A US Congressional Research Service (CRS) report claimed that at least 42 American military aircraft were lost or damaged during the ongoing Iran war under Operation Epic Fury. The reported losses include F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets, an F-35A stealth fighter, MQ-9 Reaper drones, KC-135 refuelling aircraft, an E-3 Sentry surveillance plane, and special operations helicopters. Pentagon officials said repair and replacement costs have sharply increased, pushing operational expenses close to $29 billion. The CRS warned the numbers could rise further because of ongoing combat, classified data, and difficulties in confirming battlefield losses during the conflict. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would “do whatever I want him to do” regarding the escalating Iran conflict, underlining strong US-Israel coordination. Trump said he was not rushing to end the confrontation and prioritized achieving strategic goals over speed. His remarks came amid stalled US-Iran diplomatic talks, ongoing Israeli military operations, and growing fears of a wider regional war. The escalating tensions have increased concerns over Middle East stability, global oil prices, and the possibility of broader international involvement in the conflict. (PC: India Today)

Yume, the Akita dog gifted by Japan’s Akita Prefecture to Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2012, died in 2025 due to old age, the Russian presidential office confirmed. The dog would have turned 14 on April 24. Yume was presented as a gesture of gratitude for Russia’s assistance following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and was believed to have lived at Putin’s official residence. The dog became a symbol of Japan-Russia goodwill and frequently drew public attention during diplomatic interactions. In January 2025, the Kremlin had described Yume as “well, mischievous, devoted and keeping the president happy.” The revelation has renewed memories of one of diplomacy’s most recognisable animal companions. (PC: X)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has been invited to attend a special United Nations Security Council meeting scheduled in New York next week amid continuing international focus on Iran and rising geopolitical tensions. The invitation signals growing diplomatic attention on Tehran’s role in ongoing regional and global security discussions, particularly as negotiations and concerns surrounding Iran’s foreign policy and nuclear position continue to dominate international debate. However, Iranian authorities have not yet confirmed whether Araghchi will participate in the high-level session. The uncertainty surrounding his attendance has further fueled speculation over Iran’s diplomatic strategy and possible engagement with global powers during the upcoming UN deliberations. More details are expected in the coming days from Tehran and the UN. (PC: Times Now)

A Chinese-made JF-17 Thunder fighter jet of the Pakistan Air Force crashed during a routine training mission in Pakistan, according to reports. Both pilots managed to eject safely before the aircraft went down, preventing any loss of life. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash, with initial reports pointing toward a possible technical malfunction. The JF-17, jointly developed by China and Pakistan, is one of the Pakistan Air Force’s key combat aircraft. The incident has once again raised concerns over fighter jet safety and maintenance as military aviation accidents continue to occur during training operations worldwide. 

Meta reportedly instructed employees across multiple regions to work from home before sending layoff emails to nearly 8,000 workers. According to reports, affected staff in Singapore received termination notices at around 4 am local time, with emails sent in phases across different time zones. The company is restructuring teams, reducing management layers and closing thousands of open positions. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced major investments in artificial intelligence and smaller operational teams. The layoffs add to a growing trend of job cuts across the global technology sector. (PC: NDTV)

Delhi remains under a five-day orange alert after the India Meteorological Department warned of severe heatwave conditions across the national capital. Temperatures are expected to reach nearly 46 degrees Celsius, with no major relief likely over the next week. The IMD said hot and dry winds, along with the absence of western disturbances, are intensifying the heat. Authorities warned of rising risks of heat-related illnesses, especially among children, elderly people and those with health conditions. Delhi’s peak electricity demand also touched a season-high 7,776 MW amid soaring temperatures and increased power consumption across the city. (PC: HT)

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed deeper strategic cooperation during Putin’s state visit to Beijing, signalling stronger alignment amid rising global tensions. Putin said both nations would expand bilateral cooperation and coordinate more closely on international platforms like BRICS. Xi responded that China-Russia relations had entered a “new stage of faster development”, adding that mutual trust between the two countries continued to strengthen. Chinese state media described the talks as “substantial”, while Putin called the partnership “exemplary”. The visit mirrored the ceremonial welcome recently accorded to US President Donald Trump, underscoring Beijing’s effort to project itself as a central hub of global diplomacy and strategic influence. (PC: BBC)

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Tuesday night for his 25th official visit to China, where he was welcomed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a military honour guard. During the two-day state visit, Putin is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, sign cooperation documents and issue a joint statement on strengthening strategic ties. Putin will also meet Premier Li Qiang, attend exhibitions and hold informal discussions with Xi. The Kremlin said discussions would include “important and sensitive issues”. The visit comes shortly after US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic trip to China.

Lawmakers in Iran are preparing to vote on a bill that would offer a "$58 million bounty" for the killing of Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu and Admiral Brad Cooper. Iranian officials say the proposal is a response to recent attacks on the country. The debate comes as indirect talks between Iran and the United States continue through Pakistan. The proposal has raised fears of further escalation in the Middle East. (PC: Reuters)