Early counting trends in Kerala show the Congress-led United Democratic Front leading in several seats, while the Left Democratic Front and the Bharatiya Janata Party trail in initial numbers. Counting began at 8 am across all 140 seats, starting with postal ballots. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is seeking a third term, while Opposition leader V. D. Satheesan aims to return Congress to power after 10 years. LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan said, “The LDF will win with a bigger mandate.” Early leads are expected to change as counting progresses. (PC: X)

Counting of votes began across 293 seats in West Bengal on Monday, with the Bharatiya Janata Party taking early leads. The Election Commission is not counting votes for Falta due to a repoll on May 21. The contest is mainly between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is seeking a fourth term. Officials said security has been increased at counting centres. Earlier, reports of EVM tampering and violence led to repolling in some areas. High voter turnout was recorded in both phases of polling. (PC: HT)

Actor-turned-politician Vijay is seeking a strong political entry in Tamil Nadu with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). He launched the party in 2024 and said, “Politics is not my hobby, it is my quest.” His debut comes in a state with a history of film stars like M. G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa turning into leaders. Exit polls show mixed signals, with some predicting a strong showing for TVK. Vijay has ruled out alliances with BJP and DMK. His campaign focuses on youth, women and welfare. The results will test his political strength. (PC: X)

Three people have died after a suspected outbreak of Hantavirus on board the MV Hondius, the World Health Organization said. A 70-year-old Dutch passenger fell ill and died after reaching St Helena. His 69-year-old wife later died in a Johannesburg hospital. A 69-year-old British man is the only confirmed case and is in intensive care. Two crew members also need urgent medical help. Officials said the virus spreads through contact with infected rodent droppings. Dutch authorities are arranging repatriation of two patients and one body still on the ship. (PC: BBC)

Hours before vote counting in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged irregularities at some locations. In a post on X, she said, “load-shedding is being done in phases, CCTV is being turned off.” She cited areas such as Serampore, Krishnanagar, Ausgram and parts of Kolkata. Banerjee urged party workers to “stay awake” and guard strong rooms storing EVMs. She asked them to “be vigilant, keep watch, and file complaints.” She also said suspicious movement of vehicles was reported near strong rooms. The Trinamool Congress has earlier raised concerns about EVM tampering. The Election Commission has not responded to the latest claims. (PC: HT)

Votes will be counted from 8 am across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry. The results will decide if Mamata Banerjee secures a fourth term. In Tamil Nadu, actor-turned-politician Vijay faces his first electoral test. Exit polls suggest an edge for BJP in Assam under Himanta Biswa Sarma, while M. K. Stalin may return in Tamil Nadu. In Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan seeks to defend the Left’s last stronghold. In Puducherry, N. Rangasamy is aiming for another term. (PC: India today)

Kolkata Knight Riders made history by becoming the first IPL franchise to claim 650 spin wickets in men’s T20 cricket during their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The milestone was achieved through standout performances by Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy, who combined for 5/67. Narine also reached his 200th IPL wicket in the same game. Of KKR’s 651 spin wickets, 605 have come in the IPL. Only Pakistan, India, and Lancashire have more overall T20 spin wickets. Known for their spin-heavy strategy since the Eden Gardens era, KKR continue to dominate with their legacy approach. (PC: Creimas)

India is set for a crucial political verdict as counting begins across five regions including West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry covering 823 assembly seats. Polls held between April 9 and 29 saw intense contests, particularly in Bengal, marked by repolling and allegations of irregularities. Key leaders including Mamata Banerjee, M K Stalin, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Pinarayi Vijayan are battling to retain power. Exit polls suggest varied outcomes, with potential shifts in Bengal and Kerala, while Assam appears stable. Security has been tightened, and results on May 4 will determine the political trajectory of these regions. (PC: PTI)

A Chinese court has ruled that companies cannot terminate employees solely because artificial intelligence can perform their roles. The Hangzhou Intermediate People's Court upheld a decision in favour of an employee dismissed after his duties were partly replaced by AI systems. The court found that automation does not qualify as a “major change in circumstances” under China’s labour laws and that offering a significantly lower-paying role was unreasonable. It concluded the dismissal was unlawful, reinforcing that employers must meet legal obligations despite adopting AI. The ruling sets a precedent, emphasising that technological upgrades cannot override worker protections or justify arbitrary job cuts. (PC: X)

At least four people were hospitalised after an indiscriminate drive-by shooting in Brixton, London, with one victim in critical condition. The injured include individuals aged 21, 25, 47 and 70, including a pensioner. Around an hour later, a 33-year-old man was found nearby with multiple stab wounds, prompting police to investigate a possible link between the two incidents. Authorities received initial reports of gunfire on Coldharbour Lane, followed by a stabbing on Acre Lane. Law enforcement has launched a probe into both incidents, focusing on whether they were coordinated or connected acts of violence in the area.