely watched talks on the row between the longtime adversaries.

The Treasury Department imposed sanctions under additional authorities on five entities, including the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and one individual over the contested nuclear programme

UN chief calls Gaza a 'killing field', condemns Israel for aid blockade

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the suffering caused by Israeli war in Gaza, calling it “a killing field” and holding Tel Aviv responsible for blocking humanitarian aid and neglecting its obligations under international law.

Speaking to journalists, Guterres stressed that no aid—food, fuel, medicine, or supplies—has entered Gaza for over a month, warning that the ""floodgates of horror have re-opened.""

He cited the Geneva Conventions, emphasizing Israel’s duty as an occupying power to provide for the civilian population, which he said is not being fulfilled.

Gaza is now Hiroshima: Israeli soldiers describe their horrendous crimes

Israeli soldiers have given detailed testimonies revealing widespread destruction and killings in Gaza as part of efforts to establish a so-called buffer zone, according to a new report by the Israeli group Breaking the Silence.

The report compiles firsthand accounts from soldiers involved in the invasion, describing the razing of large areas inside Gaza.

The group stated that the deliberate devastation was aimed at paving the way for future Israeli control of the territory.

Punitive US tariffs on China to hit 104 percent: White House

The US will impose a 104 percent tariff on Chinese goods starting on Wednesday, the White House announced.

Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed the move, stating the tariffs will take effect at midnight.

Leavitt said President Trump believes China ""has to make a deal"" and criticised Beijing’s retaliation as a mistake.

She added that Trump would be “incredibly gracious” if China engages, but emphasised he will act in the best interest of the American people.

Over 100 killed in RSF attacks near Khartoum: Sudanese medics

More than 100 people, including women and children, were killed in attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Omdurman, the twin city of Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, according to Sudanese medics.

The Sudan Doctors Network reported that the deaths occurred over the past week in the Jama’iya region, south of Omdurman, as violence continues to escalate in the conflict-hit country.

Trump admin freezes funding for Cornell, Northwestern University

The Trump administration has frozen over $1 billion in funding for Cornell University and $790 million for Northwestern University amid investigations into alleged civil rights violations, a US official said.

The paused funding includes grants and contracts from federal departments such as health, education, agriculture, and defence.

The move follows the administration’s threats to cut funds over pro-Palestine campus protests.

US and Israel discuss Gaza, hostages at White House

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced fresh hostage release negotiations for besieged Gaza in a White House meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Trump, on the other hand, reiterated his controversial idea of ethnic cleansing and US takeover of Palestinian territory during the same meeting.

While acknowledging ongoing efforts, Trump called securing all hostages ""a long process"" and suggested the Gaza war's end wasn't far off.

He also predicted Israel's war would end “not in the too-distant future.”

Separately, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators in New York City halted Grand Central Terminal, demanding an end to the ""genocide"" and US support for Israel.

Trump threatens 50 percent tariff hike on Chinese imports

President Trump has threatened a staggering 50 percent hike in tariffs on Chinese imports unless Beijing backs off its retaliatory plans, raising total US duties to a sky-high 104 percent.

The move builds on previous levies tied to fentanyl trafficking and alleged trade abuses.

Trump declared talks with China are off the table while negotiations with other nations will begin immediately.

The US President's latest move is seen as throwing gasoline on the fire.

Beijing is set to retaliate with matching tariffs and export controls on rare earths.

Global markets have plunged since Trump announced his tariff policy.

Report accuses 10 Brits of war crimes in Gaza

A legal bombshell drops in London.

About 240-page war crimes dossier has been submitted to London’s Metropolitan Police, accusing 10 British nationals of involvement in atrocities in Gaza.

Spearheaded by famed barrister Michael Mansfield KC, the report cites crimes against humanity and demands urgent prosecutions.

Filed by UK and Palestinian legal groups, the report arrives amid Israel's intense bombardment and violence in Gaza.

