Mid Day

Several districts in both states recorded high participation, reflecting strong voter engagement. Polling continues amid tight security, with major political parties contesting closely fought battles in both states

CBSE has announced the schedule for the second phase of Class 10 board exams from May 15 to May 21, offering students an optional chance to improve their scores

The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections recorded a strong voter turnout of over 62 pc by 1 pm, with people coming out in large numbers despite hot and humid conditions. Polling was held across 152 constituencies in 16 districts, deciding the fate of 1,478 candidates

Polling in Tamil Nadu crossed 56.81 pc by 1 pm, with Tiruppur recording the highest turnout. Cities like Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore also witnessed strong voter participation across key constituencies

A Nashik court has sent self-styled godman Ashok Kharat to judicial custody till May 6 in the fifth sexual assault case against him. Accused of exploiting multiple women and financial fraud, Kharat is facing over 12 criminal cases across Maharashtra

The United States Department of State has advised Americans to leave Iran following the partial reopening of its airspace. The advisory comes amid ongoing tensions, with a ceasefire in place but continued economic pressure and travel risks in the region

Security has been tightened along the BiharWest Bengal border as polling gets underway, with districts like Katihar under high alert. Authorities have launched strict vehicle checks and surveillance to prevent cross-border crime and ensure peaceful elections

Kanimozhi Karunanidhi cast her vote in Chennai and urged citizens to vote with the states future and identity in mind. Polling across Tamil Nadu saw strong participation, with turnout crossing 37% by late morning

In a horrific incident in Tirupati district, a man allegedly killed his wife and mother before dying by suicide on a railway track along with his two children, who were also crushed under a moving train. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances behind the tragedy

India is the only country where petrol and diesel prices havent increased in the last four years despite significant global oil prices fluctuations due to the war

Voting began at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm in both constituencies. The Baramati assembly seat in Pune district fell vacant after the death of former deputy chief minister and senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28, 2026

Speaking to the media after casting his vote in Baramati, Rohit Pawar said there was now little relevance in reviving discussions about a merger following the former Maharashtra Deputy CMs death. The Baramati bypoll was necessitated after Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on January 28

In West Bengal, Paschim Medinipur recorded the highest turnout at 44.68 per cent, followed by Jhargram at 43.71 per cent and Bankura at 43.22 per cent. The lowest turnout was recorded in Malda at 38.22 per cent

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty fell sharply in early trade on April 23, tracking a surge in crude oil prices above USD 100 per barrel and weak global cues. Rising geopolitical tensions and FII outflows further weighed on investor sentiment

Journalist Amal Khalil, reporting on the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon. Her body was recovered hours after the strike in al-Tiri village

The White House said US President Donald Trump will determine the timeline of the ongoing West Asia conflict based on American interests, with no fixed deadline for ceasefire or blockade

US markets surged to fresh highs, driven by strong corporate earnings from companies like GE Vernova and Boeing. However, Brent crude oil rose above USD 100 a barrel amid escalating conflict concerns involving Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, keeping investors cautious despite the rally

Tensions escalated in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran reportedly attacked and seized multiple ships, raising fears over global oil supply disruption. Conflicting statements and ongoing US naval enforcement have added to uncertainty, with major shipping traffic slowing amid security risks

A chemical leak at Catalyst Refiners in Institute killed two people and sent 19 others to hospital after a violent reaction involving Nitric acid. Authorities said several responders were also affected, while a temporary shelter-in-place order was issued in the surrounding area

The Supreme Court of India has criticised Mamata Banerjee over alleged interference during an Enforcement Directorate raid linked to I-PAC in Kolkata, warning that such actions could undermine democratic processes

IRGC-N named the vessels as MSC-Francesca and Epaminodas, PressTV reported (though it spelt it as Epaminodas). Two shipping monitoring websites said the Liberian-flagged Epaminodas was travelling to Mundra in Gujarat from Jebel Ali port in Dubai

A new wastewater treatment process converts sewage into nearly pure renewable natural gas using advanced heating and a patented bacterial strain. The method has doubled efficiency, increased gas output by 200 pc, and significantly reduced disposal costs.

