Protesters disrupted the serene atmosphere of the Louvre in Paris by throwing soup at the iconic Mona Lisa painting. The demonstrators, advocating for "healthy and sustainable food," aimed to draw attention to agricultural issues. Despite the commotion, the painting remained undamaged behind protective glass. The group responsible, Riposte Alimentaire, called for food integration into the social security system and proposed a monthly food card for citizens. Museum security swiftly intervened, and the room was evacuated as a precaution. France's Minister for Culture condemned the act, emphasizing the painting's significance as part of the country's heritage. The Louvre announced plans to file a complaint against the perpetrators.

North Korea launched multiple cruise missiles off its east coast, according to South Korean military sources. The launches occurred shortly after Pyongyang's recent test of the "Pulhwasal-3-31" strategic cruise missile, which the regime suggested could carry a nuclear warhead. The missiles were detected over waters near the North Korean port of Sinpo, known for manufacturing naval assets, including missile-firing submarines. While not prohibited by UN sanctions, these tests add to regional tensions. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has escalated weapons tests recently, sparking joint military exercises by the US, South Korea, and Japan, drawing condemnation from Pyongyang.

Ukraine's security service, the SBU, reveals a corruption scandal in a $40 million arms purchase by the military. Five senior officials from the defence ministry and an arms supplier are under investigation for signing a contract for 100,000 mortar shells in August 2022, with no delivery made despite advance payment. Corruption remains a significant challenge for Ukraine's EU aspirations. The SBU's probe implicates former and current defence ministry officials and arms supplier managers in the embezzlement of nearly 1.5 billion hryvnias. Despite anti-corruption efforts, Ukraine faces ongoing challenges in combating corrupt practices within its institutions.

Britain, Italy, and Finland have joined the United States, Australia, and Canada in pausing funding for the UN Refugee Agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) following allegations of its staff involvement in the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. UNRWA, established to assist refugees since 1948, provides vital services in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. The UK, Italy, and Finland's decision comes after Israel claimed 12 UNRWA employees participated in the cross-border attack. The agency is investigating, and some countries severed ties. The Palestinian ministry criticizes Israel's campaign against UNRWA, while Hamas condemns employee contract terminations.

Donald Trump is ordered to pay $83.3 million to E Jean Carroll in her defamation trial. The jury awards $18.3 million in compensatory damages and $65 million in punitive retribution. Trump vows to appeal, calling the verdict "absolutely ridiculous." Carroll's claims of sexual abuse and defamation won her $5 million last year. The recent ruling stems from Trump's denials and defamatory statements, with $11 million allocated for a reputational repair campaign. Trump dismisses the decision on Truth Social, denouncing it as part of a "Biden Directed Witch Hunt."

Australian broadcaster ABC terminated journalist Antoinette Lattouf allegedly for sharing a social media post on Israel's Gaza conflict. Lattouf, a short-term radio host, reposted a Human Rights Watch video on Instagram, prompting complaints about bias. ABC cited breach of social media policy for termination, leading Lattouf to file an unlawful dismissal claim, alleging discrimination based on race. Her lawyer claims she was sacked for expressing a political opinion. ABC refutes race-based termination. Lattouf vows to fight her dismissal, denouncing it as unlawful and detrimental to journalism. The incident underscores tensions around media freedom and expression.

Identical twins, Amy and Ano, separated at birth and sold to different families in Georgia, discovered each other through a TV talent show and TikTok. The shocking revelation led them to uncover a dark chapter – a baby trafficking scandal involving thousands in Georgia. Investigating their past, the twins found discrepancies in birth certificates, uncovering a systemic issue spanning decades. Journalist Tamuna Museridze's Facebook group, Vedzeb, exposed the scale of the black market adoption, involving up to 100,000 stolen babies. The Georgian government's attempts to investigate have faced challenges. Tamuna, along with lawyer Lia Mukhashavria, aims to seek justice through legal avenues, bringing these cases to court.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) directed Israel to intensify efforts to prevent harm to civilians in Gaza without mandating an immediate cease-fire. The ruling responded to South Africa's case, alleging Israel's violation of genocide laws. The ICJ urged Israel to allow more aid and address comments inciting violence. Palestinians expressed disappointment, hoping for a complete cease-fire. Israel, rejecting genocide allegations, emphasized its right to self-defense. The court's provisional measures aim to mitigate the crisis during ongoing legal proceedings. South Africa hailed it as a victory, while Israel, led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, dismissed the charge as false and outrageous.            

The United Nations' top international court has called on Israel to take measures preventing genocide in Gaza and punishing those inciting such actions. While the court did not order a ceasefire, it emphasized Israel's responsibility to prevent acts covered by the Genocide Convention. South Africa's plea for an immediate military operation suspension was declined, but the court ruled that Israel must limit death and property damage. Israel, dismissing the allegations, insists on efforts to avoid civilian casualties. The decision aims to address the ongoing human tragedy in the region amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Canada's public inquiry investigates alleged foreign interference in elections, including India's role alongside China and Russia. The probe, initiated by PM Trudeau, stems from leaked intelligence about Chinese interference. It marks India's first accusation of election meddling in Canada. The inquiry seeks documents on India's alleged involvement in the 2019 and 2021 elections. Led by Judge Marie-Josee Hogue, the commission aims to assess the government's response to foreign interference. Tensions between India and Canada heightened with previous allegations, affecting diplomatic relations. The investigation, prompted by US indictment of Indian agents, plans an interim report by May and a final report by December.