Pakistan police refuted the Baloch Liberation Army's (BLA) claim of taking 182 hostages, stating that 35 passengers were held while 350 remained safe. The militants derailed Jaffar Express using a bomb in Balochistan and attacked as it passed through a tunnel. Security forces launched an operation, deploying helicopters and special units. The BLA, demanding independence, threatened to execute hostages if military action continued. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, calling the perpetrators “beasts.” Authorities have not confirmed BLA’s claim of killing 20 soldiers. A relief train is en route to the affected site.

Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, subject to Moscow’s acceptance, following US-brokered talks in Saudi Arabia. In response, the US will resume military aid and intelligence sharing, reversing a halt imposed after a February 28 clash between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The discussions also covered humanitarian efforts, prisoner exchanges, and a minerals deal. Washington emphasized Russian reciprocity as key to peace. Trump received a letter from Zelenskyy, calling it a “positive first step.” Both sides aim to develop a long-term security framework for Ukraine with European involvement.

Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) insurgents hijacked the Jaffar Express in Balochistan, Pakistan, taking 214 hostages and claiming to have killed 30 security personnel. The train, carrying around 500 passengers, was attacked near Tunnel No. 8 after departing from Quetta. BLA militants threatened to execute hostages if military intervention continued. Pakistani forces launched a counter-operation, including aerial bombing, but were reportedly repelled. Women, children, and Baloch passengers were released, while security personnel remained captive. The attack comes amid escalating Baloch separatist activity. Emergency measures have been imposed across the province.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to Mauritius PM Navin Ramgoolam, his wife Veena Ramgoolam, President Dharambeer Gokhool, and First Lady Vrinda Gokhool. The announcement, made at a community event attended by 3,500 people, strengthens India-Mauritius ties. The OCI card allows indefinite residence, work, and study in India. Mauritius, home to 22,188 Indian nationals, has 13,198 OCI holders. PM Modi’s visit includes signing 8 MoUs on maritime security and inaugurating 23 India-funded projects.

Separatist militants in Pakistan’s Balochistan attacked a passenger train, killing 20 soldiers and taking 182 hostages, including military personnel. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, warning of executions if security forces did not withdraw. The Jaffar Express, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was ambushed inside a tunnel, leaving its driver seriously wounded. Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, vowing no concessions to the attackers. The Balochistan government has declared emergency measures. The BLA accuses Pakistan of exploiting Balochistan’s resources while ignoring local rights.

US President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum after Ontario imposed a 25% electricity tariff on US imports. The trade war has escalated, with Trump threatening further tariffs on Canadian cars by April 2 if Canada does not drop its tariffs. Canada previously imposed C$30 billion in retaliatory tariffs. Trump also reiterated his demand for Canada to become the 51st US state, claiming it would bring economic and military benefits. The tariffs take effect on March 12, further straining US-Canada relations.

Islamophobic incidents in the US reached a record 8,658 in 2024, a 7.4% increase from 2023, largely linked to Israel's Gaza war. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) reported rising employment discrimination (15.4%), immigration issues (14.8%), and hate crimes (7.5%). Attacks included the fatal stabbing of a Palestinian American boy and violence against protesters. Crackdowns on pro-Palestine demonstrations intensified, with arrests and suspensions on campuses. Trump vowed action against "anti-American activity." CAIR condemned the crackdown, warning of civil liberties threats. The report underscores growing Islamophobia and suppression of Palestinian solidarity movements in the US.

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has hijacked the Jaffar Express in Pakistan's Balochistan province, holding around 450 passengers hostage, including women and children. The militants have threatened to execute hostages if demands are not met. Pakistan's interior minister condemned the attack, vowing no concessions. Security forces have launched an operation, while emergency has been declared in local hospitals. The BLA, seeking Balochistan’s independence, claimed responsibility, stating they derailed the train and killed six security personnel, though no independent confirmation has been made. The attack highlights the ongoing insurgency in the resource-rich province.

Donald Trump announced he will buy a Tesla after the company’s stock dropped 15.4%, blaming “radical left lunatics” for boycotting Elon Musk’s firm. Analysts say the decline is due to falling Tesla sales and production concerns. The market downturn followed investor fears over Trump’s tariffs, which could slow economic growth. Despite supporting Musk, Trump’s policies have limited electric car sales by revoking EV mandates and halting charging station funds. After his statement, Tesla shares rose 5% in premarket trading. Meanwhile, protests against Musk’s politics continue as Tesla faces competition from Chinese EV makers.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has hijacked the Jaffar Express in Balochistan, Pakistan, taking over 400 passengers hostage. The train, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was forced to stop after militants blew up railway tracks. Six Pakistani military personnel were reportedly killed. The BLA warned of further violence if security forces intervene. The Balochistan government has declared emergency measures. The group, demanding independence, accuses Pakistan of exploiting the province’s resources. Security forces are at the scene, but the situation remains tense. The BLA claimed full responsibility in a statement.