At least 25 people died in Ukraine after new Russian strikes, officials said. In Donetsk, missiles hit homes and a shopping centre, killing 11 and injuring 40. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of targeting rescuers. Attacks also hit Kharkiv and Odesa, damaging infrastructure. Polish PM Donald Tusk warned, "This is what happens when someone appeases barbarians." Meanwhile, the US paused military aid to Ukraine, with former President Donald Trump saying dealing with Ukraine was "more difficult" than Russia. The EU pledged more support, while Ukraine continued to target Russian sites. The war, now in its third year, rages on.

Hollywood legend Gene Hackman reportedly lived with his wife Betsy's dead body for a week before he passed away. "He had no knowledge of her death," officials said, revealing that Hackman suffered from advanced Alzheimer’s. Betsy died on February 11 from hantavirus, a rare disease spread by mice. Hackman, 94, was found dead on February 26 at their New Mexico home. He died from heart disease and severe dehydration. "There was no food in his stomach," the autopsy stated. Officials believe Hackman’s illness prevented him from understanding his wife’s death.

3 Bulgarian nationals have been found guilty of spying for Russia in the UK. A London court convicted Katrin Ivanova, 43, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, of carrying out surveillance for Russian intelligence. They spied on journalists, diplomats, and Ukrainian soldiers. Their leader, Orlin Roussev, received €200,000 for the operations. The group used hidden spy devices and planned fake protests. Some members had links to Austrian businessman Jan Marsalek, a wanted Russian agent. They will be sentenced in May and could face up to 14 years in prison.

US President Donald Trump claimed Russia holds the upper hand in Ukraine war negotiations, stating Moscow has "all the cards." He reiterated his intent to end the conflict before offering security guarantees. Trump also suggested dealing with Ukraine was "more difficult" than with Russia. Despite stopping intelligence sharing, he hinted at new sanctions on Russia to push for talks. Meanwhile, UK PM Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed forming a “coalition of the willing” to support Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists on "clear security guarantees" before any peace deal.

Hamas leader Mushir al-Masri accused Donald Trump of “blatant double standards” in hostage negotiations, as the US confirmed direct talks with Hamas. Al-Masri claimed Trump prioritizes Israeli hostages over 10,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons. The talks aim to secure hostage releases and a Gaza ceasefire, but Israel refuses direct negotiations. Trump warned Hamas to release all hostages or face consequences. Meanwhile, the Arab League proposed an interim committee for Gaza’s governance. Hamas insists forced displacement will fail. The situation remains tense, with potential US military intervention looming.

Emergency services responded after a man holding a Palestinian flag climbed Big Ben at the Palace of Westminster in London. Photos showed him barefoot on a ledge several meters up Elizabeth Tower. Westminster Bridge and a nearby bridge were closed, with police, firefighters, and ambulance crews at the scene. Authorities used a fire brigade ladder platform and a megaphone to communicate with him. Tours of the Houses of Parliament were canceled. The Metropolitan Police stated they were “working to bring the incident to a safe conclusion” as crowds watched behind a police cordon.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed Donald Trump’s military threat, calling the US a “bully government” that seeks domination rather than genuine negotiations. His remarks follow Trump’s claim of sending a letter urging Iran to negotiate a new nuclear deal. However, Iran’s UN mission denied receiving any letter, while Tehran reiterated it won’t negotiate under US “maximum pressure.” Trump, meanwhile, suggested a military deadline is approaching but expressed preference for a peace deal. “Hopefully, we can have a peace deal,” he stated, hinting at imminent developments in US-Iran relations.

At least 20 people were killed and 43 injured in Russian strikes across Ukraine, including Donetsk and Kharkiv, Ukrainian officials reported. Donetsk regional head Vadym Filashkin said eight residential buildings and an administrative facility were damaged in Dobropillia. Casualties in Mariupol and Volnovakha, under Russian control, remain unconfirmed. The strikes come as the US limits Ukraine’s access to satellite imagery and pauses military aid. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have intercepted 31 Ukrainian drones overnight. US President Donald Trump is considering large-scale sanctions on Moscow, calling Russia’s offensive "absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield."

Karnataka police arrested two accused, Sai Mallu and Chethan Sai, in the gangrape of an Israeli tourist and a homestay operator near Hampi. The victims were attacked on March 6 while stargazing near Sanapur Lake. Three male co-travelers were assaulted and pushed into a canal, with one, Bibash from Odisha, found dead. The accused also robbed the group. One more suspect remains at large. A case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police assured swift action, stating, “We will catch the remaining accused soon.”

  Israeli forces have killed two Palestinians in northern Gaza after they attempted to return, defying warnings. In retaliation for Hamas's refusal to extend a ceasefire, Israel has implemented a full blockade on Gaza, halting all international humanitarian aid, including Irish relief shipments. This has intensified the ongoing humanitarian crisis, leaving 2.2 million Palestinians without essential resources. Global leaders have condemned Israel's actions as dangerously exacerbating the suffering and have called for continued peace talks to resolve the conflict. The blockade, alongside military actions, has sparked widespread international criticism.