Nursing influencer Hailey Okula has died from complications during childbirth, her husband Matthew announced on social media. The ER nurse, known as “Nurse Hailey,” had gained thousands of followers documenting her two-year IVF journey after struggling with infertility. According to KTTV, she went into cardiac arrest minutes after giving birth to her son Crew. Followers expressed shock and shared memories of her kindness and impact on their lives.READ FULL
Special Team Inspects North Sentinel Island After US National Arrested
US national Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov was arrested for illegally entering North Sentinel Island, home to the vulnerable Sentinelese tribe. Police and tribal welfare officials inspected the island by boat to search for items he reportedly left behind, including soft drinks. The 24-year-old had meticulously planned his visit and had previously attempted to reach the island. He also allegedly illegally recorded the Jarawa tribe during an earlier visit to the Andaman Islands.READ FULL
South Korea Court Upholds President Yoon’s Impeachment Over Martial Law
South Korea’s Constitutional Court unanimously upheld President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, removing him from office for violating the constitution with his December 3 martial law declaration. Yoon deployed armed soldiers to parliament in an attempt to subvert civilian rule, which judges ruled betrayed public trust. He faces separate criminal charges for insurrection. Fresh presidential elections must be held within 60 days. This marks South Korea’s second presidential impeachment after Park Geun-hye in 2017.READ FULL
Remains of 30th victim of Los Angeles fires found
The death toll from January’s devastating Los Angeles wildfires has risen to 30 after another victim was discovered in Altadena. The three-week blazes, which began January 7, destroyed over 10,000 homes across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Altadena, causing hundreds of billions in damage. The Palisades and Eaton fires burned 37,000 acres, becoming the most destructive in LA history, with climate change contributing to conditions that enabled the disaster.READ FULL
Gaza rescuers say Israeli air strikes in north kill at least 15
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City’s Shujaiya neighborhood killed at least 15 people on Thursday, with others trapped under rubble, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency. The Israeli military ordered immediate evacuation of the area, stating they are “operating with great force” to destroy “terrorist infrastructure” and directing residents to shelters in western Gaza City.READ FULL
ACMA Hopeful Of Strong Trade-Related Relations Between India and USA
ACMA President Shradha Suri Marwah noted that auto parts, already subject to 25% tariffs under Trump’s March 26 order, are exempt from the April 2 “Liberation Day” initiative. The association remains hopeful for favorable bilateral negotiations. Meanwhile, MP Shashi Tharoor warned the tariffs could harm both Indian exporters and American manufacturers who rely on Indian components, expressing hope for better trade agreements before October.READ FULL
New Study Reveals Chemical Secret Of Earth’s 4.5 Years Billion Crust
Scientists reveal that Earth’s earliest crust from 4.5 billion years ago had the same chemical composition as modern continental crust. This discovery, published in Nature, challenges previous methods for determining when plate tectonics began. Researchers found that distinctive chemical fingerprints were always present in Earth’s protocrust, explaining why previous studies yielded vastly different timeframes spanning 800 million to 4.5 billion years.READ FULL
S Jaishankar’s “Cherry-Picking” Jab At Dhaka’s Yunus Over Northeast Remark
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar rebuked Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Yunus who called India’s Northeast “landlocked” and positioned Bangladesh as its “ocean access guardian” during a China visit. Jaishankar emphasized India’s 6,500km coastline and role in regional connectivity. Northeast Indian leaders condemned Yunus’s remarks, which came as Bangladesh signed nine agreements with China and secured a $2.1 billion package.READ FULL
23 Bangladeshis rescued in Libya
Libya’s Criminal Investigation Department rescued 23 kidnapped Bangladeshis during a raid in Misrata, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli. Two suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, which followed an investigation into complaints of foreign nationals being tortured for ransom. The rescued individuals were transferred to Al Giran police for legal procedures. The Bangladesh mission expressed gratitude to Libyan law enforcement for their quick response and continues coordinating with local authorities to provide support to the rescued citizens.READ FULL
17,000 tonnes food aid arrives for Rohingyas
17,000 tonnes of food aid from American farmers has arrived in Chattogram for Rohingya refugees. The shipment will be distributed through the World Food Program to support over one million Rohingya in critical need. The US embassy called on other international donors to provide additional resources to share the burden of supporting the refugee population.READ FULL
Japan to regulate Google, Apple, itunes under new smartphone law
Japan’s Fair Trade Commission has designated Apple and Google as subjects of a new law regulating major IT companies in the smartphone app market. Taking full effect in December, the legislation will prevent these tech giants from blocking market entry by competitors or favoring their own services. Apple must allow other companies to operate app stores, while Google cannot prioritize its own services in search results. Both companies have expressed concerns about the regulation’s implementation.READ FULL
US tariffs on Vietnam would be a blow to Nike and other sportswear brands
