A Belgian man was cleared of drunk driving due to a rare condition called auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), where the body produces alcohol. His lawyer, Anse Ghesquiere, confirmed his diagnosis, supported by three doctors. The defendant, who works at a brewery, showed no signs of intoxication. The judge emphasized this and the medical evidence in the verdict. Lisa Florin, a clinical biologist, explained ABS generates alcohol similar to alcoholic drinks but with reduced effects. ABS typically arises in those with intestine-related conditions. The Bruges police court, where the man was acquitted, did not respond to Reuters' inquiries.

Israel has escalated its attacks on Gaza, with heavy shelling reported in the north. The army ordered new evacuations, citing a "dangerous combat zone." Satellite images suggest plans for an offensive in Rafah, as tensions rise in the southern Gaza Strip. The conflict, aimed at Hamas, has claimed over 34,000 Palestinian lives, causing widespread devastation and a humanitarian crisis. Tanks entered Beit Hanoun, though not deeply. Gunfire erupted near schools housing displaced residents. Israel's actions continue amid heightened tensions in the region.

Russian forces have made significant progress in eastern Ukraine, seizing territory near Avdiivka, as part of an apparent push to gain ground before western military aid arrives. Footage shows the Russian flag flying over the village of Ocheretyne, bypassing Ukrainian defenses. Ukraine's regional armed forces admit a "difficult situation" as reinforced Russian units advance, using various weapons including alleged chemical ones. The capture of Ocheretyne positions Russia closer to Pokrovsk, while a large offensive targets Chasiv Yar. Despite impending aid, Ukraine's President Zelenskiy seeks additional weapons to regain initiative as the conflict intensifies.

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi cautioned that any Israeli assault on Iran could wipe out the "Zionist regime," as tensions mount between the two nations. During his Pakistan visit, Raisi stressed bolstering trade with the country, aiming for $10 billion annually. The trip follows recent military exchanges, with explosions reported in Isfahan, allegedly from an Israeli strike. Tehran downplayed retaliatory plans. Iran previously launched missiles at Israel in response to an embassy strike. Raisi reiterated support for Palestinian resistance. As threats escalate, the region braces for potential bigger conflict between Iran and Israel.

Demonstrations at top US universities escalate as protests over the Gaza conflict spread. Police arrest students at New York University and Yale, while Columbia University moves classes online amid heated debates. The White House condemns antisemitic incidents amid growing tensions. Students clash over free speech and the aftermath of the Israel-Gaza war. Protests, sparked by Hamas attacks on Israel, grip campuses nationwide, with demands for divestment and endowment transparency. Amid rising emotions, efforts to calm tensions intensify, with university leaders facing pressure from lawmakers and students.

Hezbollah intensified rocket attacks on an Israeli army base in northern Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes. The barrage follows heightened tensions between Israel and Iran. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching "dozens" of Katyusha rockets. Israeli forces reported no casualties but responded by targeting the rocket launch sites. Casualties have risen on both sides since hostilities erupted, with Iran warning of a harsher response to Israeli provocations. Meanwhile, protests erupted in the US over the Israel-Hamas conflict, with arrests at Yale and demonstrations at Columbia University. Hamas's October 7 attack resulted in significant casualties on both sides.

Unprecedented rainfall in the UAE led to widespread flooding, with Dubai experiencing a year's worth of rain in 12 hours. Satellite images captured by Landsat 9 show lingering floodwaters days after the deluge. Areas north and east of Abu Dhabi were hardest hit, with rainfall totals reaching 4 to 8 inches. The images, taken on April 19, highlight the stark contrast of deep blue floodwaters against the region's arid landscape. The event marks the most extreme weather event in the UAE's recorded history, prompting concerns about infrastructure resilience and disaster preparedness.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak vows to proceed with deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda after UK parliament passes the Safety of Rwanda Bill. The legislation aims to deter migrants from risky Channel crossings to Britain. Despite concerns over legality and humanitarian implications, Sunak asserts determination, stating 'nothing will stop us.' Reports of migrant deaths in recent Channel crossing attempts fuel debate. Critics condemn the deportation plan as inhumane, while the government emphasizes the need to tackle illegal immigration. Legal challenges are expected as the bill moves toward implementation.

Tesla terminates its newly formed US marketing team, including about 40 employees, as part of companywide layoffs. Led by senior manager Alex Ingram, the "growth content" team's dismissal marks a departure from Elon Musk's recent move towards advertising. Musk criticizes the team's efforts as "too generic." The layoffs extend beyond marketing to Tesla's design studio and staff in Hawthorne, California. With slowing EV sales growth and increased competition, investors urge Musk to focus more on marketing. Tesla's shift away from advertising reflects internal restructuring amidst broader challenges facing the company.      

Nineteen-year-old Lloyd Martin, accompanied by his mother, completed the London Marathon, becoming the youngest in his category with Down's syndrome to do so. Guinness World Records recognized his achievement, calling it a dream come true. Lloyd ran 14 miles continuously before walking the rest, cheered on by spectators. His mother, Ceri, highlighted the significance of his accomplishment for people with Down's syndrome. Ceri, an experienced runner, trained Lloyd for five months, gradually increasing his endurance. Their emotional finish left them both in tears, celebrating Lloyd's remarkable feat with pride and joy.