Mass protests have erupted across Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges, seen by critics as politically motivated. Over 1,500 demonstrators, including journalists, have been detained. Riot police used water cannons, rubber bullets, and pepper spray to suppress protests, drawing international condemnation. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dismissed the protests as "street terror," while opposition leader Ozgur Ozel called for early elections. Human rights groups criticized the crackdown as a "dark time for democracy." The United Nations urged Turkey to investigate police actions and lift restrictions on demonstrations. (PC: Getty Images)

Russia and Ukraine reached a naval ceasefire agreement in the Black Sea after US-brokered talks in Saudi Arabia. The deal aims to reopen trade routes and prevent attacks on energy infrastructure. However, Russia insists the ceasefire will only take effect if sanctions on its food and fertilizer exports are lifted. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the move but called Russia’s demands a “weakening of positions.” The US pledged to help restore Russia’s agricultural exports, while Ukraine warned of retaliation if Russian warships violate territorial boundaries. The ceasefire’s implementation remains uncertain. (PC: Getty Images)

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday, citing India’s biometric voter ID system as a model for US election reforms. The order mandates citizenship verification, federal-state coordination, and strict enforcement against non-citizen voting. It also requires voter registration lists to be regularly updated and prohibits non-citizens from handling election processes. Trump emphasized “free, fair, and honest elections,” ensuring ballots are counted accurately and without fraud. The order also enforces Election Day deadlines and tightens security against foreign interference. States failing to comply with federal election laws risk losing funding. (PC: Bloomberg)            

A pilot and two children survived 12 hours in freezing temperatures after their plane crashed into Alaska's Tustumena Lake. Stranded on the wing of their partially submerged Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser, they were spotted by Terry Godes, who saw a Facebook post about the missing plane and later located the wreckage. Another pilot, Dale Eicher, relayed the coordinates, leading to their rescue by the Alaska National Guard. The survivors suffered non-life-threatening injuries. "They spent a long, cold, dark, and wet night," Godes said, calling it a "miracle" they survived. (PC: AP)

Russia and the U.S. are assessing the outcomes of recent Ukraine peace talks in Riyadh, where discussions focused on ceasefires and sanctions relief. The Kremlin signaled willingness for limited ceasefires on maritime and energy targets but tied them to the restoration of Russian banks' access to global financial systems. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demanded an immediate ceasefire without preconditions. The U.S. has pledged to facilitate lifting some sanctions on Russian agricultural and fertilizer exports. Both sides remain skeptical about each other’s commitments, highlighting ongoing tensions despite diplomatic efforts to ease the conflict. (PC: The New York Times)    

In a rare public dissent, hundreds of Palestinians in northern Gaza, particularly in Beit Lahia and Jabalia refugee camps, staged protests against Hamas, blaming the governing group for their worsening conditions amid the ongoing war with Israel. Demonstrators chanted slogans like “Hamas out” and “Hamas terrorists,” expressing anger over the prolonged conflict and severe humanitarian crisis. The protests, reportedly organized through social media, mark one of the most significant uprisings against Hamas since the war began. Hamas security forces cracked down on protesters as tensions escalated, reflecting growing public dissatisfaction with the leadership in the war-torn region. (PC: The Times of Israel)

Russia and Ukraine have agreed to halt military strikes in the Black Sea and ensure safe passage for commercial ships, the White House announced after U.S.-mediated talks in Saudi Arabia. Ukraine warned that any movement of Russian warships beyond the eastern Black Sea would violate the deal. President Zelensky called the agreement "a step in the right direction" but cautioned that its success remains uncertain. Russia insisted sanctions on banks, insurers, and food exporters must be lifted before implementation. Ukrainian officials emphasized the need for further technical consultations to finalize monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. (PC: Getty Images)

King Charles and Queen Camilla have postponed their planned Vatican visit as Pope Francis continues to recover from pneumonia, Buckingham Palace confirmed. The 88-year-old pontiff was recently discharged from a 38-day hospital stay, the longest of his papacy. Doctors had considered suspending treatment at one point, fearing he wouldn’t survive the night. The King and Queen’s tour of Italy from April 7-10 will proceed with modifications. "Their Majesties send The Pope their best wishes for his convalescence," the palace stated. Pope Francis remains under medical advice to avoid large gatherings for two months. (PC: Reuters, PA)

A Sudanese war monitor has accused the military of killing hundreds in an airstrike on Tur'rah market in Darfur. The Emergency Lawyers group called it a "horrific massacre," with videos showing charred bodies and destroyed stalls. The military denied targeting civilians, claiming it struck hostile targets. The attack, reportedly the deadliest since the war began in 2023, comes amid rising civilian casualties. Over 12 million Sudanese have fled, and the UN warns of widespread famine. The RSF, accused of genocide, continues clashes with the army, worsening Sudan’s humanitarian crisis. (PC: BBC, Screengrab from RSF shared footage)

The US brokered agreements with Ukraine and Russia to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea and halt strikes on energy facilities. Washington will help restore Russia’s agricultural exports while continuing peace talks. Ukraine’s defense minister confirmed Kyiv's support for the maritime ceasefire and energy truce. Russia, however, demands guarantees from Washington before finalizing the deal. The US credited Saudi Arabia for facilitating discussions. The agreements mark a step toward a wider ceasefire and potential peace settlement in the three-year-long war. (PC: Reuters)