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Dhat distills the news to its core so you can interpret events for yourself. Each day we gather thousands of stories from around the globe and highlight important connections. Our renowned briefings help both analysts and news junkies organize a messy world with greater efficiency.

Current Affairs International Relations

Putin Declares Easter Truce in Ukraine, Trust Remains Low

Ukrainian officials skeptical of 30-hour ceasefire announcement, citing previous failed attempts and ongoing drone activity in the region...

Putin announced a 30-hour Easter truce until Sunday 22:00 BST, following Russia's February 2022 invasion that caused massive casualties. Zelensky and Sybiha express distrust, citing drone activity. Previous January 2023 ceasefire failed. Despite US-Russia talks and Ukraine accepting a 30-day proposal, Moscow rejected unconditional ceasefire. Russian Defense Ministry demands mutual respect.

Current Affairs Politics & Government

Liberal Budget Plan Adds $225B to Debt Despite Revenue Push

New $130B spending package includes military expansion, housing initiatives and tax cuts, while government seeks $51.8B in new revenue sources...

Liberal Party's $130B plan adds $225B to federal debt, featuring 14% tax rate ($22B cost), $18B NATO spending for sovereignty defense, CAF benefits, recruitment modernization, and sexual misconduct crackdown. Build Canada Homes ($3B yearly) leads housing initiatives with $1.5B for development charges, $4B building repurposing. Government projects $51.8B revenue, $20B from tariffs.

Current Affairs Crime & Justice

Tunisia Jails Opposition Leaders in Mass Security Trial

Court hands down harsh sentences of up to 66 years to 40 defendants, drawing international condemnation over political crackdown...

Tunisian court sentenced opposition figures to 13-66 years for state security conspiracy and terrorism. Said Ferjani and Ennahdha party members among 40 defendants including diplomats, journalists, and lawyers. UN High Commissioner and Human Rights Watch condemn Saied's government for political arrests since 2021 parliament dissolution. Many detained pre-trial or fled abroad.

Current Affairs Crime & Justice

Freddie Gray's Death Still Echoes in Baltimore Reform Fight

A decade after Gray's fatal police encounter, activists see progress in oversight but persistent inequality in West Baltimore communities...

Ten years after Freddie Gray died from spinal injuries during Baltimore police van transport, activist Ray Kelly continues advocating for reform. While federal investigations led to improved oversight and declining homicides, systemic inequalities persist in west Baltimore. At a wreath-laying ceremony, Gray's twin sister Fredricka renewed calls for justice amid Trump-era challenges to civil rights.

Current Affairs International Relations

U.S. Lawmakers Visit Post-Assad Damascus in Historic Trip

Congressional delegation tours Syrian capital following dictator's fall, as U.S. cautiously engages with new leadership after 14-year civil war...

Reps. Mills (Florida) and Stutzman (Indiana) toured Damascus after Assad's December 2023 ouster. Syria's 14-year conflict killed 500,000. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's al-Sharaa captured Damascus, forcing Assad to Russia. Barbara Leaf led U.S. diplomacy. Treasury issued 6-month transaction license. U.S. demands minority protection before lifting sanctions.

Current Affairs National Security

Ecuador on Alert: Mexican Hit Squad Targets President Noboa

Military intelligence warns of assassination plot amid political tensions, as opposition leader González dismisses threats as persecution campaign...

Ecuador's military intelligence warned of Mexican hired killers targeting President Noboa post-elections. González claimed falsified results and dismissed assassination threats as persecution, predicting more opposition silencing. Amid internal armed conflict, authorities placed the country on high alert, citing criminal structures despite lacking evidence.

Current Affairs Politics & Government

UK Court's Female Definition Sparks Mass Trans Rights Protests

Supreme Court ruling on biological sex draws thousands to streets, raising concerns over facility access and rights for 116,000 transgender Britons...

Thousands protested UK Supreme Court's ruling defining women as biologically female, affecting 116,000 trans Britons with 8,500 certificates. The decision, stemming from Scotland's 2018 board quota law, impacts facility access despite anti-discrimination protections. Sophie Gibbs, Zuleha Oshodi warn of rights erosion while government praises 'clarity.' Swinney acknowledges community's anguish.

