The Times of India

Defence veterans, including former IAF chief R K S Bhadauria, strongly back the Greater Nicobar project, deeming it vital for India's national security and military presence. They argue it enhances surveillance of the Malacca Strait, crucial for checking China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean. The project is seen as a strategic and economic win.

Indian Railways has rolled out its 100th Vande Bharat train from the Modern Coach Factory in Raebareli. This milestone marks significant progress since the first two trains were introduced in 2018. The new 16-coach trainset will undergo trials before entering passenger service, showcasing enhanced reliability and safety features.

Veteran actor and producer Sudesh Kumar, known for his roles in 'Saranga' and 'Chhoti Bahen', passed away at 95 in Mumbai. Kumar, who also produced thrillers like 'Uljhan', began his career in theatre before making a mark in films. His wife confirmed his passing after a brief illness. He was born in Peshawar and later moved to Bombay.

Two FIRs, reportedly under non-bailable charges, have been filed against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak in Punjab, shortly after he switched from AAP to BJP. Political leaders from BJP and SAD have decried the move as political vendetta and an attempt to intimidate party members. Security was heightened at Pathak's Delhi residence.

Tamil Nadu witnessed a record 85.1% voter turnout in the recent assembly elections, with 4.88 crore citizens casting their ballots. Women voters significantly outnumbered men, continuing a trend from previous years. The Election Commission faced delays in releasing data but assured robust security and transparency for the upcoming vote counting on May 4.

Ahead of Bengal's vote counting, Trinamool and BJP traded accusations over EVM strongroom security. TMC alleged CCTV blackouts in North 24 Parganas, while BJP pointed to alleged unauthorized access and attempted breaches in Salt Lake and Burdwan. Both parties raised concerns about the integrity of the storage facilities.

Tragedy struck at Bargi Dam as a cruise, reportedly launched despite severe wind warnings, claimed 11 lives, including children. Officials revealed forecasts predicted winds far exceeding safety limits for water sports. While other water activities in the state were suspended due to similar alerts, this operation proceeded, sparking criticism and allegations of neglect within the tourism department.

Bengal's electoral landscape has shifted as the Election Commission cancelled polling in Falta constituency due to widespread EVM tampering. A repoll is set for May 21, making it a unique post-result election. Allegations of threats against villagers and the arrest of a candidate's aides have heightened tensions, focusing attention on the remaining seats to decide the state's next government.

Millions are at stake on Polymarket, a prediction platform, as Indian assembly election results loom. Over $20 million is tied to Tamil Nadu's outcome alone, with significant bets also placed on West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry. Despite Indian law prohibiting such markets, users leverage crypto and VPNs to participate, showcasing a growing trend in crowd-sourced forecasting.

The Supreme Court dismissed a Trinamool Congress plea challenging the Election Commission's deployment of counting staff. The EC assured the court that both central and state government employees would be assigned to counting tables to ensure balance, refuting claims of bias. The court accepted the EC's assurance and dismissed the petition.

Tragedy struck in Jammu's Thuther area as a collapsed bridge during repair work claimed three lives. Rescue operations recovered the bodies after a section of the structure gave way. Authorities have launched a probe, suspending two engineers and forming a committee to investigate the incident and prevent future mishaps. One worker and a rescuer were also injured.

Gulmarg's ski season faces an uncertain future due to shrinking winters and erratic snowfall. Authorities are fast-tracking plans for artificial snow-making systems and synthetic slopes to ensure the resort's viability. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on natural snow and extend skiing into a four-season activity, safeguarding its legacy.

The Election Commission ordered a repoll in Falta constituency on May 21 due to alleged subversion of the democratic process, following BJP claims of EVM tampering. This decision comes amid heightened political tensions in the Diamond Harbour region. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court declined a TMC plea challenging the deployment of central government staff for vote counting.

Veteran Congress leader PJ Kurien stated that only three names are under serious consideration for the Chief Minister post if the UDF wins in Kerala. He emphasized that the party high command will make the final decision after consulting state leadership and MLAs, ensuring unanimous acceptance.

Karnataka Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni has been disqualified from the state legislative assembly following his conviction in the murder case of BJP leader Yogeshgouda Goudar. The disqualification, effective from his conviction date of April 15, 2026, will last for six years after his release from life imprisonment.

Kerala's upcoming election sees the LDF government banking on its development model and welfare gains for a third consecutive term, a feat rarely achieved due to anti-incumbency. Despite high SDG rankings, the state faces challenges in gender equality and economic growth, while migration and wage gaps emerge as key voter concerns.

The high-stakes Assam assembly elections are set for results on May 4, with the BJP aiming for a third consecutive term under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Exit polls suggest an edge for the BJP, while the Congress, led by Gaurav Gogoi, seeks a comeback. Key constituencies like Jalukbari and Jorhat witnessed closely watched contests.

Puducherry's 2026 Assembly elections are set for a nail-biting finish with a record 89.83% voter turnout. The main battle is between the ruling AINRC-BJP NDA and the Congress-DMK alliance, featuring high-profile leaders in key constituencies. Counting for all 30 seats is scheduled for May 4.

