At least 34 people, including 2 children, were killed and 117 injured after a Russian missile attack on Sumy, northeastern Ukraine. Ukraine's emergency service confirmed 15 children were among the injured, including a baby girl born this year. President Zelenskyy condemned the strike, demanding a “tough reaction” from the world. The attack followed a visit to Moscow by US envoy Steve Witkoff. US officials, including Keith Kellogg and Marco Rubio, called the strike horrifying. UK and EU leaders also condemned Russia. Separately, 3 more civilians died in Kherson and Kupiansk from Russian drone and bomb attacks. (PC: Sky News)

Nikita Casap, a 17-year-old from Wisconsin, has been charged with murdering his mother and stepfather to fund an alleged plot to assassinate former US President Donald Trump and overthrow the government. Casap was arrested in Kansas with $14,000 in cash, jewellery, a revolver, passports, and his dog. A federal affidavit said he praised Hitler, had ties with a Russian speaker, and planned to flee to Ukraine. His antisemitic three-page manifesto cited chaos as motivation. Authorities found neo-Nazi content and bomb-making plans. Casap, who faces nine felony charges, including use of weapons of mass destruction, is due in court on May 7. (PC: X/@PawlowskiMario)

A Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy killed 34 people, including 2 children, and injured 117 others. Two ballistic missiles hit near the state university and congress centre, leaving widespread devastation. Ukraine’s Western allies condemned the attack. US President Trump called it a “horrible thing,” while German Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz labelled it a “serious war crime.” French President Macron demanded “strong measures” to enforce a ceasefire. Ukrainian President Zelensky urged Trump to witness the war’s horrors firsthand. The UN condemned attacks on civilians as violations of international law. This is Ukraine’s deadliest civilian strike in 2025. (PC: AP, AFP)

China has suspended exports of key rare earth metals and magnets amid its escalating trade war with the US. The move affects elements vital to industries like defense, electronics, and EVs. China controls 90% of global rare earths, and the halted shipments impact global firms including Tesla, Apple, and Lockheed Martin. Beijing's new licensing system delays exports while signaling tighter restrictions. The US relies heavily on Chinese supply, with only one domestic rare earth mine. Analysts warn the move could destabilize global tech and defense sectors. Washington has limited stockpiles, prompting urgent search for alternative sources. (PC: NDTV)

Bangladesh has reinstated the "except Israel" clause on its passports, reversing a 2021 decision to remove it. The Home Ministry issued a directive on April 7, 2025, mandating the return of the phrase "THIS PASSPORT IS VALID FOR ALL COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD EXCEPT ISRAEL" . This move follows massive pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Dhaka, where approximately 100,000 people protested against Israeli actions in Gaza . The government clarified that the earlier removal aimed to align with international passport standards and did not signify a shift in foreign policy . Bangladesh continues to support the Palestinian cause and upholds its longstanding travel ban to Israel. (PC: OpIndia, Dawn, Times of India & Al Jazeera)

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that the U.S. is prepared to "go deep and to go big" militarily if diplomatic efforts with Iran over its nuclear program fail. This statement followed initial indirect talks in Oman, which Hegseth described as "productive." President Donald Trump emphasized that while military action is not preferred, it remains a possibility, potentially involving Israel as a leading partner. Trump had previously withdrawn the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear agreement during his first term. Analysts suggest Iran may be weeks away from developing a nuclear weapon. Trump has warned Iran that failure to reach a deal could lead to bombing. (PC: The New York Times)

On April 13, 2025, Israeli airstrikes hit Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, one of the last operational medical centers in the region. The bombing destroyed the emergency and reception departments, rendering the facility inoperative. A warning call prior to the strike allowed staff to evacuate patients, many of whom were critically ill, into the streets without medical support. Israel claimed the hospital was being used by Hamas, though provided no proof. The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem condemned the strike, calling it a violation of international law. The attack comes amid intense conflict and failed ceasefire talks in Cairo. (PC: Reuters)

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued a strict 30-day deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to self-deport or face severe penalties, including daily fines up to $998, imprisonment, and permanent immigration bans. The directive encourages voluntary departure, allowing individuals to choose their own flight and retain U.S.-earned income. While legal visa holders aren’t immediately affected, those whose visas expire must act quickly. This enforcement aligns with former President Trump’s immigration stance and has triggered debate over its humanitarian and legal implications, especially among immigrant communities and advocacy groups. (PC: Reuters)

A Dhaka court on Sunday issued arrest warrants against ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, British MP Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, and 50 others over illegal land acquisition charges. The Anti-Corruption Commission filed three chargesheets accusing them of misusing political power to secure Purbachal plots. Arrest warrants were issued as all 53 accused were absent. Earlier, a separate warrant targeted Hasina’s daughter Saima Wazed Putul. Hasina, accused of corruption, mass murders, and crimes against humanity, has lived in India since her government was overthrown by a student-led uprising on August 5, 2024. Court review is set for April 27. (PC: AFP)

China on Sunday urged the US to “completely cancel” its 145% reciprocal tariffs after Washington announced limited exemptions for smartphones, laptops, and chipmaking tools. Beijing’s demand followed the enforcement of its own 125% retaliatory tariffs on US goods, escalating trade tensions. China’s commerce ministry called the US move a “small step” and urged a return to “mutual respect.” Tech giants like Apple, Nvidia, and Dell are expected to benefit from US exemptions. Most Chinese goods, however, remain under steep levies after being excluded from a 90-day reprieve. The trade standoff shows no signs of easing as both nations hold firm.