At least 63 people were hospitalized in Malaysia on Tuesday following a massive fire at a gas pipeline operated by state energy firm Petronas. Authorities worked urgently to contain the blaze and evacuate nearby residents.
The fire erupted on Tuesday morning in Puchong, Selangor, near the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. Those hospitalized suffered burns, respiratory issues, and other injuries, according to officials.
Petronas confirmed the pipeline had been isolated, while fire department teams shut off the valve on the 500-meter (1,640-foot) long pipeline. Authorities reported 49 homes in the area were impacted by the incident.
Images shared on social media showed a towering orange blaze and a thick plume of smoke engulfing the horizon. A Reuters journalist positioned 5 km (3 miles) from the fire observed the flames subsiding by early afternoon, though smoke continued to billow.
Emergency responders quickly sealed off the area, with ambulances rushing to the scene. Though no fatalities were reported, the extent of injuries and property damage remains unclear. Earlier reports mentioned residents trapped in their homes.
Petronas stated it was collaborating closely with authorities to ensure the safety of the local community, safeguard the environment, and maintain gas supply security.
The Malaysian government established relief centers at two local mosques to support affected residents, as reported by Bernama.
China has launched military drills off Taiwan’s northern, southern, and eastern coasts as a “stern warning” against separatism, while labeling Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te a “parasite.” In response, Taiwan deployed warships to confront China’s navy encroaching on its territory.
The exercises, notably unnamed unlike last year’s war games, follow heightened rhetoric from Beijing against Lai and come shortly after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Asia visit, where he criticized China’s aggressive stance.
Beijing’s Eastern Theatre Command announced the drills involve naval ships, aircraft, and artillery, simulating blockades, ground and maritime strikes, and air interceptions to “test forces’ coordination in combat.”
Last May, just three days after Lai’s inauguration, Chinese forces staged war games aimed at seizing control of areas west of the first island chain, complete with live-fire missile drills. The Eastern Theatre Command called Lai a “parasite” in a video, depicting him as a green bug over a burning Taiwan.
Taiwan’s government swiftly condemned the drills, labeling China a “troublemaker” widely recognized by the global community. “The government is confident and capable of defending itself,” the presidential office asserted.
Rejecting Beijing’s sovereignty claims, Taiwan’s government reiterated that only the island’s people can decide their future. According to Taiwanese officials, over 10 Chinese military ships approached Taiwan’s 24-nautical-mile contiguous zone, prompting a response from Taiwan’s warships.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported 71 Chinese military aircraft and 13 navy ships involved in the drills, though no live fire was detected. The ministry heightened military readiness to prevent any sudden attacks from China.
China’s Foreign Ministry defended the drills as “legitimate and necessary actions to safeguard national sovereignty.” Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized, “China’s reunification is an unstoppable trend—it will happen, and it must happen.”
In response to Chinese warships, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry confirmed the Shandong aircraft carrier group had entered the island’s response area. Taiwan dispatched aircraft, ships, and land-based missile systems to monitor the situation.
A senior Taiwanese security official noted Beijing likely sought to avoid direct confrontation with Washington ahead of U.S.-China trade talks. “Taiwan is their best excuse,” the official said, suggesting the drills were timed with Hegseth’s departure from Asia.
The American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto U.S. embassy, condemned China’s actions: “Once again, China has shown it is not a responsible actor and is willing to jeopardize regional security.”
China’s military released multiple propaganda videos under titles like “Closing In,” showcasing Chinese forces surrounding Taiwan. Another animation, “Shell,” depicted President Lai as a cartoon bug spawning parasites across the island with phrases like “Parasite poisoning Taiwan island. Parasite hollowing Island out.”
A third video, “Subdue Demons and Vanquish Evils,” featured Sun Wukong from the video game “Black Myth: Wukong,” portraying a mythical warrior before cutting to footage of Chinese fighter jets.
A fourth poster, “Enveloping Advance,” showed Chinese characters covering the island. Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo denounced the rhetoric as provocative, urging Beijing to address internal corruption rather than destabilize the region.
Koo referenced a sweeping anti-corruption purge that led to the ousting of former Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu in October 2024. China’s Defense Ministry did not respond to Koo’s remarks.
The Global Times, owned by the Chinese Communist Party, noted the drill’s lack of a code name signified how military operations around Taiwan had become a “normal practice.” The outlet praised the exercises, claiming they boosted the PLA’s combat readiness.
