The US and Ukraine have signed a new natural resources deal aimed at helping Ukraine recover from war damage. Both countries will create a joint fund, equally shared, to support military aid and rebuild Ukraine. In return, the US will get future access to Ukrainian minerals like titanium and graphite. Ukrainian adviser Yurki Sak said the deal could lead to “a just and lasting peace.” The agreement follows months of talks, after a delayed signing in February. Many Ukrainians are hopeful, though some still fear losing US support. Meanwhile, a Russian drone strike in Odesa killed two people overnight. (PS: BBC)

In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists, security forces have foiled a major terror plot near the Indo-Pak border in Amritsar. A joint operation by BSF and Punjab Police led to the recovery of three pistols, six magazines, 50 live rounds, and two grenades near Bharopal village. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the armed forces full freedom to respond, as tensions escalate with continued ceasefire violations and heightened security. The NIA has taken charge of the probe, and airspace restrictions against Pakistan are set to severely impact PIA operations, particularly on northern routes. (PC: India Today)

NIA investigations into the Pahalgam terror attack reveal the terrorists had conducted reconnaissance at three other locations—Aru Valley, Betab Valley, and an amusement park—before targeting Baisaran Valley. Their plans were foiled due to heavy security presence. The attackers stayed in Baisaran two days prior to the April 22 assault that killed 26 tourists, including one Nepali national. Four overground workers aided in planning, with 20 identified and over 180 detained so far. Victims’ families say terrorists targeted Hindus after verifying religious identity. The brutal act has intensified tensions in the region, prompting widespread security crackdowns and diplomatic fallout. (PC: PTI)

The U.S. and Ukraine have signed a long-anticipated agreement to jointly develop Ukraine's vast energy and mineral resources, including rare earth elements crucial for defense and green technologies. The deal establishes a 50:50 U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund to boost Ukraine’s post-war economy and secure future U.S. security aid. Signed in Washington by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Deputy PM Yulia Svyrydenko, the deal follows intense negotiations and a push from President Trump. Kyiv retains ownership of the resources, while the U.S. gains strategic access. Trump called the deal “a very good thing” after meeting Zelensky at Pope Francis' funeral.

Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26, tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the “chances of conflict with India are rising,” amid claims that India is preparing military action within 24–36 hours. India has responded by banning Pakistani airlines from its airspace and reaching out to UNSC members for diplomatic support. Meanwhile, families of victims are demanding justice, and Indian leaders are urging strong retaliation. Despite international efforts to ease tensions, both nations have hardened their stances, escalating fears of a broader confrontation in the region. (PC: Hindustan Times)

At a Cabinet meeting, President Donald Trump praised tariffs and hailed domestic investment, despite a government report revealing the U.S. economy shrank by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025 — the first contraction since 2022. Economists link the decline to businesses stockpiling imports ahead of Trump’s new tariff policies. Trump, however, deflected blame onto former President Joe Biden, insisting Wall Street’s “bad numbers” were unrelated to tariffs. Later today, Trump is set to meet with CEOs from leading firms including Nvidia and GE Aerospace at an investment event aimed at boosting confidence in the U.S. economy. (PC: BBC)

Yuzvendra Chahal’s sensational hat-trick and Shreyas Iyer’s explosive 72 powered Punjab Kings to a thrilling 4-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2025 clash at Chepauk. After opting to bowl, PBKS restricted CSK to 190 despite Sam Curran’s blazing 88 off 47 balls. Chahal’s four-wicket 19th over flipped the script, finishing with 4/32. Chasing 191, Iyer led the charge with a 41-ball 72, supported by Prabhsimran Singh’s 54. PBKS clinched victory in the final over, handing CSK a crushing defeat at home and boosting their playoff hopes.

Pakistan has cancelled all flights to and from the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as tensions with India rise following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 tourists. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) suspended flights to Skardu and Gilgit, including services from Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Pakistani officials stated the cancellations are precautionary, aimed at securing airspace. The move follows India’s warning to Pakistan over ceasefire violations and heightened military activity. The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, has drawn global condemnation and triggered widespread outrage and security measures across India and Pakistan. (PC: NDTV)

At least three people from the same family in Taboadela, Spain, died in an incident linked to a massive power outage that plunged Spain and Portugal into chaos on Monday. Authorities suspect carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator may be the cause. Additional deaths are under investigation, including a woman in Madrid killed in a fire likely sparked by a candle during the blackout, and another in Valencia possibly due to her ventilator losing power. The outage disrupted metro systems, traffic lights, card payments, and mobile networks across Spain, Portugal, parts of France, and Andorra. The cause remains under investigation. (PC: BBC)

On April 30, 2025, Israel conducted a warning airstrike targeting an extremist group in Sahnaya, Syria, which was allegedly preparing to attack Druze communities near Damascus. This action follows Israel's commitment to defend the Druze minority amid rising sectarian tensions. Recent clashes between Druze and Sunni Muslim gunmen in Jaramana resulted in over a dozen deaths, with violence spreading to Sahnaya, where 11 people were killed. Israel's leadership emphasized the Syrian regime's responsibility to protect the Druze population, highlighting concerns over regional stability and minority rights. (PC: Reuters)