Syria has condemned Israeli airstrikes on Damascus as a “flagrant assault” aimed at inflaming tensions. Israeli forces struck a military headquarters and areas near the presidential palace, reportedly killing 3 people and injuring dozens. Syria’s foreign ministry accused Israel of targeting government institutions and civilian facilities, causing severe infrastructure damage. Israel claims the strikes protect Syria’s Druze community after sectarian clashes but also carry political motives. Recent strikes have focused on Suweida in southwest Syria, where a ceasefire was reported. Damascus holds Israel fully responsible for the “dangerous escalation” and warned of serious consequences for regional security and stability. (PC: BBC)

An Israeli airstrike struck Syria’s state TV building in Damascus during a live broadcast, forcing the anchor to flee mid-telecast. Defence Minister Israel Katz warned of “painful blows” to come, vowing continued action against Syrian forces in Suweida, where clashes with Druze fighters have escalated. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to protect the Druze community and keep southwestern Syria demilitarized. This marks the third consecutive day of strikes, including one on Syria’s defence ministry. Katz warned Israel would escalate further if Damascus ignored these warnings. Tensions continue to rise as ceasefire efforts collapse.

The Air India Boeing 787-8 crash in Ahmedabad, which killed 260 people, has reignited global calls for cockpit video recorders. The crash report revealed pilots arguing over fuel switches before the disaster. While cockpit voice and flight data recorders exist, video remains absent due to privacy concerns raised by pilot unions. The US NTSB has long advocated for cockpit cameras, citing investigation benefits. Critics argue cameras would prevent false blame and enhance safety, but pilots fear misuse and surveillance. China’s COMAC C919 may soon feature such systems. The debate now centers on privacy versus safety in aviation.

Paranormal investigator Dan Rivera, 54, died suddenly while touring with the infamous ‘haunted’ Annabelle doll. Rivera, a US Army veteran, was in Pennsylvania on his sold-out “Devils on the Run Tour” when he died in his Gettysburg hotel room. Emergency responders found him unresponsive, and the cause of death remains unknown. Authorities say the death appears non-suspicious. Rivera was known for appearances on Travel Channel’s Most Haunted Places and Netflix’s 28 Days Haunted. He was touring with the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) to showcase the doll, which inspired The Conjuring movies. An investigation is ongoing. (PC: NDTV)

Israel has struck a military target near the presidential palace in Damascus, Syria, killing 1 civilian and injuring 18 others, according to the Syrian health ministry. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it hit Syria’s defense ministry headquarters in Damascus. Israel claims the strikes aim to protect the Druze community in southwest Syria, where deadly clashes with Syrian government forces continue. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is acting “to save our Druze brothers.” These latest attacks follow days of Israeli strikes on the Suweida region. Syria’s government has condemned the strikes as violations of its sovereignty. (PC: BBC)

Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala’s Palakkad district, has received a last-minute delay in her execution in Yemen. She was sentenced to death in 2018 for the murder of her Yemeni business partner. Nimisha went to Yemen in 2008, opened a clinic, and was arrested in 2017 after the man’s death. Her family raised over $40,000 to pay “blood money” for her release. India’s government and religious leaders, including Yemen’s Grand Mufti, appealed to stop her execution. Originally set for July 16, the execution is now on hold as India continues to seek clemency for her. (PC: HT)

England’s Joe Root has reclaimed the No.1 spot in the ICC Men’s Test batting rankings after his brilliant century at Lord’s against India. Root scored 104 and 40 in England’s seven-wicket victory, helping the hosts take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. With 888 rating points, Root has overtaken teammate Harry Brook. This marks Root’s eighth stint as the world’s top Test batter. At 34, he becomes the oldest No.1 since Kumar Sangakkara in 2014. Root also surpassed Rahul Dravid’s tally of centuries and crossed 8000 runs batting exclusively at No.4, joining legends Tendulkar, Jayawardene, and Kallis.  (PC: India Today)

A dam near Orsk in Russia’s Orenburg region collapsed on April 5 after torrential rain and melting snow, causing the Ural River to overflow and submerging the city of 200,000 into a “critical” flood situation, officials have warned . Over 4,500 people—including 1,100 children—have been evacuated, with more than 6,500 homes inundated and a federal emergency declared . Water levels rose 28 cm in a single day in nearby Orenburg (pop. 560,000), prompting threats of forced evacuation . Russian authorities are preparing for further flooding in Kurgan and Tyumen, with the flood peak expected by April 9 and stabilization after April 20.  

Israel bombed the entrance of the Syrian army’s headquarters in Damascus and launched strikes on Suwayda, a Druze-majority city in southern Syria. The strikes followed renewed clashes in Suwayda despite a ceasefire agreed on Tuesday. Syrian state media reported Israeli drone attacks caused civilian casualties. The Israeli army claimed its actions aimed to protect Druze communities and warned it is prepared for “various scenarios.” Fighting between armed groups and Syrian government forces has intensified in Suwayda. Israel’s strikes near key military sites in Damascus further escalate tensions, as fears grow over a broader regional conflict. (PC: News18)

At least 20 Palestinians were killed in a chaotic crowd surge at a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid centre in Khan Younis on Wednesday. The Israel and US-backed group blamed armed agitators within the crowd. Palestinian health officials said suffocation and crushing caused the deaths. Over 875 people have died near Gaza aid sites in 6 weeks. The UN has condemned these centres as "death traps" amid Gaza’s worsening hunger crisis, with 1 in 10 children now malnourished. GHF rejected criticism, insisting its security reduces looting risks, while Palestinians say they have no other option for food. (PC: NDTV)