Elon Musk claims to have paid Ashley St. Clair $2.5 million and continues to provide $500,000 annually, despite questioning the paternity of her baby boy. “I don’t know if the child is mine or not, but I’m not against finding out. No court order is needed,” Musk, 53, commented on a video shared on X, which showed St. Clair selling her Tesla.
In response, St. Clair posted on X, “Elon, we asked you to confirm paternity through a test before our child—whom you named—was even born. You refused. And you weren’t sending *me* money, you were supporting your child as you thought necessary… until you withdrew most of it to maintain control and punish me for ‘disobedience.’ But you’re really only punishing your son.”
The 26-year-old conservative influencer added, “It’s ironic that your last effort in court was to gag me while you use a platform you own to spread derogatory messages about me and our child to the world. It’s all about control with you, and everyone can see it.”
Over the weekend, paparazzi captured St. Clair selling her $100,000 Tesla Model S to an auto sales representative. “I’m selling it because I need to make up for the 60% cut Elon made to our son’s child support,” she said.
When asked if Musk was being vindictive, she replied, “Yeah, that’s his modus operandi when women speak out.”
St. Clair also claimed Musk stopped communicating with her after February 13—the day before she publicly stated he fathered her now-6-month-old son but could not “be counted on” to “act consistently in the role of a father.”
When questioned about Musk’s handling of the paternity and custody disputes, St. Clair remarked with a smile, “You can check the stocks; I’m not the only one cleaning up after his messes.”
Earlier this month, St. Clair’s legal team accused Musk of financially retaliating against his own child by unilaterally slashing child support after she filed for sole legal custody.
“Elon Musk has substantially reduced his financial support after Ashley was forced to bring this matter to court,” her attorneys stated. They also revealed Musk allegedly filed an “emergency application to gag Ashley,” which the judge denied, though it remains pending.
St. Clair’s legal team criticized Musk, saying, “Given that Mr. Musk champions transparency in government, it would be beneficial if he managed his personal affairs with the same principles.”
In her lawsuit, St. Clair confidently asserted Musk is the father, claiming she had no relations with any other man during conception. She shared a photo from the hospital with her newborn, which she says Musk responded to by saying, “I look forward to seeing you and him this weekend.”
The court documents also include messages allegedly sent by Musk, such as a November 2024 text saying, “I want to knock you up again,” and a similar sentiment on February 2: “Well, we do have a legion of kids to make.”
Their heated exchanges, including references to intimate moments, have since resurfaced, adding to the spectacle of their very public feud.
Zimbabwe was brought to a standstill on Monday as a planned national protest against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership turned into a widespread shutdown. The protest, aimed at pressuring Mnangagwa to step down, was met with heavy police and military presence, deterring citizens from gathering in the streets.
Despite calls from opposition leader Blessed Geza for Zimbabweans to “fill the streets,” only a small number of demonstrators, including disgruntled war veterans accusing Mnangagwa of corruption and clinging to power, were present. Police quickly dispersed the crowd using tear gas at President Robert Mugabe Square in Harare.
In a video shared on social media, a determined woman defiantly declared, “We’re not going anywhere; we’re going to stay here.” Another protester, a 63-year-old grandmother on crutches, described her hardships, stating, “I am taking care of my grandchildren because my children cannot afford to.”
Geza, a vocal critic of the president and former Zanu-PF member, has repeatedly demanded Vice-President Constantine Chiwenga replace Mnangagwa. The vice-president has not publicly addressed the calls, and government officials deny any rift between the two leaders.
Across the country, businesses shuttered, streets emptied, and public transport ground to a halt as citizens opted to stay home. Schools closed, and security forces mounted roadblocks and patrols, removing debris left by protesters.
Political analyst Ibbo Mandaza dismissed claims that the low turnout reflected a lack of support, asserting, “The shutdown was a massive political statement.”
Farai Murapira, a spokesperson for the ruling Zanu-PF party, downplayed the impact, claiming social media misrepresented reality.
The protests were sparked by reports that Mnangagwa plans to extend his final term by two years to 2030, despite the constitution’s two-term limit. The slogan “2030 he will still be the leader” has gained traction among his supporters.
Although Mnangagwa recently pledged to step down in 2028, skepticism remains. Geza, a war veteran of the 1970s liberation struggle, has delivered fiery, expletive-laden speeches calling for the 82-year-old president’s resignation.
Zimbabwe’s clergy has urged restraint, warning that unrest could destabilize the already fragile nation. A petrol station attendant told the BBC, “Ordinary people don’t want the country to slide into civil war.”
