US President Donald Trump said the United States is in a war with Iran to stop it from getting nuclear weapons. “We cannot let lunatics have a nuclear weapon,” he said at a public event. Iran sent a new proposal for talks through mediators in Pakistan. Trump said he was “not satisfied” and claimed Iran wanted concessions he could not accept. He said hostilities had been “terminated” after a ceasefire, but warned the threat remains. Iran’s foreign minister said Tehran is open to talks if US actions and rhetoric change. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by suggesting that the United States could take control of Cuba “almost immediately,” amid escalating tensions between the two nations. His remarks come during a broader strategy of increased pressure on Havana, including sanctions and an economic blockade that has worsened Cuba’s crisis. Trump has repeatedly hinted at regime change, describing Cuba as a potential next target after other geopolitical moves. The statements have raised international concerns over sovereignty and possible military intervention, while Cuba continues to reject US pressure and defend its independence.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission’s directive mandating central government or PSU staff as counting supervisors for the West Bengal Assembly election results. The move comes after the Calcutta High Court dismissed TMC’s plea against the order. The party argues that excluding state government employees raises concerns about transparency and fairness in the counting process. A special Supreme Court bench has been constituted to hear the urgent matter ahead of vote counting scheduled for May 4. The dispute has intensified political tensions between TMC and BJP in the state. (PC: PTI)

A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) sniffer dog named Max was given a ceremonial retirement with full honours at Sri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport, Amritsar. The event turned emotional as Max’s handler, Head Constable Jagjit Singh, bid farewell with the words “Love you Max,” moving everyone present. Max, born in 2020, served nearly five years and played a crucial role in strengthening airport security with his vigilance and sharp instincts. Although trained dogs typically serve longer, he retired early due to serious illness. CISF personnel saluted his service, remembering his loyal contribution with pride.

Iran has submitted a new peace proposal to the United States through Pakistani mediators in an effort to end the ongoing conflict. However, US President Donald Trump said he is “not satisfied” with the offer, calling its terms unacceptable. Key disagreements remain over Iran’s nuclear programme, uranium enrichment, and broader security conditions. While Pakistan continues to act as a diplomatic backchannel and push for negotiations, both sides have hardened positions after earlier progress. Despite the setback, diplomatic engagement is still ongoing, with hopes for a negotiated settlement alive but uncertain amid rising regional and global concerns.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly remarked that no one—not even Maa Durga—can predict the outcome of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, amid intense speculation over exit polls. Responding to media queries, he emphasized that only the official results on counting day will reveal the verdict. While several exit polls suggest the BJP may have an edge, others indicate the possibility of the ruling Trinamool Congress retaining power. Polling for the 294-seat assembly concluded in two phases, with counting scheduled for May 4, keeping political uncertainty high. (PC: Moneycontrol)

Kolkata Police imposed prohibitory orders banning public gatherings across seven vote-counting locations following overnight tensions linked to alleged irregularities. The Trinamool Congress raised concerns over “suspicious activities” at two counting centres, sparking protests and political confrontation. However, the Chief Electoral Officer dismissed the claims, clarifying that routine procedures like postal ballot segregation—conducted under supervision, sometimes using torchlight—were misinterpreted. Authorities stated that strong rooms storing Electronic Voting Machines remain sealed and secure. After official clarification, protesting leaders withdrew. The restrictions aim to prevent unrest and ensure smooth, transparent counting of votes in the high-stakes West Bengal assembly elections. (PC: NDTV)

Post-election violence has erupted across several districts of West Bengal, including South 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, Malda and North 24 Parganas, with incidents of arson, clashes and assaults reported. Supporters of rival parties primarily the All India Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party have traded allegations of attacks and intimidation. Police have detained multiple individuals, deployed additional forces, and initiated investigations to restore order. The unrest comes just days before vote counting for the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, raising concerns over law and order and the potential for further escalation.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has alleged that a strongroom storing EVMs was opened without proper authorisation in Bidhannagar, escalating tensions a day after similar claims by the All India Trinamool Congress. BJP leaders have lodged a formal complaint with the local Sub-Divisional Officer, according to reports. In response, six officials have been suspended pending investigation. The controversy comes just days before counting in the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, intensifying scrutiny over EVM security. Election authorities have not yet issued a detailed explanation regarding the alleged incident.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, has left the Persian Gulf after a record deployment of over 300 days, amid stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran. The carrier is now moving to the European Command zone, reducing direct US naval presence in the Gulf. Despite its departure, two other carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush remain in the region. The move follows prolonged operations, including missions linked to the Iran conflict and earlier deployments in the Caribbean. Analysts see the shift as a recalibration rather than a withdrawal, with tensions still unresolved. (PC: Reuters)