Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra visited Washington DC to enhance the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Discussions with US officials covered defense, commerce, and supply chain resilience. Meetings with think tanks and commerce chambers focused on strengthening ties in sectors like technology and aerospace. Emphasis was on fostering commercial collaboration, especially in semiconductors, AI, and space technology, to bolster India's manufacturing economy and improve business environment. The visit underscores efforts to deepen cooperation and strengthen bilateral relations between India and the US.

India and the UK met to expedite mutual legal assistance and prioritize extradition requests for fugitives like Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi. The high-level discussion at CBI Headquarters involved enhancing collaboration against financial crimes, terrorism, and cyber threats. The visit, led by UK's Interpol candidate Stephen Kavanagh, emphasized strengthening bilateral ties and addressing common security challenges. Both sides reaffirmed commitment to combat transnational crime effectively, utilizing Interpol channels. The meeting underscores efforts to bolster international cooperation between India and the UK in combating crime and ensuring extradition of wanted individuals.

The FBI has initiated a criminal probe into the Baltimore bridge collapse that claimed six lives. The investigation focuses on circumstances leading to the incident involving the Dali cargo ship. Federal agents have been onsite since the March 26 catastrophe. Meanwhile, Baltimore's mayor announces legal action against responsible parties. Salvage efforts, including the recovery of victims, continue. Investigators seek answers from the ship's data recorder, examining factors like power failure and fuel contamination. The collapse disrupted Port of Baltimore operations, prompting alternative routes for traffic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned of future regrets following the Supreme Court's decision to scrap the electoral bonds scheme, stating, "The scrapping of the electoral bonds... is a decision everyone will regret when there is honest reflection." He defended the scheme's aim to combat black money in elections, stressing transparency in political donations. PM Modi countered opposition allegations and highlighted the scheme's success in revealing donation trails. He also addressed accusations of bias in central agencies' actions and criticized the Congress manifesto's impact on the economy.

Derek Underwood, renowned England and Kent spinner, passed away at 78. Fondly known as "Deadly," he amassed 2,523 wickets for Kent in a stellar 24-year career. Inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2009, Underwood also served as MCC president and received an MBE. His legacy includes 26 Test matches, claiming 32 wickets in the inaugural World Cup. Kent Cricket mourns his loss, hailing him as one of their greatest players and lauding his impact on and off the field. Underwood's mastery of the game leaves a lasting mark on cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

More than a million highly skilled professionals from India are enduring lengthy wait times for US green cards, surpassing those of other nationals. USCIS data reveals over 1.2 million Indians in backlog, with significant delays in EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories. The National Foundation for American Policy warns of growing stress and uncertainty for individuals and families. The current US law's yearly limit and per-country cap exacerbate the issue, disproportionately affecting Indians, Chinese, and Filipinos. Without Congressional action, the backlog is projected to escalate, prompting calls for reforms to attract and retain talent.

In a breathtaking display of batting prowess, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) rewrite IPL history, posting an astounding total of 287 for 3 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Travis Head's blistering century off just 39 balls, amassing 115 runs, the quickest by an SRH player, spearheaded this monumental achievement. SRH's innings featured an astonishing 22 sixes, eclipsing the previous IPL record. Moreover, it marked the inaugural instance in IPL history where four bowlers from one team conceded over 50 runs each. This electrifying encounter now stands as an indelible chapter in the annals of IPL lore.

According to Nasscom's report, "Digital Enterprise Maturity 5.0," India remains the top choice for enterprises expanding their digital services. With 71% of Indian enterprises allocating over 20% of their tech budget to digital in 2023, 90% plan to increase investments in AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity in 2024. The focus is expected to shift towards cybersecurity by mid-2025 due to the rise of generative AI. Notably, 83% of enterprises are prioritizing digital talent. Sectors like BFSI, high-tech, and telecom are actively expanding their digital services contracts, making India the preferred outsourcing destination.

UK's Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron reaffirmed the UK's decision to maintain arms sales to Israel amid mounting criticism. Despite concerns over Israeli conduct and humanitarian issues in Gaza, Lord Cameron stated that the latest assessment did not warrant a change in export licenses. Labour's shadow foreign secretary criticized the government's stance as inadequate. Meanwhile, in Washington, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken expressed concern over Israel's threatened ground offensive in Rafah and discussed accountability for a recent air strike that killed aid workers. Lord Cameron's private meeting with former President Trump and a failed meeting attempt with a US Republican leader also drew attention.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the power of the Indian flag in rescuing Indians stuck in Ukraine amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He emphasized the flag's significance as his "guarantee" when seeking assistance for evacuations, stating, "The strength of the Indian flag was so much that even a foreigner used to hold the Indian flag in his hand." PM Modi recalled his diplomatic interventions with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, advocating for dialogue over war. He also referenced previous successful evacuations, notably from Yemen in 2015. India's commitment to peaceful resolution and humanitarian aid was reaffirmed in recent discussions with both countries' leaders.