Nike faces potential setback as President Trump prepares to announce new tariffs Wednesday, with Vietnam a likely target. The sportswear giant produces 50% of its footwear and 28% of apparel in Vietnam, putting it at risk during an already challenging sales period. Average US tariffs on Vietnamese footwear currently stand at 13.6%. Other brands heavily reliant on Vietnam include Adidas, Lululemon, and On, which sources 90% of its shoes from the country.READ FULL
Israel defence minister says Gaza offensive expands, will seize ‘large areas’
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Wednesday a major expansion of military operations in Gaza, stating the army will seize “large areas” to create Israeli security zones. Katz did not specify how much territory Israel would take, but had warned last week of “full force” operations in additional parts of Gaza. The announcement follows renewed bombing that began March 18, ending a two-month ceasefire in the conflict that has killed over 50,000 Palestinians since October 2023.READ FULL
Man pulled alive from Myanmar quake rubble after five days: fire service
Rescuers extracted a 26-year-old man alive from a collapsed hotel in Myanmar’s capital Naypyidaw early Wednesday. He survived five days trapped under rubble following the powerful earthquake that has killed over 2,700 people. A joint Myanmar-Turkish rescue team freed him around 12:30am local time, according to fire service and junta officials.READ FULL
Val Kilmer, star of ‘Batman’ and ‘Top Gun’, dies
Val Kilmer, 65, has passed away after battling throat cancer. The Hollywood star, famous for roles in “Top Gun,” “Batman Forever,” “The Doors,” and “Heat,” made his final appearance in “Top Gun: Maverick.” The New York Times confirmed his death today. His career was celebrated in the 2021 documentary “Val,” and his films have earned over $3.5 billion worldwide.READ FULL
China Launches Military Drills In Taiwan Strait
China announced new military exercises in the Taiwan Strait Wednesday, aiming to test “blockade and control” capabilities, just a day after surrounding Taiwan with army, navy, air and rocket forces. The drills in this crucial shipping waterway have increased tensions with Taiwan, which deployed its own forces in response. Relations have deteriorated since President Lai Ching-te took office in May 2024, creating potential conflict between China and Taiwan’s key ally, the United States.READ FULL
Democrat Cory Booker Sets Record With 25-Hour Senate Speech, An All-Nighter
Democratic Senator Cory Booker set a historic record with a 25-hour, 5-minute continuous speech on the Senate floor, breaking segregationist Strom Thurmond’s 68-year-old record. Booker protested President Trump’s agenda, including cuts to Social Security offices, while fellow Democrats provided support by asking questions. Though physically exhausted, Booker persisted to demonstrate Democratic resistance, drawing significant attention from colleagues and the public.READ FULL
“Break Up Bangladesh…”: Tripura Ex-Royal On “Extension Of China” Remark
India-Bangladesh tensions rise after Bangladesh interim leader Mohd Yunus called northeast Indian states “an extension of Chinese economy.” In response, Tripura politician Pradyot Manikya suggested India should take control of Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts. Assam’s Chief Minister called Yunus’ remarks “offensive.” Yunus had invited China to leverage Bangladesh’s sea ports, raising strategic concerns about the vulnerable Siliguri Corridor connecting India’s northeast.READ FULL
China, South Korea and Japan agree to strengthen free trade
China, South Korea, and Japan agreed to strengthen free trade at their first high-level trade meeting in five years, responding to new tariffs imposed by US President Trump. The three nations, which represent 24% of the global economy, called for accelerated negotiations on a trilateral free-trade agreement days before US tariffs on cars and auto parts take effect. Officials emphasized the need for joint action amid increasing economic fragmentation and protectionism.READ FULL
Leipzig fire Marco Ross
RB Leipzig have fired coach Marco Rose following a 1-0 loss to Borussia Moenchengladbach, marking their sixth consecutive away match without a win. Despite leading the team to a German Cup triumph last season, sporting director Marcel Schaefer cited poor results as the reason for seeking “new impetus.” The club, currently sixth in the Bundesliga, faces Stuttgart in a German Cup semi-final on Wednesday. A successor will be announced soon.READ FULL
Myanmar earthquake death toll hits 1,700 as aid scramble intensifies
Myanmar earthquake death toll reaches 1,700 with over 3,400 injured and 300 missing. The 7.7-magnitude quake, one of the strongest in a century, has prompted international aid from neighboring countries. Infrastructure damage is hampering relief efforts in the war-torn nation. In nearby Thailand, 18 people died when an under-construction building collapsed, with 76 still trapped beneath the rubble.READ FULL
Italy approves decree to use Albanian migration centres for repatriation
Italy has expanded the use of Albanian asylum centers to include repatriation hubs for migrants with deportation orders, despite legal challenges that have kept the €800 million facilities largely inactive. This aligns with a recent EU proposal for “return hubs” in third countries. Separately, Italy tightened citizenship rules, limiting automatic citizenship for descendants of Italians born abroad to only two generations.READ FULL
Columbia University’s head steps down after concessions made in feud with Trump over funds
Columbia University’s interim president Katrina Armstrong has resigned following the university’s concessions to the Trump administration to regain $400 million in canceled federal funding. The government had accused Columbia of inadequately addressing antisemitism during Gaza-related campus protests. Board of Trustees Co-Chair Claire Shipman was immediately appointed acting president. Faculty groups have sued the administration over forced changes to campus protest rules and oversight of the Middle Eastern studies department.READ FULL
