QUICKREADS

N. Korea missile explodes in midair after launch, South's military says
North Korea's ballistic missile launch toward the sea off the Korean Peninsula failed, according to South Korean military. The missile, believed to be North Korean, appears to have already fallen. North Korea criticized the deployment of a U.S. aircraft carrier for joint drills with South Korea and Japan. This comes after North Korea held a rally marking the anniversary of the Korean War, while tensions rise with trash balloons and new fortifications.

Ex-Colombian official sentenced to 12 years in money laundering case tied to DEA misconduct
A federal judge sentenced former Colombian customs worker Omar Ambuila to over 12 years in prison for accepting over $1 million in bribes tied to a money laundering conspiracy involving a corrupt DEA agent. Ambuila, 64, pleaded guilty during his trial, which revealed extensive misconduct among U.S. federal agents. His lavish lifestyle raised suspicions leading to his arrest.

US to seek UN sanctions on ships taking North Korean coal to China
The U.S. plans to call for U.N. sanctions against vessels violating resolutions on North Korea's nuclear programs. A report highlighted non-Korean flagged ships transporting North Korean coal and iron ore to China. U.S. officials accused Russia and China of obstructing sanctions, while their representatives denied the accusations. North Korea's ambassador criticized U.S. actions as unjust.

Ex-model tearfully tells jury that Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulted her when she was 16
Kaja Sokola, a former model, testified that Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulted her at 16, describing the incident as horrifying. She recounted how he pressured her to undress under the guise of acting opportunities. Although Weinstein faces charges for a later assault, this earlier incident falls outside the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution. Weinstein denies the allegations.

Trump asks US Supreme Court to allow revocation of migrants' legal status
The Trump administration has requested the U.S. Supreme Court to revoke temporary legal status for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan, Cuban, Haitian, and Nicaraguan migrants granted under Biden. The move aims to expedite deportations and follows a federal judge's ruling that mandated a case-by-case review for such terminations. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over immigration policy.

Trump declares May 8 Victory Day for World War II. Here's what's open and closed
Trump declares May 8 as World War II Victory Day, honoring Allied Powers' triumph. Despite being a national holiday, government offices, banks, and businesses will remain open. Trump emphasizes workers' spirit and national resilience.

Nikki Haley says ‘India had every right to retaliate’, slams Pakistan for playing the ‘victim’
Nikki Haley supports India's Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack, criticizing Pakistan for playing the victim. She asserts India's right to retaliate against terrorists, emphasizing no country should be excused for supporting terrorist activities.

India trade pact to be signed after three months, India official says
India and the UK are set to sign a bilateral trade deal in three months, with implementation taking over a year. The agreement includes separate import quotas for combustion and electric vehicles, phased tariff cuts, and provisions regarding carbon taxes. Additionally, India aims to boost the competitiveness of British Scotch whisky in its market.

US energy companies seek exemption from Trump plan to move LNG on US-built ships
U.S. energy groups are urging the Trump administration to exempt liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments from new rules mandating an increasing percentage of exports be carried on U.S.-built vessels. The industry fears this could disadvantage U.S. exporters due to insufficient domestic shipbuilding capacity, jeopardizing the progress made toward U.S. energy dominance.

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.