Russia and the U.S. are assessing the outcomes of recent Ukraine peace talks in Riyadh, where discussions focused on ceasefires and sanctions relief. The Kremlin signaled willingness for limited ceasefires on maritime and energy targets but tied them to the restoration of Russian banks' access to global financial systems. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demanded an immediate ceasefire without preconditions. The U.S. has pledged to facilitate lifting some sanctions on Russian agricultural and fertilizer exports. Both sides remain skeptical about each other’s commitments, highlighting ongoing tensions despite diplomatic efforts to ease the conflict. (PC: The New York Times)    

In a rare public dissent, hundreds of Palestinians in northern Gaza, particularly in Beit Lahia and Jabalia refugee camps, staged protests against Hamas, blaming the governing group for their worsening conditions amid the ongoing war with Israel. Demonstrators chanted slogans like “Hamas out” and “Hamas terrorists,” expressing anger over the prolonged conflict and severe humanitarian crisis. The protests, reportedly organized through social media, mark one of the most significant uprisings against Hamas since the war began. Hamas security forces cracked down on protesters as tensions escalated, reflecting growing public dissatisfaction with the leadership in the war-torn region. (PC: The Times of Israel)

Russia and Ukraine have agreed to halt military strikes in the Black Sea and ensure safe passage for commercial ships, the White House announced after U.S.-mediated talks in Saudi Arabia. Ukraine warned that any movement of Russian warships beyond the eastern Black Sea would violate the deal. President Zelensky called the agreement "a step in the right direction" but cautioned that its success remains uncertain. Russia insisted sanctions on banks, insurers, and food exporters must be lifted before implementation. Ukrainian officials emphasized the need for further technical consultations to finalize monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. (PC: Getty Images)

King Charles and Queen Camilla have postponed their planned Vatican visit as Pope Francis continues to recover from pneumonia, Buckingham Palace confirmed. The 88-year-old pontiff was recently discharged from a 38-day hospital stay, the longest of his papacy. Doctors had considered suspending treatment at one point, fearing he wouldn’t survive the night. The King and Queen’s tour of Italy from April 7-10 will proceed with modifications. "Their Majesties send The Pope their best wishes for his convalescence," the palace stated. Pope Francis remains under medical advice to avoid large gatherings for two months. (PC: Reuters, PA)

A Sudanese war monitor has accused the military of killing hundreds in an airstrike on Tur'rah market in Darfur. The Emergency Lawyers group called it a "horrific massacre," with videos showing charred bodies and destroyed stalls. The military denied targeting civilians, claiming it struck hostile targets. The attack, reportedly the deadliest since the war began in 2023, comes amid rising civilian casualties. Over 12 million Sudanese have fled, and the UN warns of widespread famine. The RSF, accused of genocide, continues clashes with the army, worsening Sudan’s humanitarian crisis. (PC: BBC, Screengrab from RSF shared footage)

The US brokered agreements with Ukraine and Russia to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea and halt strikes on energy facilities. Washington will help restore Russia’s agricultural exports while continuing peace talks. Ukraine’s defense minister confirmed Kyiv's support for the maritime ceasefire and energy truce. Russia, however, demands guarantees from Washington before finalizing the deal. The US credited Saudi Arabia for facilitating discussions. The agreements mark a step toward a wider ceasefire and potential peace settlement in the three-year-long war. (PC: Reuters)

Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal, co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, was attacked by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank before being detained by Israeli forces, activists say. Settlers reportedly surrounded his home, assaulted him, and vandalized property. The Israeli military initially denied detaining him from an ambulance but later confirmed arrests over alleged rock-throwing. Ballal was later released. Activists claim Israeli forces failed to intervene as settlers attacked civilians and properties. No Other Land documents the struggles of Masafer Yatta, a Palestinian community facing eviction. (PC: Getty Images)

Bangladesh's interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus dismissed reports of a coup, calling it a “festival of rumours” aimed at destabilizing the country. He accused social media of spreading falsehoods through manipulated images and misinformation. The speculation followed reports of army movements in Dhaka and a meeting between Army Chief Waker Uz Zaman and student leaders. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) refuted the coup claims as “false and fabricated.” Yunus warned that misinformation would escalate ahead of elections and sought UN support. The military-backed interim government, formed after Sheikh Hasina's fall, faces growing distrust. (PC: X/AFP)

A strange glowing spiral was seen in the night sky across the UK. People in Manchester, Derbyshire, and other places shared pictures online. Some thought it was a UFO, while others found it beautiful. The light spun in the sky before disappearing. Experts say it was likely caused by a SpaceX rocket launch. A similar sight was seen in the US in 2023. The glowing spiral was probably fuel released from the rocket. Many were amazed by the rare sight, but it had a simple explanation. (PC: Dawn Rourke)

A leaked Signal chat revealed US Vice President JD Vance questioning a military strike on Yemen’s Houthis. Journalist Jeffrey Goldberg was mistakenly added to the chat and saw classified plans before the attack. Vance reportedly said the strike helped Europe more than the US and suggested delaying it. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth called Europe’s reliance on the US “pathetic.” Officials later assured that Trump and Vance were in agreement. After the strike, members shared emojis and prayers. The leak has sparked political backlash, with Democrats demanding an investigation into the security breach. Trump denied knowledge of the incident. (PC: BBC)