The 2023 US Human Rights Report pointed out significant abuses in Manipur, India, due to ethnic conflict in May 2023. It mentioned raids on the BBC by tax authorities and cases of transnational repression, like the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India's External Affairs Ministry dismissed the report, calling it based on "misinformation and flawed understanding." The conflict in Manipur has resulted in at least 175 deaths and over 60,000 displacements, mainly between the Meitei majority and the Kuki-Zo tribal community.

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.

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.            

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.

Two Indian student teams, one from New Delhi's KIET Group of Institutions and another from Mumbai's Kanakia International School, won awards at NASA's Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC). KIET won in the "Crash and Burn" category, while Kanakia earned the "Rookie of the Year" award. Over 600 students from 72 teams worldwide participated in the 30th anniversary edition of HERC. Parish Episcopal School from Dallas won first place in the high school division, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville clinched the college/university title.

M Krishnan, a 40-year-old man of Indian origin, was sentenced to 20 years in jail for causing the death of his girlfriend, Mallika Begum Rahamansa Abdul Rahman. He admitted guilt in court last week. The sentencing, dated back to his arrest, highlighted his ongoing violence despite earlier claims of reform. Justice Valerie Thean noted his history of abuse and cited alcohol as a contributing factor, alongside his intermittent explosive disorder. Despite being diagnosed post-offence, Krishnan was aware of his tendency towards socially unacceptable behavior.

Indians traveling to Europe can now apply for multiple entry Schengen visas for up to five years, as the European Commission introduces new rules. The move aims to enhance people-to-people contact between India and the EU. Under the new regime, frequent travelers with an established history can obtain long-term visas, starting with two-year validity and extending to five years. These changes reflect strengthened relations under the EU-India common agenda on migration and mobility. Schengen visas grant free travel within 29 European countries, facilitating short stays of up to 90 days.

Two Indian students, both 19, tragically lost their lives in a car crash in Phoenix City, Arizona. Mukka Nivesh and Goutham Parsi, hailing from Telangana, were identified as the victims. The collision occurred when a speeding vehicle collided head-on with their car on April 20. While the driver sustained injuries and has been discharged, the Arizona police are investigating the cause of the crash. Both students were pursuing computer science engineering at Arizona State University. The incident has prompted condolences from authorities, expressing sympathy for the victims and their families.

Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety has prohibited the sale of four spice products from renowned Indian brands MDH and Everest after detecting ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen. The banned items include MDH's Madras Curry Powder, Mixed Masala Powder, and Sambhar Masala, along with Everest's Fish Curry Masala. Following this move, Singapore's Food Agency recalled Everest's Fish Curry Masala for the same reason. While authorities stress there's no immediate risk from low levels of ethylene oxide, prolonged consumption could pose health hazards. Both MDH and Everest are yet to publicly address the allegations concerning their products.      

Overseas Friends of BJP UK (OFBJPUK) organized a vibrant 'Kavi Sammelan' on April 21st at the Radha Krishna Temple in London. The event aimed to support BJP's election campaign in India and rally NRIs. Dr. Anand Arya and Sri Suresh Mangalgiri praised BJP's governance, while renowned poets from the UK and India added cultural flair. The event, chaired by Sri Tejinder Sharma and hosted by Sri Ashish Mishra, saw attendees like Shashi Patel, Darshn Grewal, and Dr. Davendra Chauhan. Dr. Gyan Sharma expressed gratitude to all participants. OFBJPUK4UP and OFBJPUK-Haryana members, including Rajesh Vishwakarma, Hirdesh Gupta, and Madhukar Sharma, worked tirelessly for the event's success, highlighting their commitment to the BJP campaign in India.