U.S. President Donald Trump has voided Joe Biden's last-minute pardons, claiming they were signed using an autopen without Biden's direct approval. Trump called the pardons “VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT,” alleging possible criminal misconduct by those involved. Biden had pardoned family members, Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley, and January 6 committee members. Biden defended the move, stating his family faced partisan attacks. He also commuted 2,500 non-violent drug sentences. Trump's decision raises legal questions about presidential clemency powers.

Dozens of foreign CEOs are set to attend the China Development Forum in Beijing on March 23-24, aiming to bolster foreign investment amid geopolitical tensions and recent U.S. tariffs. Notable attendees include leaders from FedEx, Siemens, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Qualcomm, AstraZeneca, Nestlé, Saudi Aramco, Citadel, Rio Tinto, Deutsche Bank, McKinsey, Estée Lauder, Standard Chartered, and KPMG. President Xi Jinping is anticipated to meet select executives post-forum to discuss strategies for boosting domestic consumption and achieving China's 5% economic growth target for 2025. The agenda features seminars on medical sector development and enhancing consumption, reflecting China's focus on expanding domestic demand. However, U.S. firms may maintain a low profile due to increased scrutiny from Washington.

Ukrainian troops have retreated from Russia's Kursk region following intense Russian counterattacks. The withdrawal led to the abandonment of significant Western-supplied military equipment, including M-1 Abrams tanks and M-2 Bradley infantry vehicles. Russian forces, bolstered by North Korean troops, have reclaimed over 40% of the territory Ukraine seized in August. Ukrainian soldiers report exhaustion, disrupted logistics, and constant drone assaults, hindering effective counterattacks or organized retreats. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledges the challenges but emphasizes the strategic importance of their positions. The conflict's escalation underscores the urgency for renewed diplomatic efforts.

The United States has intensified its military campaign against Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, launching a series of airstrikes targeting key positions, including in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah and Al Jawf governorate. This escalation aims to counter the Houthis' persistent threats to international shipping lanes, which have disrupted global commerce since late 2023. The initial wave of strikes commenced on Saturday, resulting in at least 53 fatalities, including five children and two women, and injuring 98 others, according to Houthi health ministry spokesperson Anees Alsbahi. U.S. officials indicate that these operations may persist for weeks, underscoring a robust stance against the Houthis' actions and signaling heightened pressure on Iran amid ongoing nuclear negotiations.

A tragic incident unfolded off Thailand's Koh Tao island when a fire erupted on the diving boat 'David Johne' during a Sunday morning excursion. The blaze, originating in the engine room around 9 am, rapidly consumed the vessel. Among the 22 individuals onboard comprising 16 tourists, four diving instructors, a captain, and a crew member, 26-year-old British tourist Alexandra Clarke from Lambeth remains unaccounted for. Reports indicate she was in the rear restroom when the fire broke out. While other passengers were rescued by nearby boats, Clarke's whereabouts are unknown. Rescue operations face challenges due to adverse sea conditions, and an investigation into the fire's cause is underway. The UK Foreign Office is in contact with Thai authorities, offering support to Clarke's family.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of deliberately prolonging the conflict by delaying ceasefire agreements. In a recent statement, he noted that despite diplomatic efforts, Russia "stole almost another week, a week of war that only Russia wants." Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's unwavering commitment to defending its sovereignty and criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin's stance on the ceasefire as "highly manipulative," suggesting Putin is reluctant to admit to U.S. President Donald Trump his lack of genuine interest in peace. He also announced a restructuring of Ukraine's armed forces, appointing Andrii Hnatov as the new chief of the general staff, to bolster the nation's defense capabilities.

U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to discuss a potential resolution to the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This follows positive discussions between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin in Moscow, where a 30-day ceasefire proposal was tentatively agreed upon. The ceasefire aims to facilitate broader negotiations on territorial and security issues. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accepted the proposal, seeking immediate talks post-ceasefire and opposing recognition of Russian-occupied territories. The U.S. has resumed military aid and intelligence-sharing with Kyiv. While challenges remain, this initiative signifies a potential turning point in the three-year conflict.

A catastrophic fire erupted at the Pulse nightclub in Kočani, North Macedonia, claiming at least 59 lives and injuring 155 others. The blaze ignited around 2:35 am during a performance by the local hip-hop band DNK, when pyrotechnic effects set the flammable ceiling alight. Over 1,500 attendees, predominantly aged between 14 and 24, scrambled toward the venue's sole exit, leading to a deadly stampede. Investigations revealed that the club lacked a valid operating license, implicating high-level corruption. Authorities have detained approximately 20 individuals, including government officials and the club's management. The government has declared a seven-day national mourning period and initiated comprehensive inspections of similar venues to prevent future tragedies.

The United States has initiated significant airstrikes against Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, resulting in at least 53 fatalities, according to the Houthi-run health ministry. This operation, the largest in the Middle East since President Donald Trump assumed office, aims to halt Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, a vital global trade route. In retaliation, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi vowed to target U.S. vessels, stating, "If they continue their aggression, we will continue the escalation." Iran, the Houthis' main backer, warned the U.S. of severe consequences if threats persist. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the campaign's goal to restore freedom of navigation, asserting it will persist until Houthi attacks cease.

American podcaster Lex Fridman revealed he fasted for 45 hours before interviewing PM Narendra Modi, calling it a way to reach a "spiritual level." Modi expressed gratitude and explained fasting's deep roots in Indian tradition. He described how the practice enhances perception, heightens awareness, and sharpens senses. "Your ability to observe and perceive becomes stronger," Modi said, emphasizing fasting as a tool for discipline and balance. He also referenced Hinduism as a "way of life," not just rituals. Fridman’s gesture highlighted global interest in India’s ancient traditions.