Two people, including a 12-year-old boy, were killed in separate elephant attacks in Koderma district. The incidents occurred at brick kiln sites, with lapses in alerting workers reportedly contributing to the fatalities

A YouTuber from Double M Innovations has demonstrated a DIY nuclear battery that generates electricity from radioactive decay. Using Tritium and solar cells, the device produces only very small amounts of power, highlighting both its potential and limitations

Polling began across 152 constituencies in West Bengals first phase with heavy security deployment. Over 3.6 crore voters are eligible as districts across the state witness a high-stakes contest between the BJP and the TMC

Life remained disrupted in large parts of Manipur as shutdowns called by ethnic groups affected 12 districts. The protests, led by a Joint Action Committee, are linked to the April 7 blast in Bishnupur district that killed two children

The Wankhede always had its charm and that will continue, no matter how extravagant, expansive and elaborate the to-be-built 100,000-capacity stadium will be

The stunt was allegedly being shot by a duo on a motorcycle. Even the other two have reportedly been injured.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has urged Lebanon to work with Israel to disarm Hezbollah ahead of rare direct talks in Washington. The discussions mark a significant diplomatic moment between the two nations after decades

Voting for Baramati and Rahuri assembly bypolls in Maharashtra began at 7 am on Thursday. Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar seeks support amid a sympathy wave following Ajit Pawars death, while key candidates battle it out in both constituencies

The Election Commission has issued a notice to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his terrorist remark against PM Narendra Modi, seeking a reply within 24 hours. The action follows a BJP delegations complaint demanding strict action

Heatwave-like conditions have persisted through the week, with officials indicating that temperatures are likely to remain high for the next two days before dipping slightly by 2-3 degrees Celsius

The Indian National Congress plans to push for including OBCs in the womens reservation quota, citing upcoming caste census data. The move follows the defeat of the womens reservation bill in the Lok Sabha and aims to strengthen OBC representation in legislatures

The Government of Maharashtra has approved a major restructuring of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (Mahavitaran) to improve its finances and efficiency. The move aims to support the states goal of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy

According to the poll body, enforcement agencies have seized cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and other freebies collectively valued at Rs 1,072.13 crore since the activation of the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) on February 26

Gross enrolments during the Financial Year 202526 crossed 1.35 crore subscribers, marking the highest-ever enrolments recorded in a single financial year since the inception of the scheme, according to a Finance Ministry statement

Jammu and Kashmir Shiv Sena (UBT) staged a symbolic protest by carrying a green coffin to mark the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. The rally paid tribute to victims while condemning terrorism, as families of victims recalled their grief

According to police sources, the woman had checked into the homestay named `Devi Villa` on April 19, when she was allegedly sexually assaulted by a man identified as Vrujesh Kumar, a native of Jharkhand

Maharashtra is set to witness typical pre-monsoon variability over the next few days, with thunderstorms and rain affecting western and coastal regions, even as heat continues to dominate the interiors

An Iranian gunboat opened fire on a container ship off Oman, damaging its bridge, while another cargo vessel near Iran was also targeted and halted near the Strait of Hormuz, according to UK maritime authorities

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has enabled the first-ever commercial ad shoot on Mumbai Metro Line 2B, generating Rs 20.35 lakh in revenue. The initiative aims to boost non-fare income and transform metro infrastructure into a multi-purpose urban asset

PM Modi wrote to over one crore civil servants, urging them to adopt the principle of Nagrikdevo Bhava (citizen is god) and place citizens at the center of governance

Iran executed a man, Mehdi Farid, over alleged links to Israels Mossad, amid a surge in executions during ongoing conflict and protests. A local report said he was passing information to the Israeli spy agency

Military planners from over 30 countries are meeting in the UK to create a joint plan, led by the UK and France, to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after a ceasefire, focusing on maritime security and safe global trade routes

As the Char Dham Yatra begins, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged pilgrims to maintain cleanliness, avoid plastic use, support local businesses, and follow rules. He also stressed environmental protection and responsible travel in the fragile Himalayan region

The portals of Kedarnath temple reopened on April 22 amid fresh snowfall, attracting thousands of pilgrims to the shrine. Authorities have tightened security and issued advisories to ensure safety and maintain sanctity during the yatra

On the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge paid tribute to the 26 victims and hailed the armed forces role in Operation Sindoor, asserting that India remains united and resolute against terrorism

Marking one year of the Pahalgam terror attack, a victims wife shared her grief and anger, calling for global action against terrorism while acknowledging the complexities of geopolitics. The attack had claimed 26 lives and triggered military escalation between India and Pakistan

Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Wednesday after a strong three-day rally, dragged by heavy selling in IT stocks. HCL Tech plunged nearly 9 per cent, while global uncertainties and FII outflows added pressure, keeping market sentiment volatile

India on Wednesday marks one year of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 tourists after identifying their religion. The massacre was among the most brutal attacks on civilians in recent years and triggered nationwide outrage