The Election Commission unveiled data on electoral bonds, detailing contributions to political parties before April 12, 2019. The release follows the Supreme Court's directive, disclosing raw information on bond issuance, denominations, and receiving SBI branches. Notably, the Trinamool Congress requested unique bond numbers, while the BSP and CPI(M) reported no electoral bond donations. Tamil Nadu's DMK garnered ₹656.5 crore, including a significant sum from Santiago Martin's Future Gaming. The BJP and NCP's West Bengal unit affirmed no electoral bond receipts, while TRS, now BRS, amassed ₹230.65 crore. The data underscores electoral bonds' significance amid ongoing debates on political funding transparency.            

English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran concluded his four-day Mumbai visit, leaving behind a trail of unforgettable moments. The Grammy winner delighted fans with a two-and-a-half-hour concert at Mahalaxmi Race Course, where he sang over 30 songs. Sheeran's visit included striking Shah Rukh Khan's iconic pose, singing in Punjabi with Diljit Dosanjh, reuniting with Farah Khan and other Bollywood stars, collaborating with Armaan Malik, and heartwarmingly visiting a Mumbai school. Sheeran's Indian escapade left fans mesmerized, showcasing his love for the country and its vibrant culture.

The BJP emerges as the top recipient of electoral bond funds, amassing ₹6,986.5 crore, with the Trinamool Congress following closely with ₹1,397 crore. Notably, Future Gaming and Hotel Services contributed ₹509 crore to Tamil Nadu's ruling party, DMK. The latter also received substantial donations from major players like Megha Engineering and India Cements. While some parties like DMK disclosed donor identities, others like BJP and Congress did not. Amidst revelations, CPI(M) reaffirms refusal of electoral bond funds. This transparency disparity underscores ongoing debate over political financing transparency and accountability.

Sidhu Moose Wala's parents, Balkaur Singh and Charan Kaur, celebrate the arrival of a baby boy, nearly two years after the singer's tragic passing. Proud father Balkaur shared the news and a glimpse of the newborn on Facebook, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love from fans. This joyous announcement follows earlier denials of pregnancy speculations. Moose Wala, a prominent Punjabi singer, was tragically murdered in 2022 at the age of 28. Despite his untimely demise, his musical legacy lives on with posthumous releases amassing millions of views.

Unidentified assailants in the US murdered 20-year-old Paruchuri Abhijit, an engineering student at Boston University from Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur district. Abhijit's body was discovered in a car in a forest, sparking suspicions of robbery or a campus quarrel. Described as a bright student, his family initially resisted his decision to study abroad. His remains were repatriated to Burripalem, Guntur. Investigations continue into the motive behind the tragic killing.

The Election Commission disclosed fresh data on electoral bonds, revealing DMK's receipt of ₹509 crore from Santiago Martin's Future Gaming company. Tamil Nadu's ruling party, among others, disclosed donor identities, with Megha Engineering contributing ₹105 crore, India Cements ₹14 crore, and Sun TV ₹100 crore. Congress redeemed ₹1,334.35 crore, while BJP encashed ₹6,986.5 crore, with Odisha's BJD and YSR Congress also cashing significant amounts. Trinamool Congress topped recipient donations at ₹1397 crore, followed by K Chandrashekar Rao's BRS at ₹1322 crore. The Supreme Court's recent ruling deemed the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional.

A volcanic eruption on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula has erupted for the fourth time since December, prompting evacuations and a state of emergency in the town of Grindavik. Fountains of molten rock illuminated the night sky as authorities warned of an imminent eruption for weeks. Evacuations were underway, including tourists from the popular Blue Lagoon spa. The Icelandic Meteorological Office confirmed the eruption, while geophysicists labeled it the "most powerful so far." Despite no reported flight disruptions, concerns loom over potential disruptions as fissure eruptions continue, emphasizing the ongoing need for infrastructure safeguards against lava flows.

The Election Commission of India has announced a modification in the counting date for the legislative assembly elections of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Originally scheduled for June 4, the counting of votes will now take place on June 2, aligning with the term expiration of both state assemblies. This adjustment adheres to constitutional mandates outlined in Article 324 and Section 15 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Parliamentary constituency schedules remain unaffected. The change impacts the assembly polls only, amidst preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections commencing on April 19 and concluding on June 1.

YouTuber Elvish Yadav was arrested in Noida for allegedly providing snake venom at a rave party in November. Noida Police apprehended Yadav, accused of organizing the event where forensic reports confirmed snake venom presence. Charged under Wildlife Act and IPC Section 120A, Yadav denied accusations. Earlier, police rescued nine snakes, sans venom glands, from the party. A People For Animal official filed a complaint against Yadav for alleged threats. Additionally, Yadav faces assault charges for purportedly attacking a content creator. Investigations into both cases are ongoing.

Amid a surge in Indian students studying in German universities, Germany aims to tackle its labor market shortages by making it more attractive for Indian graduates. With Indian students forming the largest international student community in Germany, the Skilled Immigration Act facilitates smoother pathways for Indian graduates into the labor market. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee, president of DAAD, highlighted the growth of Indian students in Germany and emphasized the concept of brain circulation. Additionally, the new act allows international students to work up to 20 hours per week, expanding opportunities for Indian students seeking employment in Germany.