The US cautioned Pakistan against engaging in trade with Iran during President Raisi's visit, citing the risk of sanctions. US State Department's Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel emphasized disrupting proliferation networks and weapons procurement. Patel highlighted entities supplying Pakistan's ballistic missile program from Belarus and China, like Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant. President Raisi's trip saw the signing of eight bilateral agreements, including a joint special economic zone. Both nations aim to bolster political, economic, and cultural ties. Raisi stressed elevating bilateral commerce to $10 billion within three to four years.

Columbia University responds to campus tensions amidst Gaza protests by shifting to online classes for the remainder of the year. Students demand tuition refund as protests against President Biden's Gaza policies sweep US universities. White House condemns protests, citing antisemitic rhetoric. Campus tensions escalate, with over 100 pro-Palestine students at Columbia University arrested. Similar protests erupt at universities across the US, from New York to California, with students demanding justice for Gaza. Harvard College suspends Palestine Solidarity Committee amid mounting tensions. Columbia University vows to address security concerns and resolve crisis, urging students to stay safe amid escalating tensions.

The UK Home Office is spearheading a shift towards a digital immigration system, urging millions of individuals with physical immigration documents to adopt eVisas. Starting April 17, 2024, holders of biometric residency permits (BRPs) received emails prompting them to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account for accessing eVisas, aimed at providing digital proof of their immigration status. The transition aims to enhance border security, prevent system abuse, and offer cost savings. The process will be phased, with eVisas becoming the primary form of immigration documentation by 2025.

A Belgian man was cleared of drunk driving due to a rare condition called auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), where the body produces alcohol. His lawyer, Anse Ghesquiere, confirmed his diagnosis, supported by three doctors. The defendant, who works at a brewery, showed no signs of intoxication. The judge emphasized this and the medical evidence in the verdict. Lisa Florin, a clinical biologist, explained ABS generates alcohol similar to alcoholic drinks but with reduced effects. ABS typically arises in those with intestine-related conditions. The Bruges police court, where the man was acquitted, did not respond to Reuters' inquiries.

Israel has escalated its attacks on Gaza, with heavy shelling reported in the north. The army ordered new evacuations, citing a "dangerous combat zone." Satellite images suggest plans for an offensive in Rafah, as tensions rise in the southern Gaza Strip. The conflict, aimed at Hamas, has claimed over 34,000 Palestinian lives, causing widespread devastation and a humanitarian crisis. Tanks entered Beit Hanoun, though not deeply. Gunfire erupted near schools housing displaced residents. Israel's actions continue amid heightened tensions in the region.

Russian forces have made significant progress in eastern Ukraine, seizing territory near Avdiivka, as part of an apparent push to gain ground before western military aid arrives. Footage shows the Russian flag flying over the village of Ocheretyne, bypassing Ukrainian defenses. Ukraine's regional armed forces admit a "difficult situation" as reinforced Russian units advance, using various weapons including alleged chemical ones. The capture of Ocheretyne positions Russia closer to Pokrovsk, while a large offensive targets Chasiv Yar. Despite impending aid, Ukraine's President Zelenskiy seeks additional weapons to regain initiative as the conflict intensifies.

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi cautioned that any Israeli assault on Iran could wipe out the "Zionist regime," as tensions mount between the two nations. During his Pakistan visit, Raisi stressed bolstering trade with the country, aiming for $10 billion annually. The trip follows recent military exchanges, with explosions reported in Isfahan, allegedly from an Israeli strike. Tehran downplayed retaliatory plans. Iran previously launched missiles at Israel in response to an embassy strike. Raisi reiterated support for Palestinian resistance. As threats escalate, the region braces for potential bigger conflict between Iran and Israel.

Demonstrations at top US universities escalate as protests over the Gaza conflict spread. Police arrest students at New York University and Yale, while Columbia University moves classes online amid heated debates. The White House condemns antisemitic incidents amid growing tensions. Students clash over free speech and the aftermath of the Israel-Gaza war. Protests, sparked by Hamas attacks on Israel, grip campuses nationwide, with demands for divestment and endowment transparency. Amid rising emotions, efforts to calm tensions intensify, with university leaders facing pressure from lawmakers and students.

Hezbollah intensified rocket attacks on an Israeli army base in northern Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes. The barrage follows heightened tensions between Israel and Iran. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching "dozens" of Katyusha rockets. Israeli forces reported no casualties but responded by targeting the rocket launch sites. Casualties have risen on both sides since hostilities erupted, with Iran warning of a harsher response to Israeli provocations. Meanwhile, protests erupted in the US over the Israel-Hamas conflict, with arrests at Yale and demonstrations at Columbia University. Hamas's October 7 attack resulted in significant casualties on both sides.

Unprecedented rainfall in the UAE led to widespread flooding, with Dubai experiencing a year's worth of rain in 12 hours. Satellite images captured by Landsat 9 show lingering floodwaters days after the deluge. Areas north and east of Abu Dhabi were hardest hit, with rainfall totals reaching 4 to 8 inches. The images, taken on April 19, highlight the stark contrast of deep blue floodwaters against the region's arid landscape. The event marks the most extreme weather event in the UAE's recorded history, prompting concerns about infrastructure resilience and disaster preparedness.