Voters in Bengaluru faced heat wave-like conditions as temperatures soared between 36.4 and 38.4 degrees Celsius during the voting day. Although not officially declared a heat wave zone by the IMD, Bengaluru saw temperatures spike 4.5 degrees above normal. A.Prasad, a scientist at IMD Bengaluru, highlighted this departure from the norm. Bengaluru falls under the Aw category in the Koeppen-Geiger classification, with an average temperature of 22 degrees Celsius. Despite not meeting all heat wave criteria, the city's residents endured sweltering conditions while exercising their democratic rights.

In Sunnyvale, California, the Himachali Nite showcased the beauty of Himachal Pradesh. Attendees, both Himachali and non-Himachali, gathered from across the Bay Area to enjoy pahadi dances, songs, and the lively natti performance. The event aimed to inspire the diaspora community to embrace their roots, highlighting the state's vibrant culture. A fashion show featured Himachali weaves, adding to the colorful display. Guests were treated to traditional Himachali Dham and Siddu, enhancing the cultural experience. Overall, it was a joyous celebration of Himachali heritage, uniting people through music, dance, and cuisine.

PM Rishi Sunak and Ultra-Runner Lloyd Cook met at 10 Downing Street before embarking on a run through London landmarks. In a video shared online, Sunak hailed Cook as a mental health "role model," emphasizing the power of personal stories. He praised Cook's fundraising efforts and stressed the significance of family, purposeful work, and exercise for mental well-being. Sunak believes these messages resonate more with the public than government policies. Cook's journey of overcoming challenges serves as inspiration, showcasing the impact of personal narratives in addressing mental health concerns.

A 24-year-old man, Sangeet Singh, was arrested at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport for pretending to be a Singapore Airlines pilot. Singh, hailing from Gautam Buddha Nagar in Uttar Pradesh, was caught by CISF guards wearing a pilot's uniform and sporting a phony airline ID. Investigation unveiled that Singh crafted the fake ID using an online app called Business Card Maker and purchased the uniform and accessories from Pilot 18, Sector 9, Dwarka. It was also discovered that Singh completed a 12-month Aviation Hospitality course in Mumbai in 2020. Authorities are now probing further into the matter to ascertain any other potential breaches or accomplices.

Two Princeton University students, Achinthya Sivalingan and Hassan Sayed, were arrested for joining pro-Palestine protests on campus. They set up tents, violating university rules, leading to their immediate removal and a trespassing charge. Sivalingan, originally from Tamil Nadu, studies Public Affairs in International Development, while Sayed pursues a PhD. Despite the arrest, they can stay in their housing. Spokespersons Jennifer Morrill and Michael Hotchkiss confirmed the incident. The protest, reported by student and alumni newspapers, took place early Thursday morning.

The Supreme Court turned down requests to verify all votes cast through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and revert to paper ballots. Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta rejected pleas from groups like the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). Instead, they ordered the Election Commission of India (ECI) to seal Symbol Loading Units (SLUs) after symbol loading and to allow engineers to inspect EVM memory post-results, upon candidates' request within seven days. This reaffirms the use of EVMs with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips in elections, emphasizing procedural safeguards.

Kolkata endured scorching temperatures of 41.6°C, the hottest April day in 44 years and second-hottest in 50 years. Meteorologists warn of a relentless 10-day heatwave, with five days already surpassing 40°C. This surpasses the previous record set on April 25, 1980, at 41.7°C. Sourish Bandyopadhyay from the Regional Meteorological Centre cautions of temperatures potentially soaring to 42°C due to stable weather patterns. The Met office predicts heatwave conditions until April 29, with no relief in sight until May 2. Kolkata residents brace themselves for sweltering days ahead with no respite from the scorching sun.

In a remarkable display of civic duty, Bengaluru witnessed extraordinary voters during the second phase of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. P. V. Ayyar, a retired civil servant aged 94, turned up to cast his vote, emphasizing the importance of participation. Meanwhile, engineer Divya Kamat journeyed 12,000 miles from abroad, leaving her toddler behind, just to vote in Bengaluru. Urging fellow citizens to follow suit, Kamat's social media post went viral, calling on Bengaluru residents to exercise their democratic right. These instances underscore the significance of voter engagement and civic responsibility in the electoral process.

Rutland, England's tiniest county, celebrated Queen Elizabeth's 98th birthday on April 21 with a grand gesture. A seven-foot bronze statue unveiled outside Oakham's library. Crafted by Hywel Brân Pratley, it portrays a young Queen adorned in ceremonial robes, sporting the George IV Diadem and the Order of the Garter sash, with one of her beloved corgis by her side. This statue marks England's first permanent tribute to Her Late Majesty, who passed away at 96 in 2022. Originally planned with one corgi, the final piece now features three, symbolizing her enduring love for these furry companions. Rutland City Council proudly commemorated her legacy.

Google marked the second phase of India's 2024 Lok Sabha Elections with a special Doodle on its homepage. The Doodle shows an inked index finger, symbolizing voting in India. Users can click on it to find election updates. Polling began in 88 constituencies across 13 states and Union Territories today. This phase is part of the 18th Lok Sabha elections. The gesture underscores the importance of democratic participation, urging citizens to exercise their right to vote.