Pro-Israel groups, including UK Lawyers for Israel, dismiss it as a “publicity stunt,” while supporters call it a bold bid for global justice.

US-Iran diplomatic discussions set to take place in Oman

Diplomatic channels have opened as Iran announces indirect high-level talks with the US in Oman this Saturday.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the meeting, calling it a "test" for America.

While US President Donald Trump suggested direct negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme, Araghchi dismissed the notion, stating that the ball is in America’s court.

Trump, continuing his threats of military action, emphasised that the talks are in Iran’s best interests but warned of ""great danger"" if an agreement fails.

Both sides are now preparing for pivotal discussions.

Three dire wolf pups bring back an ancient predator to the wild

In an almost secluded 8-kilometre-square preserve, three dire wolf pups — Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi — roam once more, marking the revival of an ancient predator.

After 13,000 years, the biotech firm Colossal Biosciences has successfully resurrected these Ice Age creatures, blending science with fantasy.

This is the first successful de-extinction.

Using ancient DNA, the pups serve as a powerful symbol of de-extinction and conservation.

With Indigenous collaboration, the project could also help in saving other endangered species, like the red wolf.

Gaza media office: 490 children killed by Israeli forces in 20 days

Israeli forces have killed 490 Palestinian children in Gaza over the past 20 days, according to the media office in Gaza.

Describing the attacks as “one of the most horrific crimes against humanity in modern times,” the office said Israel continues to carry out brutal massacres, with children being a primary target.

The total number of Palestinians killed during this period has reached 1,350, highlighting the heavy toll of continued air strikes on Gaza’s civilian population.

Palestinian journalist burned alive as result of Israeli strikes in Khan Younis

Israeli forces struck areas near Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, causing casualties and drawing outrage after a journalist was burned alive in the attack.

The strike targeted a tent set up for journalists near the hospital.

Disturbing footage shows the journalist engulfed in flames as bystanders and rescue workers frantically tried to save him.

The journalist has been identified as Ahmed Mansour, a father and reporter for Palestine Today.

Mass protests erupt across US against Trump policies

Mass protests erupted across major US cities as demonstrators rallied against President Donald Trump's divisive policies, marking the largest wave of opposition since his return to the White House.

In Washington, D.C., thousands gathered on the National Mall, with many traveling from across the country to join the demonstrations.

Dozens of speakers took the stage to denounce Trump’s agenda and call for unified resistance.

Russia claims capture of Basivka in Ukraine’s Sumy region

Russia announced that its forces have captured the village of Basivka in Ukraine’s Sumy region, intensifying its offensive near the northeastern border.

According to the Russian defence ministry, troops also struck Ukrainian positions at 12 other locations across the Sumy region, signaling a broader push in the area.

Moscow further claimed to have defeated Ukrainian units in the Russian settlements of Gornal, Guevo, and Oleshnya, as fighting continues to escalate along the border.

US stocks headed for another plunge amid Trump’s global trade war

Wall Street opened the week facing significant losses following the implementation of President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs on exports to the United States.

The move has rattled markets and sparked concerns of a deeper global trade rift.

* Israel has killed 17,000 children in Gaza

* Israel launches new attacks in southern Gaza

* Myanmar earthquake toll tops 3,000

* DRC govt met M23 rebels in Qatar

* UK slams Israel for denying entry to British lawmakers

* Israel expands ground invasion in Gaza

Israel has announced the launch of a new ground invasion in Gaza, with rescuers saying military attacks had killed many people across the Palestinian territory.

Simultaneously, Israel has escalated attacks on Lebanon and Syria, with a strike in south Lebanon, killing a Hamas commander.

Defence Minister Israel Katz said that Israel would bolster its military presence inside Gaza to, what he claimed, "destroy and clear the area of terrorists and terrorist infrastructure".

