Times of India

The US faces scrutiny for its increasing visa revocations and SEVIS terminations targeting international students, disproportionately affecting Indians. AILA reports 50% of such cases involve Indian students, raising concerns about arbitrary actions. Despite a surge in Indian students pursuing US education, anecdotal evidence suggests a decline in aspirations.

In Bangladesh's Dinajpur, Bhabesh Chandra Roy, a Hindu community leader, was allegedly abducted and killed. Roy, vice-president of the Biral unit of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, received a phone call before being taken from his home by four men. He was reportedly beaten in Narabari village and later found unconscious near his residence.

A building collapsed in Mustafabad, Delhi early Saturday. Rescue operations are underway. Several people are feared trapped under the debris. NDRF and Delhi Police teams are at the site. The collapse follows recent heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in Delhi. Last week, a wall collapse near Madhu Vihar resulted in one death and two injuries.

The UK has requested sovereign guarantees from India regarding the treatment of extradited individuals, specifically concerning Tihar Jail and potential mistreatment, following the rejection of several extradition requests. Simultaneously, a growing number of Indian students in the US face visa revocations, prompting concern and legal challenges.

Brics nations, now expanded to 11 members, have launched the "Brics Land Restoration Partnership" to combat land degradation and promote soil fertility. At the 15th Brics Agriculture Ministers' meeting in Brasilia, India advocated for prioritizing small farmers' welfare in global agricultural strategies. The group aims to foster a fair, inclusive, and sustainable agri-food system.

The White House has relaunched its Covid-19 website, prominently featuring the lab-leak theory and accusing the previous administration of suppressing debate on the virus's origins. The updated site criticizes early pandemic responses and alleges censorship of alternative views. This move follows revised assessments from intelligence agencies, while China continues to reject the lab-leak hypothesis.

Justice B V Nagarathna voiced strong support for the early enactment of 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies, expressing hope to witness its implementation. Speaking at a book release, she emphasized women's rightful participation in public roles, advocating for gender equality and urging a review of discriminatory laws.

Donald Trump defended the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, linking him to MS-13 with a photo of a tattooed hand. This sparked controversy after images surfaced of Abrego Garcia with Senator Chris Van Hollen in El Salvador. Despite a court order blocking his removal, Abrego Garcia was deported, leading to accusations of due process violations.

Akshay Kumar's 'Kesari 2' released in theatres on Good Friday, April 18. The movie made Rs 7.5 crore on day 1. Meanwhile, Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda starrer 'Jaat' made Rs 4.5 crore on second Friday.

Akshay Kumar's *Kesari Chapter 2*, depicting the aftermath of Jallianwala Bagh, debuted on April 18, 2025, garnering positive reviews but a modest Rs 7.50 crore opening. Despite high expectations fueled by the sequel advantage and Easter holiday, the film's performance aligns with Sunny Deol’s *Jaat*. The film stars R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday, coinciding with the massacre's 106th anniversary.

PM Modi and Elon Musk discussed technology and innovation collaboration, amidst Tesla's potential entry into India and ongoing trade negotiations with the US. Piyush Goyal also met with Starlink executives regarding investment plans. This follows their earlier meeting in Washington DC, where they discussed space, mobility, and India's governance reforms.

Karnataka's Congress government faces internal dissent over a caste survey report, with ministers from Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities questioning its accuracy. Concerns include inflated data for marginal sub-castes and underrepresentation of dominant ones.

Following Bangladesh's comments on West Bengal violence, India has strongly criticized Dhaka's interim government. The MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged Bangladesh to prioritize protecting its own minorities, rather than making unwarranted comments. India rejected Bangladesh's remarks, viewing them as a disingenuous attempt to draw a parallel with the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh.

Pat McAfee faces criticism for sharing an unverified rumor about an Ole Miss student, Mary Kate Cornett, on his show, leading to online harassment. Cornett accuses McAfee of defamation and causing emotional distress, potentially leading to legal action.

A Turkish student from Tufts University, detained in Louisiana over an opinion piece criticizing the university's stance on Palestinian issues, must return to New England by May 1 for a hearing. A federal judge ordered the transport to assess the legality of her detention.

Following Tahawwur Hussain Rana's extradition, NIA is interrogating him about the 26/11 attacks and David Headley's role. Rana's disclosures may lead to NIA seeking further access to Headley, currently jailed in the US. Headley, according to former home secretary G K Pillai, was Rana's key link to the conspiracy, updating him on LeT's plans and reconnaissance.

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh stated that India began to embrace its culture and ancient heritage with pride after 2014, attributing this shift to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This observation was made during the release of 'Sanskriti ka Panchva Adhyay,' a compilation of Modi's speeches on culture.

In a significant reshuffle, the government appointed new secretaries across key economic ministries, including finance, commerce, labour, and civil aviation. Eighteen new secretaries were named in total. The finance ministry saw appointments in expenditure, economic affairs, revenue, and public enterprises. Rajesh Agrawal was designated commerce secretary.