Ukraine attacked Russia’s Engels airbase with drones, causing a large explosion and fire. The base, located 700 km from the war front, houses Russia’s Tu-160 nuclear-capable bombers. Videos show smoke rising and nearby houses damaged. Russia claims its air defences shot down 132 drones. Local authorities declared an emergency and evacuated residents. Ukraine has attacked this base before, including a strike on an oil depot in January. Meanwhile, Ukraine also targeted an oil refinery in Russia’s Samara region. Russia says its air defences destroyed nine drones overnight in different regions, including over the Black Sea.

Pankaj Lamba, an Indian-origin man in the UK, has been charged with murdering his wife, Harshita Brella. Her body was found in a car boot in London last year. Lamba is also accused of rape, sexual assault, and coercive behaviour. He fled the UK and is now the subject of an international manhunt. His parents were arrested in India on dowry death charges. Police believe he may be hiding in Haryana. Harshita’s family seeks justice, while UK police continue their investigation. The Delhi High Court has requested a status report on the case next week.

Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and dancer Dhanashree Verma have officially divorced. A Mumbai family court granted their request for mutual separation. The couple married in December 2020 but separated in June 2022. Their divorce plea was fast-tracked as Chahal will play in the IPL 2025 for Punjab Kings. His T-shirt, reading "Be Your Own Sugar Daddy," caught attention outside the court and went viral online. The Bombay High Court waived the usual six-month waiting period. Chahal, the highest wicket-taker in IPL history, will now focus on his cricket career as Punjab Kings begin their campaign on March 25.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), originally scheduled for April 6, 2025, at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, has been moved to Guwahati. This decision follows Kolkata Police's notification to the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) about their inability to provide adequate security due to extensive Ram Navami celebrations in the city on that day. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) approved the venue change after CAB raised the issue. Guwahati's Barsapara Stadium is expected to host the match, ensuring both teams' safety and smooth conduct of the game. 

Israel has intensified airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in over 500 Palestinian deaths, including 200 children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The escalation follows the collapse of ceasefire talks, with Israeli forces advancing into the Netzarim Corridor to pressure Hamas for hostage releases. In retaliation, Hamas fired rockets towards Tel Aviv, though no significant damage was reported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to expand military operations, raising fears of a broader conflict. International reactions remain divided, with some nations condemning the violence while others back Israel’s actions. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate rapidly.

In a major escalation, Ukraine launched a drone strike on Russia’s Engels-2 airbase in Saratov Oblast, home to Tu-95 and Tu-160 nuclear-capable bombers. The attack, occurring 700 km from the frontlines, resulted in large explosions and fires, with videos showing smoke rising from damaged facilities. Russian officials claimed to have intercepted 132 drones, but reports suggest significant damage. Local authorities declared a state of emergency, shutting down schools and evacuating residents. This deep-strike operation marks one of Ukraine’s boldest attacks on Russian soil, highlighting Kyiv’s expanding military capabilities and the intensifying conflict.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6 after attending the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. This marks his fourth and longest visit to the island nation, highlighting growing diplomatic and economic ties. Modi is expected to inaugurate a solar power plant in Trincomalee, emphasizing India's commitment to renewable energy collaboration. His visit follows Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s trip to India in December 2024, reinforcing strong bilateral relations. The visit aims to boost trade, infrastructure, and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

India is reportedly in talks to join a new strategic military alliance, SQUAD, alongside the US, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines, to counter China’s growing influence in the South China Sea. The move follows increased regional tensions and aligns with India’s Act East Policy. While QUAD focuses on broader Indo-Pacific security, SQUAD aims at maritime defense and freedom of navigation. If finalized, this partnership could strengthen India’s presence in the region. China has opposed such alliances, calling them destabilizing. Diplomatic negotiations are ongoing, and official announcements are expected soon.

Divya Tyagi, an Indian-origin student at Pennsylvania State University, has solved a 100-year-old math problem in aerodynamics. The problem, first studied by British scientist Hermann Glauert, is important in wind turbine design. Tyagi's new method makes the problem simpler and helps improve turbine efficiency. Her research focuses on finding the best wind conditions to increase power output. Her professor, Sven Schmitz, praised her work, saying it could change wind energy studies. Tyagi is now doing her master’s in aeronautical engineering and working on projects for the US Navy to improve helicopter flight safety.

Israeli airstrikes killed 85 people in Gaza on Thursday. The total death toll has now risen to 592 since Israel broke the ceasefire on Tuesday. Hamas fired rockets at Israel, but no casualties were reported. Israel has restored its blockade on northern Gaza and warned residents not to use the main highway. A new ground operation has begun in the north, near Beit Lahiya. The conflict started on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people. Israel says Hamas rejected a new peace proposal, leading to the renewed violence.