* Tens of thousands to attend anti-Trump protests across US

Around 200 groups are planning to hold over 1,300 protests against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk on Saturday, marking the largest single-day demonstration of the new Trump administration.

The "Hands Off!" anti-Trump protest, organised by progressive groups like Third Act and MoveOn, opposes Trump's alleged "hostile takeover" of the government, economy, and rights, with Musk as a key ally.

Key grievances include Trump's tariffs causing a stock market crash, cuts to USAID, government layoffs by Musk's DOGE, and policies seen as anti-immigrant and harmful to the environment and democracy.

* China strikes back at Trump with own tariffs

China has said it would slap 34 percent tariffs on all imports of US goods from April 10 after Washington imposed steep new levies on Chinese products, vowing "countermeasures" to protect its rights and interests.

Beijing's Commerce Ministry also imposed export controls on seven rare earth elements, including gadolinium and yttrium, which is used in consumer electronics.

China will also file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization over tariffs, the ministry said.

* Russian strike kills 14 in Ukraine leader’s home city

A Russian ballistic missile strike on Volodymyr Zelenskyy's home city of Kryvyi Rig has killed 14 people, including six children, the Ukrainian leader said.

The missile struck a residential area near a children's playground and wounded more than 50 people, according to the head of the city's military administration.

Regional governor said the number of reported casualties was "constantly increasing".

* Judge denies government's bid to move Rumeysa Ozturk case to Louisiana

A federal judge has denied the Trump administration's attempt to dismiss or transfer Turkish student Rumeysa Ozturk’s case to the state of Louisiana, instead ruling that the proceeding will be transferred to Vermont.

US District Judge Denise Casper also granted a request to block the government from removing Ozturk from the US while her petition challenging her detention is considered.

Qatar refutes claims of paying to disrupt Israel-Hamas negotiations

Qatar condemned and rejected allegations that it made "financial payments" to undermine efforts by Egypt and mediators in talks between Hamas and Israel for a ceasefire in Gaza.

It affirmed that "these allegations are baseless and serve only the agendas of those who seek to sabotage the mediation efforts and undermine relations between nations," it added.

Doha "remains committed to its humanitarian and diplomatic role as a mediator between the relevant parties to end this devastating war and is working closely with Egypt in our efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire and protect civilian lives," it stressed.

Brown University hit with $500M funding freeze amid Gaza protest

The Trump administration plans to halt over $500M in contracts and grants to Brown University over its response to alleged anti-Semitism, a White House official said.

It comes two days after the Trump administration halted research grants at Princeton University and began reviewing $9 billion in federal contracts and grants awarded to Harvard University.

Dozens of other universities are facing federal investigations following a wave of pro-Palestine and anti-genocide protests last year, but the administration has focused special attention on elite colleges.

Palestine urges UN to act against Israel's land grab in Gaza

Palestine's ongoing envoy to the UN, Riyad Mansour, urged the UN Security Council to act against what he described as Israel's ongoing annexation of Palestinian land under the guise of security operations.

Mansour warned that failure to act would deepen Palestine's despair and reinforce perceptions that the world is abandoning them.

Mansour stressed that Israel is prioritising territorial expansion over the release of hostages, saying ""Israel's true objective is not the release of the hostages but stealing Palestinian land."

South Korea's Constitutional Court ousts impeached President Yoon

South Korea's Constitutional Court decided to oust President Yoon Suk-yeol, upholding parliament's impeachment motion over his short-lived imposition of martial law last year.

With Yoon's ouster on Friday, a presidential election is required to take place within 60 days, according to the country's constitution.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will continue to serve as acting president until the new president is inaugurated.

Turkish finance minister vows to enhance economic ties with EU

Türkiye and the EU developed a consensus on enhancing economic relations and increasing cooperation in all areas, Turkish Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek said.

The EU and Türkiye held the first High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) meeting in six years in Brussels on Thursday.

Issues such as the modernisation of the Customs Union and visa facilitation were also discussed between the two sides.