Sports Pro Sports

Rangers Fire Laviolette After Single-Season Playoff Miss

New York seeks fresh leadership as veteran coach's brief tenure ends; GM Drury considers Peca, Muse among potential replacements...

The New York Rangers fired head coach Peter Laviolette and assistant Phil Housley after missing playoffs. GM Chris Drury and owner James Dolan seek replacements, with Michael Peca and Dan Muse as candidates. Laviolette's brief tenure since June 2023 ended his sixth NHL coaching role, following Washington, Nashville, Philadelphia, Carolina, and Islanders, highlighted by 2006 Stanley Cup.

Business Personal Finance

Slovenia Plans 25% Crypto Tax as EU's Top Digital Currency Hub

New capital gains tax targets nation's 15% crypto ownership rate, highest in eurozone, while exempting pre-2026 gains and crypto-to-crypto trades...

Slovenia's Ministry of Finance proposes 25% cryptocurrency capital gains tax from 2026, exempting crypto swaps and pre-2026 gains. Returns due March 31 require payment within 15 days. Profits calculate as sale-purchase difference minus fees, with loss carryforward allowed. The €2.5-25M annual revenue measure addresses eurozone's highest crypto ownership at 15%.

Current Affairs Crime & Justice

Clinton Returns to Oklahoma City Bombing Site, 30 Years Later

Former president honors 168 victims at National Memorial Museum, where empty chairs stand as silent tribute to deadliest domestic terror attack...

30 years after the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing killed 168 people, including 19 children, Bill Clinton returned to address the memorial. The attack destroyed a federal building, leading to the creation of the National Memorial Museum featuring 168 empty chairs and a reflecting pool. Governor Keating, Mayor Norick, and CEO Watkins maintain the 'Oklahoma Standard' through education and remembrance.

Current Affairs International Relations

Iran-US Nuclear Talks Resume in Secret Rome Meeting

Omani mediator facilitates indirect negotiations between Iranian and US diplomats, marking progress toward reviving 2015 nuclear accord...

Iranian diplomat Araghchi and US envoy Witkoff, Trump's billionaire foreign policy representative, held 4-hour indirect nuclear talks in separate Rome embassy rooms, mediated by Omani FM al-Busaidi. Following initial Muscat meetings, Tasnim reports constructive progress toward addressing Trump's 2018 withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear accord. Technical talks precede April 26 senior meeting.

Current Affairs Politics & Government

Singh Unveils Bold NDP Platform with Healthcare and Housing Focus

Plan includes wealth tax, healthcare reforms, and ambitious housing strategy, projecting $48B deficit while promising 3M new homes by 2030...

NDP's Singh announces platform: 1% Canada Health Transfer boost, cross-province medical licensing, $16B housing strategy replacing Accelerator Fund, 3M homes by 2030, 20% non-market housing, renoviction ban, rent control, 2% corporate surtax on $500M+ profits, 1-3% wealth tax generating $96B, universal doctor access by 2030, adding $48B deficit.

Sports Pro Sports

Alcaraz, Rune Set for All-NextGen Barcelona Open Final

Fresh off Monte Carlo victory, world No. 2 Alcaraz seeks third straight Barcelona title against rising star Rune in youth-powered showdown...

Fresh Monte Carlo champion Carlos Alcaraz, World No. 2 with 18 titles, faces Holger Rune (4 career titles) in the Barcelona Open final, seeking his third 2024 crown and third straight Barcelona title. Both 21-year-olds won semifinals: Alcaraz over Fils 6-2, 6-4, Rune past Khachanov 6-3, 6-2. Alcaraz leads head-to-head 2-1, last winning at Wimbledon 2023.

Sports Pro Sports

Late O'Reilly Strike Powers Man City Past Everton

Converted defender scores maiden goal as champions climb to fourth with 2-0 win at Goodison Park..

20-year-old Nico O'Reilly, converted to left back amid City's defensive crisis, scored in the 84th minute from Matheus Nunes's cross at Goodison Park. Mateo Kovacic sealed a 2-0 win, lifting Manchester City above Nottingham Forest to fourth place. Under Pep Guardiola, the former champions seek Champions League qualification through Premier League's top-five spots.

Sports Pro Sports

Buttler's Blazing 97 Powers Gujarat Titans Past Delhi

Unbeaten century stand with Rutherford helps Titans chase down 204, maintaining their position atop IPL standings with 10 points...

Gujarat Titans topped IPL with 10 points after Buttler's 97* and Rutherford's 43 secured a seven-wicket win over Delhi. After Karun Nair ran out Gill (7), Sudharsan (36) fell to Kuldeep Yadav. The Buttler-Rutherford 119-run partnership ended when Kumar dismissed Rutherford. Tewatia finished with hits off Starc after Axar's 39 led Delhi to 203-8.

Sports Pro Sports

Barcelona Stuns Celta Vigo in Dramatic 4-3 Comeback Victory

Raphinha leads inspired second-half rally with goal and assists as Catalans extend La Liga lead, but Lewandowski injury concerns loom...

Barcelona's 4-3 comeback against Celta Vigo extended their La Liga lead to 7 points. Torres scored first before Iglesias's hat trick put Celta up 3-1. Raphinha assisted Olmo, headed in Yamal's cross, and beat Guaita from the spot. Coach Flick celebrated as Lewandowski, replaced by Gavi, faces injury tests before Mallorca, Real Madrid (Copa final), and Inter Milan matches.

Current Affairs Politics & Government

Ecuador on High Alert Over Assassination Plot Against President

Intelligence warns of Mexican hitmen targeting newly-reelected President Noboa amid election dispute and terrorism threats...

Ecuador faces maximum alert over assassination plots against President Noboa, who won reelection for 2025-2029 with 55.63% against González's 44.37%. Intelligence warns of Mexican hitmen entering Ecuador and planned terrorist attacks. González refuses to accept results, demanding vote recount before National Electoral Council, promising evidence of violations.

Sports Pro Sports

Zimbabwe Star Taunts Bangladesh's Rising Pace Sensation Rana

Ahead of Sylhet Test, Zimbabwe's Williams downplays 140 kph bowler's threat despite team's poor away record against Bangladesh...

22-year-old Nahid Rana, Bangladesh's 140 kph pacer with 20 test wickets, faces Zimbabwe Sunday in Sylhet. Zimbabwe, with just 2 wins in 10 Bangladesh visits, last won there 2018. Their recent 63-run loss to Ireland in Bulawayo extends their winless run since 2021. While Williams dismisses Rana's threat, citing bowling machines' faster speeds, Ervin prepares specifically.

Current Affairs Politics & Government

Pardoned Capitol Rioter Eyes Michigan Governor Bid After Release

Ryan Kelley, among 1,500 pardoned by Trump, draws Republican support at nationwide speaking events despite January 6 conviction...

Former Capitol riot participant Ryan Kelley, pardoned among 1,500 others by Trump, speaks at Republican events nationwide, including Jackson, Michigan. The 43-year-old real estate developer, who faced trespassing charges without entering the Capitol, considers a 2026 gubernatorial run despite family concerns. His prison sentence, during which his son feared him dead, hasn't diminished conservative support.

Sports Pro Sports

US Dominates World Team Trophy with Commanding Victory in Tokyo

Led by Liu's stellar free skate and Malinin's quad mastery, Team USA outpaces Japan by 16 points to claim sixth title...

The US claimed its sixth World Team Trophy in Tokyo with 126 points, leading Japan by 16. World champion Alysa Liu scored 150.97 in her 'MacArthur Park' free skate, with Amber Glenn second. Ilia Malinin's quad-filled program and Chock/Bates' ice dance victory secured the win. Japan took second despite Miura/Kihara's pairs win, while Italy earned bronze.

Sports Pro Sports

Lyon Edge Arsenal in Champions League Semifinal Thriller

Late Dumornay strike gives eight-time champions 2-1 away victory at Emirates, leaving Arsenal with mountain to climb in return leg..

Eight-time champions Lyon beat Arsenal 2-1 in Women's Champions League semifinals first leg at Emirates. Dumornay's 82nd-minute winner and Diani's VAR-approved goal countered Caldentey's penalty, awarded after Endler fouled Williamson. Coach Montemurro's unbeaten Lyon seek ninth title, while Arsenal, 2007 champions, chase first final since then. April 27 second leg could set up Lyon-Barcelona final.

Sports Pro Sports

Panthers Star Tkachuk Returns After 25-Game Injury Absence

Forward rejoins practice ahead of Tampa Bay clash, bringing back his 57-point offensive firepower to defending champions' lineup...

