Israel has intensified its military campaign in Gaza, launching extensive air and ground assaults, particularly targeting Khan Younis in the south. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that since the collapse of the ceasefire on March 18, at least 1,574 Palestinians have been killed, bringing the total death toll since the war's onset to 50,944. A recent Israeli strike tragically killed six brothers who were volunteering to deliver food aid. Additionally, the World Health Organization confirmed the death of a Palestinian child due to disrupted medical care following the bombing of al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City. Global condemnation is mounting over the escalating humanitarian crisis. (PC: VOA, Al Jazeera & Daily Sabah)

India has successfully tested a laser-directed energy weapon system, marking its entry into an exclusive group of nations possessing such advanced armaments. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the trial at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, where the vehicle-mounted Laser Directed Weapon (DEW) MK-II(A) effectively neutralized fixed-wing UAVs and swarm drones by causing structural damage and disabling surveillance sensors. This development signifies a significant advancement in India's defense capabilities, aligning with global powers like the US, China, and Russia. The Indian Air Force is actively working on integrating these systems into airborne platforms, reflecting the government's focus on enhancing defense prowess through directed energy and hypersonic weapons. (PC: The Tribune & The Federal)

Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the ₹13,400 crore Punjab National Bank fraud, is set to lose his Antiguan citizenship and be extradited to India, according to Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne. Browne emphasized that Choksi's citizenship will be revoked, stating, "He is allegedly a crook... he will be extradited back to India to face charges." Choksi had acquired Antiguan citizenship in 2017 through the Citizenship by Investment Programme. Browne assured that due process will be followed, allowing Choksi to exhaust all legal options before repatriation. Indian authorities remain engaged with Antigua regarding the extradition, while Choksi claims medical unfitness as a reason for not returning. (PC: PTI)

A record 65 Punjabi-origin candidates are contesting Canada's 2025 federal elections, marking a significant milestone in the nation's political landscape. This surge includes 22 candidates from British Columbia, 20 from Ontario, and 12 from Alberta, with the remainder spread across other provinces. Notably, 42 candidates are affiliated with the Liberal Party, 13 with the Conservative Party, and 10 with the New Democratic Party. The Punjabi community's growing political engagement reflects their increasing influence and representation in Canadian politics. This development underscores the community's commitment to shaping the country's future and highlights the multicultural fabric of Canada's democratic process. The active participation of Punjabi-origin individuals signifies a broader trend of diverse communities contributing to national governance. (PC: The Tribune & PTC News)

Bollywood actor Salman Khan has received a chilling death threat stating, "Will blow up his car," sent via WhatsApp to Mumbai’s Transport Department. The message also threatened to enter his residence and kill him. A case has been registered at Worli Police Station, and police are investigating. This comes nearly a year after shots were fired outside his Bandra home. Khan has faced repeated threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang over the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. In response, Salman said, “My lifespan will be as long as fate allows.” His movement remains restricted to his home and film sets. (PC: India Today)

Fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi, accused in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank fraud, has been arrested in Belgium, ANI reported. Choksi fled India in 2018 and acquired Antiguan citizenship. He was detained from a Belgian hospital, where he was reportedly undergoing cancer treatment. Indian agencies, including the CBI and ED, acted on non-bailable warrants issued by Mumbai courts. Choksi’s legal team is preparing to seek bail and oppose extradition, citing health concerns. In February 2025, he revealed he was in Antwerp. He and his wife, Preeti, recently obtained Belgian F-residency cards. Choksi may now face an extended legal battle. (PC: Antiguanewsroom)

Dr Joy Saini, a Punjab-born Indian-origin pelvic surgeon, was among six killed in a plane crash in Copake, New York. The Mitsubishi MU-2B crashed Saturday during a trip to the Catskills for Passover. Victims included her husband, neuroscientist Dr Michael Groff; daughter Karenna Groff, 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year; son Jared Groff; his partner Alexia Duarte; and Karenna’s boyfriend James Santoro. The plane missed its approach and crashed after a low-altitude alert went unanswered. Joy Saini was founder of Boston Pelvic Health and Wellness. Her family remembers her as a brilliant doctor and devoted mother.

US President Donald Trump warned that “nobody is getting off the hook” from tariffs, clarifying that smartphones, computers, and other electronics remain under 20% 'Fentanyl Tariffs' despite a temporary pause on 145% levies. Trump confirmed a national security probe into semiconductors and the entire electronics supply chain, mainly reliant on China. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said new semiconductor tariffs could arrive within two months. The announcement rattled tech investors, though Apple and Nvidia stocks briefly rallied. China imposed 125% retaliatory tariffs. Trump asserted the US won’t be “held hostage” by China and pledged to protect American manufacturing. (PC: Reuters)

At least 34 people, including 2 children, were killed and 117 injured after a Russian missile attack on Sumy, northeastern Ukraine. Ukraine's emergency service confirmed 15 children were among the injured, including a baby girl born this year. President Zelenskyy condemned the strike, demanding a “tough reaction” from the world. The attack followed a visit to Moscow by US envoy Steve Witkoff. US officials, including Keith Kellogg and Marco Rubio, called the strike horrifying. UK and EU leaders also condemned Russia. Separately, 3 more civilians died in Kherson and Kupiansk from Russian drone and bomb attacks. (PC: Sky News)

Nikita Casap, a 17-year-old from Wisconsin, has been charged with murdering his mother and stepfather to fund an alleged plot to assassinate former US President Donald Trump and overthrow the government. Casap was arrested in Kansas with $14,000 in cash, jewellery, a revolver, passports, and his dog. A federal affidavit said he praised Hitler, had ties with a Russian speaker, and planned to flee to Ukraine. His antisemitic three-page manifesto cited chaos as motivation. Authorities found neo-Nazi content and bomb-making plans. Casap, who faces nine felony charges, including use of weapons of mass destruction, is due in court on May 7. (PC: X/@PawlowskiMario)