India’s Election Commission removed over 55 million voters from the voter lists in a process called the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). This removal has caused controversy in West Bengal, where 9 million voters were deleted before an important state election, with some saying it could affect the fairness of the vote.
Key Facts
The Election Commission of India started the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to remove duplicate or dead voters.
More than 55 million voters have been deleted from the electoral rolls across 13 states and territories.
In West Bengal, 9 million voters were removed ahead of a key state election.
The ruling party, BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to win in West Bengal.
Opposition leaders and some former officials worry the timing and number of deletions might impact how fair the election is.
The issue of voter removals has become a central point of debate in the West Bengal election.
This situation highlights larger concerns about voter rights and the fairness of India’s election process.
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Purdue Pharma will be dissolved as part of a settlement to resolve thousands of lawsuits related to the opioid crisis. A federal judge approved a criminal sentence requiring Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family to pay billions of dollars, but no individuals from the company were personally charged.
Key Facts
Purdue Pharma admitted it failed to prevent its opioid painkillers from being sold illegally.
The company also paid doctors to prescribe opioids and influenced medical records to increase prescriptions.
Purdue and the Sackler family agreed to pay a total of around $8 billion in fines and settlements.
Only the company was charged criminally; no individual executives were charged.
The settlement will dissolve Purdue; a new company focusing on public good will replace it.
Many victims and family members of overdose deaths spoke at the sentencing, some opposing the settlement.
About 54,000 personal injury claimants voted to accept the settlement, while roughly 200 opposed.
The Sackler family will pay up to $7 billion over 15 years as part of the deal.
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King Charles visited the United States and delivered speeches promoting the strong historical relationship between the UK and the US. His visit aimed to improve the tone of diplomatic relations and encourage cooperation on global challenges like NATO and support for Ukraine.
Key Facts
King Charles made a state visit to the United States, including a White House banquet.
British diplomats hoped the visit would ease tensions but knew it could not fix deep political disagreements.
The King praised the US and UK as diverse and free societies, highlighting their shared history.
He gave a symbolic gift to President Trump: a bell from the ship named "HMS Trump."
The King urged cooperation through alliances like NATO to face global challenges such as the defense of Ukraine.
He acknowledged differences but emphasized the strength of the long-standing partnership between the UK and US.
The visit aimed to improve diplomatic relations during a time of political division in the US.
Senator Lindsey Graham praised the King's speech for boosting morale among US politicians.
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Robert Mugabe’s youngest son, Bellarmine Mugabe, was fined and ordered to leave South Africa after admitting to breaking immigration laws and pointing a toy gun in a threatening way. His cousin, Tobias Matonhodze, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted murder and other charges from a shooting incident at the Mugabe family home.
Key Facts
Bellarmine Mugabe was fined 600,000 rand (about £26,770) for two offenses, including immigration violations and threatening behavior with a toy gun.
Tobias Matonhodze pleaded guilty to attempted murder, firearms offenses, and breaking immigration laws. He was sentenced to three years in prison.
The shooting incident occurred on 19 February at the Mugabe family home in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The victim, Sipho Mahlungu, was shot in the back and later accepted a financial settlement to withdraw charges.
Robert Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe for nearly 40 years before being removed in a 2017 coup.
Bellarmine Mugabe has a history of being arrested in Zimbabwe for assault-related incidents.
Grace Mugabe, their mother, avoided court charges in South Africa in 2017 by claiming diplomatic immunity.
The court considered both men first-time offenders and took into account their guilty pleas and time already spent in prison.
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche spoke about the second indictment against former FBI Director James Comey. Blanche said President Donald Trump did not tell him to go after Comey in this case.
Key Facts
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche gave an exclusive interview to CBS Mornings.
The Justice Department charged James Comey again over an Instagram post.
The post showed seashells arranged to form the numbers "86 47."
Comey said he was not threatening President Trump with the post.
Blanche confirmed President Trump did not direct the investigation against Comey.
This is the second indictment involving James Comey by the Justice Department.
The discussion focused on the independence of the department from the president's influence.
