A catastrophic fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, has resulted in at least 59 fatalities and over 100 injuries. The blaze erupted around 2:35 a.m. during a performance by a local pop band, reportedly ignited by indoor pyrotechnics that set the roof alight. Panic ensued as approximately 1,500 attendees scrambled to escape the rapidly spreading flames. Emergency services transported victims to hospitals in Kocani and Skopje, with some in critical condition. Authorities have issued arrest warrants for four individuals connected to the incident, including the club's owner, as investigations continue. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed profound sorrow, pledging comprehensive support for the affected families.

India and New Zealand have officially initiated negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) aimed at enhancing bilateral economic ties. This agreement is expected to focus on reducing trade barriers, promoting investments, and opening up markets in sectors such as agriculture, technology, and services. Both nations aim to create new avenues for cooperation while strengthening their economic relationship, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The FTA negotiations represent a significant step toward deeper collaboration between the two countries, potentially benefiting businesses and consumers alike.    

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra believes IPL 2025 is pivotal for Rishabh Pant's return to India's T20I squad. Playing for Lucknow Super Giants, Pant has the chance to reclaim his spot by delivering standout performances. Chopra advises Pant to focus on his own game rather than competing directly with current first-choice wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson. He suggests Pant should strategically choose his batting position, ideally at No. 3 or No. 4, to maximize impact. Chopra also hints at potential changes in the T20I lineup before the upcoming T20 World Cup, emphasizing that strong IPL performances could influence selections.

With the rise of a more transactional U.S. foreign policy under Donald Trump, Europe is facing uncertainties about its defense against Russia. U.S. Vice President JD Vance urged Europe to "step up" and enhance its defense spending, including aid to Ukraine. In response, European leaders are considering an alternative: a European nuclear umbrella. While the U.S. remains a major nuclear power, France (290 warheads) and the UK (225 Trident missiles) are also key players, with growing discussions about bolstering Europe's defense with British or French nuclear capabilities, given concerns about U.S. reliability.  

On Sunday, a suicide car bomber targeted a convoy of buses carrying security forces in Naushki, Balochistan, Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of at least five officers and injuries to ten others. The critically injured were transported to a nearby hospital. Following the bombing, separatist rebels from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) opened fire on the buses; authorities responded by killing at least four attackers. This incident follows a recent train hijacking by the BLA, where approximately 400 people were taken hostage, leading to 26 hostage deaths before security forces intervened, killing 33 attackers. The BLA has been demanding independence, citing alleged discrimination by the central government.

In February 2025, law student Rakshit Chaurasia was involved in a disturbance at a Fatehgunj apartment in Vadodara, where he and others allegedly threatened a lawyer who confronted them. The incident was resolved at the Sayajigunj police station after Chaurasia and his companions issued a written apology, leading to no formal charges. On March 13, 2025, Chaurasia was implicated in a fatal car accident in Vadodara's Karelibaug area, resulting in one death and eight injuries. Eyewitnesses reported erratic behavior and suspected intoxication, though Chaurasia denied being under the influence, attributing the crash to a pothole and sudden airbag deployment. He has been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder and is currently in police custody.

The Akal Takht-appointed committee has called upon Punjabis to gather at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on March 18 to commence a new membership drive for the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). This initiative, led by members including Manpreet Singh Ayali and Gurpartap Singh Wadala, aims to rejuvenate the party by involving Sikhs, Punjabis, and Panth supporters. The drive will begin at 11 am following an 'ardaas' (prayer). The existing SAD leadership, which started its membership campaign on January 20, has expressed concerns over this parallel effort, citing potential legal issues. SAD spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema emphasized that unauthorized membership drives under the party's name could have legal ramifications, as the SAD is a registered entity with the Election Commission.

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (Ka.Ra.Ve), led by president T.A. Narayana Gowda, has expressed support for Tamil Nadu’s decision to replace the Devanagari script rupee symbol with the Tamil script version. The organisation commended Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for this move, highlighting it as an important step for preserving Dravidian languages. In a letter to Stalin, Ka.Ra.Ve acknowledged the Dravidian movement's significance for southern India and urged all southern states to follow Tamil Nadu's example in safeguarding regional languages. The Devanagari script rupee symbol has been used officially by the Indian government for 16 years.    

On March 16, 2025, a Pakistani military convoy traveling from Quetta to Taftan was attacked near Noshki, Balochistan. Official reports confirm seven soldiers killed and 21 injured, while the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claims 90 military personnel were killed. The assault involved a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED), suspected to be a suicide attack, and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), resulting in the complete destruction of one bus. Army Aviation helicopters evacuated the injured, and drones were deployed for area surveillance. This incident follows a recent BLA hijacking of a train with nearly 440 passengers, highlighting escalating tensions in the region.

A fire broke out around 1 a.m. on March 16, 2025, in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the gynaecology department at Kamla Raja Hospital in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The blaze originated from an air-conditioner, likely due to a short circuit. Hospital staff, including guards and ward boys, promptly evacuated over 190 patients, among them 13 from the ICU, by breaking windows and relocating them to a super-specialty hospital within the Gajra Raja Medical College campus. Firefighters from the Gwalior Municipal Corporation swiftly controlled the fire. No casualties were reported, and all patients are safe. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident.