Amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to speak with both countries’ foreign ministers within 24 hours. Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a briefing, “We’re engaging both sides and urging all parties not to escalate the situation.” The U.S. also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s cooperation in the recent arrest of an ISIS-linked suspect.

A U.S. Navy fighter jet, worth approximately $67 million, accidentally plunged into the Red Sea while deployed against Houthi forces. The aircraft fell from the USS Harry S. Truman on Monday while being towed in a hangar bay. One sailor was injured in the mishap. Fortunately, the crew quickly distanced themselves from the falling aircraft, preventing any major casualties.

Donald Trump has called for U.S. military and commercial ships to be allowed free passage through the Panama and Suez Canals. He wrote, “I have instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to immediately address this issue.” Trump also hinted that he would not rule out using economic or military force to regain control of the Panama Canal if necessary. Historically, the United States completed construction of the canal in the early 20th century but handed over control to Panama in 1999.

Amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, former U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that harsher sanctions could be imposed on Russian President Vladimir Putin, including banking restrictions. Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met privately at Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome, signaling continued U.S. pressure on Russia. Meanwhile, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff met Putin for a fourth round of talks in Moscow.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Rome on Friday to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, marking his first unexpected foreign trip of his second term. Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, Trump will join nearly 50 world leaders and 10 monarchs at the Vatican. Despite past tensions with the Pope over immigration policies, Trump stated he might meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the event, although Zelensky’s attendance remains uncertain.

Commenting on renewed tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan and India following the Pahalgam attack, Donald Trump said such tensions are “nothing new.” He remarked, “Border skirmishes have been happening for 1,500 years; they will eventually find a solution one way or another.” Cross-border firing has reportedly increased since the attack.

Donald Trump said he is willing to meet Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei or newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian if necessary. This comes after recent talks between U.S. and Iranian delegations in Oman, where a tentative nuclear deal framework was discussed. A U.S. official described the talks as “very positive.” Trump stated, “I believe we are on the verge of reaching a deal with Iran.”

Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed confidence that Saudi Arabia would soon join the Abraham Accords — a normalization agreement between Israel and several Arab countries brokered during his first term. Trump is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia next month, marking his second foreign trip of his second campaign after attending Pope Francis’ funeral at the Vatican. Trump also noted that Saudi Arabia has pledged to invest one trillion dollars into the U.S. economy, and he plans visits to Qatar and the UAE as well.

The US has advised citizens to avoid travel within 10 kilometers of the India-Pakistan border and the region of Kashmir. Caution is also advised for parts of Manipur and central/eastern India. US officials require approval to visit most parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Odisha—except their capital cities. Prior permission is also needed for visits to Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and non-capital areas of Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Tripura.

Reacting to Ukrainian President Zelensky’s statement rejecting recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, Donald Trump criticized the stance. “No one’s asking him to cede Crimea. If he wanted to fight for it, why didn’t he do it 11 years ago when it was handed over without a shot?” Trump questioned. He added that peace was within reach, but Zelensky’s provocations are making it difficult to end the war.

In a controversial peace proposal, the United States has reportedly suggested informal recognition of nearly all Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia since the 2022 invasion. According to Axios, the plan includes lifting post-2014 sanctions on Russia, returning a small part of Kharkiv to Ukraine, and designating the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant as Ukrainian territory—though it would be operated by the U.S. and supply electricity to both Russia and Ukraine. While seen as a diplomatic win for Russia, the proposal could be a severe blow to Ukraine’s government and its people.

Harvard University has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing it of violating the Constitution by freezing $2.2 billion in federal funding. The university claims this was a retaliatory move after it refused to comply with federal demands related to campus protests. Harvard says the freeze endangers vital research on childhood cancer, infectious diseases, and veterans’ health. The lawsuit argues that the government failed to establish any reasonable link between its decision and concerns over antisemitism or academic conduct.

Thousands across the U.S. took to the streets on Saturday in major cities including Washington D.C., New York, and Chicago to protest against former President Donald Trump. Demonstrators opposed his stance on immigration, public sector job cuts, and policies on Gaza and Ukraine. Protesters chanted slogans like “Free Palestine,” while others waved Ukrainian flags and called on Washington to take a tougher stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In a humanitarian gesture marking Easter Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine from Saturday 6 PM to Sunday 6 PM local time. His forces were instructed to suspend all military operations during this period. While Ukraine has yet to respond officially, Putin stated, “We hope Ukraine will reciprocate. However, our forces must remain ready to respond to any provocations or violations.”

At a press briefing on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that tariffs on Chinese goods might be reduced. “I don’t want tariffs to be too high, because at some point, people won’t be able to buy,” he said. Trump emphasized the importance of consumer access and signaled openness to easing tariffs. While the U.S. initially imposed sweeping tariffs earlier in April, China remained an exception—with tariffs on Chinese goods eventually rising to 145%. In retaliation, China raised tariffs on U.S. goods to 125%. Trump added that Beijing had reached out multiple times regarding the issue and expressed confidence that a “very good deal” between the two countries is on the horizon.