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Nigel Farage received £5 million from a donor before he became a Member of Parliament (MP). The money was said to be for personal security, but some political parties say Farage should have declared this gift as required by parliamentary rules.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage got £5 million from donor Christopher Harborne before becoming an MP.
The money was reportedly for personal protection following an attack on Farage’s home.
Farage said he tried but failed to get security help from the government.
Harborne also donated £9 million to Farage’s political party, Reform UK.
Both Labour and Conservative parties accuse Farage of not declaring the £5 million gift officially.
The rules say new MPs must report all financial gifts received in the year before their election.
Farage and Reform UK say the gift was personal and did not need to be declared.
Police investigated the firebomb attack on Farage’s home but have not found suspects.
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The number of UK companies facing serious financial trouble has increased by over a third in one year, mainly because of higher taxes and the impact of the Middle East conflict. Hospitality and leisure businesses are struggling the most due to falling consumer confidence and rising costs.
Key Facts
UK firms in critical financial distress rose by 36.9% in the first three months of this year compared to last year.
About 62,193 companies are now affected, up from 45,416 the previous year.
Higher taxes, including increased national insurance contributions and minimum wage, have pressured businesses.
Rising energy costs linked to the Iran war have contributed to financial problems.
Hospitality, leisure, and sports sectors saw the largest increases in distress, with hotels up 69.3% and leisure and culture firms up 65.9%.
Inflation, interest rates, and unemployment threaten to reduce consumer spending further.
Some UK holiday businesses might benefit if overseas trips are limited by jet fuel shortages and flight cancellations.
"Zombie" businesses—those barely able to pay debt interest—are at risk of failing this year.
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Two people were hurt in a knife attack in Golders Green, London, that reportedly targeted Jewish people. Police arrested at least one suspect and are investigating the incident, while local leaders and the Prime Minister expressed concern about the attack.
Key Facts
Two people were injured in a stabbing in north London’s Golders Green area.
The attack was allegedly aimed at Jewish members of the public.
A male suspect was seen carrying a knife and trying to stab people.
Police have arrested at least one suspect and are investigating.
Golders Green has a large Jewish community and has recently experienced several violent incidents.
In late March, four ambulances of a Jewish community service were firebombed, possibly in an antisemitic attack.
An arson attack occurred on a memorial wall near a Jewish center in Golders Green, but police are not classifying it as terrorism.
Local MP Sarah Sackman and Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented on the seriousness of the stabbing and condemned attacks on British Jews.
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Residents at the Byker Wall housing estate will have their energy bills frozen in 2026-27 to provide cost stability. Newcastle City Council, which owns the district heat network supplying heat to the estate, has already issued refunds and reduced fees to help homeowners manage expenses.
Key Facts
Byker Wall homeowners previously paid over £200 a month for heating via a district heat network (DHN).
Newcastle City Council gave more than £56,000 in refunds last year, averaging about £646 per household.
The council will freeze bills for 167 private homeowners this year to offer financial certainty.
Bills are made up of an energy charge and an infrastructure charge; the energy charge is more affected by national gas prices.
Last year’s new DHN fees lowered heating bills by up to 31%.
The annual infrastructure charge will stay at £366.32, with an energy charge of £18.92 per square meter yearly.
Heat networks are now regulated by Ofgem, but not included in the energy price cap.
The council does not profit from the heat network and is reviewing all its heat networks to improve billing transparency and base charges on actual consumption.
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The US has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz since April 13, limiting Iran's ability to export oil. Analysts warn that Iran could run out of space to store its crude oil within a few weeks if the blockade continues, which may force Iran to reduce oil production.
Key Facts
The US naval blockade targets Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for 20% of the world’s oil and gas.
Iran exports most of its crude oil through Kharg Island, which is nearing full storage capacity due to the blockade.
Data from Kpler suggests Iran’s crude oil storage could fill up in 12 to 22 days if the blockade continues.
Iran’s oil exports were about 1.7 to 1.8 million barrels per day in recent months.
The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman and is vital for global energy supplies.
