On March 30, 2025, German startup Isar Aerospace's Spectrum rocket launched from Norway's Andøya Spaceport, aiming to be Europe's first orbital launch from the continent. Unfortunately, the uncrewed 28-meter, two-stage rocket exploded approximately 30 seconds after liftoff, crashing into the Norwegian Sea. Despite this setback, CEO Daniel Metzler deemed the test flight a success, highlighting the valuable data collected and the validation of critical systems like the Flight Termination System. This event underscores Europe's drive for independent space access, reducing reliance on external launch services. (PC: CNN & Firstpost)

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has condemned the killing of eight Palestinian Red Crescent medics in Rafah, Gaza. The ambulance team came under heavy fire on March 23, and their bodies were retrieved a week later. One medic remains missing. Hamas blamed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), though the IDF has not publicly responded. The Israeli military previously admitted to firing on ambulances, citing security concerns. IFRC Secretary-General Jagan Chapagain called the attack a violation of international humanitarian law, emphasizing that medics and civilians must be protected in conflict zones. (PC: Getty Images)

A high-speed Lamborghini test drive in Noida’s Sector 94 ended in chaos as the vehicle lost control, injuring two laborers. Witnesses claimed the car was speeding at 300 kmph before crashing into workers sitting on the pavement. The driver, identified as Deepak from Ajmer, was arrested, while the car, owned by YouTuber Mridul Tiwari, was seized. Police confirmed Deepak was not under the influence of alcohol. The victims, suffering leg fractures, are recovering in the hospital. A viral video showed the driver asking, “Did anyone die?” sparking outrage. Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the accident. ( pc: ANI)

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose secondary tariffs of 25% to 50% on purchasers of Russian oil if he deems Moscow responsible for obstructing efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Expressing frustration towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump criticized Putin's remarks questioning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's leadership. Since taking office, Trump has aimed to mediate an end to the three-year conflict but has faced challenges in achieving a ceasefire. The proposed tariffs could be implemented within a month and are part of broader trade measures, including tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles. Despite tensions, Trump noted a good relationship with Putin if cooperation ensues. (PC: Reuters)

Poll strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor has defended comedian Kunal Kamra amid controversy over his ‘gaddaar’ remark about Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. Speaking in Bihar’s Kathihar, Kishor dismissed claims that Kamra had a political agenda, stating, “Kunal is my friend. He lives in Puducherry, does organic farming, and has no hidden motives.” Kamra’s remarks led to vandalism by Shiv Sena supporters and legal action against him. The Madras High Court granted him interim bail, barring immediate arrest. Kishor urged that legal proceedings take their course but emphasized Kamra’s patriotism and respect for the Constitution. (PC: India Today and X/Kunalkamra88)

“Now with every gust of wind, the smell of dead bodies fills the air,” says Thar Nge, a resident of Sagaing – the city closest to the epicentre of the devastating magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday. The death toll has surpassed 1,700, with over 3,400 injured, a number expected to rise as rescue operations continue. Collapsed infrastructure, including the Ava Bridge, has hindered relief efforts, delaying aid to affected areas. Residents report a pervasive smell of decay as bodies remain trapped under rubble in sweltering 39°C (102°F) heat. Limited equipment forces rescuers and locals to dig through debris manually, shifting focus from saving lives to recovering and burying the dead. (PC: AP Photo & Politico)

Gaza’s Eid al-Fitr turned into a day of mourning as Israeli airstrikes and food shortages overshadowed celebrations. Families prayed among ruins instead of mosques, struggling for basic necessities. In Rafah, the bodies of 14 emergency workers were pulled from rubble a week after an Israeli attack—the deadliest on Red Cross and Red Crescent workers since 2017. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that some victims were found bound and shot, sparking international outrage. Meanwhile, ceasefire talks continue with mediation from Egypt and Qatar. Israel insists on military operations, claiming security threats, while Palestinians demand an end to the conflict. (PC: X/ Al Jazeera)

A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar near Mandalay, resulting in over 1,600 fatalities and extensive destruction. Rescue efforts are hampered by damaged infrastructure and ongoing civil conflict. Survivors face shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. International aid has begun arriving, with India launching 'Operation Brahma,' deploying 80 NDRF personnel and dispatching relief materials, including food, medicines, and shelter equipment. Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire, with many areas still inaccessible and the full extent of the disaster yet to be assessed. (PC: France 24 & Reuters)

Thai police detained four Chinese nationals for unlawfully entering the site of a collapsed 30-story building in Bangkok's Chatuchak District, following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar. The individuals were attempting to retrieve 32 documents from the site without authorization. The collapsed structure, an under-construction high-rise for the State Audit Office, was a project involving a joint venture between Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited and a Chinese-backed construction firm, which is now under investigation. The detained men, subcontractors for the project, claimed they needed the documents for an insurance claim. Authorities have initiated legal proceedings against them for violating public safety regulations. (PC: NDTV & Thai PBS World)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the first Vande Bharat Express to Kashmir on April 19, departing from Katra. This event marks the completion of the 272-kilometer Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project. Initially, the Jammu-Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will operate from Katra, as the Jammu railway station is currently under renovation. Trial runs on the Katra-Baramulla route have been successfully conducted, and the Commissioner of Railway Safety approved the service between Katra and Kashmir in January. The introduction of this train is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar, providing a modern and efficient rail service for the region. (PC: The Tribune & Business Standard)