"In the government-to-government session, the parties reviewed the latest economic policy developments and prospects in Türkiye and the EU, amid a challenging and highly uncertain global outlook," it added.

Trump escalates global trade war with new 'Liberation Day' tariffs

"US President Donald Trump has unveiled a sweeping new ""Liberation Day"" tariffs in a decision that is billed to escalate a devastating global trade war.

He announced plans for sweeping tariffs on Wednesday, saying ""our country has been looted, pillaged, raped, plundered"" by other nations.

Trump promised so-called reciprocal tariffs on friends and foes alike if they target the world's largest economy, saying the levies will stop the United States being ""ripped off."

UN chief 'deeply alarmed' by human toll in Gaza

"UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep alarm about the human cost of intensified Israeli attacks in besieged Gaza.

His spokesperson's office state that Guterres condemns the reported killing of over a thousand people, including women and children, since the collapse of the ceasefire.""

The Israeli army killed at least 86 Palestinians in a series of air strikes across besieged Gaza."

PKK/YPG to withdraw from Aleppo under deal with Syrian government

"The PKK/YPG terror group will withdraw from two neighbourhoods in Aleppo under an agreement with the Syrian government, a Syrian official told.

The group's so-called ""internal security forces"" in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighbourhoods will be unified under a single structure and placed under the Interior Ministry.

The official noted the deal includes provisions for removing barricades in the neighbourhood and forming committees to establish security checkpoints."

Columbia students chain themselves to protest Mahmoud Khalil's detention

"Students at Columbia University in New York, US, have chained themselves to the entrance gate of the school campus to demand the release of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, who was detained for leading demonstrations in support of Palestine last Spring.

A group of students, mostly of Jewish origin, organised a demonstration to protest the detention of Khalil on Wednesday, chanting slogans such as "Freedom for Palestine" and "Mahmoud Khalil, release him immediately."

Amazon makes a last-minute bid to buy TikTok in US: report

"Amazon has made a last-minute bid to buy TikTok, which faces a US ban if not sold by its Chinese owner, the New York Times reported on Wednesday.

President Donald Trump has downplayed risks that TikTok is in danger of being banned in the United States, saying he remains confident of finding a buyer for the app's US business by a Saturday deadline.

According to reports, the most likely solution would see existing US investors in ByteDance roll over their stakes into a new independent global TikTok company.

Bombardment intensifies in Gaza as Israel strikes shelter and home

Israel’s latest raids in Gaza have left three more Palestinians dead and several others wounded, bringing the death toll during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr to 13.

Air strikes hit a shelter in Deir al-Balah and an evacuated home in Khan Younis, while artillery and naval fire added to the casualties.

Witnesses report intense Israeli bombardment across northern and southern Gaza, signaling escalating violence.

Israel's genocidal war on Gaza has killed over 50,400 Palestinians and has wounded over 114,500 since October 2023, according to figures released by the Palestinian Health Ministry in the enclave.

Taiwan scrambles defenses as China conducts large-scale drills

Tensions skyrocket as China encircles Taiwan with extensive military drills, simulating precision strikes and a blockade.

Taiwan responded by scrambling aircraft and ships, deploying missile systems in the region.

The Chinese drills follow US pledges to bolster deterrence in the region, with Washington calling Beijing’s actions "aggressive."

The European Union has urged restraint, while tensions between China and Taiwan, fueled by history and geopolitics, remain a potential flashpoint.

Myanmar earthquake death toll surpasses 2,700 as crisis deepens

Tragedy unfolds in Myanmar as the death toll from Friday’s catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake surpasses 2,700—and is still climbing.

Thousands remain injured and missing, while rescue teams struggle against time.

Miraculously, a 63-year-old woman was pulled alive from the rubble after 91 hours.

Aid is trickling in, but with civil war complicating relief efforts, millions are at risk.