Matthew Tkachuk, sidelined on long-term injured reserve since February 8 after a lower-body injury at 4 Nations Face-off, has rejoined Florida Panthers practice. His 57 points (22 goals, 35 assists) ranked third-most on team, with 11 power-play goals ranking second. The defending champions face Tampa Bay Lightning Wednesday after his 25-game absence.

Sports Pro Sports

Ostapenko Stuns World No. 2 Swiatek in Stuttgart Upset

Latvian maintains perfect head-to-head record against French Open champion with powerful quarterfinal performance at Porsche Grand Prix...

World No. 24 Jelena Ostapenko defeated four-time French Open champion and World No. 2 Iga Swiatek 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 in Stuttgart Porsche Grand Prix quarterfinals. The 2017 Roland Garros winner extended her perfect 6-0 head-to-head record using aggressive tactics. Ostapenko advances to face Ekaterina Alexandrova, who beat third-seeded Jessica Pegula 6-0, 6-4.

Sports Pro Sports

Ducks Fire Coach Cronin Despite Young Core's Progress

Anaheim parts ways with head coach after two seasons, even as McTavish, Carlsson lead 21-point improvement in standings...

Anaheim Ducks GM Pat Verbeek fired coach Greg Cronin after two seasons (62-87-15 record), despite 21-point improvement to 80 points (35-37-10). Young core (178 points) features Mason McTavish (22 goals), Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier (20 goals, 44 points each), Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger. Cronin's Colorado Eagles experience couldn't prevent seventh straight playoff miss.

Sports Pro Sports

Kane's Record-Breaking Goal Powers Bayern's 4-0 Bundesliga Rout

England captain nets 60th goal in 60 games as Bayern Munich dominates Heidenheim to maintain title chase against Leverkusen...

Harry Kane's 60th goal in 60 games (13th minute) led Bayern Munich's 4-0 revenge win over Heidenheim, surpassing Haaland's Bundesliga record. Laimer scored six minutes later, Coman netted after Guerreiro's saved shot, and Kimmich completed the rout. Bayern leads Leverkusen by 9 points with 4 games remaining.

Sports Pro Sports

USA Edges Czech Republic in Women's Hockey World Semifinal

Pannek's third-period goal seals 2-1 victory as Americans dominate shots 45-11, advancing to championship match...

USA defeated Czech Republic 2-1 in Women's Ice Hockey World Championship semifinal. Pannek scored winner at 8:26 in third period after Peslarová's save. Edwards netted power-play goal at 8:56 in second. Knight's assist extended record to 52. Plosová scored from Hymlárová's feed. Frankel made 10 saves. Americans outshot Czechs 45-11 before 6,000 fans.

Culture Religion & Faith

Vance's Vatican Visit Highlights US-Holy See Policy Divide

VP's meetings with top Vatican officials underscore tensions between Trump administration's America-first stance and Pope Francis's universal brotherhood message...

VP Vance, 2019 Catholic convert, met Vatican's Parolin and Gallagher amid Trump-Holy See tensions. Discussions covered migration, prisoners, humanitarian crises, and religious freedom while Francis recovered from pneumonia. Vance's 'ordo amoris' defense of America-first policies contradicted Francis's Feb 10 letter emphasizing universal brotherhood through Good Samaritan teaching. Progressive papal views clash with conservative US Church.

Current Affairs International Relations

Iran-US Nuclear Talks Resume in Rome Through Omani Mediation

Diplomatic efforts advance toward peaceful nuclear program as regional tensions mount amid Gaza conflict and Yemen strikes...

Iran-US nuclear talks progress in Rome, with Araghchi and Witkoff meeting via Omani mediator al-Busaidi. Following Trump's 2018 deal withdrawal and amid 1979 revolution tensions, negotiations aim for weapons-free Iran with peaceful nuclear capabilities. Expert meetings precede April 26 Oman talks, while Gaza war and Yemen strikes escalate regional tensions.

Current Affairs Crime & Justice

Judge: Drunk Witness Can Testify in Idaho Student Murders

Key testimony about bushy-browed intruder allowed in Bryan Kohberger trial, along with DNA evidence from knife sheath...

