A large brass astrolabe, described as a 17th Century “supercomputer”, once owned by Sawai Man Singh II, will be auctioned at Sotheby's in London on 29 April. It later passed to Gayatri Devi before entering private hands.   Experts say it may be the largest astrolabe known. “It is perhaps the largest in existence,” said Benedict Carter of Sotheby’s.   Made in Lahore by brothers Qa'im Muhammad and Muhammad Muqim, it was commissioned by Mughal nobleman Aqa Afzal.   Astrolabes were used to track stars and time. “You can do so many things with them,” said historian Federica Gigante. (PC: BBC)

U.S. President Donald Trump revealed he had planned an unusually provocative speech for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, saying he was “ready to rip it” with what he called his “most inappropriate speech ever.” However, the event was abruptly disrupted when gunfire erupted near the venue, triggering panic and forcing his evacuation. The armed suspect was quickly apprehended by security forces, and no major injuries were reported. Secret Service acted swiftly to secure the area. The incident has raised serious concerns over security lapses at high-profile political gatherings. 

Renowned Indian photojournalist Raghu Rai passed away at the age of 83, marking the end of an extraordinary era in Indian photography. Widely regarded as a pioneer, Rai’s work captured India’s social, political, and cultural landscape over five decades. A recipient of the Padma Shri, he was known for powerful images such as those documenting the Bhopal gas tragedy and portraits of influential figures. He battled prolonged illness before his death in New Delhi. Rai’s contributions to photojournalism and visual storytelling leave a lasting global legacy. (PC: HT)

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner was thrown into chaos after a lone gunman opened fire near the event venue, causing panic among attendees and triggering a major security lockdown. Former President Donald Trump, who was attending the event, was quickly escorted to safety along with other high-profile guests. Authorities confirmed the attacker acted alone and was neutralized by security personnel. Several people sustained minor injuries during the panic, but no major casualties were reported. The incident has reignited concerns over political violence in the United States, with leaders worldwide condemning the attack and calling for stronger security at public political events. (PC: AFP)

Six passengers were injured after a SWISS international flight from Delhi to Zurich suffered an engine failure that led to a fire during takeoff at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The Airbus A330, carrying over 230 people, aborted takeoff when one engine malfunctioned and caught fire. The crew initiated an emergency evacuation on the runway using slides. Passengers were rushed out safely, but six sustained injuries and were hospitalized. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, highlighting aviation safety concerns and the importance of swift emergency response during critical situations. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the shooting incident at a White House event attended by Donald Trump, asserting that violence has no place in a democracy. Expressing relief, Modi said Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance were safe and unharmed. He emphasized that such acts must be unequivocally condemned and reiterated the importance of peace in democratic societies. The incident triggered global concern, with leaders highlighting the need to uphold democratic values and ensure safety at high-profile political events. (PC: HT)

The first image of the suspected gunman involved in the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting has surfaced, as investigators work to identify his motive and security lapses. The suspect was taken into custody shortly after opening fire near the venue’s security area, triggering panic among attendees. U.S. President Donald Trump and other high-profile officials were swiftly evacuated and remained unharmed. Early reports suggest the attacker managed to bypass key security layers before the incident. Authorities have not yet released full details about the suspect’s identity, but the image is expected to aid the investigation. The event was cancelled amid heightened security concerns. (PC: X)

Gunfire disrupted the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., triggering panic and a swift security response. U.S. President Donald Trump and other top officials were immediately evacuated by the Secret Service. The shooting occurred near the venue’s security area, with reports confirming that a suspect opened fire before being apprehended. No major injuries were reported, though a law enforcement officer was hit in a bulletproof vest and is expected to recover. Guests took cover under tables as chaos unfolded. Authorities are investigating the incident, and the high-profile event has been cancelled and will be rescheduled. (PC: AP)

Donald Trump said he cancelled a planned Pakistan visit by US envoys for talks with Iran. He told Fox News he did not want officials to take an “18-hour flight” to “sit around talking about nothing”.   Trump said the US “has all the cards” and added Iran “can call us anytime they want”. He also claimed there is “infighting” and “confusion” in Iran’s leadership.   Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said it is unclear if the US is “truly serious” about diplomacy.   He said Iran shared its position during talks in Pakistan. No new meeting has been announced. (PC: X)

Words like “gaddar” and “baahri” are shaping Punjab politics after Raghav Chadha and other MPs left the Aam Aadmi Party to join the BJP.   AAP workers used “gaddar” during protests outside homes of leaders like Harbhajan Singh. Chief minister Bhagwant Mann also called them “traitors of Punjab”.   Chadha rejected the charge. He said they left “not out of fear but… disgusted”.   The word “baahri” has returned from earlier debates over leaders seen as outsiders.   Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu also drew attention with his “catwalk” remark on Chadha. (PC: HT)