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)

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)

Over 170 individuals have been arrested across Pakistan following a series of over 10 mob attacks on U.S.-based KFC outlets, driven by anti-American sentiment and opposition to Israel's military actions in Gaza. Incidents occurred in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Protesters vandalized KFC locations, often armed with sticks. In one incident near Lahore, a KFC employee was fatally shot; the motive remains unclear. Security measures have been heightened at numerous KFC locations, especially in Lahore. While the Islamist political party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) distanced itself from the violence, one of its members was among those arrested. The unrest reflects broader protests in Muslim-majority countries against Western brands perceived as supportive of Israel. (PC: Reuters)

On April 18, 2025, U.S. airstrikes targeted Yemen's Ras Isa oil port, resulting in at least 38 deaths and 102 injuries, according to Houthi-affiliated media. The U.S. Central Command stated the strikes aimed to disrupt the Houthis' economic resources. Al Masirah TV broadcasted footage of the aftermath, showing significant destruction and casualties. The Ras Isa port is vital for Yemen, handling approximately 70% of imports and 80% of humanitarian aid. Houthi official Mohammed Nasser al-Atifi condemned the attack, asserting it would not deter Yemeni support for Gaza. Shortly after the strikes, Israel reported intercepting a missile launched from Yemen, amid ongoing Houthi attacks on vessels linked to Israel since November 2023. (PC: CSIS & Al Jazeera)

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)

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)

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)

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)