Violence shadowed the start of Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, as BJP's Agnimitra Paul accused Trinamool Congress of Bihar-like tactics to silence rivals. Three seats in north Bengal – Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar – went to polls in the first phase. Cooch Behar witnessed clashes between BJP and Trinamool workers, leading to complaints of violence and voter intimidation. Despite these allegations, senior polling officers clarified they received complaints but no concrete reports of violence. The incidents underscore the tense environment surrounding the electoral process in the region.

Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, postpones his visit to India, where he was set to meet PM Modi and possibly announce a $2-3 billion investment for a factory. The delay, not yet confirmed by either Tesla or Modi's office, leaves speculation unanswered. Musk's keenness on India was apparent since his meeting with Modi in the US last year. His recent tweet confirmed the upcoming visit. The trip was eagerly awaited for its potential boost to India's economy and Tesla's entry into the Indian market.

Tourist arrivals to the Maldives saw a significant shift in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, as per the Ministry of Tourism's report. Indian tourist numbers dropped by 38%, from 56,208 in 2023 to 34,847 in 2024. In contrast, Chinese arrivals surged by 281%, skyrocketing from 17,691 to 67,399. This indicates a noteworthy change in tourist demographics, with India experiencing a decline while China saw a remarkable increase in visitors to the island nation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah filed nomination papers in Gandhinagar, revealing assets totaling Rs 36 crore. Notably, he doesn't own a car. His assets consist of Rs 20 crore movable and Rs 16 crore immovable. Shah also declared jewellery worth Rs 72 lakh, while his wife, Sonal Shah, declared assets exceeding Rs 31 crore, including jewelry worth Rs 1.10 crore. The couple disclosed loans amounting to Rs 42.09 lakh. Amit Shah's annual income was Rs 75.09 lakh in 2022-23, sourced from his MP salary, rents, farming, and investments, while his wife earned Rs 39.54 lakh.

In a political rally in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath invoked Pakistan, contrasting its hunger crisis with India's free ration promise to over 80 crore people. He emphasized the BJP's "Phir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar" slogan and its pledge in the manifesto to provide free ration for the next five years. Adityanath's remarks came ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at the rally in support of BJP candidate Kanwar Singh Tanwar. Pakistan's population of 23-24 crore, formed after partition, was highlighted as suffering from hunger, contrasting with India's welfare measures.

A 72-year-old Dutch man battled COVID-19 for a record 613 days, revealed Amsterdam University Medical Center. With a pre-existing blood disease, he contracted the virus in Feb 2022, despite prior vaccination. His immune system, weakened, struggled against over 50 virus mutations, leading to an ultra-mutated variant. Treatment attempts, including sotrovimab, proved ineffective. His case will be shared at a medical summit in Barcelona.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian stated that Iran is investigating an overnight attack, denying a proven link to Israel and downplaying the incident, calling the drones involved "toys." Reports of explosions over Isfahan were attributed to air defense actions against three drones, which Iran described as an infiltration rather than an Israeli attack. Amirabdollahian warned of immediate, maximum-level retaliation if Israel acts against Iran's interests again. He emphasized Tehran's ongoing investigation and cautioned against inaccurate media reports.

A 20-year-old Indian student studying at the University of Massachusetts tragically took his own life in March, possibly linked to the "Blue Whale Challenge," an online dare game associated with suicides. His identity remains undisclosed per his family's request. Authorities are investigating the case as an apparent suicide. Initial reports wrongly labeled his death as a murder. The Boston Globe later identified him by name. This incident highlights the dangers of online challenges and underscores the need for greater awareness and support for mental health among students.

In the first phase of the 18th Lok Sabha election, India witnessed a 64% voter turnout across 21 states and Union Territories. Occasional violence erupted in Manipur and Bengal, with clashes between Trinamool Congress and BJP workers in Cooch Behar and reports of gunfire in Manipur. Despite occasional incidents, Election Commission assures a transparent process. Key states like Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan saw moderate turnouts. BJP eyes gains in the south, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Bengal, while Congress projects confidence of a comeback in northern states.

China's military newspaper criticizes the US and SpaceX's Starshield program for militarizing space, alleging tensions incitement. Starshield, aimed at enhancing intelligence capabilities globally, faces scrutiny. Chinese PLA highlights the US's use of low-orbit satellites in conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza, raising concerns over regional stability. The commentary warns of challenges to information security and accuses US collaboration with civilian entities of pursuing space hegemony. SpaceX's Starlink, providing internet connectivity in conflict zones, draws attention. Chinese state-owned projects like G60 Starlink emerge amid the controversy, reflecting geopolitical competition in space exploration.