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.

A gas explosion at a mosque in Uzbekistan's eastern Andijan region killed 3 people and injured 10 on Monday, the country’s emergencies ministry reported. The blast occurred in the mosque’s bathroom during Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion. Emergency responders were deployed to the site, and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Uzbekistan has faced frequent gas-related incidents due to outdated infrastructure. Officials urged citizens to follow safety measures to prevent further tragedies. Police continue to assess the damage and the circumstances of the explosion.

Dr. Sophie Chandauka, chair of Sentebale, has accused Prince Harry of "harassment and bullying" after he quit the charity he co-founded. Chandauka claimed the Duke of Sussex used his PR team to release damaging news without informing leadership, calling it "harassment at scale." She reported trustees to the UK Charity Commission and took legal action. Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho resigned last week, citing an irreparable breakdown. Several trustees have also left, demanding Chandauka’s resignation. "Some act above the law," she said, seemingly targeting Harry. (PC: Reuters)  

Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus, during his China visit, referred to India's seven northeastern states as "landlocked" while pitching Bangladesh as a gateway for Chinese investments. Speaking in Beijing, Yunus claimed Bangladesh was the "only guardian of the ocean," urging China to use it for economic expansion. His remarks, including references to Nepal and Bhutan, raised concerns in India. Experts questioned the geopolitical implications, with economist Sanjeev Sanyal calling for clarification. China pledged over $900 million in investments for Bangladesh, fueling speculation about its growing regional influence amid strained India-Bangladesh ties. (PC: India Today)

Russia and the US have started discussions on rare earth metals, a vital resource for electronics and military use. “Rare earth metals are an important area of cooperation… we have started discussions on various projects in Russia,” said Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund. Some companies have already shown interest, and further talks may take place in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Donald Trump expressed frustration with Vladimir Putin, saying he is "pissed off" over Russia's stance on Ukraine. Trump has tied US military aid for Kyiv to access its rare earth minerals, but negotiations are still ongoing. (PC: AP, Getty)

The death toll from Myanmar’s 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28 has risen to 2,056, with over 3,900 injured and nearly 270 missing. Rescuers are searching through debris, hoping to find more survivors. A woman was pulled alive from the rubble of a hotel in Mandalay, near the quake’s epicenter. In Bangkok, 76 people remain trapped under a collapsed building. Myanmar’s junta has declared a week of national mourning. Several countries, including India, have sent aid to the affected areas. The disaster comes as Myanmar faces ongoing conflict following the military coup in 2021. (PC: Reuters)

UK's King Charles has returned to Windsor Castle for a normal working week after a short hospital stay due to side effects from his cancer treatment. The 76-year-old monarch will attend public events, state meetings, and private gatherings, including his usual meeting with the prime minister. Some appointments have been rescheduled to allow rest before his state visit to Italy. On Thursday, he will celebrate the 80th anniversary of Mission Aviation Fellowship. Last week, the King was seen smiling as he left Clarence House after spending the night there with the Queen. He continues to receive weekly cancer treatment. (PC: PA)

Anina, an 18-year-old sniper in Myanmar's Chin militia, has spent four years battling the ruling junta, challenging both military rule and societal gender norms. Trained by a U.S. volunteer with experience in Syria, she began her resistance at 14. Anina has killed multiple soldiers but avoids boasting, stating, "I stopped counting after three." As the sole female sniper in her unit, she has earned respect for her marksmanship. Myanmar's civil war, ignited by the 2021 military coup, has drawn many young individuals, including children, into resistance groups. Anina's story highlights the challenges faced by youth in conflict and their resilience in the fight for democracy. (PC: The Guardian)

The U.S. State Department has revoked visas of over 300 international students, including Indians, citing involvement in campus protests and social media activities deemed "anti-national." Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that more revocations are forthcoming, targeting those participating in disruptive actions. This crackdown has intensified concerns among international students, especially those engaged in activism. Notably, Turkish Fulbright Scholar Rumeysa Ozturk was detained in Massachusetts after co-authoring an article critical of university investments linked to Israel. Her detention has sparked legal challenges and debates over free speech rights for international students in the U.S. (PC: AP Photo)

Rajasthan Royals' stand-in captain Riyan Parag was fined ₹12 lakh by the BCCI for maintaining a slow over-rate during their IPL 2025 match against Chennai Super Kings at the Barsapara Stadium. This was Rajasthan’s first offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL Code of Conduct. Parag is the second captain to be fined for this violation after MI’s Hardik Pandya. Despite the penalty, Rajasthan secured their first win, with Wanindu Hasaranga’s 4/35 and Sandeep Sharma’s final-over heroics sealing a thrilling victory. The Royals now prepare to face Punjab Kings in their next match. (PC: Reuters)