From the suicide bombings at Ankara, as well as three other suspected terrorist attacks at Peshawar, Istanbul and Sinai, to the Flydubai plane crash.
In case you missed those, here is a list of news handpicked by an Astro AWANI editor for the week beginning March 14 to March 20, 2016.
MONDAY, MARCH 14:
Suicide car bombing kills 34 in central Ankara
A suicide car bomb ripped through a busy square in central Ankara, Turkey on Sunday, killing at least 34 people and wounding 125.
The Malaysian Insider to cease operations from midnight tonight
After eight years, The Malaysian Insider (TMI) ceases operations beginning midnight on March 15, 2016.
TUESDAY, MARCH 15:
PM knows my 'Iban wife' remark was a joke - Adenan
Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem was explaining his tongue-in-cheek suggestion that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak should find an Iban wife.
Two Australian journalists to be deported immediately
Two Australian journalists, who were arrested after 'aggressively' trying to approach Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, will be deported from the country.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16:
Bus blast kills at least 16 in Pakistan
At least 16 people were killed and more than two dozen wounded when a bomb blew up inside a bus in Peshawar.
PAS forms pact with Ikatan
PAS formed a political alliance with Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia (Ikatan), making it the third political force in the country.
THURSDAY, MARCH 17:
Tun Mahathir automatically lost his position in MUBARAK when he resigned from UMNO - Abdul Aziz
Malaysian Council of Former Elected Representative (Mubarak) president Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Rahman said Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had automatically lost his position when he announced that he is leaving UMNO.
Najib's turn to use Facebook Live
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak broadcasted his first Facebook Live streaming on his official Facebook page
FRIDAY, MARCH 18:
Bungalow was bought on willing buyer-willing seller basis - Guan Eng
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng claimed that he had bought his bungalow in Jalan Pinhorn for RM2.8 million on a willing buyer-willing seller basis.
Popular composer Adnan Abu Hassan dies
Well-known composer and lyricist Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan died at Selayang Hospital. He was 57.
SATURDAY, MARCH 19:
Flydubai flight crashes during landing at Russian airport, killing all onboard
Flydubai flight FZ981 crashed during landing at the Rostov-on-Don airport, killing all on board.
Four killed in suicide attack on famed Istanbul shopping street
A suicide bombing ripped through a famous shopping street in central Istanbul on Saturday, killing four people and injuring dozens.
SUNDAY, MARCH 20:
13 Egypt policemen killed in Sinai attack claimed by IS
A mortar attack on a checkpoint in Egypt's restive Sinai Peninsula killed 13 policemen on Saturday.
I'm not into 'coffee breaks', Shabudin tells Guan Eng
Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Shabudin Yahaya when snubbed Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's offer for a one-on-one meeting Sunday morning over property scandals in the state.
Astro Awani
Mon Mar 21 2016
A list of news handpicked by an Astro AWANI editor for the week beginning March 14 to March 20, 2016.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.