The Times of India

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.

Iran's UN mission accused the US of misrepresenting its nuclear program at a review conference, deflecting from Washington's own violations. Tehran insists its enriched uranium is IAEA-supervised, with no diversion. Meanwhile, Iran's envoy warned that regional stability hinges on ending aggression and respecting its sovereignty, urging the UN Security Council to intervene amidst escalating tensions.

India faces a significant hepatitis burden, contributing to a high number of global deaths. Despite progress in reducing infections, the world is off track to meet 2030 elimination targets due to gaps in vaccination, screening, and treatment access. Viral hepatitis remains a major public health threat.

The National Medical Commission has recognized the Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Cardiology (PGDCC), validating degrees for 1,700 doctors trained between 2006-2013. This move by IGNOU, now redesignated as Clinical Cardio Physician (Non-Invasive), aims to address the critical shortage of cardiology specialists in underserved regions and bridge the urban-rural healthcare gap.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann will meet President Murmu on May 5 to safeguard the mandate of the people following the defection of seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs to the BJP. Mann, accompanied by party MLAs, will press for the ecall of the MPs, though legal provisions for such a recall are absent.

Exit polls suggest a mixed verdict across states as West Bengal anticipates a hung assembly, potentially ending Mamata Banerjee's tenure. Tamil Nadu might see actor Vijay's TVK emerge as a significant force, challenging the established duopoly. Assam favors a BJP hat-trick, while Kerala's Left government faces a potential defeat. Puducherry's NDA is expected to retain power.

'State bifurcation', P 12

Exit polls suggest a BJP-led alliance victory in Assam and a UDF win in Kerala, potentially leaving the Left out of power in any state. Puducherry is expected to see the AINRC-BJP combine retain power. Tamil Nadu and West Bengal present a mixed picture, with some polls indicating a tight race in Tamil Nadu and differing predictions for West Bengal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi may make a brief stopover in the UAE next month during his European tour. Discussions are ongoing for this potential visit, which would underscore India's strong strategic partnership with the Gulf nation. This stopover would allow India to express solidarity following Iran's strikes on GCC countries.

A tense election day in Bhowanipore saw Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and rival Suvendu Adhikari narrowly miss each other, highlighting a bitter personal contest. Both leaders traded accusations of intimidation and rigging amidst high voter turnout. Incidents of clashes and alleged assaults by central forces were reported, escalating the political heat.

West Bengal witnessed an unprecedented voter turnout of 92.9% across two phases, surpassing previous records and nearing India's highest. This surge, particularly in Kolkata, is attributed to voter roll corrections and enhanced security. Despite a reduced electorate, more votes were cast, with women outvoting men. Officials are investigating complaints of vote tampering.

Exit polls released on Wednesday after the conclusion of voting across four states and one Union Territory (UT) offered an indecisive picture, where entrenched incumbencies, rising challengers and new entrants are simultaneously may shape electoral outcomes if the exit polls numbers hold. With results scheduled for May 4, the projections reflect both continuity and churn across regions, underscoring how state-specific dynamics continue to define voter behaviour.

West Bengal witnessed a record voter turnout exceeding 91% in the second phase of assembly elections, contributing to an overall 92.47% across two phases, the highest since Independence. Despite high participation, sporadic incidents of violence and vandalism were reported from various locations, prompting the Election Commission to seek reports and ensure fair polling.

Exit polls present a stark contrast for Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections. While most predict a spoiler role with 10-24 seats, one outlier suggests a Kejriwal-like breakthrough of 98-120 seats. The outcome hinges on converting star power into grassroots strength, unlike Prashant Kishor's Bihar debut.

A defeat for LDF would also diminish the presence of CPM in its last major stronghold. The campaign narrative has also undergone notable shifts. Early phases were dominated by issues such as corruption allegations, economic concerns, backdoor appointments, the Sabarimala gold heist controversy, and rehabilitation concerns of Wayanad landslide victims, alongside scandals involving opposition leaders.

Exit polls for the Assam elections indicate a strong victory for the incumbent Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP government, projecting a third consecutive term. Most pollsters suggest the BJP will secure a comfortable majority, leaving the Congress campaign with limited gains and pushing the party further into vulnerability.

In an official statement, district attorney Alvin L Bragg Jr said the return highlighted the massive scale of trafficking networks that targeted Indias cultural heritage. He added that efforts to recover and repatriate stolen artefacts would continue.