A Delhi family's housewarming trip turned tragic in Madhya Pradesh. A cruise boat accident on the Narmada river claimed three lives from the Massey family. The vessel capsized during a sudden storm. Survivors recounted moments of panic and a desperate search for life jackets. Relatives allege negligence by boat operators and authorities.

Assam recorded over 85% voter turnout in its recent elections, with exit polls projecting a third consecutive term for the BJP led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The election saw intensified political exchanges between the ruling NDA and a divided opposition, with several key constituencies expected to witness closely fought contests.

The US has warned shipping companies against making payments to Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, citing sanctions risks. This alert comes amid rising tensions and disruptions to global oil trade, with Iran rerouting vessels and charging fees. The US has also imposed a naval blockade, further straining energy markets and complicating diplomatic efforts.

Violence flared in South 24 Parganas during West Bengal repolling. Supporters of the BJP and TMC clashed. Allegations surfaced that voters were prevented from casting ballots. Security forces intervened to restore order. Repolling occurred in specific booths following reports of irregularities and EVM tampering. The Election Commission ordered fresh polling to ensure fair voting.

Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi alleged election security lapses, claiming BJP workers were seen inside strong rooms. He dismissed exit polls as a 'game of TRP' and asserted that support is shifting towards Congress, with individuals distancing themselves from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Tamil Nadu's 2026 Assembly elections are poised for a significant youth impact, with over 1.22 crore voters aged 18-29 forming a crucial bloc. First-time voters cite empowerment and safety as key drivers. The emergence of actor Vijay's party, TVK, adds a new dynamic, potentially influencing results in closely contested seats and reshaping the state's political future.

West Bengal opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari has voiced strong concerns regarding the deployment of contractual workers for vote counting in two constituencies, deeming it a threat to democratic integrity.

The Supreme Court of India dismissed TMC's plea against deployment of Central staff for West Bengal vote counting, recording the Election Commission of Indias assurance that its April 13 circular will be followed. It said rules were not violated and noted TMC agents would be present. The Calcutta High Court had earlier rejected the plea.

The Allahabad High Court has made a significant ruling. Public land cannot be exclusively used for religious activities. Such practices, including offering Namaz, must respect public order and the rights of all citizens. The court dismissed a petition seeking exclusive use of land for Namaz.

Experts warn that higher screen exposure in one-year-olds is linked to an increased likelihood of developing autism or autism-like traits by age three. Studies indicate earlier and longer screen durations correlate with these outcomes, though autism is a complex condition influenced by multiple factors. Direct interaction and play are crucial for early brain development.

Enforcement Directorate chief Rahul Navin highlighted legal hurdles in money laundering probes, questioning if trials should halt pending predicate offence conclusions. This debate, amplified by the junior finance minister's remarks defending the agency against political vendetta accusations, underscores the ED's push for independent money laundering investigations, despite Supreme Court rulings. The agency aims to maintain its high conviction rate.

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu action, highlighting severe infrastructure and vacancy issues plaguing the National Company Law Tribunals (NCLT). These deficiencies are causing significant delays in crucial insolvency and bankruptcy cases, potentially undermining the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code's objectives. The court emphasized the urgent need for immediate remedial measures to prevent further frustration of the IBC's purpose.

Repolling has been ordered in 15 South 24 Parganas booths for Saturday, May 2, following irregularities during Bengal's second phase polls. Concerns included disabled CCTV cameras and tampered EVMs. Special observers recommended repolling in several constituencies due to disturbing findings, with some booths in Falta reportedly seeing 100% turnout.

The Union home ministry has streamlined the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card process, enabling online applications for both new registrations and renunciations. Minors can now be included, provided they don't hold foreign passports concurrently with an Indian one. This digital shift eliminates the need for duplicate certificates, offering a more efficient system for applicants.

The Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera in a defamation case filed by Assam CM Himanta Sarma's wife. Following this, a heated exchange erupted between Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Sarma. Singhvi urged Sarma to reflect on his deeply inappropriate language, while Sarma defended his stance, emphasizing the defamation of a woman using forged documents.

Rahul Gandhi slammed the Rs 993 hike in commercial LPG prices as an election bill, warning of impending petrol and diesel price increases. He asserted that the burden on businesses like dhabas and hotels will inevitably affect consumers' plates. Congress leaders criticized the government, stating their concern for public suffering is election-bound and accusing them of driving unemployment and inflation.

The government has clarified the Rs 81,000 crore Great Nicobar Project, emphasizing its strategic importance for India's presence in the Andaman Sea and Southeast Asia. Officials stated that environmental safeguards and the protection of indigenous communities are core to the planning, with all statutory procedures and consultations meticulously followed to ensure no adverse impact on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.

Trinamool Congress has moved the Supreme Court, challenging a directive mandating central government employees as counting supervisors or assistants for Bengal's assembly election vote count. The party argues this is arbitrary, discriminatory, and creates bias, especially with the BJP at the Centre. They claim it unfairly alters the counting table composition, undermining a level playing field and free elections.