External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally intervened to secure safe passage for Indian students during the Ukraine conflict. Modi contacted Russian President Vladimir Putin twice and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy once to ensure student safety. In Kharkiv, a designated evacuation spot came under Russian fire due to a misunderstanding, prompting Modi to call Putin, who then halted the attack. These efforts were part of a larger operation to evacuate students from Kharkiv and Sumy after Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Jaishankar shared these details during an interaction with editors in Mumbai.

Sai Varshith Kandula, a 20-year-old from Missouri with Indian origins, has pleaded guilty to attempting to breach the White House security by driving a truck into the fence. He aimed to seize political power and establish a government based on Nazi Germany's ideology. Kandula planned the attempt for weeks, flying to Washington DC and renting a truck before crashing into the barriers. Pedestrians ran for safety as he drove onto the sidewalk. He will face sentencing on August 23. This incident highlights the threat of extremist ideologies and the importance of vigilance in protecting national security.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will file his nomination from Varanasi for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections today, seeking a third term. He held a 6-km-long roadshow the day before, pledging further development for the city if re-elected. Expressing his emotional connection to Varanasi, Modi stated, "Aaj Maa Ganga ne mujhe god le liya hai" (today Maa Ganga has adopted me) on X. Modi first contested from Varanasi in 2014, defeating AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal by over 3 lakh votes, establishing it as a BJP bastion. Modi aims to continue this legacy in the upcoming elections.

Sei whales have made a remarkable comeback to the waters off Argentina's Patagonian coast, over a century after being driven to near extinction by relentless hunting. Global bans on commercial whaling have allowed their populations to recover, and they are once again thriving in the area. Known for their massive size and distinctive blue-grey color, sei whales are breeding and replenishing their population, marking a triumphant return to their natural habitat. This comeback is a testament to the effectiveness of conservation efforts and the resilience of marine life, offering hope for the recovery of other endangered species.

An Indian United Nations staff member was killed in Gaza when their vehicle was attacked in Rafah. This marks the first international casualty for the UN since the Israel-Hamas conflict began. The victim, a former Indian Army personnel, was working with the UN Department of Safety and Security. Another staff member was injured in the incident, which occurred while they were traveling to the European Hospital in Rafah. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep sadness over the incident, highlighting the risks faced by UN staff working in conflict zones.

Delhi Police have arrested Rajesh Kapoor, a 40-year-old man, for stealing jewellery and valuables from co-passengers on multiple flights. According to the police, Kapoor took over 200 flights in the past year, traveling for 110 days to commit thefts. He was arrested from Paharganj with stolen items and planned to sell them to Sharad Jain, 46, who has also been arrested from Karol Bagh. The arrests came after two separate cases of thefts were reported on separate flights in the past three months, prompting the formation of a dedicated police team to nab the culprits. The successful operation highlights the police's efforts to ensure passenger safety and security.

The United States has issued a warning to India over its recent deal to operate the Chabahar Port in Iran, cautioning of potential sanctions risks. This comes just days after the US announced new sanctions on Iran targeting its unmanned aerial vehicle production. According to Vedant Patel, deputy spokesperson of the US State Department, "anyone considering business deals with Iran needs to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions." While acknowledging India's foreign policy goals, the US has made it clear that it will continue to enforce its sanctions on Iran.

Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi died at 72 at AIIMS, Delhi, after a prolonged battle with cancer. Hospitalized in the ICU for a month, the senior BJP leader revealed his illness on social media on April 3, announcing he would not participate in the Lok Sabha elections due to his health. A prominent BJP figure in Bihar, Modi had significant influence over the party for over three decades. He served as Deputy Chief Minister under Nitish Kumar in two terms from 2005 to 2020. His death is a major loss for the BJP and Bihar's political scene.

Three Maoists, including two women, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district on Monday. The exchange of fire took place near Katrangatta village in Bhamragad Taluka, where Maoists were planning subversive activities. C-60 squad personnel retaliated strongly after coming under fire, forcing the Maoists to flee. The bodies of a male and two female Maoists were later recovered, along with three automatic weapons, Maoist literature, and belongings.

A UN security services member lost their life in a vehicle attack in Gaza, marking the first international UN employee casualty in the ongoing conflict. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation. This casualty adds to the toll of Palestinian UN employees, totaling at least 190 since the Gaza war's onset. The attack underscores the precarious situation faced by UN personnel in conflict zones and the imperative for enhanced security measures to safeguard humanitarian efforts.