As tensions simmer, Zimbabwe faces a defining moment in its political future, with questions mounting over Mnangagwa’s intentions and the country’s path forward.
Iran has issued a stark warning to the United States, pledging a “firm and immediate” response if U.S. President Donald Trump follows through on threats to bomb the country amid stalled nuclear deal negotiations.
The warning from Iran’s Foreign Ministry came after Trump vowed to strike Iran “like never before” if a new nuclear deal was not reached. The formal notice was delivered to a Swiss diplomat, who was assured the message would be conveyed to Washington. The Iranian diplomat condemned Trump’s statements, calling them provocative and a violation of international law and the UN Charter.
Earlier, Trump had set a two-month deadline in a March 7 letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging negotiations and warning of “devastating consequences” if Tehran advanced its nuclear program. Iran rejected the proposal for direct talks, prompting Trump to reiterate his threat on NBC:
“If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing—the likes of which they have never seen before.”
The escalating rhetoric coincided with the deployment of B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to the British island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean—positioned within striking range of Iran. The bombers, capable of delivering 25-ton payloads with precision, serve as a formidable deterrent.
Ayatollah Khamenei responded defiantly, warning the U.S. against any military action:
“If they commit any mischief, they will surely receive a strong reciprocal blow.”
As he delivered the speech, crowds chanted “Death to America,” recalling the charged atmosphere of the 1980s revolution. Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly positioned missiles in fortified underground facilities, readying for potential strikes against U.S. targets.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected direct negotiations but left the door open to indirect talks, stating:
“We don’t avoid talks—it’s the breach of promises that has caused issues for us so far. [The U.S.] must prove that they can build trust.”
As tensions escalate, the world watches closely to see if diplomacy can avert a catastrophic conflict.
In a devastating incident during a training exercise in Lithuania, three U.S. Army soldiers have been confirmed dead, while a fourth remains missing after their armored recovery vehicle became submerged in a peat bog. The soldiers, all from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, were deployed to Lithuania as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, supporting NATO’s deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe.
The tragic incident occurred on the morning of March 25, when the soldiers’ M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle sank into a dense peat bog during a mission to recover an immobilized tactical vehicle. Despite the swift response from American and Lithuanian armed forces, the challenging terrain hampered immediate rescue efforts.
The identities of the fallen soldiers are being withheld until families are notified, according to the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Public Affairs Office. Recovery operations remain ongoing for the fourth missing soldier.
Over the past six days, a coordinated search effort involving hundreds of American and Lithuanian soldiers, law enforcement, and specialized equipment has scoured the forested and swampy terrain of the accident site. The rescue operation required the use of Lithuanian military helicopters, unmanned aerial systems, fixed-wing aircraft, and heavy-duty excavation tools. Hundreds of tons of gravel and earth were brought in to stabilize the soft ground, allowing the 63-ton armored vehicle to be extracted early Monday morning.
Major General Christopher Norrie, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, expressed profound grief over the tragic loss:
> “The Soldiers we have lost in this tragedy were not just Soldiers — they were a part of our family. Our hearts are heavy with a sorrow that echoes across the whole Marne Division, both forward and at home. We stand in grief with the families and loved ones of these extraordinary ‘Dogface Soldiers’ during this unimaginable time. But the search isn’t finished until everyone is home.”
The U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with military training exercises, particularly in challenging environments.
Lithuania, a NATO member since 2004 and a former Soviet republic, has hosted hundreds of U.S. troops since 2014 as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve. The mission was established in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to European security and deterrence.
As the search for the missing soldier continues, the U.S. Army mourns the loss of these brave soldiers who dedicated their lives to duty and defense.
Stock markets around the world are experiencing a sharp downturn as President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” draws closer. On Monday, financial markets from Wall Street to Wellington, New Zealand, posted significant losses, reflecting investor anxiety over the upcoming tariffs and economic policies set to be unveiled by the U.S. administration.
In New York, the S&P 500 index fell 0.6%, following one of its worst sessions in recent years on Friday. The index is on track to close the first quarter with a nearly 6% decline, marking its most challenging quarter in nearly three years.
As uncertainty grows, investors are flocking to safer assets. Gold prices surged, briefly surpassing $3,160 per ounce. U.S. Treasury bonds also gained traction, driving yields lower. The 10-year Treasury yield dropped to 4.22% from 4.27% on Friday, significantly down from 4.80% in January.
