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)

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)  

Three people died and one was injured when a Cessna 310 crashed near Interstate 95 in Boca Raton, Florida, shortly after takeoff on Friday. The crash, which occurred around 10:20 am, caused a fireball that pushed a nearby car onto railroad tracks. The aircraft was en route to Tallahassee. A witness described seeing palm trees catch fire and drivers scrambling to escape. Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer confirmed investigations are ongoing. The FAA and NTSB are probing the incident. The crash came a day after a fatal helicopter crash in New York that killed six, including five Spanish tourists. (PC: AP)

Global financial markets remain volatile as U.S. President Donald Trump claims the country is “doing really well” on tariffs. His remarks follow China’s retaliatory hike of import taxes on U.S. goods to 125%, after the U.S. imposed a 145% levy on selected Chinese imports. Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the EU to stand with China against U.S. "bullying," warning that "there are no winners in a tariff war." The U.S. dollar slumped to a three-year low, with Deutsche Bank cautioning, “the damage has been done.” U.S. markets opened slightly down, reflecting investor concerns over the escalating trade conflict.

A small plane crashed near Interstate 95 and railroad tracks in South Florida’s Boca Raton on April 11, just hours after a deadly NYC helicopter crash. Police confirmed road closures around the Boca Raton airport. Social media footage showed the aircraft engulfed in flames, with smoke plumes rising as emergency crews responded. Authorities have yet to confirm casualties or how many were aboard. The incident follows the Hudson River helicopter crash that killed six, including Siemens Spain’s CEO and his family. “Strange things are happening,” one user commented online. US officials are investigating both crashes. Details are still emerging. (PC: screengrab/X/@_TruthZone_)

Gaza is facing a severe thirst crisis, with water supply dropping to 3–5 litres per person daily—far below WHO’s emergency minimum. Over 85% of Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure is now damaged or inoperative due to Israeli airstrikes and ground offensives, especially in eastern Shejaia. A key Mekorot pipeline that supplied 70% of Gaza City’s water has been destroyed. Residents now walk miles for small fills from contaminated wells. “There is no water,” said resident Faten Nassar. The only natural source, the Coastal Aquifer Basin, is 97% unfit for use. The UN warns of worsening humanitarian conditions. (PC: AFP)

Georgia has become the first US state to introduce a bill formally recognising Hinduphobia, amid rising Hindu-hate crimes. The bipartisan bill, SB 375, was introduced in the Georgia General Assembly on April 4 and defines Hinduphobia as “antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory” attitudes towards Hinduism. It aims to amend the penal code, enabling law enforcement to address anti-Hindu discrimination. Senator Shawn Still said, “We have seen a marked increase in hate crimes against Hindus.” The bill is supported by the Coalition of Hindus of North America. Over 40,000 Hindus live in Georgia, mostly around Atlanta. Over 1,300 hate crimes were recorded since 2023. (PC: India Today)

A tragic helicopter crash in New York’s Hudson River killed six people, including a Spanish family of five and their pilot. The Bell 206 chopper, operated by New York Helicopters, crashed minutes after takeoff from Downtown Manhattan Heliport. Victims included Siemens executives Agustín Escobar and Mercè Camprubí Montal and their children, aged 4, 5, and 11. The aircraft flipped upside down near the George Washington Bridge before plunging into the river. Four were found dead at the scene; two died in hospital. U.S. and Spanish leaders expressed condolences. The FAA and NTSB are investigating. Over 30,000 tourist flights take off yearly. (PC: Getty Images)

Six US Senate Democrats, led by Elizabeth Warren, have called for an insider trading probe into President Donald Trump after his Truth Social post urged the public to buy stocks hours before he announced a 90-day pause on global tariffs. The move triggered a major stock rally, including a 21.67% rise in shares of Trump’s own media company. Senators want the SEC to investigate if Trump, his family, or associates had prior knowledge for personal gain. Trump also recently launched a "memecoin", sparking criticism. The White House said his post was meant to “reassure” markets, not manipulate them. (PC: AFP)