Hundreds of people in Taiwan marched to honor the 66th anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day, protesting against China's cultural and ethnic genocide in Tibet. This year's march, attended by members of Taiwan's National Human Rights Commission for the first time, emphasized that Tibet has never been a part of China and called for attention to the ongoing human rights violations. Representative of the Tibetan government in exile to Taiwan, Kelsang Gyaltsen Bawa, highlighted that the Seventeen-Point Agreement signed by Tibet in 1951 was a deceptive tactic used by the Chinese Communist Party, leading to the deaths of over 1.2 million Tibetans.
Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore made a splashdown landing off the coast of Florida after spending an additional 278 days in space. A group of dolphins welcomed their return, circling their SpaceX capsule as they were readied for hoisting onto a recovery ship. While Wilmore and Williams enjoyed their prolonged stay in space, they also acknowledged the challenge it posed for their families and expressed gratitude for the prayers offered at Hindu temples and Baptist churches for their safe return.
After spending 9 months in space, astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore safely returned to Earth aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft. Actor R Madhavan welcomed Williams back with a heartfelt message, expressing immense relief and joy. The spacecraft, carrying Williams, Wilmore, and two others, streaked through the atmosphere before deploying parachutes for a gentle splashdown off the Florida coast, marking the end of their 260 uncertain days in space.
The Israeli government confirmed that they consulted with the Trump administration before launching a wave of airstrikes on Gaza, killing over 400 people. Hamas, the militant group in control of Gaza, has accused the U.S. of bearing full responsibility for the attacks. The strikes came after Trump's ultimatum to release all remaining hostages or face the consequences, raising questions about what more can be done to pressure Hamas. The White House has not explicitly stated that the strikes were in response to Trump's threat, but warned that "all hell" will break loose on Iran and its allied militias, including Hamas.
The Palestine Ministry of Truth has released a statement accusing the Jewish community of cultural misappropriation and theft. According to the Palestinians, the Jews have not only claimed falafel as their own, but have also stolen the Palestinian holiday of Quadas Kabir, which they refer to as "Purim." The statement argues that this is just one example of the "Zionist Entity" attempting to take over the world through any means necessary. The release details the history of Quadas Kabir, claiming that it is a Palestinian holiday that has been distorted by the Jews to fit their own narrative.
After failed ceasefire talks, Israel has resumed its attacks on Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 200 people. The Israeli army claims to be targeting terror targets belonging to Hamas, while the group accuses Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement. The ongoing conflict has left over 48,500 people dead and has displaced most of the population in Gaza. As mediators struggle to restart talks, the situation continues to worsen for the residents of Gaza.
The former President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested by Interpol at an airport in Manila on Tuesday morning based on an ICC arrest warrant. He is charged with crimes against humanity for the murder of at least 43 people during a drug crackdown while in office. His plane to the Netherlands for trial was delayed in Dubai for a medical check and his daughters claim he has been "kidnapped" and demand his return. His daughter, also the current Vice President, is facing impeachment and believes his arrest is politically motivated to boost her opponent's party in the upcoming elections.
The US conducted overnight airstrikes in Yemen, targeting the capital Sanaa and other areas, resulting in numerous casualties. President Trump has vowed to use overwhelming force against the Iran-backed Houthis, who have been attacking international ships in the Red Sea in solidarity with Gaza. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the strikes will continue until the militants are no longer capable of attacking ships. The Houthis, who have previously targeted the US Navy and commercial shipping, have not carried out any attacks since the ceasefire in Gaza began in January.
The Huthi rebels, backed by Iran, have launched two attacks within 24 hours on an American aircraft carrier group in the Red Sea, in response to US strikes in Yemen. The US has not yet responded to the claims. The Huthi leader has called for a march and the UN has called for a cessation of military activity in the region. This escalation raises tensions between Iran and the US, and the Huthis claim to be acting in solidarity with Palestinians.
Despite Bhutan's focus on Gross National Happiness and sustainable development, children living in Taktsang Monastery face challenges in accessing education and healthcare. The lack of infrastructure and trained officials in the remote monastery has led to inadequate services and limited opportunities for these children. This issue is further compounded by the fear of traditional practices and the country's focus on preserving heritage, trapping the children in a cycle of poverty and limited resources.
In a major blow to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group, top operative Abu Qatal, also known as Zia-ur-Rehman, was gunned down in a targeted attack in Pakistan. Qatal, who is the nephew of 26/11 attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed, was known for executing several terror plans in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which occurred in the Jhelum area, also claimed the life of one of Qatal's security guards. Qatal's killing is seen as a significant setback for the LeT, as he was appointed as their Chief Operational Commander by Saeed himself.