A fire early Easter morning killed three men and hurt four others in Queens, New York City. The fire broke out around 1:40 am at a home on Chevy Chase Street in Jamaica Estates. The men who died were aged 45, 52, and 67. Three injured people were taken to Jamaica Hospital and one to Queens Hospital. One person is in critical condition. Firefighters quickly reached the scene and put out the flames. FDNY called it a tragic day. The cause of the fire is still under probe. Names of the victims have not been shared yet. (PC: FDNYFC/X)

Ukraine and Russia traded accusations over breaking a 30-hour Easter truce initiated by Russian President Putin. Ukrainian President Zelensky claimed over 46 Russian assaults since Sunday, while Russia's defense ministry reported repelling Ukrainian attacks. The truce, from 16:00 BST Saturday to midnight Sunday, was intended to cease hostilities, but both sides accused each other of violating it. Zelensky called Putin's announcement a "PR exercise," while Russia maintained it upheld the ceasefire. The conflict, ongoing since February 2022, has led to devastating casualties on both sides. (PC: Reuters)

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) admitted that an “operational misunderstanding” and breach of orders led to the deaths of 15 emergency workers in Gaza on March 23. An internal inquiry found that IDF troops mistakenly fired on a convoy of ambulances, a UN vehicle, and a fire truck, suspecting hostile activity in low-visibility conditions. Video evidence later disproved the IDF’s claim that the vehicles lacked emergency lights. A deputy commander was dismissed for an inaccurate debrief, and another officer was disciplined. The incident has sparked calls for an independent probe from the Red Crescent and global humanitarian agencies. (PC: BBC)

The British royal family attended the annual Easter Sunday service at St George's Chapel, Windsor, on April 20. King Charles III and Queen Camilla led the gathering, joined by Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and Prince Andrew, marking his second consecutive Easter appearance after stepping back from public duties. Absent were Prince William and Princess Kate, who chose to spend the holiday privately with their children in Norfolk. The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, led the sermon in place of Justin Welby. Crowds cheered as the royals exited, with children presenting flowers to Queen Camilla. (PC: AP)

On April 20, 2025, Kheal Das Kohistani, Pakistan's Hindu Minister for Religious Affairs, was attacked in Sindh's Thatta district during protests against government irrigation canal projects. Protesters hurled potatoes and tomatoes at his motorcade; Kohistani remained unharmed. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the assault, labeling it "unacceptable" and pledged a thorough investigation. Sindh's Chief Minister also demanded the arrest of those responsible. The incident highlights escalating tensions in Sindh, a province with a significant Hindu minority, amidst growing unrest over infrastructure initiatives. (PC: Facebook)

Chinese researchers have developed a hydrogen-based explosive that produces a fireball lasting over two seconds—15 times longer than a TNT blast—without using nuclear materials. The 2-kilogram device, tested by the 705 Research Institute under China State Shipbuilding Corporation, reached temperatures exceeding 1,000°C. Its prolonged thermal effect is attributed to magnesium hydride, a solid-state hydrogen storage material that releases hydrogen gas upon heating, sustaining combustion. Although its blast force is about 40% of TNT's, the weapon exhibits a significantly greater thermal damage radius, capable of melting materials like aluminium alloys. Potential applications include covering wide areas with intense heat or targeting high-value assets, though specific military deployment plans remain unspecified. (PC: Sciencing & The Indian Express)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered intensified military operations in Gaza following Hamas’s rejection of a temporary ceasefire proposal. Hamas demands a permanent end to the conflict in exchange for releasing hostages. In the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 52 Palestinians, including civilians in designated safe zones. The fate of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander remains unknown. Netanyahu has stated that all future negotiations will occur "under fire," signaling a prolonged and intensified campaign. The escalating violence has drawn international concern over the rising civilian toll and the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Pope Francis, 88, appeared at St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday to wish thousands of worshippers a “Happy Easter” following a serious illness. Emerging in a wheelchair, he waved from the Vatican balcony, marking his first major public appearance since being hospitalized with double pneumonia. Though his Easter address was delivered by a clergy member, the Pope greeted the crowd with warmth. Doctors revealed his life was at risk during his illness, but he remains alert and recovering. This Easter falls during a special Jubilee year, drawing tens of thousands of pilgrims to Rome for sacred celebrations. (PC: Reuters)

In a sweeping wave of demonstrations, thousands of Americans protested across multiple cities on April 19 against President Donald Trump’s hard-line policies, especially on immigration. Organized by the activist group 50501, over 400 protests were held, with major turnouts in New York, Washington, and San Francisco. Protesters carried signs saying “No Kings in America” and “Immigrants Are Welcome,” condemning ICE crackdowns and alleged constitutional violations. In San Francisco, demonstrators formed “IMPEACH + REMOVE” on the beach. Many cited fear over eroding democratic norms, with Holocaust descendants and civil rights advocates voicing deep concern over rising xenophobia and authoritarian tendencies. (PC: AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary "Easter truce" in Ukraine, pausing military actions from 6 p.m. April 20 to midnight on April 21. The Kremlin expressed hope that Ukraine would reciprocate but warned of retaliation if the truce is violated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded cautiously, calling it “another attempt by Putin to play with human lives,” and indicated Ukraine would commit to a full ceasefire only if Russia adheres to it. The move comes amid ongoing conflict, and international observers await Ukraine’s official stance on the ceasefire. Tensions remain high as both sides weigh their options. (PC: Kremlin Media)