At least seven people were killed and 75 injured after strikes in Afghanistan’s Kunar province, according to Taliban officials and local sources. They said students and a professor at Kunar University were among the wounded. Taliban officials said 30 injured were students. Pakistan denied carrying out any strike on the university or homes nearby and called the claims false. Afghanistan’s higher education ministry said buildings suffered heavy damage. Taliban spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat called the attack a “brutal war crime”. The incident may worsen tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan again. (PC: EPA)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his Bengal election campaign with an open letter in Bangla to voters. He thanked people for their support during rallies and roadshows. Modi said the youth, women, farmers and workers want a “Developed Bengal”. He added, “Now is the time for change.” Modi also said, “Serving Bengal is my duty,” and promised safety and progress for the state. He urged people to support the Bharatiya Janata Party. Voting for the final phase will be held on April 29, with counting on May 4.

A man accused of attacking security at a Washington dinner attended by Donald Trump has been charged with trying to assassinate the president. Officials said Cole Tomas Allen, 31, shot a Secret Service agent during the attempted breach. He also faces firearms charges. Allen appeared in federal court wearing a prison jumpsuit. He said he would answer questions truthfully and mentioned he has a master’s degree in computer science. Prosecutors asked the court to keep him in custody while the case continues.

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the US asked for talks after failing to meet its goals. He said Iran is reviewing the request. Araghchi made the remarks during a visit to St Petersburg, where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin promised support for Iran and said Russia would help efforts for peace. Peace talks between the US and Iran remain stalled after Donald Trump cancelled a planned envoy visit. Reports said Iran also sent written messages to the US through Pakistan. The ceasefire is holding, but tensions remain high in the region. (PC: AP)

Donald Trump said King Charles III will be “very safe” during his US state visit, following fresh security reviews after a shooting incident in Washington DC. The visit, involving the King and Queen Camilla, will proceed largely as planned, starting at the White House. UK officials, including Keir Starmer, see the trip as key to reinforcing bilateral ties despite tensions over Iran policy. Events include meetings, a state dinner, and a congressional address. While framed as strengthening cooperation, the visit faces political criticism amid concerns over diplomatic risks and evolving US-UK relations. (PC: BBC)

An Indian student in Canada, Jyoti Kharayat, shared her struggle of balancing studies and part-time work through a viral social media video. She described being “stuck in a loop,” constantly moving between classes and work shifts, including at Starbucks, to manage tuition and living expenses. Her routine highlights the financial pressures faced by international students, who often rely on jobs to sustain themselves. Despite the challenges, she expressed resilience and positivity. Her story resonated widely online, with many acknowledging similar experiences and the demanding reality of managing academics alongside work abroad.

India and New Zealand signed a “historic” free trade agreement aimed at strengthening trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. The pact, finalised within nine months of negotiations, will be implemented later this year. It was signed by Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay in New Delhi. Under the agreement, New Zealand will eliminate tariffs on all Indian imports, while India will remove or reduce tariffs on 95% of its imports from New Zealand. Leaders from both nations described the deal as a major milestone, signalling deeper economic integration and expanded bilateral cooperation. (PC: X)

Vladimir Putin met Abbas Araghchi in Saint Petersburg, reaffirming Russia’s commitment to strengthening strategic ties with Iran amid escalating regional tensions. Putin said Moscow would act in Iran’s interests and highlighted ongoing high-level engagement, including a message from Mojtaba Khamenei. The meeting underscores deepening cooperation as geopolitical dynamics shift following the Middle East conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated Russia’s readiness to support peace efforts or mediation acceptable to all sides. The engagement reflects Moscow’s intent to play a stabilising role while reinforcing its partnership with Tehran.

A Togo-flagged tanker, MT Ceylon, carrying 17 Indian crew members, was intercepted by Iran Coast Guard near Oman, where warning shots were fired. India confirmed all crew are safe and said authorities are closely monitoring maritime security in the Persian Gulf. The incident occurred on April 25 near the Oman Outer Port Limit and comes amid escalating regional tensions affecting shipping routes. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is tracking developments, highlighting concerns over seafarer safety and trade disruptions as geopolitical instability continues to impact critical global maritime corridors. (PC: India Today)

A dust storm hit Delhi-NCR as the India Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert for light rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds up to 60 kmph, offering relief after days of heatwave. Temperatures hovered between 43–45°C but are expected to dip to 40–42°C on Tuesday and further to 37–41°C by midweek with continued cloudiness. Rain and thunderstorms are forecast through April 30 across Delhi and nearby regions, including Punjab and Haryana. Nationwide, temperatures remain high at 40–46°C in most areas, while northeastern and Himalayan regions stay cooler. Broader rainfall activity is expected over northeast and eastern India in the coming days.