A four-storey building collapsed in Delhi’s Mustafabad on April 19, 2025, killing at least four people and trapping several others under the rubble. The collapse occurred in the early morning hours, with local authorities and rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Delhi Fire Services, working to free those trapped. So far, 14 individuals have been rescued, with 8–10 people still feared to be trapped. The incident is believed to have been caused by heavy rain and thunderstorms the previous night. Authorities are investigating possible structural violations. (PC: The Hindu)

On April 19, 2025, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck near the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border at 12:17 PM IST, at a depth of 130 km. Tremors were felt across northern India, including Delhi-NCR, Jammu & Kashmir, and Punjab, as well as parts of Pakistan such as Islamabad, Lahore, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Residents in these regions reported brief panic, though no casualties or significant damage have been reported. This marks the second tremor in the region within a week, emphasizing its seismic sensitivity. (PC: The Times of India)

India has strongly condemned the abduction and brutal murder of Bhabesh Chandra Roy, a Hindu leader and vice-president of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad’s Biral unit, in Dinajpur district. Roy was taken from his home and beaten to death, sparking outrage over rising attacks on minorities. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern, stating this is part of a pattern of systematic persecution against Hindus in Bangladesh. India urged the Bangladeshi government to uphold its constitutional responsibility and ensure the safety and rights of its minority communities. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has apologized for a controversial remark about Brahmins made during a spat on X (formerly Twitter), which he says has led to rape and death threats against his family. In an Instagram post, Kashyap clarified that his apology is for the misinterpreted line, not the original post, and urged that any abuse be directed at him, not his family. The controversy escalated after the trailer release of his film Phule, which some Brahmin groups claimed promotes casteism. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has since cut scenes from the film, delaying its release to April 25. Kashyap criticized the CBFC, alleging a biased and opaque censorship process. (PC: The Economic Times)

On April 18, 2025, Israeli forces launched extensive attacks on Gaza, resulting in at least 70 Palestinian deaths, including 64 fatalities since dawn, as reported by medical sources. The assaults targeted homes and tent camps, intensifying the humanitarian crisis. Hospitals in Gaza are operating beyond capacity, struggling to manage the influx of casualties. The United Nations' World Food Programme has issued an urgent appeal, stating that "Gaza needs food now," highlighting the severe risk of hunger faced by hundreds of thousands. These developments underscore the escalating conflict and the dire conditions for civilians in Gaza. (PC: CNN & AP)

India has plummeted to 156th out of 179 countries in the 2025 Academic Freedom Index, placing it in the bottom 10–20% globally. The V-Dem Institute attributes this decline to the rise of anti-pluralist parties, notably the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has imposed restrictions on academic expression and autonomy. The report highlights India's score dropping from 0.38 in 2022 to 0.16 in 2025, marking its lowest since the mid-1940s. Incidents such as limiting student protests at Jawaharlal Nehru University and South Asian University, and the resignation of Ashoka University professor Sabyasachi Das following political backlash, exemplify the erosion of academic freedom. India now ranks below neighbors like Pakistan and Nepal, underscoring a significant decline in its academic liberties. (PC: Shutterstock)

A four-storey building collapsed in Delhi’s Mustafabad on Friday, resulting in four fatalities and leaving many feared trapped. The incident occurred around 1:30 PM, prompting immediate response from the Delhi Fire Services, which deployed seven fire tenders to the site. Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency teams working diligently to locate and assist those still beneath the debris. The cause of the collapse is currently under investigation. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and assured that the administration is actively involved in the rescue efforts. Authorities are urging residents to avoid the area to facilitate unhindered rescue operations.

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson is doubtful for the IPL 2025 match against Lucknow Super Giants due to an abdominal injury sustained against Delhi Capitals. He retired hurt after scoring 31 off 19 balls, and the team awaits scan results to determine his availability. If unfit, Riyan Parag may lead the side again, as he did earlier this season. Speculation about a rift between Samson and coach Rahul Dravid arose after a video showed Samson distancing himself during a Super Over discussion. Dravid dismissed these reports as "baseless," affirming that Samson remains integral to the team. Currently, Rajasthan Royals have won only two out of seven matches, placing them eighth in the standings. (PC: PTI)

Harsimrat Randhawa, a 21-year-old Indian student at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario, was tragically killed by a stray bullet while waiting at a bus stop en route to work. Hamilton Police reported that a passenger in a black car fired at a white sedan, with one bullet fatally striking Randhawa. The incident occurred around 7:30 PM near Upper James and South Bend Road. Authorities are treating it as a homicide and are seeking dashcam or security footage from the area. The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed deep sorrow and is providing assistance to Randhawa's family. This incident has raised concerns about the safety of Indian students in Canada. (PC: Flamborough Today)

The Pakistan Navy's planned naval exercise off Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, was canceled following India's concerns. The exercise, involving the warship PNS Taimur, was perceived by India as a strategic move by Pakistan in the Indian Ocean region. Sri Lanka, considering India's objections, decided to call off the exercise to maintain regional stability and its diplomatic relations with India. This incident highlights the sensitive nature of military collaborations in the Indian Ocean and the influence of regional powers on such decisions. Sri Lanka's decision underscores its balancing act between neighboring countries' interests and its own strategic autonomy. India appreciated the move, viewing it as a positive step towards regional cooperation and understanding. (PC: The Hindu)