In a significant policy change, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security now requires all non-citizens aged 18 and above—including H-1B visa and green card holders—to carry valid identification at all times. Approved by a U.S. district court, this rule is aimed at tightening immigration enforcement. Violations may lead to penalties, including six months’ imprisonment or deportation. The directive has sparked concern among the Indian community in the U.S., fearing increased scrutiny. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has stated that compliance will be strictly enforced, with no exceptions or leniency for violators. (PC: India.com)

A blast at a fireworks factory in Kailasapatnam, Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh, killed eight workers and injured seven on Sunday. The explosion happened in Kotavuratla mandal. Two of the dead were women. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock and asked officials to give the best medical care to the injured. Home Minister V Anitha confirmed the details and said all injured are being treated. Former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also shared his sorrow and asked party leaders to support the victims. The cause of the blast is still being investigated. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Violent protests erupted in West Bengal's Murshidabad district over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, leading to three deaths and over 150 arrests. The unrest intensified in areas like Suti and Samsherganj, prompting the deployment of nine Border Security Force (BSF) companies. BSF personnel faced direct attacks, with vehicles torched and minor injuries reported. The Calcutta High Court mandated the immediate deployment of central forces to restore order. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared the Act would not be implemented in the state, a stance criticized by the BJP, which accused her of inciting unrest. Prohibitory orders and internet suspensions were enforced in affected areas to curb further violence. (PC: OpIndia & PTI)

Apple has significantly expanded its iPhone production in India, assembling devices worth $22 billion in the fiscal year ending March 2025—a 60% increase from the previous year. India now manufactures one in every five iPhones globally. This shift is driven by escalating tariffs on Chinese imports, with the U.S. imposing duties totaling 145%. Foxconn leads production in southern India, while Tata Group has become a key player after acquiring Wistron and Pegatron operations. India exported iPhones worth Rs 1.5 trillion ($17.4 billion) in the past fiscal year, with shipments to the U.S. increasing notably following the announcement of new tariffs. This strategic pivot underscores Apple's move to diversify its supply chain away from China. (PC: British GQ & Firstpost)

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari claimed over 400 Hindus fled Dhulian, Murshidabad, following violence over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which allegedly left three dead. Adhikari accused the Trinamool Congress of "appeasement politics" that emboldened radical elements, leading to attacks on Hindus. He urged the Border Security Force, state police, and district administration to ensure the safe return of the displaced. Adhikari shared videos of victims alleging police inaction during the violence. The BSF deployed five companies to assist state police in restoring order. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized the West Bengal government for allowing a breakdown of law and order. The situation is reportedly under control now. (PC: Rediff & Hindustan Times)

In a heartwarming moment that highlights the camaraderie between Indian cricketers, Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya gifted a bat to breakout Women’s Premier League (WPL) star Kashvee Gautam, just ahead of MI’s IPL 2025 match against Delhi Capitals in Delhi. Kashvee, who had an impressive outing in WPL 2025 while playing for Gujarat Giants, emerged as the team’s leading wicket-taker with 11 scalps. During the WPL, Kashvee had expressed a desire to own one of Pandya’s bats. The MI skipper took note and stayed true to his word. Ahead of Mumbai Indians’ sixth IPL fixture of the season, Pandya met Kashvee and presented her with a specially customized bat weighing 1100 grams, a thoughtful gesture acknowledging her talent and determination. The touching interaction, captured on video and shared widely on social media, showcases Pandya encouraging young talents and supporting the growing prominence of women’s cricket in India.

A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar near Meiktila on April 13, 2025, marking one of the strongest aftershocks since the devastating 7.7-magnitude quake on March 28. The epicenter lay between Mandalay and Naypyitaw, areas already severely affected. Residents in Wundwin township reported fleeing buildings and ceiling damage; however, no major casualties were reported. The March 28 quake resulted in 3,649 deaths and over 5,000 injuries, exacerbating Myanmar's humanitarian crisis amid ongoing civil conflict. The United Nations has expressed concern over disrupted agriculture and damaged medical infrastructure. The recent quake coincided with the Thingyan holiday, whose celebrations had been canceled due to the disaster. (PC: Al Jazeera, Hindustan Times & The Telegraph)

An Israeli airstrike early Sunday targeted al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City, the last operational medical facility in the area. The Palestinian civil defence agency reported that the strike destroyed the surgery building and the oxygen generation station for intensive care units. The Gaza health ministry stated that one child died during the rushed evacuation due to the inability to provide urgent care. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike, alleging that the hospital was used by Hamas as a command and control center to plan and execute attacks against Israeli civilians and troops. This incident occurs as Israel intensifies its military operations in Gaza, cutting off access to the southern city of Rafah. (PC: Al Jazeera)

A catastrophic roof collapse at Santo Domingo’s Jet Set nightclub on April 8, 2025, during a merengue concert by Rubby Pérez, has resulted in 226 deaths and 189 injuries. Notable victims include Pérez, former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, and Montecristi governor Nelsy Cruz. The collapse occurred around 12:44 a.m., with the cause still under investigation. Rescue teams recovered 189 survivors during a 53-hour operation. The tragedy has deeply affected both the Dominican Republic and international communities, prompting national mourning and tributes. New York City lowered flags to half-staff, and Mayor Eric Adams plans to visit the Dominican Republic to pay respects. Authorities are working to identify victims and determine the collapse's cause. (PC: Sky News & CNN)

A Russian missile strike on the northern Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday resulted in over 20 civilian deaths, according to acting mayor Artem Kobzar. Ukrainian officials condemned the attack, which occurred shortly after U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss a potential peace deal. Ukrainian security official Andriy Kovalenko criticized the strike as undermining diplomatic efforts. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it has occupied about 20% of Ukrainian territory and shifted its military strategy towards missile and drone strikes. Despite a recent U.S.-brokered moratorium on attacks targeting each other's energy infrastructure, both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of violating the agreement. Russia claimed five Ukrainian attacks on its energy sites in the past day, suggesting a further escalation in hostilities. (PC: Reuters)