The US military shot down an Iranian drone that “aggressively” approached the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, saying the action protected the carrier and its crew. The Iranian Shahed-139 drone was intercepted by a US F-35C fighter jet in self-defence amid heightened US-Iran tensions and ongoing pressure over Tehran’s nuclear programme. Iran then demanded the venue for upcoming talks be moved to Oman and narrowed to nuclear issues, complicating diplomacy. The incident follows harassment of a US-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and comes as both sides weigh negotiations vs. confrontation. (PC: HT)

The US Department of Justice has taken down thousands of Jeffrey Epstein–related documents after victims said flawed redactions exposed their identities. The files, part of a congressionally mandated release of millions of records, reportedly included visible names, email addresses, banking details and images that could identify survivors. Lawyers called the disclosure an unprecedented violation of victim privacy, saying nearly 100 survivors were affected, some receiving threats. The DOJ blamed technical or human error, said all flagged documents were removed, and pledged further review and redaction. Survivors criticised the handling, calling it retraumatising and dangerous. (PC: Reuters)

French authorities raided Elon Musk's X offices in Paris as part of a cyber-crime investigation into suspected unlawful data extraction and complicity in possessing child pornography. Both Musk and former CEO Linda Yaccarino have been summoned for April hearings. Simultaneously, the UK's Information Commissioner's Office launched a probe into Musk's AI tool Grok over its potential to produce harmful sexualized images and videos. The French investigation, which began in January 2025, now examines algorithm manipulation, sexual deepfakes, and fraudulent data extraction. X previously called the investigation "politically-motivated." Telegram founder Pavel Durov criticized France, calling it "not a free country" for prosecuting social networks. (PC: Getty Images)

In Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has launched a series of coordinated attacks against security forces and infrastructure, marking a significant escalation in its separatist insurgency. The group released images of two female ‘fidayeen’ (suicide) attackers, including Asifa Mengal, highlighting the growing involvement of women in frontline combat roles — a shift from the traditionally male-dominated rebellion. At least dozens of security personnel and civilians were killed in the violence. Pakistani authorities have responded with heavy military operations, raising concern over the conflict’s intensification and broader instability in the region. (PC: India Today)

The U.S. Department of Justice has released a new massive batch of Jeffrey Epstein files, revealing over 3 million documents tied to the late financier’s sex-trafficking network. The files include allegations that Epstein and associate Ghislaine Maxwell supplied victims to other men, with internal memos referencing encounters involving powerful figures such as Harvey Weinstein and financier Leon Black, though neither has been charged in relation to Epstein. Survivors’ lawyers argue the records support long-standing claims of broader complicity and criticize authorities for redacting perpetrator names while exposing victims’ stories. These disclosures are part of ongoing efforts to comply with mandatory transparency laws. (PC: AP)

Jonas Gahr Støre said he agrees with Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway after she admitted “poor judgement” over past contact with Jeffrey Epstein. Newly released US justice files list many email exchanges between them from 2011 to 2014. In a statement, the princess said, “I showed poor judgement and regret having any contact with Epstein at all.” She also shared “deep sympathy” for victims. The prime minister said her own words were clear and sufficient. Reports say she visited one of Epstein’s homes in 2013 when he was not present. The disclosures have led to renewed public scrutiny in Norway. (PC: BBC)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in the state. She was joined by Trinamool Congress leaders and families who said they were affected by the revision process. The party said a 15-member delegation attended the meeting at the Election Commission office. It included Abhishek Banerjee and MP Kalyan Banerjee. Several participants wore black shawls as a mark of protest. The party claimed some living people were marked as dead in records. It also said some families faced stress linked to the SIR process. Security was increased around the EC office. (PC: India Today)

Rafah Border Crossing between Gaza and Egypt has reopened for limited civilian movement after months of closure, Israeli and Egyptian officials said. The gate had been mostly shut since Israeli forces took control of the Gaza side in May 2024. Officials said only small numbers will be allowed to cross each day. Priority will go to sick and wounded Palestinians. Israeli reports say about 50 patients daily can leave with one or two relatives. European Union supervisors and Palestinian staff are managing operations, with Israeli security checks done remotely. The World Health Organization is helping move medical patients for treatment abroad. (PC: BBC)

At least 12 miners were killed after a Russian drone strike hit a bus in eastern Ukraine, according to energy company DTEK and local officials. The bus was carrying workers after their shift in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Emergency services said at least 15 people were injured. DTEK first reported 15 deaths but later revised the toll to 12. Ukrainian officials also reported other strikes overnight. A drone hit a maternity hospital in Zaporizhzhia and injured six people. Regional head Ivan Fedorov said the attack happened while women were giving birth. Russia had earlier said it would pause attacks on energy sites during the cold snap. (PC: BBC)

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has released a video showing a woman suicide attacker taking part in a recent armed operation in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. The woman, identified by the group as Hawa Baloch, is seen firing a rifle and delivering a recorded message hours before her death. She claims Pakistani forces were afraid to confront them and calls on Baloch supporters to join the fight. The video appears to be filmed at night on a phone camera. It ends with visuals of two dead fighters. Pakistan’s military said more than 130 separatists were killed in two days of counter-operations. The BLA also reported its own casualties.