India approves unprecedented major defense deal
India has approved a $7.3 billion deal to purchase 156 light combat helicopters (LCHs) for the country's air force and army, marking the largest ever order by the Indian defense sector.
According to the announcement, the Security Committee approved the agreement on March 28, which was later signed by the Ministry of National Defense. The Prachand helicopter, produced by hindustan Aeronautics Limited, is capable of operating at an altitude of 5,000m. The army will receive 90 units, while the air force will receive 66 units, supporting effective combat at sensitive borders.
South Korea arrests suspect causing forest fire disaster
On March 30, South Korea arrested a man in his 50s, suspected of causing the most serious forest fire in the southeastern country, which killed at least 26 people.
The fire broke out at 11:25 am on March 22 in Uiseong District, about 180km from the capital Seoul, when the suspect made the ancestor worshiping ceremony. The fire spread to many areas due to dry weather and strong winds. About 48,000 hectares of forest and 4,000 projects were burned down. The suspect denied the allegation. Forest fires were recurred on the night of March 29, but until the morning of March 30 was controlled 99%.
Trump threatens to bomb Iran
On March 30, US President Donald Trump warned that Iran could face an unprecedented military attack if it did not reach a nuclear deal with Washington.
Responding to NBC News, Mr. Trump declared: "If they don't reach an agreement, there will be bombings." He also stressed the possibility of imposing secondary sanctions on Iran as he had done before. The statements came after Iran denied direct talks with the US and said it would only participate in indirect dialogue when it is still subject to sanctions and military threats.
Another mysterious Egyptian pharaoh tomb discovered
Egyptian archaeologists and the University of Pennsylvania Museum have just discovered a 7m deep limestone tomb near the city of Abydos, believed to belong to an unidentified pharaoh, dating back about 3,600 years.
Inside the empty tomb, there were signs of long-standing theft. The name pharaoh is engraved with metaphorical characters but cannot be read anymore. The mausoleum belongs to the Second Transitional period, built in the complex of Neferhotep I and may be the largest mausoleum of the Abydos Dynasty ever found.
Countries react to Mr. Trump's new tariffs
President Donald Trump signed a decree imposing a 10% tax on all goods imported into the US, raising the tax rate for more than 60 countries. China is subject to the highest tax rate of 54%, Vietnam 46%, EU 20%, Japan 24%.
Many countries are concerned that the global supply chain will be affected, the economy will decline. Mr Trump has said he is ready to negotiate a tax cut if he receives a really great offer. China may use the TikTok deal as leverage. Meanwhile, the US stock market fell sharply, losing nearly $2,500 billion in April 3 alone.
South Korea removes President Yoon Suk Yeol
On April 4, 2025, the Constitutional Court of South Korea officially removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office for declaring martial law in December 2024. The ruling took effect immediately, forcing South Korea to hold a new presidential election on June 3.
Mr. Yoon was accused of violating the Constitution when deploying troops to the National Assembly and ordering the arrest of politicians. Police mobilized 20,000 security guards in Seoul, banned protests and blocked off areas around the Constitutional Court, where the verdict was broadcast live on television.
Israel advances into Gaza, hundreds of thousands of people flee
On April 3, the Israeli army advanced deep into Rafah, causing hundreds of thousands of Gazans to flee. Rafah, the last shelter for many, is now unsafe.
The Gaza Ministry of Health said 97 people were killed in 24 hours, including 27 at a school in Gaza. Israel said the attack was aimed at armed elements. The city was severely damaged, people feared being occupied for a long time. The comprehensive blockade has made the humanitarian situation worse. Israel is controlling the " Morag Corridor", between Rafah and Khan Younis.