Judge Hippler ruled an intoxicated roommate can testify about seeing a bushy-browed intruder in the 2022 Idaho murders. Bryan Kohberger, 30, faces charges for killing students Chapin, Kernodle, Mogen, and Goncalves. DNA from a knife sheath links the former WSU graduate student to the scene. His medical diagnoses cannot explain courtroom demeanor unless he testifies.

Current Affairs International Relations

VP Vance, Vatican Clash Over US Immigration Policies

High-level meeting with Cardinal Parolin highlights tensions as Pope Francis recovers from illness and criticizes Trump's deportation plans...

US VP Vance met Vatican's Cardinal Parolin amid tensions over migration policies. Pope Francis, 88, recovering from 40-day pneumonia hospitalization, had condemned Trump's mass deportation plans and election-season anti-migrant rhetoric. Discussions covered war zones, humanitarian crises, religious freedom, with Vatican acknowledging US Catholic Church's service while maintaining criticism of hardline stances.

Current Affairs International Relations

Putin's Easter Truce Offer Met with Ukrainian Skepticism

Russian-declared ceasefire faces credibility questions as Ukraine reports continued drone attacks, while Moscow signals openness to peace talks...

Putin declared an Easter truce (18:00-midnight) citing humanitarian considerations, instructing Gerasimov and Joint Group of Troops. Zelenskyy reported ongoing drone attacks, while Sybiha questioned Putin's credibility. Russian Defense Ministry demanded mutual compliance. Previous holiday truces failed. Moscow welcomed US-China peace efforts, claiming negotiation readiness.

Current Affairs Defense & Military

Russia Announces Easter Ceasefire Amid Intense Drone Warfare

Putin orders 30-hour pause as Russian forces advance in Kursk region, while both sides report intercepting dozens of aerial attacks...

Putin ordered Easter ceasefire with Gerasimov from 6pm Saturday to midnight Sunday. Russian/North Korean forces captured Oleshnya, fight for Gornal 11km south in Kursk region. Russia launched 87 drones, Ukrainian air force intercepted 33, jammed 36. Russian air defense downed 2 Ukrainian drones. Attacks damaged Odesa farms, caused Sumy fires. No casualties.

Current Affairs Crime & Justice

Armed Gang Kills 12 in Ecuador Cockfight Massacre

Los R7 cartel members, posing as security forces, opened fire with automatic weapons as drug-related violence continues to plague the nation...

Los R7 gang members attacked Ecuador cockfight Thursday night, killing 12 in La Valencia. Five men in fake uniforms fired automatic rifles at spectators. Police Chief Zarate and Colonel Miller Rivera reported four arrests. Cartels fight for cocaine routes causing hourly killings. Police recovered 15 weapons, tactical gear, phones from abandoned cars.

Current Affairs International Relations

KFC Outlets Targeted in Pakistan Amid Gaza War Protests

Anti-Western boycotts spark 11 attacks on fast-food chain, leaving one dead and 178 arrested as tensions escalate over Middle East conflict...

Islamist-led boycotts targeting Western brands, particularly KFC, triggered 11 attacks across Pakistan, resulting in 178 arrests. The 18-month Gaza war killed 51,900 Palestinians and 1,139 Israelis, with 200 hostages taken. One employee died in Lahore, where police protect 27 outlets. Kashmir protesters burned a KFC restaurant.

Science Space & Exploration

Space Industry Shifts Focus from Hardware to Software Services

New Space IQ report reveals three-layer framework for sector growth, as industry pivots toward data-driven applications and selective investment...

The 2025 Space IQ report examines space sector maturity through software-defined layers atop physical backbone: infrastructure (launches, satellites, propulsion, lunar assets), distribution (data processing), and applications (ride-hailing, climate analytics, battlefield intelligence). McKinsey and WEF endorse this framework. Industry faces selective investment and increased oversight.

Current Affairs Politics & Government

Carney Unveils $130B Liberal Spending Plan, Eyes Deficit Cut

Liberal leader's economic roadmap promises $28B in cuts while targeting operating surplus by 2029, drawing inspiration from UK fiscal model...

Liberal Leader Mark Carney's platform, released at Durham College Whitby, outlines $130B spending over 4 years with $28B cuts. Parliamentary Budget Officer-based projections show $62.3B deficit (1.96% GDP), reducing to 1.36% by 2028-29. UK-inspired operating/capital approach targets operating surplus by 2028-29. Plan includes $20B countertariffs, defense/housing focus, maintaining public accounting standards.

Current Affairs Politics & Government

Kosovo Parliament Paralyzed as Political Deadlock Deepens

Prime Minister Kurti's party fails to secure majority, jeopardizing Serbia peace talks and ethnic reconciliation efforts...

Kosovo's Parliament deadlock persists after Vetevendosje won 48 seats. PM Kurti's speaker nominee twice failed to secure 61 votes. Opposition holds 52 seats, Srpska Lista controls 9 Serb seats. The impasse threatens Serbia normalization talks and Serb-Majority Municipalities implementation. While Western nations recognize Kosovo's 2008 independence, Russia and China support Serbia's opposition. 11,400 died in 1998-1999 conflict.

Science Environment & Climate

Historic Church Among 102 Buildings Lost in Pacific Palisades Fire

Pastor and congregation face Easter services in borrowed clothes after devastating wildfire claims lives, homes, and century-old Methodist landmark...

The January 7 wildfire, driven by dry conditions and winds, destroyed Pacific Palisades' 102-year-old Methodist Church and 80% of members' homes. Pastor Shaver, his wife and two daughters (18,16) lost their new home and heirlooms. During the nine-station Good Friday cross walk, he wore donated clothes. The disaster killed 29, including member Annette Rossilli, 85. Christine Odionu's condo was reduced to a garage.

Current Affairs International Relations

Iran-US Nuclear Talks Resume in Rome Under Omani Mediation

Second round of negotiations seeks sanctions relief and non-proliferation guarantees, as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent military escalation...

Second-round Iran-US nuclear talks concluded at Rome's Omani Embassy, following Muscat meetings. FM al-Busaidi mediated amid tensions dating to 1979 Revolution and hostage crisis. Baghaei seeks sanctions relief while avoiding atomic weapons. Tajani met IAEA chief Grossi and Witkoff, offering technical support. Talks aim to prevent military strikes.

Current Affairs Politics & Government

Carney Unveils $130B Liberal Spending Plan with Tax Cuts

Liberal platform promises defense boost and housing investment, aims to slash deficit through tariffs and tax enforcement while adding $225B to federal debt...

Liberal Party under Carney pledges $130B spending: $22B tax cuts, $17.2B NATO defense increase, $3B annual housing via Build Canada Homes. Revenue plan targets $51.8B through $20B tariffs and CRA penalties. Operating deficit to reduce from $9B to $220M by 2028-29. Total federal debt increase: $225B over four years.

Current Affairs Crime & Justice

Media Heir Shot Dead After Altercation with California Police

Geoffrey Stirling, son of NTV CEO, died following attempted taser grab during Newport Beach traffic stop; family requests privacy...

Geoffrey Stirling, NTV CEO Scott Stirling's son, died following a Newport Beach motorcycle stop at 9:15 p.m. After becoming uncooperative and attempting to use an officer's taser, he was shot. Despite medical aid and hospital transport, he died. Sister Lydia McLaughlin acknowledged community support, expressed family devastation to TMZ, and requested privacy.

Current Affairs Immigration & Borders

Pakistan Begins Mass Deportation of Afghan Refugees

Nearly 20,000 Afghans forced to return as Pakistan pushes ahead with controversial plan affecting millions amid humanitarian concerns...

Pakistan deports 19,500 of 3.5 million Afghans, including 700,000 post-2021 arrivals, with 2 million more facing April 30 deadline. Daily deportations of 700-800 families receive 4,000-10,000 Afghanis aid. Returnees enter Afghanistan's 45-million population amid infrastructure strain, girls' education bans, and border tensions. Pakistani-Taliban talks address security concerns and humanitarian challenges.

Current Affairs International Relations

Myanmar Quake Devastates Capital, Kills Thousands in Historic Blow

7.7 magnitude earthquake leaves 3,500 dead in Nay Pyi Taw, destroying 70% of government buildings and forcing major relocations...

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28 devastated Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar's capital since 2005, killing 3,500 and injuring 5,012. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing ordered rebuilding the city, located 366km from Yangon and four times London's size. Seventy percent of government buildings on soft soil were damaged, forcing ministry relocations to hotai structures and Yangon.

Current Affairs International Relations

Israel-Gaza Death Toll Mounts as Peace Talks Stall

Recent Israeli strikes kill 92 Palestinians while negotiations for hostage exchange and ceasefire face deadlock amid humanitarian crisis...

Israeli attacks killed 92 Palestinians April 17-19, including 15 children and Rafah family, wounding 219. Since March 2 aid block and March 18 campaign restart, Israel plans security zone occupation, offering 45-day pause for 10 captives. Hamas refuses disarmament, demands permanent ceasefire for 58 captives. Oxfam reports severe malnutrition. Total: 51,065 dead, 116,505 wounded.

Culture Education

Supreme Court Weighs LGBTQ Book Ban in Maryland Schools

Parents' religious opt-out demands clash with school district's inclusive policy over five children's books amid nationwide debate on literature restrictions...

Supreme Court reviews Montgomery County Schools' LGBTQ book dispute. Five books - 'Prince & Knight,' 'Uncle Bobby's Wedding,' 'Love Violet,' 'Born Ready,' 'Intersection Allies' - spark religious parents' opt-out demands. Kids First's Moges moved children to Christian school. PEN America's Magnusson defends books amid 10,000 bans. Schools maintain inclusive representation.

Culture Religion & Faith

Ancient Mexican Holy Week Ritual Fades as Faith Wanes

Traditional Good Friday penance in Atlixco sees sharp decline in participants as Mexico's Catholic population continues historic decrease...

In central Mexico's Atlixco, the Good Friday ritual where blindfolded men carry 70-pound chains and wear cactus pieces has declined from 100 to 35 participants. The 2020 census shows Mexico's Catholic population dropped from 90% to 78% since 1990. Businessman Vicente Valbuena, 68, attributes this to youth losing faith and finding the penance too severe.

Current Affairs International Relations

US-Iran Nuclear Talks Resume in Rome After Five-Year Freeze

Key diplomats meet at Omani Embassy for crucial negotiations, as international mediators seek to prevent military escalation over nuclear program...

U.S.-Iran nuclear talks resume in Rome's Omani Embassy, with envoy Witkoff meeting Minister Araghchi, mediated by Badr al-Busaidi. Trump administration, through Hughes, maintains Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. IAEA chief Grossi and spokesman Baghaei participate in discussions. Following the 1979 Revolution and Trump's 2018 withdrawal, talks aim to prevent military conflict.

Current Affairs International Relations

Israeli Strikes Kill 90 as Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

WHO warns of rising child malnutrition amid ongoing conflict that has displaced 90% of Gaza's population and claimed over 51,000 Palestinian lives...

Israeli strikes killed 90+ in 48 hours at Khan Younis's Mwasi area and Rafah, documented by European Hospital. WHO's Dr. Balkhy urges Ambassador Huckabee to lift blockade as child malnutrition rises. Following Hamas's October 7 attack killing 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages, Israeli response killed 51,000 Palestinians. 90% now displaced.

Culture Media & Journalism

Holocaust Educator's Film Chronicles Hamas Attack Through Children's Eyes

Montana Tucker's documentary captures survivors' stories, including hostages and those who lost parents in October 7 assault on Israel...

Montana Tucker, Holocaust survivors' granddaughter and prior Holocaust docuseries creator, chronicles Hamas' October 7 attack (1,200 dead, 37 children). Film features Yael Idan (11), whose sister died and father was captured; Rotam Mattias, whose mother died protecting him; and Eitan Yahalomi (12), held 52 days while father Ohad died in captivity. Yael cites family as motivation. Streams April 23 on Paramount+.

Business Personal Finance

Buffett, Dimon Back Wealth Tax as Billionaires Dodge Payments

World's richest, including Musk and Bezos, legally avoid income taxes through investments while debate over millionaire tax rates intensifies...

Buffett and JP Morgan's Dimon advocate higher wealth taxes while Musk ($304B) and Bezos ($195B) avoid income taxes through investments. Bezos paid no federal taxes (2007-2011). Six states have millionaire taxes. Current federal top rate: 37% above $626,350. Republicans consider 40% rate for those earning $370,000 more. Buffett avoided most taxes among top 25 wealthy.