The United States has identified India and China as key suppliers of precursor chemicals used by drug cartels to manufacture illicit fentanyl, linking both nations to the ongoing U.S. opioid crisis. This is the first time India has been classified alongside China in fentanyl-related concerns. The 2025 Annual Threat Assessment states that Mexican cartels source these chemicals from both countries. In response, Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs on China, citing its failure to curb fentanyl exports. China has condemned the move, warning of escalating trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. (PC: Wikipedia)    

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Paris for a Ukraine security summit hosted by Emmanuel Macron, following Russia’s largest drone attack on his hometown, Kryvyi Rih. Mykolaiv also faced drone strikes, causing emergency power cuts. Macron accused Russia of "reinterpreting ceasefire talks" while continuing attacks on Ukrainian cities. He pledged an additional $2 billion in military aid, including anti-tank missiles, drones, and surface-to-air missiles. Zelenskyy called on the US to pressure Russia into an unconditional ceasefire. The summit, part of Starmer’s "coalition of the willing," gathers European leaders to discuss Ukraine’s defense and security. (PC: Reuters)

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard acknowledged that mistakenly adding a journalist to a Signal chat discussing sensitive war plans was a “mistake.” Speaking before the House Intelligence Committee, she pledged to pursue intelligence community leakers aggressively. “Politically motivated leaks undermine our national security,” Gabbard wrote on X, citing recent leaks involving Israel-Iran and US-Russia relations. The revelation comes amid concerns over media disclosures, echoing Trump-era crackdowns on leaks. Gabbard emphasized that unauthorized classified information releases violate the law and will be strictly addressed.

A confidential US military chat on Signal was leaked when journalist Jeffrey Goldberg was mistakenly added. The Atlantic published the discussions, revealing attack plans on Yemen's Houthis. “No locations. No sources and methods. NO WAR PLANS,” said National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, downplaying the leak. President Trump called it “the only glitch in two months.” The March 15 airstrikes killed 53 people. Senior Democrats demanded a Justice Department probe, calling the breach “astonishingly poor judgment.” The Pentagon has not confirmed details. (PC: Reuters)

On March 25, 2025, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommended sanctions on India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), over alleged involvement in assassination plots targeting Sikh separatists abroad. The panel also urged the U.S. government to designate India as a "country of particular concern" due to reported religious discrimination against minorities. India’s Ministry of External Affairs dismissed the claims as biased and politically motivated, arguing that the report misrepresents the nation’s religious and cultural diversity. The recommendation could impact U.S.-India diplomatic relations amid ongoing global security concerns. (PC: Reuters)

Russia says it will not stop attacks in the Black Sea unless some Western sanctions are lifted. The US announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to stop strikes, but the Kremlin insists the deal will only start if Russian banks regain access to the Swift payment system. Ukraine disagrees and says the ceasefire should begin immediately. Russia launched drone attacks on Mykolaiv overnight, causing damage. The EU says sanctions will not be lifted unless Russia withdraws from Ukraine. The ceasefire was discussed in Saudi Arabia, but both sides now argue over the details of the agreement. (PC: BBC)

Hamas has warned that hostages in Gaza may be killed if Israel attempts to retrieve them by force. The group accused Israel of endangering their lives through air strikes, stating, "Every time the occupation attempts to retrieve its captives by force, it ends up bringing them back in coffins." Israel resumed intense air and ground operations in Gaza last week, killing at least 830 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The war, triggered by Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack, has resulted in over 50,183 Palestinian deaths and 1,218 Israeli deaths. (PC: NDTV)

Hundreds of Palestinians marched in Beit Lahia, Gaza, in the largest anti-Hamas protest since the war with Israel began. Protesters chanted, “Out, out, out, Hamas out,” demanding the group step down. Masked Hamas militants armed with guns and batons forcibly dispersed the crowd, assaulting demonstrators. The protests erupted after Islamic Jihad's rocket attacks on Israel led to Israeli evacuation orders, sparking local anger. “We refuse to die for any party’s agenda,” said protester Mohammed Diab. Hamas has ruled Gaza since 2007, facing growing dissent amid ongoing war, which has killed over 50,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. (PC: AFP)

Two French Air Force Alpha Jets collided mid-air near Saint-Dizier, northeastern France. Three crew members—two pilots and one passenger—ejected and were found conscious. One suffered multiple injuries. A jet crashed into a silo, causing a fire, but no civilian casualties were reported. Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed emergency response efforts. The Alpha Jets are used for pilot training, including Ukrainian trainees. France has previously faced such accidents, with two Rafale pilots dying in August 2024 after a collision. Investigations into the latest crash are underway. (PC: Screengrab from X)

Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho have resigned as patrons of Sentebale, the charity they co-founded in 2006, following a leadership conflict. The dispute arose after Sentebale’s trustees asked chair Dr. Sophie Chandauka to step down, leading to a legal battle. Dr. Chandauka claims she exposed "abuse of power" and harassment, while the trustees argue her lawsuit left them no choice but to resign. The UK Charity Commission is reviewing governance concerns. Sentebale, originally focused on HIV/AIDS support, is now restructuring to expand its mission. The charity denies receiving royal resignations but confirmed board changes. (PC: PA Media)