Google marked the second phase of India's 2024 Lok Sabha Elections with a special Doodle on its homepage. The Doodle shows an inked index finger, symbolizing voting in India. Users can click on it to find election updates. Polling began in 88 constituencies across 13 states and Union Territories today. This phase is part of the 18th Lok Sabha elections. The gesture underscores the importance of democratic participation, urging citizens to exercise their right to vote.

In a surprising discovery, authorities seized a large cache of anti-aircraft gun ammunition in Meghalaya's South Garo Hills district. Acting on a tip-off, officials found four boxes containing 340 rounds hidden in a forest near Chibogre village. This is the first time such a cache has been found in the area in recent memory. The ammunition, suspected to belong to militants, was discovered around 3:30 am by police in the Chokpot police station area. This discovery raises concerns about security in the region and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating militancy.

Businesses in Bengaluru, India, entice voters with incentives like free beer, discounted cab rides, and food offers to increase turnout in the general election. With historically low participation rates, companies aim to encourage citizens to cast their ballots. The initiatives, ranging from free health check-ups to discounted amusement park tickets, aim to celebrate democracy and civic engagement. Following a court ruling allowing such offers, establishments prepare to reward voters showing their ink-stained fingers. Through these efforts, Bengaluru hopes to surpass previous turnout records and strengthen democratic participation.

The Supreme Court is set to deliver its verdict tomorrow on petitions demanding 100% verification of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) alongside electronic voting machines (EVMs). This decision coincides with voting on 88 constituencies in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections. The bench, comprising Justice Sanjeev Khanna and Justice Dipankar Dutta, will announce the verdict around 10:30 am. Petitioners, including the Association of Democratic Reforms, have raised concerns about EVM tampering, though the court has emphasized its inability to intervene solely based on doubts. The ruling will determine the fate of electoral transparency measures.          

Mumbai Police have apprehended two individuals from Punjab, Sonu Subhash Chander and Anuj Thapan, for allegedly providing firearms to the shooters who targeted Bollywood icon Salman Khan's residence. The duo, linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, reportedly supplied pistols just hours before the incident on April 14. Following the firing outside Khan's house in Bandra, police recovered a gun and cartridges from Gujarat's Surat. The arrested men revealed discarding the weapon in the Tapi River during their escape to Bhuj. The shooters, Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal, were detained on April 16 in Mata No Madh.

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud revealed that the Supreme Court will now share case information via WhatsApp messages. This initiative aims to boost transparency and improve access to justice. Starting its 75th year, the Supreme Court embraces WhatsApp as a potent communication tool. Advocates will receive updates on cause lists, case filings, and listings directly on their phones. CJI Chandrachud stressed the potential of this small step to make a big impact, heralding a new era of digital integration in the Indian judiciary system.

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) rebrands 'Horlicks' and 'Boost' as "Functional and Nutritional drinks" after government directive. Ministry of Commerce and Industry's order follows concerns over high sugar content in such beverages. HUL's Q4 FY24 net profit drops 1.53% to Rs 2,561 crore, as reported in regulatory filing. Company attributes decline to regulatory changes. Despite this, HUL notes high single-digit growth in Functional Nutritional drinks, driven by Plus range. Tea segment maintains market leadership in both value and volume.

Three people were killed and 15 injured in a fire at a hotel near Patna railway station. The incident occurred on Thursday, prompting firefighters to rush to the scene for rescue operations. The fire erupted, causing chaos and distress among guests and bystanders. Efforts to douse the flames are currently underway as emergency teams work tirelessly to ensure the safety of those affected. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation as authorities strive to prevent such tragedies in the future.

A massive landslide in Arunachal Pradesh's Dibang Valley has severed a vital highway link with heavy rainfall triggering landslides between Hunli and Anini on National Highway-313. The damage has left a stretch of the road impassable, causing inconvenience for locals and security forces, who rely on it. NHIDCL has begun repairs. Chief Minister Pema Khandu expresses concern, instructing swift restoration as the road connects Dibang Valley to the rest of the country. The incident underscores the region's vulnerability, particularly in its proximity to China.

An Indian Air Force aircraft crashed during a routine training near Jaisalmer on Thursday. The IAF confirmed the incident, stating it involved a Remotely Piloted Aircraft. Fortunately, there were no reported damages to personnel or property. An inquiry, known as a Court of Inquiry, has been initiated to determine the cause of the accident.