A knife-wielding US citizen, identified as Akinyela Sawa Taylor, attempted to hijack a Tropic Air flight bound for San Pedro, Belize, injuring three people mid-air. The 49-year-old suspect began attacking passengers before being fatally shot by a fellow passenger, hailed as a “hero” by Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams. Authorities are investigating how the weapon was smuggled onboard and have contacted the US Embassy for support. The dramatic incident has raised serious concerns about in-flight security on smaller aircraft. The identities of the injured passengers remain undisclosed as the investigation continues. (PC: X/@LaszloRealtor and AFP)

In a groundbreaking discovery, an international team led by Indian-origin astrophysicist Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan has detected possible signs of life on exoplanet K2-18b, over 120 light-years from Earth. Using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, the team found methane, carbon dioxide, and a possible trace of dimethyl sulfide — a molecule typically produced by life on Earth. K2-18b, a Hycean world, is within its star's habitable zone, increasing its potential to host life. While more data is needed to confirm life, this marks the strongest evidence yet, signaling a major leap in the search for extraterrestrial life. (PC: X)

The Trump administration has revoked the visas or legal status of over 1,000 international students across 160 U.S. colleges, including Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. Students are now at risk of deportation, with some filing lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security, citing denial of due process. The crackdown appears to target student activism, particularly around pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Immigration rights groups and universities are alarmed, warning of increased fear and uncertainty among immigrant students. Federal funding threats have been issued to non-compliant institutions, with Harvard already facing a $2.3 billion freeze. Legal experts call the move a sweeping immigration policy shift. (PC: AFP)

Cricketer-turned-TMC MP Yusuf Pathan is facing criticism from Opposition parties and locals in Murshidabad over his absence during recent violence in the district. Although the unrest occurred outside his Baharampur constituency, residents and political opponents are questioning his lack of visible engagement. Adding to the backlash, even some TMC leaders, including a local MLA and MP, have joined in the criticism. However, the TMC has come to Pathan’s defense, emphasizing that the violence-hit areas do not fall under his jurisdiction, and dismissing the criticism as politically motivated. ( PC : Indian Express)  

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that the US will walk away from Russia-Ukraine peace talks within days unless there are clear signs of a potential ceasefire. Speaking after a meeting in Paris, Rubio stressed the urgency of progress, stating the US "won't continue this indefinitely." Despite efforts, no truce has been reached, with both sides blamed for delays. Meanwhile, Ukraine and the US have signed a memorandum to establish an investment fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction. As missile strikes continue, President Zelensky calls for security guarantees, which the US has yet to provide. (PC: Reuters)

Kevin Patel, a 28-year-old Indian-American man, was shot in the chest in Chicago’s Lincoln Park on April 16 around 9:20 PM. He was found wounded by a resident, Garret Moores, who rushed him to a nearby hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. Witnesses reported seeing a man and a woman fleeing the scene, but no suspects have been identified or arrested. The incident has shaken residents of the typically safe neighborhood. Chicago Police have increased patrols, and local leaders are urging anyone with information to come forward as investigations continue. (PC: Tom Bakritzes)

The Indian government is considering a proposal to impose an 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on UPI transactions exceeding ₹2,000. This potential move is aimed at boosting tax compliance and formalizing more digital payments. The proposed tax could apply to both peer-to-peer and merchant transactions. While discussions are ongoing, no official decision or implementation date has been announced yet. The proposal comes at a time when GST collections have been rising steadily, with February 2025 recording ₹1.84 lakh crore, reflecting a 9.1% year-on-year increase in revenue. (PC: Mint)

India has strongly responded to Bangladesh's condemnation of recent communal violence in Murshidabad, West Bengal. After Bangladesh’s interim government criticized the attacks on Muslims, India’s Ministry of External Affairs called the remarks "unwarranted" and urged Dhaka to prioritize protecting its own minorities. India highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Hindus and other communities in Bangladesh. The Murshidabad violence, linked to protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, resulted in three deaths and over 200 arrests. New Delhi emphasized that internal matters should not be politicized and stressed its commitment to maintaining law and order. (PC: The Print)

Hollywood actor Jessica Chastain joined a growing backlash against Katy Perry’s all-female Blue Origin space mission, calling it an "utter defeat of American feminism." Chastain reposted a Guardian opinion piece slamming the flight's branding as superficial and unserious. Perry’s 11-minute journey alongside Gayle King, Amanda Nguyen, Aisha Bowe, Kerianne Flynn, and Lauren Sanchez has drawn criticism from celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski and Olivia Munn. While Perry described the experience as spiritually uplifting, critics argue it reduced feminism to a flashy PR stunt. The mission has ignited a heated debate about representation, empowerment, and substance in modern feminism. (Hindustan Times)

Astronomers from the University of Cambridge have identified potential signs of life on exoplanet K2-18b, located 124 light-years away in the constellation Leo. Using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, they detected traces of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS)—molecules on Earth typically associated with microbial ocean life. The planet, a “Hycean” world with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and possible liquid oceans, orbits within the habitable zone of its star. While not definitive proof of life, the discovery significantly boosts interest in the search for extraterrestrial microbes. Further studies are needed to confirm these tantalizing findings.