Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lead a mega rally, 'Maha Vijay Sankalp Sabha,' today in Pune, Maharashtra, in support of Mahayuti candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Scheduled at the Racecourse Ground from 4 pm to 9 pm, the event anticipates a crowd of around two lakh attendees. The rally aims to bolster the campaigns of BJP's Murlidhar Mohol, NCP's Sunetra Pawar and Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil, and Shiv Sena's Shrirang Barne. Amidst preparations, Pune Police issued traffic diversions and parking instructions for smooth facilitation. PM Modi will stay at Raj Bhavan post-event.

Bengaluru experiences its second-highest temperature ever recorded, reaching 38.5 degrees Celsius on Sunday, 4.4 degrees above normal. This marks the city's maximum number of continuously hot days, with temperatures persisting above normal for over 10-15 days. The previous record was set in April 2016 at 39.2 degrees Celsius. Weather experts predict a slight dip in temperature with possible rain in the second week of May, but anomalous high-pressure areas may lead to continued hot days. The sweltering conditions are attributed to the El Nino effect, disrupting weather patterns.            

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads to Saudi Arabia to restart ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel amid fears of escalating regional conflict. Hamas delegation in Cairo to respond to Israeli proposal on hostage release. President Biden to discuss situation with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. World Central Kitchen resumes aid operations in Gaza. Pressure mounts on international mediators to secure swift deal amidst looming threat of Israeli ground invasion. Palestinian Authority President Abbas urges US intervention to prevent potential catastrophe in Rafah. Israeli Defense Forces approve continuation of war plans, while ministers issue competing demands over ceasefire deal.

An FIR has been lodged after the BJP accused several Congress social media handles of sharing a doctored video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah advocating for the end of SC/ST reservation. BJP asserts the original video discussed removing "unconstitutional" reservation for Muslims in Telangana, not SC/ST reservation. Delhi Police requested information from Twitter and Facebook about the account posting the edited video. BJP warns of legal action against those spreading the fake video. The controversy escalates amidst election tensions, with BJP aiming to file FIRs nationwide.            

Air India's $400 million plan to upgrade its Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft with new seats and entertainment systems faces delays due to certification issues. The refurbishment, originally scheduled for August, will now commence next year, affecting long-haul flights. Meanwhile, the airline will begin reconfiguring Airbus A320 aircraft later this year. The delay hampers efforts to enhance passenger experience amidst complaints of broken seats and malfunctioning entertainment systems. While the exact cause of the certification delay remains unclear, Air India aims to introduce premium economy cabins and retain first-class cabins as part of the upgrade.

Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad's explosive 98-run knock, supported by pacer Tushar Deshpande's impressive bowling figures, led Chennai Super Kings to a commanding 78-run win against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024. Gaikwad's aggressive batting, along with contributions from Daryl Mitchell and Shivam Dube, powered CSK to a formidable total of 212/3. In response, SRH faltered under Deshpande's bowling prowess, managing only 134 runs. With this win, CSK climbed to the third spot in the points table, while SRH slipped to fourth. Gaikwad's stellar performance highlights CSK's dominance in the tournament.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak refused to definitively rule out a July general election following a Conservative MP's defection to the Labour Party. Dan Poulter cited dissatisfaction with the Tory government's handling of the National Health Service (NHS) as reason for his switch. Sunak, pressed during a 'Sky News' interview, reiterated his stance of a general election in the "second half of this year" but declined to specify further. The uncertainty comes amidst mounting challenges for the Conservative government ahead of upcoming local and mayoral elections on May 2.            

Amidst ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, a Hamas delegation is set to travel to Egypt to respond to Tel Aviv's latest proposal. Israel has agreed to halt its planned offensive in Rafah, Gaza, pending discussions with the United States, which has urged Israel to address concerns before taking further action. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Saudi Arabia is seen as a pivotal moment for negotiations. Efforts to broker a ceasefire deal intensify amidst the looming threat of conflict escalation.            

Pune and its surroundings are set to endure soaring temperatures for the next 48 hours, with the mercury crossing 40 degrees Celsius. According to IMD, the hot spell, exacerbated by humid conditions, will persist, accompanied by a rise in temperature over the next few days. Anupam Kashyapi of IMD attributes the sweltering heat to hot air influx from Gujarat via the Konkan region. With rainfall unlikely due to wind discontinuity, residents are advised to stay indoors during peak hours and stay hydrated. Shivajinagar recorded the highest temperature this month at 41.3 degrees Celsius.            

Former Finance Minister Chidambaram asserts India's inevitability as the world's third largest economy, regardless of the Prime Minister. Dismissing it as not magic but simple math, he points to India's vast population. While he doesn't provide a timeline, Chidambaram stresses India's economic trajectory due to its sheer size. He also underscores the importance of per capita income over GDP, noting India's low global ranking. This stance challenges political rhetoric and emphasizes economic fundamentals in India's growth story.