On April 17, 2025, the Supreme Court paused the implementation of key provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, after multiple petitions questioned its constitutional validity. The Centre assured it would make no fresh appointments to the Central Waqf Council or state Waqf Boards until the next hearing on May 5. It also agreed not to denotify or alter waqf properties, including those under the controversial 'waqf-by-user' clause. The Court took this on record and granted the Centre and states seven days to submit formal responses. (PC: Hindustan Times)(  

Violence erupted in West Bengal's Murshidabad district following protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, leading to clashes, arson, and public disruption. Three people were killed, over ten injured, and hundreds displaced. Protesters blocked NH-12, torched police vehicles, and disrupted railway operations. In response, the state government deployed additional police forces, imposed Section 144, and suspended internet services to control the unrest. The Calcutta High Court intervened, ordering central forces for law and order. The Bengal government has now informed the court that the situation is under control, with peace returning to the region and no fresh violence reported. (PC: PTI)

On April 17, 2025, Florida State University in Tallahassee was rocked by a mass shooting that left two people dead and six others injured. The shooter, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student and son of a Leon County Sheriff’s deputy, used his mother’s legally-owned handgun to carry out the attack near the student union. He was shot by responding officers and remains hospitalized. FSU teacher David Newheiser, who hid during the chaos, shared a viral post lamenting America’s gun laws, writing, “I knew that this is a broken country.” Investigations are ongoing. (PC: KFOR.com)

A tragic shooting at Florida State University on Thursday left at least one person dead and at least six others hospitalized, according to Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare. The incident occurred near the Student Union, prompting immediate lockdowns and a massive law enforcement response. Authorities have since confirmed that the threat has been “neutralized,” and a suspect is in custody. Witnesses described the gunman as wearing an orange T-shirt and khaki shorts, arriving in an orange Hummer before opening fire. The campus remains an active crime scene, particularly around the Student Union. Students are being reunited with families at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. (PC: Forrest Saunders)

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with Donald Trump in Washington, where both leaders pledged to "make the West great again." Meloni emphasized a shared opposition to "woke" and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) ideologies, calling for a revival of Western civilization’s values. Trump, nodding in agreement, welcomed Meloni’s stance and confirmed he would visit Rome officially. The meeting touched on trade, with Trump assuring a forthcoming EU tariff deal and plans to sign the delayed Ukraine minerals agreement next week. Meloni is the first EU leader to meet Trump since his imposition of paused 20% tariffs on the bloc. (PC: BBC)

Mumbai Indians clinched their second straight win in IPL 2025, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by four wickets in a controlled performance at Mumbai. Will Jacks was the standout performer, scoring a quick 36 off 26 balls with three fours and three sixes, alongside a tight spell of 3-0-14-2. Chasing SRH's 162/5, MI reached the target in 18.1 overs, finishing at 166/6. Despite the win, MI stayed seventh on the points table with six points, while SRH remained ninth with four. Mumbai’s all-round display on a tricky surface marks a strong resurgence as the league nears its halfway mark. (PC: BCCI)

A tragic shooting at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee on April 17 left six people hospitalized, including one in critical condition. Police responded to reports of an active shooter near the Student Union around 12:01 p.m. A suspect was shot and taken into custody following an exchange of gunfire with police. Students described a chaotic scene, with up to 30 shots heard. The FBI, ATF, and state law enforcement are assisting in the investigation. Classes and events were canceled, and students were urged to shelter in place. President Trump has been briefed. This marks the 80th U.S. mass shooting in 2025.

At least six people were injured in a shooting near the Student Union at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee on April 17, 2025. One victim is in critical condition, while five others are seriously injured, according to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. A suspect is in custody, though authorities are still investigating the possibility of additional shooters. The campus remains under lockdown, and classes are canceled through Friday. The FBI and Florida Department of Law Enforcement are assisting in the response. President Trump has been briefed on the incident, which has reignited calls for stronger gun control measures. (PC: AP News)

Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia, the gangster linked to 14 terror attacks in Punjab, has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sources revealed. Wanted by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA), which had announced a ₹5 lakh reward for his capture, Passia is allegedly connected to the banned Babbar Khalsa International group. He had claimed responsibility for a car explosion targeting a senior police officer in Amritsar in January 2025. Passia had also threatened further attacks in response to alleged police actions against his family. His capture is viewed as a significant win for Indian intelligence and law enforcement. (PC: India Today)

During a high-profile meeting at the White House, former President Donald Trump confidently stated that a trade agreement with the European Union is certain, promising a "100%" deal. Hosting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Trump praised the strong US-Italy relationship and called Meloni a "great prime minister." Meloni emphasized her belief in Western unity and expressed optimism about striking a fair tariff deal. Trump added he would face “very little problem” negotiating with Europe, suggesting the US holds a strong position. The two leaders also discussed China and future cooperation, with Meloni inviting Trump to Italy to meet EU leaders. (PC: BBC)