Set for April 2, Trump’s “Liberation Day” is expected to bring the introduction of “reciprocal” tariffs aimed at leveling the trade imbalance by matching taxes and fees imposed by foreign countries on American goods. Goldman Sachs economists anticipate an average 15% reciprocal tariff, warning that these measures could escalate inflation and stifle U.S. economic growth.
David Mericle, a Goldman Sachs economist, raised the probability of a U.S. recession within the next year to 35%, up from 20% previously. The revised forecast reflects concerns about reduced economic growth, eroding consumer confidence, and the administration’s apparent willingness to endure economic hardship for perceived trade benefits.
The tariffs could range from moderate to extreme, and uncertainty surrounding their scope has rattled investors. If the measures are less severe than anticipated, markets may rally. However, aggressive tariffs could trigger a deeper sell-off and potentially lead businesses to cut workforces—an outcome not yet observed.
Michael Wilson of Morgan Stanley warned that even if tariffs are less damaging than feared, the uncertainty they create could freeze consumer and business spending, threatening an economy that was robust just months ago.
Tech giants and electric vehicle companies were among the hardest hit on Wall Street. Tesla’s stock plunged 4.7% on Monday, deepening its 2025 loss to 37.8%. The electric carmaker’s fortunes have soured amid criticism of CEO Elon Musk, whose close ties to the Trump administration once buoyed investor sentiment.
Nvidia, a leading player in artificial intelligence technology, tumbled 4.1%, extending its year-to-date decline to 21.7%. The tech sector’s sharp drop follows concerns over valuations that have far outpaced earnings growth in recent years.
Stocks of companies reliant on consumer spending also suffered. United Airlines fell 4.8%, while Delta Air Lines slipped 2.8%.
Mr. Cooper, a home loan servicer, saw its shares surge 16.6% after announcing an all-stock acquisition by mortgage company Rocket valued at $9.4 billion. The acquisition follows Rocket’s recent purchase of real estate company Redfin. Rocket’s stock, however, dropped 7.8% on the news.
In Southeast Asia, Thailand’s SET index lost 1.5% after a devastating earthquake struck Myanmar (Burma), causing widespread damage. Shares in Italian Thai Development, which was constructing a 30-story high-rise that collapsed during the quake, plummeted 26.9%. Thai authorities are investigating the cause of the disaster, which left dozens missing.
As the world braces for Trump’s “Liberation Day,” investors face a volatile market landscape. The scope of the upcoming tariffs remains uncertain, with fears of a worst-case scenario triggering more losses. Analysts suggest April 2 may only serve as a stepping stone for further negotiations, prolonging the climate of uncertainty.
LOS ANGELES — Kanye West revealed in a controversial interview with DJ Akademiks that he did not want to have children with Kim Kardashian early in their relationship, blaming himself for the situation while wearing an all-black Ku Klux Klan outfit, complete with the hate group’s iconic hood.
The “All Falls Down” rapper, 47, acknowledged, “Absolutely, I did. That was my fault. No, that was my fault.” He added, “I didn’t want to have children with this person after the first two months of being with them, but that wasn’t God’s plan.”
The interview drew widespread criticism due to West’s choice of attire. Page Six reached out to Kardashian’s representatives but received no immediate response.
West and Kardashian, 44, share four children: North, 11, Saint, 9, Chicago, 7, and Psalm, 5. The former couple’s co-parenting relationship has been turbulent, with recent disputes surrounding West’s attempts to feature their eldest child on a song with rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs, who faces sex trafficking charges. Kardashian reportedly sought a court order to block the song’s release, citing concerns over her daughter’s association with Combs.
A source close to Kardashian said, “Kim’s priority is the well-being and safety of her children and to protect them from Kanye’s controversial behavior.”
Despite Kardashian’s objections, West shared the track on social media and demanded changes to North’s trademark to include his name. He later accused Kardashian and her family of limiting his parental rights, calling their custody arrangement “visitation in jail.”
“ALL THESE RIGHTS HAVE BEEN TAKEN FROM ME BY THE KARDASHIAN MOB, HULU, AND DISNEY AND THE BIGGER AGENDA TO USE THE SELECTIVELY BRED BLACK CHILDREN TO BE PLATFORMS TO INFLUENCE BLACK PEOPLE,” West wrote on X on March 15.
Tensions escalated further when Kardashian reportedly cut short North’s recent visit with her father upon learning Andrew Tate and his brother, Tristan Tate—both facing rape and human trafficking charges—were present.
Kardashian is reportedly considering revising her custody agreement with West. The former couple was married from 2014 until their divorce in 2022.
