A burst gas pipeline in Putra Heights, Malaysia, ignited a massive fire on Tuesday, injuring 112 people and damaging 49 houses. The inferno, visible for miles, erupted near a gas station during Eid celebrations. National oil company Petronas confirmed the fire started at 8:10 a.m., with emergency teams isolating the pipeline. Selangor authorities evacuated residents, relocating them to mosques. Some victims suffered burns and breathing difficulties, with 63 hospitalized. Eyewitnesses described tremors and collapsing structures. Viral videos captured flames reaching 20 stories high. Investigations continue as Petronas shuts three gas stations as a precaution. (PC: AP)

Russia dismissed US President Donald Trump’s Ukraine peace proposal, stating it fails to address the “root causes” of the conflict. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow takes Washington’s proposals seriously but cannot accept them in their current form. Trump, who promised to end the war swiftly, has expressed frustration with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Meanwhile, Kyiv reported fresh Russian strikes on power facilities. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged ongoing US-Russia talks but stressed the complexity of the negotiations. Western allies remain wary of Trump’s evolving stance on Russia. (PC: AFP)

From April 1, UK households face significant bill increases: energy costs will rise by 6.4%, adding £111 annually; water bills will surge by 26%; council tax may increase up to 9.99%; car tax and TV licences will each go up by £5; and broadband and mobile phone bills are set to rise by £21.99 to £42 annually for many customers. These hikes, dubbed "awful April," will intensify financial strains, especially for low- and middle-income families. Consumer groups recommend exploring cost-cutting measures, while political figures urge governmental intervention to alleviate the burden on affected households. (PC: Evening Standard)

A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar last Friday, resulting in over 2,000 fatalities and leaving survivors in dire need of food, water, and shelter. Aid groups report that many are sleeping outdoors due to fear of aftershocks, highlighting an urgent need for tents and medical care. Ongoing civil conflict and damaged infrastructure are severely hindering rescue and relief efforts. In Bangkok, search operations continue in the rubble of a collapsed skyscraper, with 13 confirmed deaths and 74 individuals still missing. Initial investigations suggest substandard steel may have contributed to the building's collapse. (PC: Reuters)

A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, resulting in over 2,000 fatalities and more than 3,900 injuries. The quake's epicenter near Mandalay led to widespread destruction, collapsing buildings, including hospitals and schools, and leaving approximately 270 individuals missing. Rescue operations face significant challenges due to ongoing civil conflict, damaged infrastructure, and communication breakdowns. The United Nations has called for unrestricted humanitarian access, but political complexities hinder aid delivery, especially in rebel-held territories. International assistance is mobilizing, with countries like China, India, and the UN deploying rescue teams. The disaster exacerbates Myanmar's existing humanitarian crisis, with 20 million people already in need of aid. (PC: The Economic Times)

Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew of sexual abuse, says she has four days to live after a car crash. In an Instagram post, she revealed she suffered kidney failure following the accident, where her car was hit by a school bus at high speed. "I'm ready to go, just not until I see my babies one last time," she wrote. A spokesperson confirmed she is receiving medical care. Giuffre previously sued Prince Andrew in 2021, alleging abuse when she was 17. The Duke has denied all claims and has not faced criminal charges. (PC: Instagram/@virginiarobertsrising11)

HAL-Russia Links 'Misleading And Factually Incorrect'   India has strongly refuted The New York Times’ report alleging Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) supplied sensitive technology to a Russian arms agency. Government sources called the claims “factually incorrect and misleading,” asserting that HAL strictly follows strategic trade controls and end-user commitments. The report claimed an Indian firm received equipment from British manufacturer H.R. Smith Group and sent parts to Russia with identical product codes. India criticized the NYT for "overlooking basic due diligence" and reaffirmed its commitment to international regulations. The UK previously warned companies about potential re-exports to Russia. (PC: News18.com)

Following unprecedented protests in Gaza, Hamas executed six demonstrators, publicly flogged others, and kidnapped multiple people. Thousands of Gazans took to the streets last week, demanding an end to Hamas rule, chanting, “The people do not want war.” Hamas responded with brutal crackdowns, including the execution of 22-year-old Oday Nasser Al' Rabays after hours of torture. Reports indicate increasing opposition to Hamas, with many Gazans seeing no future under its rule. Analysts suggest this wave of dissent could mark a turning point as public anger mounts over war and repression. (PC: Getty Images)

Transport for London (TfL) has banned non-folding e-bikes, including converted ones, from the Tube, Overground, Elizabeth line, and DLR. The decision follows safety concerns, with TfL citing an increased fire risk from converted e-bikes. An e-bike fire previously disrupted services at Rayners Lane. The ban will remain until improved safety measures are in place. Existing rules barring non-folding bikes on buses and trams remain unchanged. However, non-foldable e-bikes are still allowed on the Woolwich Ferry, Silvertown Cycle Shuttle, and select river and coach services. TfL says it will review the ban based on government safety regulations. (BBC)

The Kremlin downplayed tensions with the US on Monday, stating that "work is ongoing" despite Donald Trump's criticism of Vladimir Putin. Trump said he was "very angry" over Putin's suggestion that a UN-backed interim government could replace Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The US president also threatened secondary tariffs on Russian oil if Moscow fails to reach a ceasefire. However, he later softened his stance, saying he believes Putin "is going to be good." Meanwhile, Russia launched airstrikes on Kharkiv for the second night, while Ukraine targeted Russian regions with drone attacks.