On March 28, 2025, a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, causing widespread devastation. Over 1,000 people have been killed, and more than 2,400 injured, overwhelming hospitals struggling with limited resources. Blood donations are in high demand as medical facilities face severe shortages. The United Nations has allocated $5 million for immediate relief efforts. In neighboring Thailand, the tremors led to the collapse of a 30-story building in Bangkok, killing at least 10. Myanmar's military leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, has appealed for international assistance as rescue operations continue amid ongoing aftershocks. (PC: AFP)

Katrina Armstrong has resigned as Columbia University’s interim president just a week after the university agreed to policy changes demanded by the Trump administration. Armstrong, who took over in August after her predecessor resigned over handling protests against Israel, will return to Columbia’s medical center. She is replaced by Claire Shipman as acting president. The resignation follows Trump’s threats to withhold $400 million in federal funding over alleged antisemitism on campus. Columbia has banned face masks at protests and revised oversight policies. Meanwhile, a Columbia graduate activist faces deportation, intensifying concerns over student activism and political repression. (PC: BBC News)  

In a significant escalation, Israeli forces conducted extensive airstrikes targeting Iranian military installations in Syria. The operation, described as one of Israel's most substantial in recent years, aimed to dismantle Iran's military entrenchment in the region. Targets included weapons depots, intelligence centers, and training facilities associated with Iran's Quds Force and allied Syrian military units. The strikes were reportedly in retaliation for prior rocket attacks on Israeli positions in the Golan Heights. Syrian state media acknowledged the assaults, reporting casualties among both military personnel and civilians. This development underscores the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran over Syria's strategic landscape. (PC: The Mirror)

Bangladesh is evaluating proposals from both China and India for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, estimated at $1 billion. Chinese participation in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project. Bangladesh’s assurance was communicated during the ongoing visit of Chief Advisor Prof Mohammed Yunus to China. The two sides also signed an agreement on exchange of hydrological information of the Yarlung Zangbo-Jamuna (Brahmaputra). In a joint statement issued after the end of the official discussion, the two sides announced that Bangladesh and China have agreed to start discussion for a Free Trade Agreement “at an early date”. The project aims to address seasonal challenges of the Teesta River, including flooding during monsoons and reduced flow in dry periods, thereby benefiting agriculture and local communities. Bangladesh will consider both proposals to determine the most advantageous path forward. (PC: DNA India)

Pro-monarchy protests turned violent in Kathmandu, Nepal, as activists clashed with police demanding the restoration of the monarchy and Hindu Kingdom status. Security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets after protesters torched buildings and vehicles. Several police personnel were injured. A curfew was imposed in Tinkune, Sinamangal, and Koteshwor. Thousands, waving Nepal’s national flags, chanted pro-monarchy slogans, calling for King Gyanendra’s return. The unrest follows growing public frustration over corruption and political instability, with Nepal witnessing 13 governments in 16 years. Experts say pro-monarchy sentiment is gaining traction as discontent with the republic deepens.              

US Vice-President JD Vance arrived in Greenland with a high-level delegation, sparking protests over the Trump administration’s renewed push to acquire the Danish territory. Originally planned as a cultural visit by his wife, Usha Vance, the trip escalated into a political controversy. Greenland’s acting Prime Minister Mute B Egede called it a “provocation,” while locals planned protests. Facing backlash, the itinerary was scaled down to a visit to Pituffik Space Base. Trump reiterated his desire to control Greenland for national security, stating the US will “go as far as we have to go” to achieve that goal. (BBC)

Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal, co-director of the Oscar-winning No Other Land, was beaten by Israeli settlers and soldiers. His co-director, Yuval Abraham, criticized the US Academy for refusing to publicly support Ballal. "The European Academy and others voiced support, but the US Academy remained silent," Abraham wrote on X. Ballal was blindfolded for over 20 hours and assaulted while soldiers mocked his Oscar win. Abraham urged the Academy to issue a statement condemning the attack. Ballal's detention highlights the ongoing violence in the West Bank. (PC: AFP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said US plans to take control of Greenland are "serious," warning of NATO's growing Arctic presence. US President Donald Trump has pushed for control, citing "international security." Greenland, seeking independence from Denmark, already hosts a US military base. "This is not extravagant talk; these plans have historical roots," Putin stated at an Arctic forum. US Vice President JD Vance will visit Greenland on Friday. Denmark has rejected Trump's proposal, while Russia fears the Arctic could become a "springboard for conflicts." Strategic interests in the region are rising amid climate change. (PC: AFP)

For the second consecutive day, hundreds of Gazans protested against Hamas, chanting "Hamas out!" and blaming the terror group for the ongoing war. The rare demonstrations, which started in Beit Lahia and Deir al-Balah, highlight growing public anger as the death toll in Gaza surpasses 50,000. "Our children have been killed. Our houses have been destroyed," said protester Abed Radwan. Hamas dismissed the protests, claiming they were against the war, not its rule. Israel has intensified its offensive, targeting Hamas strongholds. With infrastructure in ruins and aid blocked, Gazans face a worsening humanitarian crisis amid rising frustration.

King Charles III briefly stayed in the hospital after experiencing temporary side effects from cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace confirmed. A palace source described it as a "most minor bump in a road that is very much heading in the right direction." The 76-year-old monarch has postponed his Birmingham engagements but is continuing work at Clarence House. Prime Minister Keir Starmer wished him well. The palace reassured that Charles remains active, recently engaging in diplomacy and public events. His Italy visit in April will proceed with adjustments, while details of his cancer remain undisclosed. (PC: PA Image)