World News
Central Asia on alert after ISIS attempts coup in Kyrgyzstan; threatens Tajik govt
ISIS has expanded its influence in Central Asia, with a foiled coup attempt in Kyrgyzstan involving around 30 terrorists. Regions like Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are on high alert due to increasing radical activities. The situation is closely monitored by India, amid fears of revived extremist actions near its borders.
US Secret Service shoots armed man near White House: Spokesman
US Secret Service agents shot an armed man near the White House while President Trump was in Florida. The man, who had been reported as suicidal and came from Indiana, was hospitalized with an unknown condition. No Secret Service agents were injured in the incident.
Thousands in Nepal want monarchy back as public frustration with politics grows
Thousands of supporters gathered in Kathmandu to demand the reinstatement of Nepal's monarchy and return of Hinduism as the state religion. Frustration with the republic and political instability has led to renewed support for former king Gyanendra Shah, despite his slim chances of returning to power.
US: BAPS temple vandalised in California days ahead of ‘Khalistan referendum’ in LA; MEA condemns
In response to media queries regarding vandalism at a Hindu Temple in California, the Official Spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have seen reports regarding the vandalism at a Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California. We condemn such despicable acts in the strongest terms. We call upon the local law enforcement authorities to take stringent action against those responsible for these acts, and also ensure adequate security to places of worship."
'Tehran will not be dominated…': Iran supreme leader Khamenei rejects Trump’s ‘bullying’ nuke deal
After US President Trump sent a letter to Iran on nuclear peace talks, Tehran outrightly rejected the offer. Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused the US of "bullying" tactics under negotiations. Addressing in Tehran, Khamenei said the aim of the US’ offer for negotiations was "domination" rather than problem solving. Trump has expressed openness to a deal with Tehran but reinstated the "maximum pressure" campaign. In his first term, Trump pulled the US out of the nuclear deal with Iran, which offered sanctions relief for nuclear limits. After Trump pulled out in 2018 and re-imposed sanctions, Iran breached and far surpassed those limits.
You are a S***t person…’: US VP Vance condemns pro-Ukrainian protesters for chasing his daughter
In a shocking incident, US VP JD Vance was confronted by pro-Ukraine protesters during a morning walk with his daughter. Vance shared on X that the protesters "chased" and "shouted," causing his 3-year-old daughter to feel "scared" and "anxious." Although Vance later engaged in a conversation with the protesters, he condemned their actions, calling them “a s*** person” for involving his child in a political protest. The protests stemmed from tensions following Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's visit to the White House.
‘Our art is not a crime…’: Drag artists protest Trump’s takeover of Kennedy Center
Hundreds of demonstrators, led by drag performers, protested against President Donald Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center in Washington DC on March 8. The protest aimed to reinstate queer programming at the cultural institution, which Trump had gained control over by firing the president and replacing trustees. Drag performers emphasized that ‘our art is not a crime’ highlighting the importance of diversity in the arts.
France mulls welcome for researchers fleeing Trump's US
France has urged its research institutions to welcome scientists leaving the US due to President Trump's policies, including cuts in federal research funding and health and climate worker dismissals. Aix-Marseille University is creating a program for US climate researchers. Trump's actions, including withdrawing from the WHO and Paris Climate Agreement and appointing vaccine sceptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Thousands protest in Belgrade against Serbian government over corruption and media suppression
On March 8, thousands of people protested in Belgrade against Serbia's government, with workers from various sectors joining students in the march. The protests, which have been ongoing since November, were sparked by a tragic railway station collapse in Novi Sad that killed 15. Many Serbians link the disaster to corruption under President Vucic’s leadership, accusing him of ties to organised crime and media suppression. The government has since launched an anti-corruption drive, arresting several individuals on graft charges.
He was once a covert Taliban operative. Now he's the friendly taxman.
Abdul Qahar Ghorbandi, the Director of the Taliban's Taxpayers Services Directorate in Kabul, oversees revenue collection in a struggling economy. The Taliban have streamlined tax processes, reducing corruption and ensuring transparency. Generous exemptions mean most Afghans don't pay income taxes. Despite heavy sanctions, the Taliban's revenue has increased, with significant spending on security and education for boys.
Must Watch
How would peacekeeping work in Ukraine? These experts gamed it out.
A group of military and civilian experts has outlined detailed plans for monitoring and enforcing a future ceasefire in Ukraine, including a proposed 10,000 foreign troops and a 6-mile buffer zone. Efforts have been discreet to facilitate back-channel communications between the US, Russia, and Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions and uncertainty.
Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh brace for upcoming food reductions as aid agencies cut funding
Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh fear the U.S. decision to cut food rations by half, citing nutrition issues and increased social and mental pressure. More than 1 million refugees will be affected, leading to reduced support and resources in various sectors. The funding cuts come after President Trump's executive order paused foreign aid.
Pakistan 'scholar' who helped ISI abduct Kulbhushan Jadhav shot dead by unidentified gunmen
Mufti Shah Mir, a noted Pakistani scholar affiliated with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Turbat, Balochistan. He was attacked while leaving a mosque, suffering multiple bullet wounds. This incident follows the recent murders of two other JUI-F leaders, raising concerns of targeted attacks on the party members.
LIVE: Cherry blossoms begin to bloom in Kawazu town, Japan, marking start of Spring season
In Kawazu town, Japan, the cherry blossom season is approaching with the early-blooming trees starting to flower. Known for their early bloom, these cherry blossoms are expected to reach peak bloom in early March, offering a stunning display of pink flowers. Visitors flock to Kawazu to witness this natural spectacle every year.
‘Certain amount of discussions…’: India reacts to US tariff threats
Ahead of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Mauritius, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) addressed the US' tariff threats during a press briefing. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that discussions on this issue would take place between PM Modi and Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam. The matter concerns both India and the global south’s trade relations.
China consumption slump deepens as February prices drop
Consumer prices in China fell for the first time in a year, highlighting deflation fears as post-pandemic economic woes persist. The decline comes amid intensified trade tensions with the US, including tariffs on agricultural goods. Slow domestic demand and cautious fiscal policies compound the challenges, with China setting an ambitious growth target amid uncertain future export performance.
