On April 14, 2025, Blue Origin completed its first all-women space mission aboard the New Shepard rocket, featuring celebrities and pioneers like Katy Perry, Lauren Sánchez, Gayle King, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn. The 11-minute suborbital flight was celebrated as a milestone for women in space. However, it quickly drew criticism online, with skeptics calling it a “publicity stunt” and circulating videos claiming the launch was fake. While some accused Blue Origin of prioritizing celebrity over science, others defended the mission as a powerful statement for inclusivity and gender representation in space exploration. (PC: Republic World)

On April 14, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump intensified his conflict with Harvard University by halting $2.2 billion in federal grants and $60 million in contracts. This move came after Harvard rejected the administration's demands to dismantle its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, suppress pro-Palestinian student groups, and enhance cooperation with immigration authorities. Harvard President Alan Garber defended the university's autonomy and academic freedom. The controversy has sparked nationwide debate, with prominent figures including Barack Obama backing Harvard, accusing the Trump administration of political overreach and threatening institutional independence in higher education. (PC: AP)

Former President Donald Trump has threatened to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status following its rejection of sweeping federal demands tied to antisemitism policies. Hours earlier, his administration froze $2.2 billion in federal funding, demanding changes in admissions, hiring, and teaching to curb campus antisemitism. Harvard President Alan Garber said the university would not compromise its independence or First Amendment rights. The administration’s proposed reforms included auditing academic departments and reporting students with “hostile” views. Trump accused the university of promoting political ideology and called for an apology. Harvard faculty argue the government is targeting academic freedom and free speech. (PC: Getty Images)

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath lashed out at West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee over the ongoing violence in Murshidabad, stating, "Bengal is burning. The chief minister is silent. She calls rioters 'messengers of peace'." He condemned the state government for not taking action against those inciting unrest over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. "Such anarchy must be brought under control," he added. Adityanath praised the judiciary for deploying central forces and criticized the Congress and Samajwadi Party’s silence. Mamata Banerjee appealed for peace, saying the Waqf law was a central decision, not the state's. Police have arrested 150 rioters so far. (PC: PTI)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, during his visit to Vietnam, urged regional unity against “unilateral bullying” in global trade—a veiled swipe at the United States amid rising trade tensions. Xi’s Southeast Asia tour, which includes Malaysia and Cambodia, comes as US President Donald Trump threatens more tariffs, accusing China and Vietnam of plotting against America. Vietnam narrowly avoided steep US tariffs after a 90-day pause. Xi emphasized strengthening global supply chains and rules-based trade, while Trump dismissed the trip as a ploy. Analysts say China is using the moment to position itself as a reliable economic partner in the region. (PC: Getty Images)

Former U.S. President Barack Obama praised Harvard University for standing firm against demands from the Trump administration to curb campus activism and diversity initiatives. After President Trump threatened to freeze $2.2 billion in federal funding, Harvard refused to comply, defending academic freedom and institutional autonomy. University President Alan Garber stated that no government should dictate what private institutions teach or whom they admit. In a post on X, Obama called Harvard’s move “an example” for others to follow, commending the university for protecting intellectual inquiry, rigorous debate, and mutual respect amid rising political pressure. (PC: India Today)

Following a devastating Russian missile strike in Sumy that killed 35 and injured 117, U.S. President Donald Trump sparked controversy by blaming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the ongoing war with Russia. Trump said Zelensky "started a war against someone 20 times his size" and criticized him for seeking Western aid instead of pursuing peace. Trump also blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Joe Biden, saying "millions are dead" because of their decisions. The remarks follow Trump's tense relationship with Zelensky and come amid backlash over his softer stance on Russia and Putin. (PC: Getty Images)

During a White House photo op celebrating Ohio State's national championship win, Vice President JD Vance dropped the team's trophy, creating an unexpected viral moment. As Vance lifted the trophy alongside President Donald Trump and the Buckeyes, the base slipped and hit the ground, prompting gasps and laughter. A surprised Vance quickly helped reassemble it with the aid of two players. Later, he joked on X, "I didn't want anyone after Ohio State to get the trophy, so I decided to break it." The video spread rapidly, with some dubbing the incident, “Made in China...”

In a dramatic escalation, the Trump administration has frozen $2.3 billion in federal funding to Harvard University after it refused to comply with demands to curb campus activism and dismantle its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Harvard President Alan Garber rejected the federal ultimatum, asserting the university’s independence and constitutional rights. The freeze includes $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts. Trump warned Harvard could lose up to $9 billion in total support. Other top universities, including UPenn, Brown, and Princeton, face similar pressure. Critics, including Senator Bernie Sanders, condemned the move as authoritarian overreach. (PC: AP)

Rishi Sunak's former aide, Craig Williams, and 14 others have been charged with election betting offences in the UK. They are accused of using insider information about the 2024 general election date to place bets. The Gambling Commission’s investigation started last June after Williams placed a £100 bet on the election happening in July, three days before it was officially announced. Other people charged include current Welsh Senedd member Russell George and former police officer Jeremy Hunt. Several others were also associated with the Conservative Party. All those charged will appear in court on Friday. The investigation continues. (PC: Story Picture Agency/Shutterstock)