US Vice President JD Vance denied a viral audio clip that questioned Elon Musk’s loyalty. He said the clip was AI-generated and false. The audio, posted on TikTok, claimed Vance called Musk a "South African cosplaying as an American leader." Vance responded on X, calling it fake and warning of defamation. His communications director also confirmed the clip was "100% fake." The post had over 1.5 million views before Vance reacted. Musk has not commented on the matter yet. Vance and Musk have had recent disagreements over federal layoffs. (PC: Reuters)

Pope Francis, 88, faced a life-threatening health crisis during his 38-day hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. On February 28, he suffered a severe breathing crisis, nearly choking on his vomit. Dr. Sergio Alfieri revealed that doctors debated stopping treatment to let him pass peacefully but ultimately pursued aggressive therapy. The pontiff, who had part of a lung removed in his youth, was initially admitted for bronchitis, which worsened into double pneumonia. This marked the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy. Francis has since recovered but remains under close medical supervision.

Rumors of a coup in Bangladesh intensified after Army Chief General Wakar Uz Zaman’s meetings with top aides and warnings about rising extremism. Security forces have been deployed across Dhaka as protests against interim leader Md Yunus continue. General Zaman has repeatedly hinted at law-and-order failures, fueling speculation about military intervention. Opposition leader Asaduzzaman Fuad accused him of conspiring with President Mohammed Shahabuddin to form a new government. The government dismissed talk of an emergency as "gossip," while viral videos of the army chief’s warnings have heightened tensions. Official statements are awaited. (PC: Reuters)

The United States and Russia engaged in 12-hour discussions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focusing on a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the detailed content of these technical talks will remain confidential, with analyses ongoing in both capitals. The negotiations addressed a proposed 30-day ceasefire, contingent upon mutual agreement, and the cessation of long-range attacks on critical infrastructure. Despite these talks, cross-border strikes have persisted, with Ukraine's air force reporting the interception of numerous Russian drones and missiles. Both nations aim to issue a joint statement on the negotiations, reflecting a cautious step toward de-escalation in the region.

Protests in Turkey entered their sixth night after opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu's arrest. Thousands rallied in Istanbul against what they call Erdogan’s "authoritarian rule." Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul and the CHP’s 2028 presidential candidate, faces corruption charges, which he calls politically motivated. President Erdogan labeled the protests "evil" and blamed the opposition for provoking violence. Over 1,100 protesters have been arrested. CHP vowed to appeal for Imamoglu’s release, while his wife called his detention a "black stain on democracy." Protesters declared, "It's not just about Imamoglu, it's about Turkey’s democracy." (PC: Getty Images)

A viral video falsely claims to show Indian-origin student Sudiksha Konanki drowning in the Dominican Republic. Fact-checkers confirmed the footage is from June 2024 in Sochi, Russia, depicting aspiring model Diana Belyaeva. Konanki, 20, disappeared on March 6 while vacationing in Punta Cana. Authorities have allowed Joshua Riibe, the last person seen with her, to return to Iowa after her parents urged officials to declare her legally dead. "We are coming to terms with the fact our daughter has drowned," said her father, Subbarayudu Konanki. Her body remains missing. (X/@JohnSitarek)

Moscow and Washington held 12-hour talks in Saudi Arabia on Ukraine, with Russian negotiator Grigory Karasin calling them "useful." He stressed that discussions would continue, involving the UN and other nations. While acknowledging disagreements, Karasin emphasized the importance of dialogue. US officials also met Ukrainian negotiators in Riyadh, with further talks expected. President Donald Trump seeks a swift resolution to the three-year war. A joint statement on the discussions is expected soon. The negotiations signal a potential shift in efforts to end the conflict. (PC: AFP)

Hamdan Ballal, a Palestinian filmmaker who won an Oscar for No Other Land, was attacked by Israeli settlers in the West Bank village of Susya, activists say. His house was surrounded, and he was beaten before being taken by Israeli soldiers while in an ambulance, co-director Yuval Abraham said. The Israeli military denied detaining anyone from an ambulance but confirmed arresting three Palestinians and an Israeli for allegedly throwing rocks. Activists who witnessed the attack said settlers smashed car windows and assaulted people. The incident highlights rising settler violence in the West Bank since the 2023 Israel-Hamas war. (PC: Getty Images)

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed more than 65 people in the past day, including women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The death toll from the 17-month war has now surpassed 50,000. Meanwhile, Egypt has proposed a new ceasefire plan. Under the deal, Hamas would release five hostages in exchange for humanitarian aid and a temporary pause in fighting. Israel would also free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Israel admitted to mistakenly firing on a Red Cross office, saying soldiers misidentified a threat. The Red Cross confirmed the building was damaged, but no staff were hurt.

The Israeli military has intensified its offensive in Gaza, issuing new evacuation orders for northern regions and conducting airstrikes that have killed over 20 Palestinians overnight, bringing the total death toll to 730 since hostilities resumed last Tuesday. Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a plan to establish an administration within his department to facilitate the voluntary departure of Palestinians from Gaza, a move condemned by several countries as a violation of international humanitarian law. Amid escalating violence, Israel also targeted sites in Syria's Homs province, alleging they housed military capabilities. The situation has drawn international criticism and heightened calls for resolution. (PC: Shutterstock)