A bus accident in South Africa resulted in 45 fatalities, with an eight-year-old girl being the sole survivor. The bus, carrying Christian pilgrims from Botswana to Moria for Easter, plunged off the Mmamatlakala bridge into a ravine and caught fire. The transport ministry suspects the driver lost control while turning a corner. Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga expressed condolences and President Cyril Ramaphosa urged road safety. An investigation is underway, and recovery efforts are complicated by the terrain.

A Russian Su-35 fighter jet crashed into the Black Sea near Sevastopol, Crimea, with the pilot safely ejecting and being rescued. The cause of the crash is unclear, with speculations ranging from technical malfunction to friendly fire. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over Crimea, a key objective for Ukraine in its military campaign against Russia.

Donald Trump emerged as the clear frontrunner in the Iowa caucuses, securing 51% of the vote and winning in all but one of the state's 99 counties. Joe Biden acknowledged Trump's strong position, while Ron DeSantis narrowly beat Nikki Haley for second place. Vivek Ramaswamy dropped out and endorsed Trump. The caucus turnout was significantly lower than in 2016 due to harsh winter weather. Trump, DeSantis, and Haley are set to campaign in New Hampshire ahead of the next primary. The article also covers reactions from various political figures and the impact of the results on the Republican primary race.

Rishi Sunak, during a surprise visit to Kyiv, announced an increase in Britain's military funding to Ukraine to £2.5 billion and signed a new security pact, marking the start of a long-term partnership. Sunak warned that abandoning Ukraine would embolden Vladimir Putin and his allies, including Iran and North Korea. The UK pledged significant military support, including artillery, air defense missiles, and drones, and committed to a 10-year security package. The visit aimed to maintain pressure on the US and EU to continue their aid to Ukraine, with Joe Biden and the EU working to secure their respective support packages. Sunak's visit also included meetings with emergency workers and injured soldiers, reinforcing the UK's position as a key supporter of Ukraine.

The United States, following airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen, emphasized it is not seeking conflict with Iran. The White House warned the Houthis against retaliation, while the rebels, backed by Iran, vowed to retaliate. The US and British forces targeted over 60 locations in response to Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated the strikes aim to degrade Houthi capabilities. Progressive Democrats in the US criticized the strikes as unconstitutional. The White House reiterated its stance against escalating the conflict with Iran.

Ron DeSantis warned that Donald Trump would not emerge unscathed from his criminal trial, suggesting the former president's legal troubles could impact his 2024 campaign. DeSantis and Nikki Haley exchanged sharp criticisms during a CNN debate, with DeSantis attacking Haley's political stance and Haley questioning DeSantis's campaign spending. Both candidates agreed on the need for new leadership, positioning themselves as alternatives to Trump. Meanwhile, Trump, appearing on Fox News, dismissed his challengers and hinted at his plans for a second administration.

José Adolfo Macias Villamar, a notorious drug kingpin and leader of the Choneros gang, escaped from prison in Guayaquil, Ecuador, leading to a state of emergency and a surge in gang-related violence. President Daniel Noboa, who vowed to combat violent crime, has deployed soldiers and police, imposed a curfew, and refused to negotiate with criminals. The Choneros, linked to the Mexican Sinaloa cartel, have been central to Ecuador's drug wars, which have intensified since the murder of their former leader in 2021. The gang's fragmentation has contributed to Ecuador becoming one of Latin America's most violent countries, with a significant increase in the murder rate. Fito's escape is feared to signal a potential resurgence of the Choneros as they vie for control over Ecuador's illicit economies.

José Adolfo Macias Villamar, a notorious drug kingpin known as 'Fito' and leader of the Choneros gang, escaped from prison in Guayaquil, Ecuador, leading to a state of emergency and a surge in violence. President Daniel Noboa, who vowed to combat violent crime, has deployed soldiers and police, imposed a curfew, and refuses to negotiate with criminals. The Choneros, linked to the Mexican Sinaloa cartel, have been involved in a gang war that has escalated since the 2021 murder of their former leader, Jorge Luis Zambrano. The violence has contributed to Ecuador becoming one of Latin America's most violent countries, with a significant increase in the murder rate. Fito's escape is feared to signal a potential resurgence of the Choneros as they vie for control against rivals, including those aligned with the Mexican Jalisco New Generation cartel.

Nasa has postponed its next two Moon missions, Artemis II and Artemis III, by a year due to technical issues. Artemis II, the first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo, is now set for September 2025, while Artemis III, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon, is delayed to September 2026. The delays follow a propellant leak in the Peregrine lunar lander, which now has no chance of landing on the Moon. Astrobotic, the private company behind Peregrine, is working on a new mission for the lander. NASA is collaborating with 11 private contractors, including SpaceX, which plans an uncrewed Moon landing in 2025. Technical issues from the Artemis I mission, such as heat shield charring and design flaws in Artemis III's electronics, are being investigated. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson expressed confidence that China would not land on the Moon before the US.

Ecuador is in a state of emergency following the prison escape of José Adolfo Macias Villamar, also known as 'Fito,' a notorious drug trafficking kingpin and leader of the Choneros gang. The escape has triggered widespread violence, resulting in at least 10 deaths, including two law enforcement officers. President Daniel Noboa has enacted emergency powers and deployed thousands of soldiers and police to restore order. The Choneros, linked to the Mexican Sinaloa cartel, have been involved in violent infighting and prison riots, contributing to Ecuador's rising murder rate. Fito's escape is feared to be part of a strategy to regain control over Ecuador's criminal underworld.