NEED TO CATCH up? The Journal brings you a round-up of today’s news.

President Connolly launches the 'Curachaí na Life' project at HQ2O Watersports.The project blends traditional boat building, the Irish language and bringing people together through rowing on the River Liffey. Conor Healy / Picture It Photography Conor Healy / Picture It Photography / Picture It Photography

IRELAND

• Capital gains tax will not be applied to returns made through a new savings and investments scheme being developed by Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris.
• A man in his 40s is in a critical condition in hospital following a serious assault in Dublin.
• Four teenagers were charged in connection with an alleged assault on a man and his rescue dog in the High Street area of Bangor, Co Down on Friday.
• A woman arrested in connection with the discovery of a man’s body in Cookstown in Dublin on Friday was released without charge.

INTERNATIONAL

Israeli security forces work at the site of an Iranian missile strike, in Beersheba, southern Israel today. AP Photo / Maya Levin AP Photo / Maya Levin / Maya Levin

#IRAN: Iran’s parliament speaker said the US is plotting a ground attack despite publicly engaging in diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war. 

#PALM SUNDAY: Israeli police prevented two senior church officials from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem this morning as they made their way to celebrate Palm Sunday mass.

#DERBY: A man in his 30s was arrested after seven people suffered serious injuries when a car was driven into pedestrians in Derby in England.

PARTING SHOT

The snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus} is among the 40 approved species. Ann and Steve Toon via Alamy Ann and Steve Toon via Alamy

THE LISTING OF 40 new species for international protection has been approved, including the snowy owl featured in the Harry Potter saga.

The UN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) agreed on the listing today.

Also on the new list for protection along with the snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) are the Hudsonian godwit (Limosa haemastica) – a long-beaked shorebird threatened with extinction – and the great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran).