QUICKREADS

Hamas can't be defeated 'as an ideology': Israel army
Israel's top army spokesman says Hamas cannot be defeated as an ideology, sparking government commitment to destruction. Eight months of war failed to oust militants from Gaza, causing devastation. Prime Minister Netanyahu's office rebuffs spokesman's comments, stating war goal is Hamas' destruction. October 7 attack triggered war, resulting in many casualties on both sides.

Red Cross appeals to governments to act now to end Gaza 'horror'
The Red Cross director-general urged immediate government action to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting the dire conditions and the closure of community kitchens due to supply shortages. He emphasized the moral implications of the conflict, warning that the ongoing suffering threatens the very essence of humanity and called for urgent intervention to prevent further disaster.

Guinea aims to pull EGA's licence over alumina refinery row, sources say
Guinea plans to revoke Emirates Global Aluminium's mining license due to the company's failure to build a promised alumina refinery, escalating a dispute that began with the suspension of EGA's bauxite exports. The government, seeking to increase local mineral processing, has warned EGA about its commitments, which could disrupt global aluminium supply chains.

Bill Gates accuses Elon Musk of ‘killing children’; warns about global disaster
Bill Gates criticized Elon Musk for cutting USAID funding, claiming it endangers children in poor countries. Gates argued that Musk's actions, through the Department of Government Efficiency, could lead to a resurgence of diseases like HIV and measles due to halted aid. Gates plans to close his foundation by 2045, aiming to donate most of his wealth to humanitarian causes.

ED attaches assets worth ₹5,000 cr in US, UAE, Thailand in investors' 'fraud' case
The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached 30 assets in the US, UAE, and Thailand linked to a Rs 5,000 crore money laundering investigation involving the 'Pan card club' fraud. The assets, belonging to Panoramic Universal Ltd and accused Sudhir Moravekar, were acquired using illicit funds. The case involves unauthorized investments from millions of Indians between 1997-2017.
Bill Gates to give away 99% of wealth, Gates Foundation to close by 2045
Bill Gates announced the Gates Foundation will close in 2045 after donating 99% of his $107 billion wealth. Over the next 20 years, the foundation aims to spend an additional $200 billion on global health, education, and poverty alleviation. Gates encourages other billionaires to match or exceed his philanthropic efforts, emphasizing the foundation's impactful legacy since its inception in 2000.
Trump declares May 8 a national holiday. Here's what to know
Trump declares new national holidays on November 11 and May 8 to commemorate US involvement in World Wars I and II, highlighting American contributions without disrupting work schedules or closing institutions.

Donald Trump takes over first lady duties, redesigns Rose Garden and greets tours as Melania MIA
Donald Trump assumes first lady duties, greeting tours and redesigning the Rose Garden, as Melania remains largely absent from the White House, spending most time in New York or Florida during his presidency.

German spy agency pauses 'extremist' classification for AfD party
Germany's domestic spy agency BfV has paused its classification of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as an extremist group pending a court ruling. This decision has sparked political controversy, with the AfD claiming it as a partial victory against what they see as a politically motivated attack. The BfV maintains its assessment of the party as racist and anti-Muslim.

No new pope yet: Black smoke pours out of Sistine Chapel’s chimney on Day 2
Black smoke continued to billow from the Sistine Chapel chimney for a second day, signaling that cardinals have yet to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. All 133 cardinals are participating in the conclave, which will proceed with four voting sessions daily until a two-thirds majority is reached. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re expressed hope for a resolution soon.

World Red Cross Day: Nagaland governor calls for compassionate action
During the World Red Cross Day celebration, Nagaland Governor La Ganesan highlighted the importance of humanity, service, and solidarity, praising Red Cross volunteers for their selfless efforts in crises. He urged youth involvement in humanitarian work and emphasized core values of hope, empathy, and kindness. Ganesan called for nurturing compassion from a young age to address contemporary challenges.

James Charles shuts down romance rumors with Kayla Malec's ex-boyfriend Evan Johnson: What's really going on?
James Charles denies romantic involvement with Evan Johnson, condemning alleged abuse claims. He refutes sexual allegations, plans legal action against spreading misinformation, and supports ex-girlfriend Kayla Malec's case.

NJ Transit strike from May 16? What you should know
NJ Transit faces potential train engineers' strike on May 16, 2025. Contingency plans include park-and-ride lots, enhanced bus routes, and ferry services. Commuters advised to prepare for disruptions and consider alternative transportation options.

Employer suddenly axed H-1b sponsorship THE DAY before the deadline, Redditor's ordeal goes viral
A data analyst's H-1B sponsorship was abruptly canceled the day before the lottery deadline, leaving them with 90 days to find a new job. Their viral Reddit post highlights the precarious situation faced by international graduates seeking work visas.

Cardinals continue conclave after black smoke signals no pope elected
Cardinals began their papal election conclave, with initial voting yielding no pope. Black smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel, signaling no candidate selected. 133 cardinals continue voting, seeking a two-thirds majority for the Church's 267th pope.
Musk claims ‘OpenAI betrayed its mission and the public’ in scathing court filing
Elon Musk has denied OpenAI's allegations of a year-long campaign to undermine the startup, aimed at benefiting his own AI venture, xAI. Musk's attorney requested a judge dismiss the claims, asserting that OpenAI has strayed from its charitable roots. The legal battle intensifies as Musk and OpenAI prepare for a trial in March over restructuring plans.