The looming monsoon season and fears of disease outbreaks add to the crisis.

US lawmaker delivers longest Senate speech to protest Trump

US Senator Cory Booker made history with the longest speech in Senate history, delivering a fiery 25-hour, five-minute protest against President Donald Trump’s “unconstitutional” actions.

Standing firm without breaks, Booker criticised Trump’s cost-cutting policies and executive overreach, warning of the damage to American democracy.

The New Jersey senator, recalling the iconic scene from Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, energised his fellow Democrats while urging resistance to Trump's agenda.

“The power of the people is greater than the people in power,” he concluded, igniting the opposition.

SpaceX launches Fram2 mission on historic polar orbit journey

SpaceX has launched the Fram2 mission, marking the first-ever crewed flight to orbit Earth’s poles!

Aboard the Crew Dragon, billionaire Chun Wang, filmmaker Jannicke Mikkelsen, robotics expert Rabea Rogge, and explorer Eric Philips are set for a thrilling three-to-five-day journey.

Unlike traditional launches, this southward trajectory required extra power, pushing limits in space travel.

The crew will conduct 22 experiments while braving the ultimate extreme environment.

"We’re not your typical NASA astronauts," Mikkelsen said.

While requiring immense power, the mission promises groundbreaking polar observations and human adaptation research.

Gaza suffers as children and aid workers killed in Israeli bombardment

"Tragedy deepens in Gaza as at least 322 children have been killed and 609 wounded in the past 10 days, UNICEF reports, after Israel resumed attacks.

""Children have again been plunged into deadly violence,"" warns UNICEF’s Catherine Russell.

Separately, Gaza's media office confirms 1,513 humanitarian workers killed in Israel's relentless bombardment.

Meanwhile, The Palestinian presidency condemns forced evacuations in Rafah, calling them a violation of international law.

Israel and Hamas remain at odds over key conditions, including prisoner releases and military withdrawal."

French court bans Marine Le Pen from office over EU funds scandal

"French political circles are in turmoil.

Marine Le Pen's electoral ambitions face a stunning blow as a court imposes a five-year ban after she was found guilty of embezzling European Union funds.

International figures, including US President Donald Trump and his billionaire supporter Elon Musk, decry the ruling as politically motivated.

Le Pen vows to appeal, insisting she's ""eliminated,"" not defeated.

Her National Rally party now weighs its options, with 29-year-old protege and the party leader Jordan Bardella potentially stepping into the spotlight."

Myanmar declares national mourning as earthquake deaths surpass 2,000

"Myanmar declared a week of national mourning on Monday following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that claimed over 2,000 lives.

The ruling junta announced flags would fly at half-mast until April 6 in honour of the victims.

Rescue efforts have slowed in Mandalay, the worst-hit city, as fears of aftershocks persist.

Thousands are still living on the streets, and with communication networks disrupted, the true scale of the disaster remains uncertain.

At least 3,900 people are injured, and hundreds are still missing."

Khamenei warns Trump that Iran will retaliate firmly against aggression

"Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, responded sharply to US President Donald Trump's threat of ""bombing,"" warning that any external aggression would prompt a ""firm retaliatory blow.""

Addressing a congregation in Tehran, Khamenei emphasised Iran’s readiness for any confrontation.

Meanwhile, Iran rejected direct talks with the US but remains open to indirect negotiations.

Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned Trump's remarks as a “shocking affront to international peace.”"

France fines Apple over its app tracking transparency practices

"French antitrust authorities have slapped Apple with a $162 million fine over its App Tracking Transparency or ATT feature.

The watchdog argued that the implementation of ATT was excessive and harmed third-party publishers.

The system, which debuted in 2021, requires users to opt-in before tracking across apps, with critics accusing Apple of using it to promote its own advertising.

Despite the fine, Apple maintained the feature gives users greater control over privacy and has strong support globally.

Investigations are ongoing in several European countries."