Emergency services responded after a man holding a Palestinian flag climbed Big Ben at the Palace of Westminster in London. Photos showed him barefoot on a ledge several meters up Elizabeth Tower. Westminster Bridge and a nearby bridge were closed, with police, firefighters, and ambulance crews at the scene. Authorities used a fire brigade ladder platform and a megaphone to communicate with him. Tours of the Houses of Parliament were canceled. The Metropolitan Police stated they were “working to bring the incident to a safe conclusion” as crowds watched behind a police cordon.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed Donald Trump’s military threat, calling the US a “bully government” that seeks domination rather than genuine negotiations. His remarks follow Trump’s claim of sending a letter urging Iran to negotiate a new nuclear deal. However, Iran’s UN mission denied receiving any letter, while Tehran reiterated it won’t negotiate under US “maximum pressure.” Trump, meanwhile, suggested a military deadline is approaching but expressed preference for a peace deal. “Hopefully, we can have a peace deal,” he stated, hinting at imminent developments in US-Iran relations.

At least 20 people were killed and 43 injured in Russian strikes across Ukraine, including Donetsk and Kharkiv, Ukrainian officials reported. Donetsk regional head Vadym Filashkin said eight residential buildings and an administrative facility were damaged in Dobropillia. Casualties in Mariupol and Volnovakha, under Russian control, remain unconfirmed. The strikes come as the US limits Ukraine’s access to satellite imagery and pauses military aid. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have intercepted 31 Ukrainian drones overnight. US President Donald Trump is considering large-scale sanctions on Moscow, calling Russia’s offensive "absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield."

Karnataka police arrested two accused, Sai Mallu and Chethan Sai, in the gangrape of an Israeli tourist and a homestay operator near Hampi. The victims were attacked on March 6 while stargazing near Sanapur Lake. Three male co-travelers were assaulted and pushed into a canal, with one, Bibash from Odisha, found dead. The accused also robbed the group. One more suspect remains at large. A case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police assured swift action, stating, “We will catch the remaining accused soon.”

  Israeli forces have killed two Palestinians in northern Gaza after they attempted to return, defying warnings. In retaliation for Hamas's refusal to extend a ceasefire, Israel has implemented a full blockade on Gaza, halting all international humanitarian aid, including Irish relief shipments. This has intensified the ongoing humanitarian crisis, leaving 2.2 million Palestinians without essential resources. Global leaders have condemned Israel's actions as dangerously exacerbating the suffering and have called for continued peace talks to resolve the conflict. The blockade, alongside military actions, has sparked widespread international criticism.    

  A Russian missile attack on Dobropillia, a town in eastern Ukraine, has killed at least 14 people and injured 30 others, according to Ukrainian authorities. This strike targeted residential and administrative buildings, further escalating tensions in the ongoing war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as a deliberate act of intimidation, highlighting Russia's unchanging aggressive goals. In response, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed concerns over the situation, suggesting that both Russia and Ukraine may seek peace, while considering new sanctions against Moscow to push negotiations forward.    

King Charles III has teamed up with Apple Music to launch The King’s Music Room, a special radio show where he reveals his personal playlist. Recorded in his Buckingham Palace office, the show features songs by artists like Raye, Kylie Minogue, and Bob Marley, celebrating music from across the Commonwealth. His Majesty also shares personal anecdotes, reflecting on how these tracks have shaped his life. This unique broadcast offers a rare insight into the King’s musical tastes and memories, blending nostalgia with a celebration of global sounds.  

London, March 9, 2025 – The iconic London Eye marks its 25th anniversary with grand celebrations, special light displays, and exclusive events. Since its opening in 2000, the Ferris wheel has become a defining feature of the city’s skyline, attracting millions of visitors annually. To commemorate the milestone, the London Eye will feature a stunning light show, interactive exhibits, and discounted tickets for visitors. Special tributes will highlight its history and impact on tourism. As one of the world’s most famous observation wheels, the London Eye continues to be a symbol of innovation and engineering excellence.

On March 7, 2025, the Trump administration announced the cancellation of $400 million in federal grants and contracts awarded to Columbia University, citing the institution's perceived failure to adequately address antisemitic incidents on campus. This decision follows a series of pro-Palestinian demonstrations that reportedly led to harassment of Jewish students. Despite Columbia's efforts to investigate and address these issues, federal authorities deemed the university's actions insufficient. The withdrawal of funds is expected to have significant financial implications for Columbia, which receives approximately $5 billion annually in federal funding. University officials are currently in discussions with the government to restore the grants and have emphasized their commitment to combating antisemitism and ensuring campus safety. 

In early March 2025, violent clashes erupted between Syrian government forces and loyalists of former President Bashar al-Assad in the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartous. The conflict, which has claimed over 200 lives—including 100 security personnel and 15 civilians—began after Assad loyalists launched coordinated attacks on military installations. Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa imposed curfews and deployed reinforcements to restore order. Russia and Iran urged de-escalation, while regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Turkey expressed concern. The unrest highlights the fragile security situation in post-Assad Syria as the transitional government struggles to assert control.