A grenade attack targeted the Thakurdwara temple in Amritsar, Punjab, with the incident captured on CCTV. Authorities are investigating a potential Pakistan link, given past cross-border terror threats. The explosion caused panic among locals, though no casualties were reported. Security forces have launched a probe, analyzing footage to identify suspects and their motives. The attack raises concerns about renewed terror activities in Punjab. Officials are also examining whether it aligns with previous incidents linked to Khalistani elements or Pakistan-backed groups. Increased security measures have been deployed in the area to prevent further attacks.    

Former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that he instructed officials to clean up Washington, D.C., before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, ensuring he didn’t see tents, graffiti, or potholes. Trump emphasized the importance of presenting a pristine image to foreign dignitaries, stating he wanted the city to look “beautiful”. His comments highlight his focus on optics during high-profile visits. The revelation has sparked discussions about selective city cleanups for diplomatic appearances rather than long-term urban improvements.  

Despite former U.S. President Donald Trump's optimism about a potential Ukraine ceasefire, Russian President Vladimir Putin has imposed complex conditions that hinder progress. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Putin of “sabotaging diplomacy” by setting unrealistic demands before even agreeing to a truce. Putin questions how the ceasefire would be monitored, raises concerns over Ukraine’s actions in the Kursk border region, and insists on addressing NATO expansion. Zelensky urges the U.S. to pressure Russia, arguing that only “the strength of America” can end the war. With Trump favoring a quick resolution and Putin pushing for a lengthy negotiation, an immediate ceasefire remains elusive.

A special court in Bengaluru has rejected the bail plea of actress Ranya Rao, who was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) for her alleged involvement in smuggling gold worth ₹3 crore. Rao was intercepted at Kempegowda International Airport, where officials seized the contraband. The court denied her bail, citing the gravity of the offense and the ongoing investigation. Authorities suspect a larger smuggling network, and further inquiries are underway. This case highlights stringent legal actions against gold smuggling operations in India.

On March 12, 2025, Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militants hijacked the Jaffar Express in Balochistan, Pakistan, seizing over 400 passengers, primarily security personnel. The insurgents demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum. As the deadline expired, the BLA claimed to have executed 214 military hostages, citing the Pakistani government's refusal to negotiate. The Pakistani military reported rescuing 354 hostages and killing 33 militants during the operation, while acknowledging 31 casualties among hostages. The BLA's claims lack independent verification, and the group has a history of exaggeration. This incident underscores the ongoing conflict in Balochistan, where separatists seek independence from Pakistan, often targeting security forces and infrastructure. 

On March 14, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared South Africa’s Ambassador to the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool, persona non grata, expelling him from the country. Rubio accused Rasool of being a “race-baiting politician” following his comments that President Trump promotes global white supremacy. The move deepens tensions between Washington and Pretoria, already strained by U.S. opposition to South Africa’s land expropriation policies and legal actions against Israel at the International Court of Justice. In retaliation, the U.S. has suspended financial aid to South Africa, further deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two nations.  

Raphael Satter, a Washington-based Reuters journalist, has sued the Indian government after his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status was revoked in December 2023. The Ministry of Home Affairs accused him of publishing investigative work that "maliciously" damaged India's reputation. His report alleged that an Indian IT firm, Appin, engaged in global hack-for-hire operations. Satter, who obtained OCI through marriage, denies violating Indian laws. His legal team argues that the government has not justified the revocation on security grounds. The Delhi High Court will hear the case on May 22, 2025, amid concerns over press freedom in India.  

At a United Nations General Assembly session, India strongly rebuked Pakistan for its "unjustified" reference to Jammu and Kashmir. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P Harish, asserted that such statements do not validate Pakistan’s claims and condemned its support for cross-border terrorism. Speaking during a session on combating Islamophobia, Harish criticized Pakistan’s continued efforts to internationalize Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a display of fanaticism and bigotry. He reaffirmed that Jammu and Kashmir remain an integral part of India, highlighting Pakistan’s history of using terror as a state policy.

Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian doctoral student in Urban Planning at Columbia University, voluntarily departed the United States after her visa was revoked by the Department of State on March 5, 2025. The revocation cited her alleged involvement in activities supporting Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. Srinivasan utilized the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's CBP Home App to self-deport on March 11. This action aligns with the Trump administration's intensified scrutiny of foreign students participating in pro-Palestinian protests. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that advocating for violence and terrorism invalidates the privilege of residing and studying in the U.S. 

In a coordinated operation on March 14, 2025, Iraqi national intelligence services, supported by U.S.-led coalition forces, successfully targeted and killed Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, also known as "Abu Khadija," the head of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria. The operation took place in Iraq's Anbar province, a region previously under significant ISIS influence. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani described al-Rifai as "one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world." U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation's success, stating that al-Rifai's "miserable life was terminated." This strategic strike underscores the ongoing commitment of Iraqi and coalition forces to dismantle ISIS's leadership and thwart the group's efforts to regain a foothold in the region.