In a rare public appearance at the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir delivered a fiery speech emphasizing the ideological and cultural differences between Pakistan and India. He declared Kashmir as Pakistan's "jugular vein" and underscored the two-nation theory, stating, "We are two nations. We are not one nation." These remarks come amid internal challenges, including a recent train hijacking by Baloch militants and terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Analysts suggest Munir's aggressive rhetoric aims to project strength and divert attention from domestic issues. India responded sharply, questioning the characterization of Kashmir as a "jugular vein" and highlighting the ideological divide. (PC: Wikipedia)

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose proceeded to Malda and Murshidabad on April 18, 2025, to meet victims of the April 11 riots linked to protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, despite Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's appeal to postpone the visit. Banerjee announced ₹10 lakh compensation for each deceased's family and pledged to rebuild damaged homes and shops. The National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson, Vijaya Rahatkar, also commenced a two-day visit to assess the situation and interact with affected women. The NCW has formed an inquiry committee to investigate the violence, which resulted in three deaths and significant property damage. (PC: Mint, Deccan Chronicle, The Hindu & News Click)

Bangladesh and Pakistan have resumed diplomatic talks after 15 years. During the recent Foreign Office Consultation in Dhaka, Bangladesh raised unresolved issues from the 1971 Liberation War, including a demand for a formal public apology from Pakistan for the atrocities committed during that period. Additionally, Bangladesh sought $4.3 billion as its share from the combined assets at the time of separation in 1971 and the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis. The Pakistani delegation expressed willingness to remain engaged with a positive outlook to discuss these unsettled issues in the future. The talks signify a potential thaw in relations following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and the interim government's efforts to address historical grievances. (PC: Firstpost & India Today)

India has firmly rejected Bangladesh's remarks on recent violence in West Bengal, advising Dhaka to focus on safeguarding its own minorities. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the protection of all citizens, including minorities, is Bangladesh's responsibility. India expressed serious concern over the surge in extremist rhetoric and increasing incidents of violence in Bangladesh, particularly against Hindus. The arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges has further strained relations. India expects that legal processes will be fair and transparent. The Indian government continues to monitor the situation closely, urging Bangladesh to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and welfare of its minority communities. (PC: Mint & PTI)

Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia, a U.S.-based gangster, has been detained in the U.S. He is wanted in India for his alleged involvement in the Sidhu Moosewala murder case and 16 grenade attacks across Punjab. Authorities claim that Passia, in collaboration with Pakistan-based terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda, orchestrated these attacks. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has issued a non-bailable warrant against him and announced a ₹5 lakh reward for information leading to his arrest. Passia is accused of using burner phones and international networks to evade capture, while recruiting local youth for terror activities. His detention marks a significant development in India's efforts to curb cross-border terrorism. (PC: PTI)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in parts of North India, including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh, on April 18, 2025, due to an active Western Disturbance. An orange alert has been issued in Himachal districts like Chamba, Kullu, and Mandi. Delhi is expected to experience cloudy skies and strong surface winds up to 40 km/h, with no heatwave expected until April 23. Eastern and northeastern states may also see heavy rains and gusty winds. Residents are advised to stay alert and follow weather updates. (PC: Hindustan Times)  

On April 17, 2025, Will Jacks delivered a stellar all-round performance, leading Mumbai Indians (MI) to their third win of the IPL 2025 season by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Jacks, showing confidence and comfort in the middle order, played a crucial role in the team's dominant victory. His explosive batting and key contributions highlighted his growing importance in MI's lineup, as the team solidified its position in the standings. The win marked another step forward in MI's campaign, with Jacks emerging as a central figure for the franchise. (PC: IPL)

Mitchells & Butlers, the parent company of UK restaurant chain Toby Carvery, is facing legal action after contractors felled a 500-year-old oak tree in Whitewebbs Park, Enfield, on April 3, 2025. The tree stood on leased land near the restaurant’s car park. The company claimed it was dead and posed a safety risk, but Enfield Council stated the tree was healthy and violated lease terms. Environmentalists and locals condemned the act, calling it an irreversible loss of natural heritage. The council is now exploring legal measures to hold the company accountable. (PC: CNN)

Violence erupted in Murshidabad, West Bengal, amid protests over the Waqf Act, leading to attacks on Hindu and Muslim homes. Reports suggest women were forced to flee, and many families are living in fear. The National Commission for Women (NCW) raised concerns about the situation and planned visits to affected areas. The BJP blamed Mamata Banerjee’s government, while the TMC dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. (PC: ANI)

Harpreet Singh, also known as Happy Passia, the terrorist responsible for a series of 14 bomb blasts across Punjab in recent months, has been captured in the United States. Singh, who operated under a network of terror and was allegedly targeting public spaces, was apprehended by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Indian security agencies had been tracking him for months and had issued a bounty of ₹5 lakh for information leading to his arrest. His capture marks a significant development in counterterrorism efforts, with plans for his extradition to India underway. (PC: NDTV)