The Times of India

West Bengal's political landscape, historically dominated by single parties for extended periods, is now witnessing an intense battle for the 2026 assembly elections. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee's 15-year rule faces a formidable challenge from the aggressively expanding BJP, which aims to end the TMC's reign. This election marks a critical juncture for the state's political legacy.

The Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera, setting aside the Gauhati High Court's order. The apex court emphasized balancing individual liberty with the state's interest in investigation, noting the allegations appeared politically motivated. Khera must cooperate with the probe and appear when summoned.

India is experiencing extreme heatwaves, with temperatures soaring and heatwaves arriving earlier and with greater intensity. This is exacerbated by the El Nio phenomenon, which is expected to strengthen. The heat poses significant health risks and economic challenges, impacting daily life and livelihoods across the nation. Adaptation and mitigation strategies are crucial for navigating this growing crisis.

The Allahabad high court has dismissed a plea demanding an FIR against Rahul Gandhi for allegedly calling the Indian State an opponent. A petitioner claimed Gandhi's remark during an AICC office inauguration in 2025 was seditious and anti-national, hurting public sentiment. Justice Vikram D Chauhan rejected the challenge to a lower court's decision.

Bangladesh summoned India's acting High Commissioner to protest remarks by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, stressing the need to avoid comments that could harm bilateral ties. Dhaka conveyed its displeasure, describing the statements as disparaging to Bangladesh-India relations and highlighting the counterproductive nature of statements straining ties.

Exit polls offer contrasting visions for West Bengal, with Today's Chanakya predicting a significant BJP victory and News18 foreseeing a close contest. In Tamil Nadu, DMK alliances appear poised for a majority, while actor Vijay's TVK could impact the AIADMK-BJP's standing. Pollsters also project BJP wins in Assam and an edge for UDF in Kerala.

The Election Commission is implementing a new QR code-based system for counting hall access on May 4, the day of poll results. This three-tier security measure, involving manual ID checks and QR code scanning for the innermost cordon, will be standard for all future Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.

The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on Congress leader Pawan Khera's anticipatory bail plea. Khera is facing a criminal case filed by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife over allegations of possessing multiple passports and offshore properties.

The Supreme Court has urged public figures and constitutional post holders to exercise restraint in public discourse, stating that hate speech undermines fraternity, plurality, and multiculturalism. The court emphasized that such speech corrodes democratic values and is antithetical to the constitutional value of fraternity.

India witnesses a significant shift as girls now lead in education, outperforming boys in school enrolment and higher education pass-outs. While the overall literacy gap persists, younger generations show near parity. Women dominate fields like MPhil and arts, though men still lead in STEM, indicating ongoing gendered career paths.

Delhi High Court has frozen the Rs 30,000-crore estate of late businessman Sunjay Kapur, placing the burden on his wife Priya Kapur to prove the legitimacy of his will. The court emphasized that suspicions raised by Sunjay's children from his previous marriage to Karisma Kapoor must be fully addressed before the will is accepted, safeguarding their rightful inheritance.

A PIL petitioner has informed the Supreme Court that while officials of Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) companies are being arrested, the main perpetrator in the alleged Rs 40,000 crore loan siphoning case remains untouched. The Solicitor General cited new facts for probe delays.

Pilgrims can embark on the sacred Kailash Manasarovar Yatra again in 2026, with the Ministry of External Affairs coordinating with China. The spiritual journey, resuming for the second year, will see 20 batches of 50 individuals each travel via Uttarakhand or Sikkim. Selection will be computer-generated and gender-balanced, with registration now open.

Ahead of West Bengal's vote counting, the Election Commission is deploying approximately 70,000 central forces to maintain order, especially in areas prone to post-poll violence. Control rooms will monitor counting day, May 4, for immediate action against any disturbances. Strict legal action awaits those involved in violence, aiming to prevent a repeat of the 2021 incidents.

Tensions flared at Kolkata's counting centres as Trinamool Congress alleged EVM tampering, citing CCTV footage. Election officials refuted claims, assuring three-tier security and authorized personnel. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged a 24/7 vigil at strongrooms, while clashes erupted between TMC and BJP workers. Officials clarified that individuals seen were authorized representatives segregating postal ballots.

'Parents' Word Will Be Final On 30-Week MTP'

Defence minister Rajnath Singh asserted that India's 'Operation Sindoor' sent a strong global message, demonstrating a shift from mere diplomatic statements to powerful deterrence against terror. He identified Pakistan as the epicentre of international terrorism, emphasizing the need to address its ideological roots.

J&K Police have filed an FIR against individuals for promoting separatist ideology online after PDP's Iltija Mufti shared a video of late leader Syed Ali Geelani discussing the importance of Urdu. The police stated the content aimed to incite unlawful activities and undermine India's integrity. This action follows Mufti's protest against removing Urdu as a mandatory language.

A new 20-coach Vande Bharat Express now connects Jammu and Srinagar directly, significantly cutting travel time to five hours. This direct rail link, a first for the two cities, will operate six days a week starting May 2.

Srinagar's agricultural university has welcomed Swiss Saanen goats, sparking immense interest for their high milk yield with less feed. These docile animals, capable of producing five to six litres daily, are being studied for their adaptability to Kashmir's climate and potential for crossbreeding with local breeds. Researchers believe they could revolutionize dairy farming, even for urban households.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited a strong room, alleging EVM manipulation and obstruction by Central forces. She vowed to fight life and death against alleged bias by the Election Commission, despite exit polls favouring the BJP. The state saw record voter turnout amidst political tensions.

The Trinamool Congress has accused the BJP and the Election Commission of gross electoral fraud and murder of democracy following alleged ballot box tampering. The party shared CCTV footage, claiming it shows unauthorized opening of ballot boxes ahead of the May 4th counting. TMC leaders have begun a sit-in protest, with Mamata Banerjee expected to visit the site.

Tragedy struck in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, as a cruise boat capsized in Bargi Dam, resulting in four fatalities. Officials confirmed that while 15 individuals have been rescued, search operations continue for 12 still missing. Rescue teams are actively working to locate all passengers following the devastating incident.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee dismissed exit poll predictions, asserting the Trinamool Congress will secure a decisive victory. While most surveys indicated a close contest with a slight edge for the BJP, one poll projected a strong win for the TMC. Both parties expressed confidence in their respective wins.