The Gujarat Congress has suspended Nilesh Kumbhani, its Surat Lok Sabha candidate, for six years following the rejection of his nomination form. The move came after his form was dismissed by the returning officer, leading to the BJP candidate being elected unopposed. The disciplinary committee cited Kumbhani's alleged negligence or affiliation with the BJP. Kumbhani, a former Surat corporator, refuted claims of disappearance, asserting communication with senior Congress leaders. The suspension follows discontent among Surat residents and party members, prompting the Congress to take action against Kumbhani and a substitute candidate, Suresh Padsala.

The Delhi High Court rebuked Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for prioritizing personal interest over national interest by not resigning after his arrest. Amidst his arrest in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case, the court slammed the AAP-led government for neglecting students' needs, citing non-availability of textbooks and uniforms in government schools. The court condemned the government's focus on retaining power rather than addressing pressing issues. Despite government claims of awaiting the Chief Minister's consent for financial delegation, the court criticized the failure to address essential student requirements, emphasizing the need for immediate action.            

Romania's Bucharest court has given the green light for the trial of internet personality Andrew Tate on charges of human trafficking, following a ruling that deemed the evidence management by prosecutors as lawful. Tate, along with his brother Tristan and two Romanian female suspects, faces allegations of human trafficking, rape, and forming a criminal gang to exploit women. The trial, yet to have a set date, awaits an appeal against the decision, marking a significant development in one of Romania's high-profile human trafficking cases.

India has formally requested French authorities to approve the extradition of liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya 'without preconditions.' The request was made during the 16th session of the India-France Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism on April 15. India seeks updates on the status of its extradition proposal to France and actively pursues Mallya's extradition, especially in countries where he holds property. Mallya faces allegations in a bank loan default case exceeding Rs 9,000 crore and has been residing in the UK since March 2016. India has declared him a fugitive, with many of his Indian assets auctioned off.            

In the second phase of Lok Sabha elections, 88 seats across 13 states witnessed a notable turnout of nearly 61%. High-profile constituencies like Wayanad, Thiruvananthapuram, Mathura, and Meerut attracted attention. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to vote in record numbers. Chaos marred Bengal's Balurghat, with slogans raised against BJP's state chief. Tensions escalated in Mangalore over media interaction near polling stations. Kerala saw heavyweights Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor in contention. In Uttar Pradesh, focus remained on Mathura and Meerut. Overall, 1,210 candidates vied for victory, with NDA securing 65 seats in the last polls.            

Television actor Gurucharan Singh, renowned for portraying Sodhi in "Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah," has gone missing. His father filed a police complaint after Gurucharan failed to return home from a journey to Mumbai, initiated on April 22. The 50-year-old actor's disappearance prompted concerns as his whereabouts remain unknown, with his phone inaccessible. Singh's decision to depart the show earlier to prioritize family, particularly his father's health, contrasts with ongoing controversies surrounding the series, including recent sexual harassment allegations against producer Asit Modi, which resulted in a verdict favoring the accuser, Jennifer Mistry.            

The CBI confiscated a significant quantity of arms and ammunition, including foreign-made pistols, from a residence in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali. The discovery, made during a search operation, follows an attack on an Enforcement Directorate team allegedly instigated by a suspended Trinamool Congress leader's aide. The revelation sparked a political feud between the ruling TMC and BJP amidst ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Reports suggest the house belonged to a relative of the aide. NSG commandos further searched the area following the CBI's findings, highlighting the escalating tensions in Bengal's political landscape.

Noga Weiss, abducted by Hamas militants for 50 days, revealed one captor's proposal to marry her and have children. Recalling the ordeal, Weiss described receiving a ring and enduring threats. Her father was killed during the invasion. Despite initial fears, she was reunited with her mother, who was also kidnapped. Rejecting the captor's proposal, Weiss's mother had to insist vehemently to deter him. The account sheds light on the harrowing experiences faced by hostages and their families during conflicts.            

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautioned China against aiding Russia's assault on Ukraine, stating Washington would intervene if Beijing continued supplying Moscow. Blinken commended China for efforts to curb fentanyl exports to the US and suggested a constructive role for China in the Middle East, urging restraint in Iran-Israel tensions. His visit to Beijing marks increased dialogue amid strained US-China relations, exacerbated by disputes over Taiwan and tech exports. While acknowledging positive progress, Blinken's warning underscores ongoing geopolitical tensions, contrasting with hopes for improved cooperation in other spheres.

Sachin Sahoo, a 42-year-old Indian-origin man, was fatally shot by police in San Antonio. Wanted for assaulting his roommate, Sahoo allegedly struck two officers with his vehicle during an attempted apprehension. Police Chief Bill McManus stated Sahoo had previously run over his roommate, leaving her critically injured. One officer discharged his weapon, fatally injuring Sahoo, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities yet to review bodycam footage. Sahoo's actions led to his encounter with police, resulting in his tragic death and injuries to the officers involved.