A Belgian man was cleared of drunk driving due to a rare condition called auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), where the body produces alcohol. His lawyer, Anse Ghesquiere, confirmed his diagnosis, supported by three doctors. The defendant, who works at a brewery, showed no signs of intoxication. The judge emphasized this and the medical evidence in the verdict. Lisa Florin, a clinical biologist, explained ABS generates alcohol similar to alcoholic drinks but with reduced effects. ABS typically arises in those with intestine-related conditions. The Bruges police court, where the man was acquitted, did not respond to Reuters' inquiries.

Israel has escalated its attacks on Gaza, with heavy shelling reported in the north. The army ordered new evacuations, citing a "dangerous combat zone." Satellite images suggest plans for an offensive in Rafah, as tensions rise in the southern Gaza Strip. The conflict, aimed at Hamas, has claimed over 34,000 Palestinian lives, causing widespread devastation and a humanitarian crisis. Tanks entered Beit Hanoun, though not deeply. Gunfire erupted near schools housing displaced residents. Israel's actions continue amid heightened tensions in the region.

Yoga guru Ramdev and aide Balkrishna, along with Patanjali Ayurved Limited, issued a public apology in newspapers for not complying with Supreme Court orders regarding misleading ads. The apology, covering one-fourth of a page, acknowledged non-compliance and expressed regret for a press conference held on November 22, 2023. They pledged to avoid such mistakes in the future, promising to follow court directions diligently. The apology, in the wake of ongoing legal proceedings, emphasized their commitment to upholding court directives and respecting the law. Signed by Patanjali Ayurved Limited, Balkrishna, and Ramdev, it aimed to rectify past errors.

Russian forces have made significant progress in eastern Ukraine, seizing territory near Avdiivka, as part of an apparent push to gain ground before western military aid arrives. Footage shows the Russian flag flying over the village of Ocheretyne, bypassing Ukrainian defenses. Ukraine's regional armed forces admit a "difficult situation" as reinforced Russian units advance, using various weapons including alleged chemical ones. The capture of Ocheretyne positions Russia closer to Pokrovsk, while a large offensive targets Chasiv Yar. Despite impending aid, Ukraine's President Zelenskiy seeks additional weapons to regain initiative as the conflict intensifies.

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi cautioned that any Israeli assault on Iran could wipe out the "Zionist regime," as tensions mount between the two nations. During his Pakistan visit, Raisi stressed bolstering trade with the country, aiming for $10 billion annually. The trip follows recent military exchanges, with explosions reported in Isfahan, allegedly from an Israeli strike. Tehran downplayed retaliatory plans. Iran previously launched missiles at Israel in response to an embassy strike. Raisi reiterated support for Palestinian resistance. As threats escalate, the region braces for potential bigger conflict between Iran and Israel.

In a thrilling encounter, Marcus Stoinis's remarkable unbeaten century propelled Lucknow Super Giants to a monumental win over Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024. Stoinis's explosive knock of 124 runs off just 63 balls, comprising 13 boundaries and six maximums, guided LSG to chase down a challenging target of 211 with six wickets in hand. Despite Ruturaj Gaikwad's unbeaten 108 and Shivam Dube's fiery 66, CSK couldn't defend their formidable total. With this victory, LSG etched their name in history, while CSK suffered their second consecutive loss, leaving fans on the edge of their seats in the IPL spectacle.

Senior Australian journalist Avani Dias, stationed in New Delhi, departed India, alleging visa denial by the Modi government due to her reporting "crossing a line". Dias, ABC News' South Asia bureau chief, left on April 19, coinciding with India's general elections. She claimed visa extension was initially denied, later approved for two months, but too late. Dias cited her documentary on Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar as the visa dispute trigger. Government refutes claims, citing visa rule breaches. Dias emphasized feeling uncomfortable with Modi's media criticism stance, while officials assert her departure was with a valid visa.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Telangana lawmaker K Kavitha, detained in the alleged liquor policy scam, face another 14 days in judicial custody. Both opposition leaders, held since March ahead of the Lok Sabha election, are housed in Delhi's Tihar Jail. Kejriwal awaits a Supreme Court plea outcome challenging his March 21 arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on money laundering charges. Meanwhile, Kavitha, arrested by the CBI on similar grounds, awaits bail verdict. The arrests have sparked political uproar with the opposition alleging targeting by federal agencies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.      

Demonstrations at top US universities escalate as protests over the Gaza conflict spread. Police arrest students at New York University and Yale, while Columbia University moves classes online amid heated debates. The White House condemns antisemitic incidents amid growing tensions. Students clash over free speech and the aftermath of the Israel-Gaza war. Protests, sparked by Hamas attacks on Israel, grip campuses nationwide, with demands for divestment and endowment transparency. Amid rising emotions, efforts to calm tensions intensify, with university leaders facing pressure from lawmakers and students.

Germany, facing a severe labour crisis with around 700,000 vacancies, is targeting Indian students to bridge the gap. With a 26% increase in Indian students during the 2022-23 winter semester, Germany now allows international students, especially Indians, to work 20 hours a week. This move aims to attract skilled individuals and address the country's projected shortage of seven million skilled workers by 2035. With 60% of Indian students studying engineering, Germany sees them as crucial to bolstering its industries. The Skilled Immigration Act facilitates seamless work opportunities and potential permanent residency for Indian students.