In a coordinated operation on March 14, 2025, Iraqi national intelligence services, supported by U.S.-led coalition forces, successfully targeted and killed Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, also known as "Abu Khadija," the head of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria. The operation took place in Iraq's Anbar province, a region previously under significant ISIS influence. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani described al-Rifai as "one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world." U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation's success, stating that al-Rifai's "miserable life was terminated." This strategic strike underscores the ongoing commitment of Iraqi and coalition forces to dismantle ISIS's leadership and thwart the group's efforts to regain a foothold in the region. 

On March 14, 2025, SpaceX successfully launched the Crew-10 mission from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida, to relieve NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for over nine months due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule. The new four-member crew consists of NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. Crew-10 is scheduled to dock with the ISS on March 15, 2025, initiating a brief handover before Williams and Wilmore return to Earth around March 20 aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft.  

The Trump administration is considering imposing extensive travel restrictions on citizens from 43 countries as part of a broader immigration crackdown. An internal memo categorizes these nations based on the severity of restrictions they may face. Some countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, and North Korea, could see complete visa suspensions, while others like Russia and Pakistan may experience restrictions allowing only certain travelers, such as business professionals. A third group has been given 60 days to address security concerns. This proposal follows a recent executive order aimed at strengthening security vetting, similar to the 2017 travel ban.  

A speeding car driven by 23-year-old law student Rakshit Chaurasia rammed two-wheelers in Vadodara, Gujarat, killing Hemali Patel and injuring four others. Eyewitnesses say Chaurasia appeared intoxicated and was caught on video shouting “another round” after exiting the wrecked vehicle. The accident occurred at 12:30 AM near Muktanand Cross Roads. Chaurasia, originally from Varanasi, is a student at Maharaja Sayajirao University. He denied being drunk, but police are conducting medical tests. His passenger, Pranshu Chauhan, was also detained. CCTV footage captured the vehicle dragging victims before stopping.

Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, firmly stated that the country will "never, in any shape or form, be part of the US" in his first speech. His remarks respond to U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion that Canada could become the 51st state. Carney, facing an escalating trade dispute with the U.S., emphasized Canada’s sovereignty, stating the nation "expects respect." He also announced plans to visit France and the UK but has no immediate plans to meet Trump. Carney joked that Canadians would vote before November, with an election required before October.

Russian President Vladimir Putin assured the safety of Ukrainian troops in Kursk if they surrender, following a ‘request’ from US President Donald Trump. Trump, after a meeting with Putin’s envoy, warned that thousands of Ukrainian soldiers were surrounded and urged Putin to spare them. “This would be a horrible massacre,” Trump posted on Truth Social. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged heavy fighting in Kursk but said it helped relieve pressure elsewhere. Putin’s statement to Russia’s Security Council called on Ukraine to order its troops to surrender. The battlefield situation remains tense as diplomatic maneuvering continues.

Liberal Party leader Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada’s 24th prime minister on Friday, replacing Justin Trudeau, who resigned in January. Carney, a former Bank of Canada governor, takes office amid escalating trade tensions with the US under President Donald Trump. The trade war has led to tariffs affecting key Canadian industries, with Carney vowing to protect the economy and strengthen ties with global partners. "Canada will stand firm in defending its interests," he said. Trudeau, who served since 2015, wished Carney success. The swearing-in ceremony took place at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, attended by senior officials.

Elon Musk's Tesla has warned the Trump administration that new retaliatory tariffs could harm US companies, including the EV sector. In a letter to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Tesla urged officials to consider the "downstream impacts" of trade actions, cautioning that tariffs could trigger countermeasures from other countries. Tesla, which has seen declining sales in Europe, highlighted past trade disputes that led to increased tariffs on US exports. Meanwhile, Trump defended Tesla, blaming "Radical Left Lunatics" for boycotts. Despite tensions, Trump purchased a red Tesla Model X this week, calling it "beautiful" as he sat in the driver's seat.

US President Donald Trump said he had "productive discussions" with Russian President Vladimir Putin on ending the Ukraine war. He urged Putin to spare thousands of Ukrainian troops he claimed were "completely surrounded" and in a "vulnerable position." Trump expressed optimism, saying there’s a "very good chance" the war could end soon. His call followed a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accepted, while Putin expressed "cautious optimism." Kyiv accused Russia of stalling the process. The US recently held talks with Ukraine and Russia in Saudi Arabia, leading to resumed US military aid for Ukraine.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated that he still shares a positive relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, despite ongoing global concerns over North Korea's nuclear advancements. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump acknowledged North Korea as a “nuclear power” and expressed his willingness to reengage with Kim. His remarks come amid increasing tensions, including North Korea’s recent missile tests and critical statements from Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, against the U.S. administration. Trump’s comments highlight his belief in personal diplomacy, even as North Korea continues to defy international denuclearization efforts.