The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is preparing to lay off around 500 employees—20% of its global staff—due to an acute funding crisis caused by a $60 million budget gap. A sharp decline in donations from major contributors, especially the United States, has forced the agency to scale back critical operations in crisis-affected countries including Iraq, Nigeria, and Colombia. As global humanitarian needs surge due to conflict, climate disasters, and economic instability, OCHA is refocusing on essential life-saving efforts amid limited resources. (PC: AFP)

According to U.S. officials, more than 100 Chinese nationals are serving as mercenaries for Russia in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. These fighters appear to have no formal ties to the Chinese government and have minimal battlefield impact. However, Chinese military officers, with approval from Beijing, have observed Russian operations at the frontlines, suggesting a strategic interest. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy recently announced the capture of two Chinese combatants. China has denied involvement, calling the reports “groundless.” Despite China’s strategic partnership with Russia, Beijing maintains it is not militarily supporting the war. (PC: Reuters)

On April 11, 2025, large-scale violence broke out in Murshidabad, West Bengal, during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. A mob hurled stones at a train at Nimtita station, vandalized railway property, set vehicles on fire, and clashed with security forces. Around 5,000 people blocked tracks between Dhuliandanga and Nimtita, causing the cancellation of two trains and the diversion of five. Seven to ten police personnel were injured. Border Security Forces were deployed, and Governor CV Ananda Bose urged immediate state intervention against the escalating violence. (PC: Deccan Chronicle)  

After CSK’s eight-wicket loss to KKR, MS Dhoni urged his players to deeply reflect on their performances. Highlighting the lack of partnerships, application, and runs, he stressed the importance of tackling challenging conditions smartly. He also addressed CSK's powerplay struggles, cautioning against chasing unrealistic targets and emphasizing authentic cricket over desperation. Dhoni believes better shot selection and building innings strategically can help the team bounce back from their record-breaking losing streak. (PTI)

After CSK’s eight-wicket loss to KKR, MS Dhoni urged his players to deeply reflect on their performances. Highlighting the lack of partnerships, application, and runs, he stressed the importance of tackling challenging conditions smartly. He also addressed CSK's powerplay struggles, cautioning against chasing unrealistic targets and emphasizing authentic cricket over desperation. Dhoni believes better shot selection and building innings strategically can help the team bounce back from their record-breaking losing streak.

A U.S. immigration judge has ruled that Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil can be deported due to his pro-Palestinian views, citing national interest concerns. The government argued that Khalil's continued presence in the United States could lead to “potentially serious foreign policy consequences.” The judge found this reasoning sufficient under immigration law to authorize his removal. Khalil, known for his vocal support of Palestinian rights amid campus protests, now faces imminent deportation. The decision has sparked controversy, raising concerns over free speech, political expression, and increasing scrutiny of pro-Palestinian activism in U.S. academic institutions. ( PC: The Hindu)  

Tahawwur Rana is undergoing intense questioning at the National Investigation Agency (NIA) headquarters by officials from both the NIA and the Intelligence Bureau. Investigators are focusing on his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, especially in light of disclosures made by David Coleman Headley during his testimony to the FBI. Of particular interest to Indian authorities are Rana's travels across India prior to the attacks, as well as his suspected links with Pakistani handlers. Authorities are probing his role in facilitating reconnaissance and coordination for the Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives involved in the assault. ( PC: The India Express )

“We do not negotiate at gunpoint,” said Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, stressing India’s firm stance in trade talks with the US. He assured that India would “protect its interests” as negotiations move toward a bilateral trade agreement aiming to double trade to $500 billion by 2030. “It is never good to be hasty unless we are able to safeguard the interests of the country,” he added. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar echoed the urgency, saying, “We are trying to get the other side to speed it up.” Talks are expected to conclude their first phase by fall 2025. (PC: India Today)

The UK has issued its first Interpol Silver Notice against Indian-origin fraudster Anopkumar Maudhoo, convicted in March for orchestrating a massive property fraud worth GBP 8.5 million. The notice, a global tool to trace laundered assets, targets his international holdings, including a speedboat and 19 luxury cars already seized. Maudhoo, who used aliases like Yusef Khan and Vincent Lebeouf, tricked investors into buying non-repossessed properties. UK officials hailed the move as a step toward cross-border asset recovery and victim compensation. The pilot notice program involves 52 countries and is part of intensified efforts to fight international financial crime. (PC: NDTV)

Violent protests erupted in Murshidabad, West Bengal, over the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, passed last week. Following Friday prayers, protestors clashed with police, torching vehicles and blocking NH-12. At least 10 police officers and several protestors were injured. Train services were disrupted, with 2 cancelled and 5 diverted. West Bengal Governor warned of “strong action,” while BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari demanded Article 355 and claimed 86 Hindu shops were looted. Police arrested 22 individuals and imposed prohibitory orders in affected areas. The BJP accused the state government of failing to prevent extremism, linking the violence to alleged appeasement and cross-border provocations. (PC: PTI)