In a significant breakthrough, Delhi Police's 'Operation Clean Sweep' dismantled a transnational heroin trafficking network spanning Afghanistan, Pakistan, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Delhi-NCR. The operation led to the seizure of 1,667 grams of high-quality Afghan-origin heroin and 130 grams of a suspected chemical substance. Investigations revealed that one accused utilized the online game PUBG to establish contact with a heroin supplier. The probe commenced with the interception of Faheem Farooq from Jammu & Kashmir, leading to the arrests of key operatives including Shazia Peer, who disclosed connections in Afghanistan, the UK, the US, and Punjab. Subsequent arrests included Javed and Parminder Singh Deol, alias Harry, further unraveling the cartel's extensive network. (PC: Epic Games)

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.

NASA astronaut Don Pettit, aged 70, safely returned to Earth on April 20, 2025, coinciding with his birthday, after a 220-day mission aboard the International Space Station. Accompanied by Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner, their Soyuz capsule landed near Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan, at 6:20 a.m. local time. The trio completed 3,520 Earth orbits during their mission. Post-landing, standard medical evaluations were conducted. Pettit is set to return to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, while Ovchinin and Vagner will proceed to Russia’s Star City training base. Prior to departure, Ovchinin transferred ISS command to Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi. (PC: NASA/Bill Ingalls via Reuters & NASA)

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, aged 14 years and 23 days, became the youngest-ever IPL debutant for Rajasthan Royals, hitting a six off his first ball and scoring 34 off 20 balls in a match against Lucknow Super Giants. His coach, Manish Ojha, revealed that Vaibhav adhered to strict dietary restrictions, avoiding mutton and pizza, to prepare for the IPL. Ojha praised him as a blend of Yuvraj Singh and Brian Lara, highlighting his fearless batting style. Before the match, head coach Rahul Dravid informed Vaibhav of his debut, leading to a mix of excitement and nervousness. Vaibhav expressed determination to seize scoring opportunities without hesitation. (PC: News18)

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)

A Boeing 737 MAX jet, originally designated for China's Xiamen Airlines, has returned to Boeing's Seattle facility due to escalating U.S.-China trade tensions. The aircraft, bearing Xiamen's livery, was among several awaiting delivery at Boeing's Zhoushan center. However, recent tariffs—145% by the U.S. on Chinese imports and 125% by China on U.S. goods—rendered the delivery financially unfeasible. With a market value near $55 million, the aircraft would incur significant duty costs under the current tariff regime. It's unclear whether Boeing or Xiamen Airlines initiated the jet's return. This incident highlights the breakdown of the aerospace industry's long-standing duty-free status and adds to Boeing's challenges amid ongoing trade disputes. (PC: Reuters)

Google CEO Sundar Pichai made sure not to miss the IPL debut of 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who played for Rajasthan Royals against Lucknow Super Giants on April 19. Waking up early to watch the match live, Pichai praised Suryavanshi’s fearless batting, which included a first-ball six off Shardul Thakur. "Woke up to watch an 8th grader play in the IPL!!!! What a debut!" Pichai posted on his social media. Despite Rajasthan's narrow loss, Suryavanshi impressed with a quickfire 34 off 20 balls. His debut performance added to the excitement surrounding his selection as the youngest player in IPL history. (PC: X)

Heavy rainfall triggered devastating flash floods and landslides across Jammu & Kashmir, killing three and blocking the crucial Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. Ramban district bore the brunt, with around 40 houses damaged and more than 100 villagers rescued in Dharamkund. Uprooted trees, power cuts, and submerged vehicles have left several areas crippled. Former Sarpanch Parshottam Gupta reported severe damage in Udhampur after strong winds and rain hit the region for the first time in years. Authorities have suspended traffic along the highway from Nashri to Banihal, urging travelers to avoid the route until weather conditions improve.

US Vice President JD Vance, along with his Indian-origin wife Usha and their three children, is set to arrive in New Delhi on Monday for a four-day visit to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a dinner in his honor and hold talks focused on trade, tariffs, and strengthening bilateral ties. The Vance family will visit Delhi’s Akshardham Temple, Jaipur’s Amber Fort, and the Taj Mahal in Agra. The vice president is also expected to address an event at the Rajasthan International Centre. The visit comes amid ongoing discussions around Donald Trump’s tariff policies affecting India-US trade. (PC: AP)