A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, resulting in over 2,000 fatalities and more than 3,900 injuries. The quake's epicenter near Mandalay led to widespread destruction, collapsing buildings, including hospitals and schools, and leaving approximately 270 individuals missing. Rescue operations face significant challenges due to ongoing civil conflict, damaged infrastructure, and communication breakdowns. The United Nations has called for unrestricted humanitarian access, but political complexities hinder aid delivery, especially in rebel-held territories. International assistance is mobilizing, with countries like China, India, and the UN deploying rescue teams. The disaster exacerbates Myanmar's existing humanitarian crisis, with 20 million people already in need of aid. (PC: The Economic Times)

Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew of sexual abuse, says she has four days to live after a car crash. In an Instagram post, she revealed she suffered kidney failure following the accident, where her car was hit by a school bus at high speed. "I'm ready to go, just not until I see my babies one last time," she wrote. A spokesperson confirmed she is receiving medical care. Giuffre previously sued Prince Andrew in 2021, alleging abuse when she was 17. The Duke has denied all claims and has not faced criminal charges. (PC: Instagram/@virginiarobertsrising11)

HAL-Russia Links 'Misleading And Factually Incorrect'   India has strongly refuted The New York Times’ report alleging Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) supplied sensitive technology to a Russian arms agency. Government sources called the claims “factually incorrect and misleading,” asserting that HAL strictly follows strategic trade controls and end-user commitments. The report claimed an Indian firm received equipment from British manufacturer H.R. Smith Group and sent parts to Russia with identical product codes. India criticized the NYT for "overlooking basic due diligence" and reaffirmed its commitment to international regulations. The UK previously warned companies about potential re-exports to Russia. (PC: News18.com)

Following unprecedented protests in Gaza, Hamas executed six demonstrators, publicly flogged others, and kidnapped multiple people. Thousands of Gazans took to the streets last week, demanding an end to Hamas rule, chanting, “The people do not want war.” Hamas responded with brutal crackdowns, including the execution of 22-year-old Oday Nasser Al' Rabays after hours of torture. Reports indicate increasing opposition to Hamas, with many Gazans seeing no future under its rule. Analysts suggest this wave of dissent could mark a turning point as public anger mounts over war and repression. (PC: Getty Images)

Transport for London (TfL) has banned non-folding e-bikes, including converted ones, from the Tube, Overground, Elizabeth line, and DLR. The decision follows safety concerns, with TfL citing an increased fire risk from converted e-bikes. An e-bike fire previously disrupted services at Rayners Lane. The ban will remain until improved safety measures are in place. Existing rules barring non-folding bikes on buses and trams remain unchanged. However, non-foldable e-bikes are still allowed on the Woolwich Ferry, Silvertown Cycle Shuttle, and select river and coach services. TfL says it will review the ban based on government safety regulations. (BBC)

The Kremlin downplayed tensions with the US on Monday, stating that "work is ongoing" despite Donald Trump's criticism of Vladimir Putin. Trump said he was "very angry" over Putin's suggestion that a UN-backed interim government could replace Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The US president also threatened secondary tariffs on Russian oil if Moscow fails to reach a ceasefire. However, he later softened his stance, saying he believes Putin "is going to be good." Meanwhile, Russia launched airstrikes on Kharkiv for the second night, while Ukraine targeted Russian regions with drone attacks.

A gas explosion at a mosque in Uzbekistan's eastern Andijan region killed 3 people and injured 10 on Monday, the country’s emergencies ministry reported. The blast occurred in the mosque’s bathroom during Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion. Emergency responders were deployed to the site, and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Uzbekistan has faced frequent gas-related incidents due to outdated infrastructure. Officials urged citizens to follow safety measures to prevent further tragedies. Police continue to assess the damage and the circumstances of the explosion.

Dr. Sophie Chandauka, chair of Sentebale, has accused Prince Harry of "harassment and bullying" after he quit the charity he co-founded. Chandauka claimed the Duke of Sussex used his PR team to release damaging news without informing leadership, calling it "harassment at scale." She reported trustees to the UK Charity Commission and took legal action. Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho resigned last week, citing an irreparable breakdown. Several trustees have also left, demanding Chandauka’s resignation. "Some act above the law," she said, seemingly targeting Harry. (PC: Reuters)  

Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus, during his China visit, referred to India's seven northeastern states as "landlocked" while pitching Bangladesh as a gateway for Chinese investments. Speaking in Beijing, Yunus claimed Bangladesh was the "only guardian of the ocean," urging China to use it for economic expansion. His remarks, including references to Nepal and Bhutan, raised concerns in India. Experts questioned the geopolitical implications, with economist Sanjeev Sanyal calling for clarification. China pledged over $900 million in investments for Bangladesh, fueling speculation about its growing regional influence amid strained India-Bangladesh ties. (PC: India Today)

Russia and the US have started discussions on rare earth metals, a vital resource for electronics and military use. “Rare earth metals are an important area of cooperation… we have started discussions on various projects in Russia,” said Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund. Some companies have already shown interest, and further talks may take place in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Donald Trump expressed frustration with Vladimir Putin, saying he is "pissed off" over Russia's stance on Ukraine. Trump has tied US military aid for Kyiv to access its rare earth minerals, but negotiations are still ongoing. (PC: AP, Getty)