Nearly 500 flee homes after fire spreads through Seoul neighbourhood, 60 houses destroyed | Video

Shin Yong-ho, an official at the fire department of Seoul’s Gangnam district, said rescue workers were continuing to search areas affected by the fire but that it was believed that all residents there have safely evacuated.

What Are Israel’s Options for Retaliating Against Iran’s Drone and Missile Strike?

Israel is considering options to retaliate against Iran for a recent drone and missile attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows a response, with potential targets including Iran's nuclear facilities, military infrastructure, proxy militias, or focusing on Gaza to defeat Hamas, which is supported by Iran. The US and Europe urge restraint as tensions escalate.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia call for a cease-fire in Gaza, saying efforts so far are insufficient

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia urge immediate cease-fire and uninterrupted aid in Gaza. Saudi Foreign Minister criticizes insufficient international efforts, warns of potential famine. Calls for de-escalation to prevent further conflict in the region. Pakistan's PM seeks closer cooperation with Saudi Arabia for investment. Saudi Arabia has pledged $5 billion investment in Pakistan.

Russia's Putin urges Middle East to pull back from a catastrophic clash

Russian President Putin urged all in the Middle East to avoid actions leading to new conflict, warning of catastrophic consequences. He discussed Iran's retaliatory measures with President Raisi, highlighting the unresolved Palestinian-Israeli conflict as a root cause of instability. Both leaders called for restraint, a ceasefire in Gaza, and diplomatic solutions. The U.S. sees Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea's partnerships as a major threat.

US Pentagon chief speaks with Chinese counterpart for first time since November 2022

Defense Secretary Austin spoke with China's defense minister to improve communication and reduce incidents in the Indo-Pacific. The call is part of efforts to ease tensions, with the first high-level military contact since 2022. Concerns remain about aggressive behavior, but recent talks aim to prevent conflict. Diplomatic efforts have followed military confrontations, with the U.S. and China discussing incidents in the Pacific.

New US Home Construction Falls to Lowest Level Since August

US new home construction slowed in March, with residential starts dropping 14.7% to a 1.32 million annualized rate, the lowest since August. Building permits also fell to a 1.46 million rate. Single-family home construction decreased the most in three years, while multifamily starts hit a pandemic low. Builders may be pausing after recent growth, with new home inventory high. Mortgage rates stabilizing at 7% are impacting buyer and builder sentiment.

Sri Lanka fails to strike deal with sovereign bondholders for USD 12 billion debt restructuring

Sri Lanka fails to reach agreement with bondholders for debt restructuring, aiming to meet IMF bailout targets. Government unable to strike deal with bondholders over USD 12 billion debt, facing setback in cash-strapped nation. IMF approved USD 3 billion bailout in 2023, with two tranches released. Sri Lanka aims to complete debt restructuring agreements by June for IMF review.

Israeli war cabinet to meet for third time over response to Iran's first-ever direct attack

Israel's war cabinet meets to decide on a response to Iran's first direct attack amid global pressure to avoid escalation in the Middle East. Iran launched missiles in retaliation for an airstrike on its embassy, but signaled no desire for further conflict. US and European allies seek to deter Israel from violent retaliation with sanctions. Iran vows swift response to any Israeli counterattack. Gaza conflict fears grow.

UK PM Rishi Sunak faces resistance over his smoking ban plans

British PM Rishi Sunak faces resistance to ban smoking for under-15s in new bill. Aim is a "smokefree generation" by gradually raising smoking age. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins says bill will save lives, NHS strain, improve productivity. Govt aims to stop smoking before it starts. Bill also targets youth vaping. DHSC warns of vaping risks. ASH charity calls it historic legislation.

Singapore Charts New Path After Decades of Lee Family Rule

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will step down after 20 years, passing the torch to Lawrence Wong. The transition marks the end of half a century of Lee family rule, with Wong expected to offer continuity and face challenges such as the high cost of living. Lee will stay involved in politics as a senior minister, while the future political aspirations of his children remain uncertain.

Heavy rains lash UAE, surrounding nations; Oman flooding death toll rises to 18

Heavy rains caused flooding in the UAE, with vehicles abandoned on highways in Dubai. In Oman, the death toll from heavy flooding rose to 18. Dubai International Airport flights were disrupted, and schools closed as emergency personnel worked to clear flooded streets. Oman mourns the loss of schoolchildren swept away in a vehicle. Rain also fell in Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

Copenhagen's landmark old stock exchange building catches fire

Denmark's historic old stock exchange near the parliament caught fire, leading to partial closure of the inner city. Flames engulfed the spire of the 400-year-old building, causing its collapse. The structure, now housing the Danish Chamber of Commerce, was undergoing renovation.

Why Joe Biden won't cut Iran's oil lifeline after Israel attack: The China connection

Iran's missile strike on Israel may not lead to harsh sanctions on its oil exports due to concerns about oil prices and angering China, say analysts. House Republicans accused Biden of not enforcing existing measures and plan to introduce bills for stricter sanctions. Biden faces pressure to act on Iran without escalating tensions, raising oil prices, or antagonizing China, the top buyer of Iranian oil.

Donald Trump's first day of hush money trial ends with stern ‘jail’ warning to him, no jurors picked

The hush-money trial of Donald Trump began with jury selection. Judge warned Trump not to interfere. Only a third of potential jurors remained after many excused due to biases. Trump accused the trial of being politically motivated. Prosecutors seek fines for social media posts. Trump faces charges of falsifying records to hide sex scandal payments. Trial could result in up to four years in prison if convicted.

Tax Day 2024: What happens if you miss tax filing deadline? Here's what to know about extensions, refunds

This Tax Day, IRS refunds are up to an average of $3,011, thanks to improved customer service funded by Democrats' Inflation Reduction Act. With over $200 billion in refunds already delivered this tax season, the IRS aims to be more efficient and effective. New initiatives like Direct File could revolutionize tax filing for Americans, but threats of funding cuts loom large from congressional Republicans.

Biden to meet Iraqi PM Sudani amid escalating tensions in Middle East, renewed ISIS threat

US President Biden to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani at the White House to discuss ISIS and recent tensions in the Middle East after Iran's attack on Israel. Sudani's visit was originally focused on US troop presence in Iraq but will now address regional instability. Iraq aims to reduce US forces presence amid escalating US-Iran tensions.