A 100-foot chariot collapsed during the Huskur Madduramma Devi Jatra Mahotsava in Karnataka’s Anekal, killing 2 people and injuring several others. Eyewitnesses blamed strong winds and heavy rain for the incident. The victims were identified as Rohit (26) from Tamil Nadu and Jyoti (14) from Bengaluru. Officials dismantled remaining chariots due to safety concerns. Families of the victims alleged no financial aid from authorities. Residents criticized officials for lack of preparedness and support. A police investigation is underway. In 2024, a similar chariot collapse occurred in Rayasandra but had no casualties. (PC: India Today)

The Balochistan insurgency, rooted in the region's controversial annexation by Pakistan in 1948, has intensified dramatically. Historically led by tribal groups, the movement now sees participation from educated individuals like 23-year-old chartered accountant Kamran Hasan, who vanished to join the militants. Militant organizations, notably the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), have escalated their tactics, executing sophisticated assaults on military targets and Chinese infrastructure projects. High-profile incidents include the hijacking of a passenger train and coordinated suicide bombings. Allegations of human rights abuses by Pakistani security forces have further fueled the insurgency, complicating prospects for political resolution. The conflict presents a formidable security challenge for Pakistan, with no clear resolution in sight. (PC: The Guardian)

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's recent arrest on corruption and terrorism-related charges has ignited mass protests across Turkey. Imamoglu, a prominent opposition figure and potential challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the 2028 elections, was detained amid allegations of aiding the banned Kurdish militant group PKK and engaging in bribery and fraud. His supporters denounce these charges as politically motivated attempts to sideline him. The arrest has led to widespread demonstrations, with thousands rallying in Istanbul and other cities, despite bans on street gatherings. The situation has also impacted Turkey's financial markets, causing a significant drop in the lira and stock index. (PC: France 24 & Euro News)

U.S. and Russian officials have initiated talks in Saudi Arabia to negotiate a comprehensive ceasefire in Ukraine, with a particular focus on establishing a Black Sea maritime ceasefire to ensure safe navigation. The U.S. delegation, led by Andrew Peek and Michael Anton, seeks this targeted agreement prior to a broader cessation of hostilities. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about the discussions following his recent conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite this, European leaders remain skeptical of Putin's willingness to make significant concessions, as he continues to demand Ukraine abandon NATO aspirations and withdraw from Russian-occupied territories. (PC: Reuters & University of Oxford)

US and Russian officials are engaging in separate talks with Ukrainian representatives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aiming to negotiate a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Despite these diplomatic efforts, Kyiv has endured a third consecutive night of Russian drone attacks, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage. US special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about progress, particularly concerning a Black Sea ceasefire, following his recent meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine will not recognize any agreements made without its participation, underscoring the necessity of Kyiv's involvement in the peace process. (PC: Reuters)

Hundreds of thousands protested in Istanbul for a fifth night after Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested over corruption charges. Despite a ban on gatherings, demonstrators flooded the streets, facing tear gas and rubber bullets from riot police. Imamoglu, a key opposition leader, was jailed pending trial, deepening concerns over Turkey’s democracy. Many view his detention as a political move to block his 2028 presidential bid. The Republican People’s Party (CHP) has rallied behind him, with 13M showing support. "Enough is enough," Imamoglu declared. The protests continue, raising questions about President Erdogan’s grip on power. (PS: AP Images)

President Donald Trump plans to announce new tariffs on April 2, termed "Liberation Day," targeting imports worth trillions. These "reciprocal tariffs" aim to match the duties that other countries impose on U.S. products. Trump asserts this move will reclaim wealth lost to unfair trade practices. During his initial months in office, he increased tariffs on approximately $800 billion in imports from nations like China, Mexico, and Canada, causing market volatility and recession fears. Despite concerns, the administration is preparing to expand these tariffs, potentially affecting global markets and straining international relations. (PC: NDTV)

U.S. and Ukrainian officials convened in Saudi Arabia to strategize on safeguarding critical infrastructure, advancing President Donald Trump's initiative to conclude the three-year Ukraine-Russia conflict. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism, suggesting Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks peace. The discussions aim to establish a Black Sea ceasefire, potentially expanding to a broader truce. Despite a recent 30-day ceasefire agreement targeting energy infrastructure, ongoing strikes have undermined its effectiveness. The agenda includes confidence-building measures, peacekeeping operations, and defining a line of control. European nations remain cautious about a U.S.-Russia peace deal that could impact their security interests. (PC: RFI & AP News)

On Sunday night, Israeli forces targeted Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, killing at least two individuals, including 16-year-old Ismail Barhoum, a member of Hamas's political bureau. The airstrike caused injuries and ignited a fire within the hospital. This incident follows Israel's recent intensification of military operations in Gaza after the collapse of a ceasefire. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths, as reported by Gaza's Health Ministry. In Israel, public dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration is rising, leading to protests demanding political change. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate amid the escalating violence. (PC: Global News & The Times of Israel)

Tens of thousands protested across Turkey after Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was jailed on corruption charges. Police fired tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets at demonstrators in Istanbul, where crowds gathered for the fifth night. Imamoglu called the charges “politically motivated” and vowed to fight back. His wife addressed protesters, condemning the “injustice.” Over 700 arrests have been made. Imamoglu’s suspension raises concerns over Turkey’s 2028 election, as his candidacy is uncertain. The opposition warns of a democratic crisis as Erdogan’s critics face growing crackdowns. (PC: Getty Images)