Customs officials at Mumbai airport seized diamonds worth ₹2.02 crore hidden in noodle packets and gold valued at ₹4.44 crore concealed in various ways, totaling ₹6.46 crore. Four passengers were arrested over the weekend. An Indian national was caught smuggling diamonds in noodle packets in his trolley bag, while a foreigner had gold bars hidden in her undergarments. The interceptions underscore ongoing efforts to combat smuggling at the airport. The arrests highlight the diverse methods used by smugglers to evade detection.

European Commission announces new rules allowing Indian nationals to apply for multiple-entry Schengen visas with longer validity. This change offers easier access to visas for travellers with a history of lawful travel. The new "cascade" regime grants two-year visas to those who have previously obtained and used two visas within three years. The move aims to ease travel for Indian nationals after difficulties faced last summer. The initiative provides a more favorable arrangement than standard Visa Code rules, facilitating smoother journeys to European destinations for Indian travelers.

After a lengthy debate, the UK Parliament greenlights the Rwanda Migrant Bill, despite pushback from the House of Lords. Backed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservatives, the law aims to label Rwanda as a safe destination for asylum seekers, sidestepping legal hurdles. Critics slam the bill for allowing authorities to overlook human rights laws without independent oversight. Despite attempts by the Lords to amend the bill, the Commons, where the Tories hold sway, ultimately prevails in a back-and-forth process. The move reflects the government's efforts to tackle immigration amid rising concerns.

ISRO flags alarming expansion of Himalayan glacial lakes, with 676 lakes notably enlarging since 1984, posing heightened risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Over 130 lakes within India, especially in the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra basins, are affected. Scientists warn of potential impacts on infrastructure and downstream populations. Urgent action urged to manage risks effectively, including international cooperation. Recent incidents in Sikkim highlight the immediate threat. Climate change exacerbates glacier retreat, necessitating proactive measures to mitigate disaster potential in the Himalayan region.            

Taiwan experienced a night of continuous shaking as dozens of aftershocks rocked the island, following a major quake over two weeks ago. The strongest, measuring 6.1 magnitude, struck around 2:30 am, with another 6.0 tremor close behind. While no casualties were reported, the ongoing tremors kept Taipei residents on edge. In Hualien, where the initial quake hit, buildings tilted, and schools closed due to safety concerns. Despite efforts to improve building standards and public awareness, the threat of powerful quakes remains a constant reality in Taiwan's earthquake-prone region.            

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev faces scrutiny as Patanjali Ayurved apologizes in 67 newspapers for misleading advertisements, costing Rs 10 lakh. The Supreme Court questions the timing of the apology, asking if it matches the ad size. Justice Hima Kohli remarks, "Is the apology the same size as your advertisements?" Justices express concern over FMCGs misleading the public, with Justice Kohli stating, "This... is affecting the health of babies, school-going children, and senior citizens." Ramdev's legal team assures no repeat offenses. The saga highlights broader concerns over consumer protection and accountability in the FMCG sector.      

New Delhi accelerates defence exports, dispatching the fourth land version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines amidst rising Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea. The move follows the delivery of three missile batteries to Manila as part of a $375 million deal. With each battery equipped with four launchers, the deal strengthens India's position in defence exports, reaching ₹21,083 crores in 2023-2024, with a notable 32.5% year-on-year growth. Additionally, India explores joint ventures to manufacture submarines with French collaboration, enhancing maritime capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.            

Nagpur prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju, aged 17 years, 10 months, and 24 days, etched his name in chess history by clinching victory in the Candidates chess tournament. Defeating top-seeded players like Fabiano Caruana and Nakamura, he surpassed Garry Kasparov's 40-year-old record, earning the right to challenge world champion Ding Liren. Gukesh's triumph not only marks a significant milestone for Indian chess but also ends a decade-long wait for an Indian contender in the world title match. His remarkable feat heralds a new era for young talents in the global chess arena.            

Amid heightened tensions in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, a 40-year-old man, Mohammad Raziq, was fatally shot in the Shahdra Sharief area. Unidentified assailants fired upon Raziq as he exited a mosque, leading to his critical injury and subsequent death at the hospital. Security forces swiftly cordoned off the area, launching a search operation for the perpetrators. With Thanamandi falling under the Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency, scheduled for polls on May 7, concerns of militant activities loom large. Recent seizures of arms in border districts underscore security challenges ahead of the elections.          

An Indian Sikh pilgrim, Sardar Jangir Singh, 67, died of cardiac arrest during his visit to Lahore for the Baisakhi festival. He was part of a group of 2,400 pilgrims who arrived via Wagah Border on April 13. Singh suffered a heart attack at Gurudwara Dera Sahib Lahore and was declared dead upon arrival at Mayo Hospital Lahore. His body was handed over to Indian security forces at the Wagah border. The pilgrims, hosted by Pakistan, attended various Sikh holy sites during their 10-day stay, including Gurudwara Panja Sahib Hassanabdal and Gurudwara Janamasthan Nankana Sahib.