Pro-monarchy protests turned violent in Kathmandu, Nepal, as activists clashed with police demanding the restoration of the monarchy and Hindu Kingdom status. Security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets after protesters torched buildings and vehicles. Several police personnel were injured. A curfew was imposed in Tinkune, Sinamangal, and Koteshwor. Thousands, waving Nepal’s national flags, chanted pro-monarchy slogans, calling for King Gyanendra’s return. The unrest follows growing public frustration over corruption and political instability, with Nepal witnessing 13 governments in 16 years. Experts say pro-monarchy sentiment is gaining traction as discontent with the republic deepens.              

US Vice-President JD Vance arrived in Greenland with a high-level delegation, sparking protests over the Trump administration’s renewed push to acquire the Danish territory. Originally planned as a cultural visit by his wife, Usha Vance, the trip escalated into a political controversy. Greenland’s acting Prime Minister Mute B Egede called it a “provocation,” while locals planned protests. Facing backlash, the itinerary was scaled down to a visit to Pituffik Space Base. Trump reiterated his desire to control Greenland for national security, stating the US will “go as far as we have to go” to achieve that goal. (BBC)

Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal, co-director of the Oscar-winning No Other Land, was beaten by Israeli settlers and soldiers. His co-director, Yuval Abraham, criticized the US Academy for refusing to publicly support Ballal. "The European Academy and others voiced support, but the US Academy remained silent," Abraham wrote on X. Ballal was blindfolded for over 20 hours and assaulted while soldiers mocked his Oscar win. Abraham urged the Academy to issue a statement condemning the attack. Ballal's detention highlights the ongoing violence in the West Bank. (PC: AFP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said US plans to take control of Greenland are "serious," warning of NATO's growing Arctic presence. US President Donald Trump has pushed for control, citing "international security." Greenland, seeking independence from Denmark, already hosts a US military base. "This is not extravagant talk; these plans have historical roots," Putin stated at an Arctic forum. US Vice President JD Vance will visit Greenland on Friday. Denmark has rejected Trump's proposal, while Russia fears the Arctic could become a "springboard for conflicts." Strategic interests in the region are rising amid climate change. (PC: AFP)

For the second consecutive day, hundreds of Gazans protested against Hamas, chanting "Hamas out!" and blaming the terror group for the ongoing war. The rare demonstrations, which started in Beit Lahia and Deir al-Balah, highlight growing public anger as the death toll in Gaza surpasses 50,000. "Our children have been killed. Our houses have been destroyed," said protester Abed Radwan. Hamas dismissed the protests, claiming they were against the war, not its rule. Israel has intensified its offensive, targeting Hamas strongholds. With infrastructure in ruins and aid blocked, Gazans face a worsening humanitarian crisis amid rising frustration.

King Charles III briefly stayed in the hospital after experiencing temporary side effects from cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace confirmed. A palace source described it as a "most minor bump in a road that is very much heading in the right direction." The 76-year-old monarch has postponed his Birmingham engagements but is continuing work at Clarence House. Prime Minister Keir Starmer wished him well. The palace reassured that Charles remains active, recently engaging in diplomacy and public events. His Italy visit in April will proceed with adjustments, while details of his cancer remain undisclosed. (PC: PA Image)

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that the longstanding relationship between Canada and the U.S. is over, citing Washington's declining reliability as a partner. He emphasized that Canada must reduce its economic dependence on the U.S. and seek new trade alliances. Carney’s remarks follow recent U.S. policy shifts that have strained bilateral ties. The statement signals a major shift in Canada's foreign and economic strategy, reflecting growing concerns over trade disputes and political instability in Washington. His comments come amid broader global realignments as countries reassess their alliances in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape. (PC: Mint)  

  Speaking at the Arctic Forum in Murmansk, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that U.S. plans for Greenland are a bilateral matter between Washington and Copenhagen, distancing Russia from the issue. While acknowledging increasing geopolitical competition in the Arctic, he emphasized Russia’s intent to strengthen its leadership in the region. Meanwhile, Russian officials, including Kirill Dmitriev, expressed interest in economic cooperation with the U.S., particularly in Arctic investments. The shift in Russia-U.S. relations comes amid growing alignment between certain American political figures and Kremlin narratives, signaling potential diplomatic and economic realignments. (PC: BBC News)  

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested placing Ukraine under a temporary administration to facilitate new elections and peace negotiations. Speaking in Murmansk, he claimed Russia is steadily achieving its military objectives. Putin also expressed confidence in former U.S. President Donald Trump’s intent to mediate peace in Ukraine. Additionally, he signaled Russia’s willingness to cooperate with North Korea and other allies to resolve the conflict. The proposal raises concerns over Ukraine’s sovereignty and future governance, as tensions between Russia and Western nations continue to escalate.

A tourist submarine sank off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, on Thursday, killing six Russian tourists. Local officials confirmed that 39 people were rescued. The vessel, operated by Sindbad, went down about one kilometre from shore. The cause of the sinking is still unclear. Some reports suggest the submarine took on water due to open hatches, while others say it hit a reef. The company has cancelled future trips, and authorities are investigating. This incident follows a similar accident in November when a tourist boat sank in the same area, leaving 11 people dead or missing. (PC: BBC)