Iran has at times threatened to close the strait and restrict shipping in response to US actions.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that once storage fills, Iran may have to shut down oil wells.
Iran’s oil production capacity is about 2.6 million barrels per day, but the blockade limits the ability to export this oil.
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Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel made a joke about President Donald Trump during his show. The joke referenced a remark Trump made earlier while meeting King Charles III and Queen Camilla. This is part of an ongoing exchange between Kimmel and President Trump.
Key Facts
Jimmy Kimmel is a late-night comedian and TV host.
He commented on a statement made by President Donald Trump earlier the same day.
The statement was made during an event with King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Kimmel questioned if Trump was joking about his own death.
There is a continuing back-and-forth between Kimmel and President Trump involving humor and comments.
The incident was featured on the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” show on ABC.
The setting of the original statement involved notable British royalty.
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Two people were stabbed in an antisemitic attack in Golders Green, a neighborhood in north-west London. Police arrested a suspect and increased patrols in the area while community leaders and officials condemned the attack and promised to bring those responsible to justice.
Key Facts
Two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green, London.
The attack is being investigated as antisemitic.
Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the stabbing.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the attack and increased police patrols.
Jewish community groups praised the swift response from emergency services and volunteers.
The UK government stated antisemitic hatred is rising again and pledged support with increased security funding.
Opposition leader Keir Starmer called the attack “utterly appalling” and vowed justice.
The incident follows other attacks including arson targeting Jewish sites in the area.
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Two graduate students at the University of South Florida were killed, and their alleged killer used the AI tool ChatGPT to research how to commit the crime. The suspect asked the AI questions about disposing of bodies and evading detection before the students went missing. Florida authorities are investigating OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, regarding its role in crimes linked to the tool.
Key Facts
Graduate students Nahida Bristy and Zamil Limon were found dead or presumed dead in Florida.
Hisham Abugharbieh, the roommate of one victim, was arrested and charged with two counts of premeditated murder.
Court documents show Abugharbieh used ChatGPT to ask about hiding bodies and other illegal activities days before the murders.
The suspect asked specific questions such as how to dispose of a body in a garbage bag and about gun laws without a license.
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is cooperating with law enforcement but says the AI does not promote illegal acts.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier launched a criminal probe into OpenAI after a separate 2025 Florida State University shooting was linked to ChatGPT use.
Experts say the investigation could help define the responsibilities of AI companies when users misuse their tools.
Abugharbieh is held without bond and has not yet entered a plea.
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The UK government is responding to new leaks of confidential health data from half a million UK Biobank volunteers that have appeared on the Chinese website Alibaba. Officials are working with Chinese authorities to remove the data and have temporarily suspended access to UK Biobank information while investigating the breach.
Key Facts
Confidential health records of 500,000 UK Biobank volunteers were listed for sale on the Chinese site Alibaba.
The leaked data does not include names or exact birthdates but could potentially be re-identified by combining information.
UK officials discovered further leaks after the initial report and continue efforts to remove data listings.
The UK Biobank is a large health research project that helps study diseases like heart disease, cancer, dementia, and Covid-19.
The breach involved data posted by researchers at three Chinese hospitals.
UK Biobank access has been suspended while investigations continue to secure the data.
Other data breaches have occurred recently, including one involving 96,000 volunteers' data accidentally uploaded by a student.
The UK government and UK Biobank are working together to find the source of the leaks and ensure the data is removed from the internet.
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AstraZeneca has decided to invest £300 million in two sites in the UK, reversing its earlier decision to pause large projects. This new investment aims to support drug development and protect jobs in Cambridge and Macclesfield.
Key Facts
AstraZeneca paused large projects in the UK last year due to concerns about the business environment and NHS drug pricing.
The company will now invest £300 million in sites at Cambridge (its headquarters) and Macclesfield.
The investment includes completing the Rosalind Franklin building and creating a “lab of the future” using digital tools.
UK Labour leader Keir Starmer announced the investment, highlighting job protection in both locations.
