20-year-old Sai Varshith Kandula, an Indian-origin youth with family roots in Hyderabad, pleaded guilty to damaging federal property after crashing a rented U-Haul truck into the White House barriers last year. He had flown from St. Louis with plans to "seize power" and establish a dictatorship inspired by Nazi Germany. Kandula, who holds a green card, waved a Nazi flag after crashing into the barriers, causing over $54,000 in damage. His sentencing is scheduled for August 23, with prosecutors alleging his intent to influence the government through intimidation.

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico remains in "very serious" condition after being shot five times in Handlova. Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak confirms Fico's stable but critical state following emergency surgery. The alleged attacker, a 71-year-old writer, acted alone and had joined anti-government protests. President-elect Peter Pellegrini reports Fico can speak briefly but is fatigued. The incident prompts calls for political calm from President Zuzana Caputova and a suspension of campaigning before European Parliament elections. Global leaders condemn the attack, with Russia calling it "absolutely unacceptable." Fico's government has faced polarized debate and policy shifts since his return to power.

The Union health ministry faces hurdles in finding pharmaceutical collaborators for a salmonella vaccine development initiative. Reopening calls for expressions of interest twice in three months due to lack of responses, the ministry aims to develop a broad-spectrum vaccine targeting typhoid, paratyphoid fever, and salmonella gastroenteritis. With the rising concern of multidrug-resistant strains, the initiative seeks to address pressing public health issues. Hyderabad-based companies Bharat Biotech and Biological E currently produce some salmonella vaccines in India. The collaboration offers manufacturers an opportunity to contribute to a critical public health initiative.

Mumbai Police arrested Bhavesh Bhinde, the owner of the advertising agency responsible for the ill-fated Ghatkopar hoarding collapse. The May 13th incident claimed 16 lives and left 74 injured. Bhinde, the director of Ego Media Pvt Ltd, had been absconding since erecting the oversized 120x120-foot hoarding, which defied regulations. Booked for culpable homicide and endangering lives, his arrest concludes a week-long manhunt across Mumbai and Gujarat. Families of the victims express relief, hoping justice prevails for the preventable tragedy that scarred the city's landscape and memories.

The Ministry of External Affairs announces the 75th edition of the flagship "Know India Programme" (KIP) targeting Indian Diaspora youth aged 21-35. Scheduled from July 7th to July 27th, 2024, the three-week initiative aims to foster connections with India, showcasing its diverse culture, heritage, and advancements in sectors like Science & Technology, Pharmaceuticals, and Agriculture. Interested participants can apply through the Embassy of India, Bogota, with applications due by May 31, 2024. The programme seeks to inspire engagement and contribution towards India's developmental initiatives.

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury voices skepticism towards Mamata Banerjee's reaffirmation of her role in the INDIA bloc. Banerjee's assertion follows her earlier statement of providing "outside support" to the alliance. Chowdhury accuses Banerjee of abandoning the alliance and warns of potential alignment with BJP. The debate intensifies amidst ongoing Lok Sabha elections, with opposition bloc claiming advancements. Banerjee's stance highlights tensions within the coalition, particularly regarding seat-sharing and party dynamics in Bengal.  

Sunil Chhetri, Indian football's stalwart and national team captain, declares his retirement from international football after 19 years of representing India. His final match will be against Kuwait in the World Cup qualification game on June 6. Chhetri, celebrated for his contributions to Indian football, reflects on his illustrious career in a heartfelt video. Tributes pour in for the third-highest scorer among active international footballers. Fans and experts acknowledge his dedication and work ethic as key factors in his success, leaving a void in Indian football post his retirement.

Slovak authorities charge a suspected gunman with attempted murder after an attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico. The incident occurred following an election win by a Fico ally, raising concerns in the politically divided nation. While Fico's condition stabilizes, it remains serious. The shooting prompts calls for calm and cessation of political campaigning. Slovakia's politics, marked by pro-European and nationalist factions, witness heightened tensions amidst disinformation and social media attacks. Surgeons battle to save Fico, a seasoned leader facing accusations of pro-Kremlin leanings. Locals express shock and condemnation over the assault in Banska Bystrica.

Recent research links AstraZeneca's Covishield vaccine to another rare blood disorder, Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis (VITT). Autoantibodies targeting platelet factor 4 (PF4) are identified as the culprit. This discovery adds to existing concerns regarding the vaccine's safety profile. Scientists stress the importance of continued monitoring and investigation into potential adverse effects. The findings underscore the complexity of vaccine-related complications and highlight the necessity of thorough safety evaluations in vaccine development and administration.

Pakistan's jailed former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, makes a virtual court appearance regarding anticorruption law amendments. Despite demands for transparency, the hearing wasn't livestreamed, sparking accusations of collusion between the chief justice and the government. Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, alleges bias against them. The virtual appearance marks Khan's first court appearance since his imprisonment in August 2023. Meanwhile, tensions persist between Khan's supporters and the government. The hearing follows government amendments to the National Accountability Ordinance, altering the powers of Pakistan's main anticorruption agency.