Hours after Vladimir Putin told Donald Trump that Russia would halt strikes on Ukrainian energy sites, both nations launched fresh attacks. Ukraine reported Russian strikes on hospitals, including one in Sumy, while Russia said Ukrainian drones hit an oil depot in Krasnodar. Moscow intercepted 57 drones, 35 near Kursk. Putin rejected a full ceasefire, demanding an end to Western military aid. Zelensky criticized Putin’s stance and confirmed an upcoming call with Trump. Meanwhile, U.S.-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia continue. Russia and the U.S. are expected to set new meeting dates soon.

European leaders Kaja Kallas and Andrius Kubilius responded to concerns regarding the exclusion of most non-EU countries from a new EU defence initiative. While some countries, including Norway and Ukraine, remain involved, the US, UK, and Turkey are not part of the scheme. Kubilius emphasized that “nobody is excluded,” suggesting flexibility through partnership agreements with third-party entities. Kallas, speaking after her visit to the UK, highlighted ongoing talks about a defence partnership with Britain, aiming for outcomes before the EU-UK summit in May, amid challenges over EU unity and funding priorities.

Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed criticized the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China, highlighting its lack of benefits for the Maldives due to limited exports to China. The deal, which went into effect in January 2025, exacerbates the country’s fiscal challenges by reducing government revenue from import duties. Nasheed expressed hope that India would assist in averting a potential debt default. He emphasized that the Maldives' prosperity relies on strong ties with India, calling for renewed cooperation amidst the island nation’s growing debt crisis.  

Nagpur police arrested Fahim Shamim Khan, 38, a Minorities Democratic Party leader, for allegedly inciting Monday’s violence in Mahal. Clashes erupted over Aurangzeb’s tomb protest, injuring 10 anti-riot commandos, 3 IPS officers, and civilians. Mobs torched vehicles, attacked police, and vandalized property. Authorities linked Khan’s speech to the unrest and placed him in police custody until March 21. Security remains tight, with 2,000 personnel deployed. VHP supporters demanded strict action. FIRs have been filed against 51 individuals, including for molestation of a female officer. Police continue to monitor the situation.

Israel resumed heavy airstrikes on Gaza, killing at least 13 people overnight, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to fight "in full force." Strikes hit Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Hamas-controlled sites. The UN warned of escalating civilian casualties, with food and medicine blocked at borders. Egypt condemned the attacks as a ceasefire violation. Hamas confirmed leaders were killed, while Israel insists hostages remain its priority. Talks on a truce continue under fire. The Hamas-run health ministry reports over 48,500 Palestinians dead since October 7.

The parents of an Indian-origin student, who disappeared in the Dominican Republic over two months ago, have filed a request for their daughter to be officially declared dead. The student, who had been studying in the Caribbean nation, went missing after last being seen in January 2025. Despite extensive search efforts, authorities have been unable to locate her. The parents, devastated by the lack of progress in the investigation, have made this heartbreaking plea as they seek closure amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding their daughter’s fate.  

On March 19, 2025, Turkey's lira plunged to a record low of 42 to the dollar, a 12.7% drop, following the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key opposition figure. The arrest, viewed by many as politically motivated, sparked fears of further instability. The financial markets were hit hard, with stocks dropping around 6% and government bonds facing sharp declines. Analysts are concerned that the lira’s sharp fall could impact Turkey's monetary policy, potentially halting recent interest rate cuts. The detention is seen as part of a broader crackdown on opposition leaders.    

Meerut police uncovered a brutal murder where Muskan, 27, and her lover Sahil, 25, killed merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput, 29. Rajput had returned from the UK to surprise his wife but was stabbed, dismembered, and sealed in a cement-filled drum on March 4. Muskan misled investigators by sending messages from his phone, while Sahil vacationed at a hill station. Police detained the accused after family members reported Rajput missing. His remains were recovered from Meerut’s Indira Nagar. The crime has shocked the city, and the accused have confessed. A post-mortem has been ordered.

The Bombay High Court directed a family court to decide Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma’s divorce petition by March 20. The couple, married in 2020, filed for mutual divorce on February 5. The family court initially denied waiving the six-month cooling-off period, citing partial alimony payment. Chahal agreed to pay ₹4.75 crore, of which ₹2.37 crore was paid. The High Court ruled the cooling-off period unnecessary, given their 2.5-year separation. Chahal, set to play for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, was seen supporting Team India in Dubai. Dhanashree’s family denied rumors of a ₹60 crore alimony demand.

Elon Musk alleged that Joe Biden’s administration rejected SpaceX’s offer to bring back Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore earlier, calling it a “political” decision. The astronauts, initially set for an 8-day mission in June 2024, remained on the ISS for over 9 months due to issues with Boeing’s Starliner. Musk thanked Donald Trump for prioritizing their return, with Crew-9 landing off Florida’s coast. Williams was seen waving as NASA conducted medical checks. Trump accused Biden of abandoning the astronauts, stating, “We had to go get them.” NASA assured Crew-9 would soon receive fresh food.