AstraZeneca had previously stopped a £200 million investment in Cambridge and a £450 million vaccine facility in Merseyside due to reduced government support.
AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot praised the government’s efforts to improve patient access to medicines.
AstraZeneca reported an 8% revenue increase to $15.3 billion, with strong growth in cancer and rare disease drugs.
GSK also showed growth in cancer drug sales, with vaccine sales rising slightly despite challenges in the US market.
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Hezbollah has started using drones connected by fibre optic cables to control attacks against Israeli forces. These drones avoid detection by Israel’s radar and electronic systems because they do not use wireless signals and are made of materials that are hard to detect. Israeli forces are struggling to defend against these new drones, which have caused casualties.
Key Facts
Hezbollah uses drones controlled by a fibre optic cable instead of wireless signals.
The cable can extend up to 30 kilometers (about 18.6 miles).
These drones are made of fibreglass, making them hard to detect by radar or heat sensors.
The drones can bypass Israel's electronic jamming and tank defense systems like "Trophy."
Hezbollah operators use live video from the drones to aim at weak points such as tank tracks.
A recent attack using these drones killed one Israeli soldier and wounded several others.
Israeli forces have no effective military solution yet and have started using nets to try to catch the drones.
Weather conditions and the fragility of the fibre optic cable can limit the drones’ effectiveness.
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President Donald Trump warned Iran to "get smart" after Iran proposed delaying a deal on its nuclear program. The United States remains cautious and is not rushing to accept a deal, while tensions between the two countries continue amid stalled talks and increased pressure from U.S. sanctions.
Key Facts
President Trump posted a warning on Truth Social telling Iran to "get smart soon" about nuclear deal negotiations.
Iran proposed postponing agreement talks, focusing on ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. is reviewing Iran’s proposal but has given a lukewarm response, insisting Iran must not have nuclear weapons.
Experts say both countries are competing to show strength without escalating to physical war.
The U.S. Treasury imposed new sanctions targeting Iran’s financial networks, cryptocurrency access, and shipping operations.
Iran’s currency, the rial, hit a record low against the U.S. dollar amid economic pressure.
Since the war began, Iran has executed at least 21 people and arrested more than 4,000 protesters and dissidents.
The United Nations criticized Iran for harshly punishing its citizens, including torture and disappearances.
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Russian attacks in different parts of Ukraine have killed at least three people and injured 17. These attacks happened while peace talks led by the United States to end the war were stalled.
Key Facts
At least two people were killed and four injured in attacks in the Donetsk region over 24 hours.
Donetsk suffered 19 Russian attacks damaging homes, buildings, and a minibus.
Fighting forced the evacuation of 867 people, including 34 children, near the front line in Donetsk.
One woman died from carbon monoxide poisoning after a Russian drone strike targeted homes in Sumy region.
Russian attacks damaged a hospital and residential buildings in southern Odesa, with two people wounded.
People sheltered in a hospital basement during the attacks in Odesa.
Ukraine launched a drone attack on an industrial site in Perm Krai, Russia; no injuries reported.
The war started in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine; US-led peace talks are currently stalled.
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Military ruler Assimi Goita of Mali said the situation is "under control" after armed groups attacked military bases, with Russian forces helping by providing air support. However, the security situation remains unstable as rebels control some cities, including Kidal, and Russian fighters have recently withdrawn from that city.
Key Facts
Armed groups including Tuareg separatists and al-Qaeda-linked fighters attacked multiple cities in Mali on a large scale.
Mali’s Defence Minister Sadio Camara was killed during the attacks.
The Malian government stated it had killed more than 200 attackers.
Russian forces, operating under the government-owned Africa Corps, supported Mali’s military but withdrew from the city of Kidal recently.
The Russia-backed Africa Corps replaced the Wagner mercenary group after its founder died in 2023.
Russia's military support in Mali started after Mali asked French troops to leave in 2022.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formed the Alliance of Sahel States after leaving the regional ECOWAS bloc.
Both Russian forces and armed groups in Mali have been accused by human rights groups of targeting civilians.
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