MOSCOW — The Kremlin announced Monday that Russia and the United States are working on ideas for a potential peace settlement in Ukraine and improving bilateral relations, despite U.S. President Donald Trump expressing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump told NBC News he was “pissed off” after Putin questioned the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The U.S. president suggested imposing secondary tariffs of 25% to 50% on buyers of Russian oil if a peace deal is not reached. Later, Trump reiterated to reporters that he was disappointed with Putin but added, “I think we are making progress, step by step.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed ongoing cooperation with Washington, emphasizing efforts to rebuild ties strained during the previous U.S. administration.
“We are continuing to work with the American side, first of all, to build our bilateral relations, which were badly damaged during the previous administration,” Peskov said. “And we are also working on the implementation of some ideas related to the Ukrainian settlement. This work is underway, but so far there are no specifics that we could or should tell you about. This is a time-consuming process, probably due to its complexity.”
Peskov added that a call between Trump and Putin could be arranged quickly if needed, though no meeting was planned for this week.
Trump, who has consistently stated his desire to be remembered as a peacemaker, has called for an end to the three-year conflict in Ukraine and warned of the risks of escalation into a broader war between the United States and Russia.
Since taking office in January, Trump has adopted a more conciliatory approach toward Russia, raising concerns among Western allies as he seeks a resolution to the Ukraine conflict. His comments on Sunday underscored his frustration over the lack of progress on a ceasefire.
“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault … I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump warned.
He added, “That would be, that if you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States. There will be a 25% tariff on all oil, a 25- to 50-point tariff on all oil.”
Oil prices were largely stable on Monday as traders assessed the potential impact of Trump’s threat on Russia, the world’s second-largest oil exporter. China and India, which import about 80% of Russian crude, showed little concern. Beijing reaffirmed that its cooperation with Russia is independent of third-party influence, while India declined to comment.
Amid Trump’s push for a peace deal in Ukraine, discussions around minerals cooperation have emerged, although Trump said Sunday that Zelenskiy was reconsidering a proposed agreement.
Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s investment envoy, confirmed Monday that Russia and the U.S. have initiated talks on joint rare earth metals and other projects in Russia, with some companies expressing interest.
“There are no specifics here yet, but the interest is evident. The interest is mutual because we’re talking about mutually beneficial projects,” Peskov told reporters.
PARIS — French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has been banned from running for public office for five years after a court convicted her of embezzling European Union funds, effectively disqualifying her from the 2027 presidential race.
The ruling marks a significant setback for Le Pen, the chief of the National Rally (RN) party and a prominent figure in European far-right politics. She had been a leading contender for the 2027 election, consistently polling as a front-runner.
The court sentenced Le Pen to four years in prison—two years suspended and two to be served under home detention—and imposed a fine of 100,000 euros ($108,200). Her five-year ban from office took immediate effect under a provisional execution measure, though her lawyer confirmed she would appeal. The prison sentence and fine are suspended pending the outcome of the appeal, a process that could take months or years.
RN President Jordan Bardella condemned the ruling, calling it an attack on democracy. “Today, it is not only Marine Le Pen who was unjustly convicted; it was French democracy that was killed,” Bardella said.
Le Pen, who has run for president three times and previously stated 2027 would be her final bid, now depends on an appeals judge overturning the ruling before the election.
Le Pen’s allies in France and far-right leaders from Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands criticized the ruling as judicial overreach. Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, head of the far-right League, voiced his support: “We will not be intimidated, we will not stop: full steam ahead, my friend!”
Le Pen left the Paris courtroom before Judge Benedicte de Perthuis delivered the verdict. She is expected to address the ruling in a televised interview on TF1 later Monday.
The court found Le Pen and two dozen RN members guilty of diverting more than 4 million euros ($4.33 million) of EU funds. Though the defendants were not accused of personal enrichment, the court determined the funds were misused to benefit the party. Judge de Perthuis stated that Le Pen was “at the heart” of the scheme, adding that the misuse was intentional and not due to administrative errors.
Le Pen’s supporters argue the prosecution is politically motivated, with the case casting a shadow over the party’s future. Bardella is now poised to lead the RN in the 2027 race, but analysts question whether he can command broad voter support.
Political analyst Arnaud Benedetti called the ruling a “seismic political event” that will reshape French politics. He expressed doubts about Bardella’s ability to replicate Le Pen’s electoral success, saying, “I am not sure Jordan Bardella’s political proposition is mature enough to compete credibly in the presidential election.”
The court also convicted eight former RN lawmakers and 12 parliamentary assistants on similar charges.