Partial solar eclipse to cross swathe of Northern Hemisphere
A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the Northern Hemisphere on Saturday, lasting from 0850 GMT to 1243 GMT. The Moon will cover up to 90% of the Sun’s disc, with northeastern Canada and Greenland getting the best view. Skygazers in Europe, parts of northeastern North America, and northwest Africa can witness the event using proper eye protection. This is the first eclipse of the year and the 17th this century.READ FULL
Myanmar-Thailand quake toll passes 700 as rescuers dig for survivors
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, killing over 700 people. The quake caused widespread destruction in Myanmar’s Mandalay region, with at least 694 deaths reported there. In Bangkok, about 10 people died, including workers when a 30-storey building collapsed. Myanmar’s junta chief has made a rare appeal for international aid. The US, India, France, and EU have offered assistance.READ FULL
16 Maoists Killed, 2 Security Personnel Injured In Chhattisgarh Encounter
Sixteen Maoists were killed and two security personnel sustained minor injuries during an encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district on Saturday. The gunfight occurred in a forest under the Kerlapal police station area during a joint anti-Maoist operation by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The operation was launched Friday night based on intelligence about Maoist presence in the area. The operation is still ongoing.READ FULL
Stuart Law Appointed As Nepal Mens Head Coach For Two Years
Stuart Law, former Australian batter, has been appointed as Nepal men’s cricket team head coach for two years. Law brings extensive international coaching experience, having previously worked with USA, Bangladesh, West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. He replaces Monty Desai, whose tenure ended in February. Law’s first assignment will be a tri-series against Scotland and Netherlands in June as part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2.READ FULL
Israel Parliament Expands Political Control Over Judicial Appointments
Israel’s parliament passed a controversial law expanding politicians’ power over judicial appointments, with 67 votes in favor. The legislation, part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial reforms, sparked massive protests, with critics calling it a threat to democracy. Opposition parties immediately filed a supreme court challenge, arguing the law undermines judicial independence and could lead to authoritarian control.READ FULL
King Charles Hospitalised Over ‘Side Effects’ From Cancer Treatment
King Charles III was briefly hospitalized on Thursday due to side effects from his cancer treatment. Buckingham Palace announced that he experienced temporary complications during his ongoing medical treatment, leading to the cancellation of his appointments for the day and Friday. The king has since returned home and is in good spirits, working on state papers.READ FULL
Mamata Banerjee Heckled By Students During Speech At Oxford Event
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was interrupted by protesters during her speech at Oxford University’s Kellogg College, who raised issues of post-poll violence and a college scandal. Banerjee handled the disruption calmly and confidently, addressing the protesters directly. The audience supported her, and the protesters were eventually asked to leave, allowing her to complete her speech successfully.READ FULL
9,500 tonnes of Indian rice arrive at Chattogram port
A shipment of 9,500 metric tonnes of parboiled rice from India has arrived at Chattogram port under an international open tender agreement. This is part of Bangladesh’s larger import plan of 450,000 tonnes of rice, with 297,269 tonnes already received. Samples from the latest shipment have been tested, and unloading operations are set to commence shortly.READ FULL
South Korea sports ministry to inspect pitches after Son criticism
South Korea’s sports ministry will collaborate with the domestic soccer league to improve pitch conditions after national team captain Son Heung-min blamed poor field quality for subpar World Cup qualifier performances. The ministry plans to inspect 27 stadiums and develop a sustainable management system. South Korea remains on track to qualify for their 11th consecutive World Cup.READ FULL
Yunus seeks FAO help to boost farm exports to China
Professor Muhammad Yunus met FAO Director General Qu Dongyu at the Boao Forum, seeking support to export Bangladeshi fruits and farm products to China. Yunus requested assistance in processing, packaging, and market access. Qu offered full support, promising to create a network between Bangladeshi and Chinese farm companies, expressing confidence in Bangladesh’s potential.READ FULL
Trump Announces 25% Tariffs On Foreign-Made Vehicles
President Trump announced a 25% tariff on foreign-made cars and light trucks, set to take effect on April 2. Targeting imports from countries like Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Mexico, the move aims to boost US automotive industry. Wall Street responded negatively, with automaker stocks sliding. Trump calls it “Liberation Day” for the economy, while trade partners seek balanced negotiations.READ FULL
IMF Agrees On New $1.3 Billion Loan Program For Pakistan
The IMF has agreed on a new $1.3 billion loan program for Pakistan and is reviewing an existing bailout that could unlock an additional $1 billion. The 28-month deal aims to support climate change adaptation and economic recovery. Pakistan narrowly avoided default in 2023 and continues implementing strict financial reforms.READ FULL
Trump Officials Call Europe “Freeloading, Pathetic” In Leaked Chat
President Trump endorsed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s criticism of European nations, agreeing they are “freeloading” during a leaked Signal app chat. The conversation, which included Vice President JD Vance, expressed frustration about U.S. support for Europe, with Hegseth calling European behavior “PATHETIC.”READ FULL