Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called a snap general election for April 28, months before the scheduled date. He said he needs a “strong mandate” to handle U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and threats to Canada’s sovereignty. Trump has dismissed Canada’s borders as “artificial” and suggested it should become the 51st U.S. state. Carney, who became prime minister on March 15 after Justin Trudeau stepped down, hopes to gain public support as his party’s popularity rises. The opposition Conservatives accuse him of excessive spending and financial secrecy. This election will test Carney’s leadership for the first time.

The UK has dropped to its lowest position in the World Happiness Report, ranking 23rd despite being one of the richest countries. Finland was named the happiest country for the eighth year in a row, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. The US also fell to 24th place. Researchers found that kindness from strangers and sharing meals improve happiness. Afghanistan was the unhappiest country. The report, released on March 20 for the UN's International Day of Happiness, highlights that factors beyond wealth, like trust and social connections, play a big role in people’s well-being. (PC: Unsplash)

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is nearing a controversial agreement to share taxpayer data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to assist in identifying undocumented immigrants. This move has raised significant privacy concerns, with critics warning that it may discourage undocumented workers from filing taxes, potentially impacting IRS revenue collection. Supporters argue the deal could strengthen immigration enforcement and national security. The agreement, expected to be finalized soon, is drawing scrutiny from lawmakers and advocacy groups, who question the ethical and legal implications of using tax records for immigration enforcement. (PC: Abc News)

An Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, Gaza, killed senior Hamas political leader Salah al Bardaweel and his wife, Hamas officials confirmed. “He was a beacon of political, media, and national activism,” Hamas stated. The attack also killed several Palestinians, including women and children, according to local hospitals. Gaza health officials reported over 50,000 deaths since the war began. Israel resumed airstrikes, accusing Hamas of violating a ceasefire. Israeli Ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotovely said, “Hamas is not releasing hostages anymore. Israel has no other choice.” Talks for a permanent ceasefire remain uncertain. (PC: Reuters)

On March 23, 2025, a large-scale Russian drone attack on Kyiv resulted in at least three deaths, including a five-year-old child. The attack caused fires in high-rise buildings and widespread damage throughout the Ukrainian capital. Ukrainian officials reported that Russia launched 147 drones overnight, with air defense forces intercepting 97. The assault comes ahead of planned peace talks in Saudi Arabia, aiming to address the ongoing war. Despite diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire, both sides continue to report attacks, with Russia using numerous aerial bombs and drones in the past week. (PC: ABC NEWS)

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 50,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the war began, accounting for about 2.1% of the population. Additionally, 113,274 people have been injured. The United Nations considers the ministry’s figures reliable, though Israel disputes them. International journalists are blocked from entering Gaza independently to verify claims. The UN previously reported that nearly 70% of verified victims were women and children. The war began after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people. Israel’s response has caused large-scale destruction and ongoing casualties. ( PC: Getty Images)

On March 23, 2025, Ekrem Imamoglu, the Mayor of Istanbul and a leading opponent to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was arrested following a Turkish court’s order. The arrest stems from charges of corruption, with Imamoglu being detained after a raid on his residence earlier in the week. The move has sparked widespread protests across Turkey, marking the largest demonstrations in over a decade. The arrest is seen by many as a political strategy to remove a significant challenger in the upcoming 2028 presidential race, raising concerns about the country’s democracy and rule of law. ( PC: Reuters)

Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff dismissed UK PM Keir Starmer’s plan for an international force in Ukraine as “a posture and a pose.” In an interview with Tucker Carlson, he praised Vladimir Putin, calling him “super smart” and denying Russia’s territorial aggression. Witkoff, leading US ceasefire talks, repeated Kremlin narratives, questioned Ukraine’s legitimacy, and failed to name occupied regions. He claimed a Black Sea ceasefire is imminent. Meanwhile, Russian drone strikes on Kyiv killed three, including a child. Ukraine dismissed his claims as misinformation. (PC: Reuters)

Pope Francis, 88, was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after a five-week stay due to a severe respiratory infection. Before leaving, he waved from the hospital balcony in his first public appearance in weeks. Using a wheelchair, he greeted well-wishers, telling one woman, “Brava!” His longest hospitalization since becoming pope in 2013 included critical moments where his life was at risk. Doctors estimate a two-month recovery at home. Vatican officials denied speculation about his resignation. Catholics worldwide continue to pray for his health. ( PC- Reuters)

A couple in Margate, Kent, were left puzzled after discovering a bizarre "skeleton-like" figure during a walk on the beach on March 10. Paula and Dave Regan found the strange creature partially buried in sand, surrounded by seaweed. The figure had a fish tail and an alien-like head, leading them to initially believe it was driftwood or a dead seal. Paula described the back part of the figure as "soft and squidgy" but not decomposed. The couple shared photos online, sparking online curiosity, but its identity remains a mystery. (PC: People.com)