Israel intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla near the Greek island of Crete in Greece and detained about 175 activists, officials said. The Global Sumud Flotilla said Israeli forces boarded vessels in international waters and called the action “piracy”. It said boats were damaged and some people were left stranded. Israel said the operation was legal and carried out “peacefully and without any casualties”. It described the flotilla as a “PR stunt”. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the detained activists would be released on a Greek beach. Greece called for restraint and said it was coordinating for safe disembarkation. (PC: BBC)

Tension rose in Kolkata after leaders of the Trinamool Congress staged a sit-in over alleged EVM tampering at a counting centre. Leaders claimed CCTV footage showed outsiders “fiddling with ballot papers”. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also visited a strongroom and raised concerns over possible malpractice. The Election Commission of India rejected the claims. Officials said staff were only segregating postal ballots as per rules. They added that strongrooms remained secure. Security was increased at key centres ahead of counting on May 4. (PC: The Hindu)

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth faced questions in Congress over President Donald Trump and his “mental stability” during a hearing. Democratic lawmaker Sara Jacobs asked if Trump was “mentally stable enough” to lead. Hegseth did not give a direct answer. He instead defended Trump and said he would not engage in “disparagement”. He later called Trump an “incredible commander-in-chief who puts our troops first”. The exchange comes as Trump’s recent social media posts during the Iran crisis have raised concerns and drawn criticism from some lawmakers.

The UK government has raised the national terror threat level from “substantial” to “severe” after a stabbing attack in Golders Green, London. Security minister Dan Jarvis said people should stay “alert and vigilant” but “not alarmed”. He added the move was due to wider risks, including Islamist and far-right threats. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the decision may worry many, especially the Jewish community. She urged people to report concerns. Police said the attack is being treated as terrorism. Authorities added that security agencies are “working round the clock” to keep people safe. (PC: BBC)

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has flagged as fake a viral document claiming to be an Intelligence Bureau assessment of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. The report, titled “Preliminary Assessment of West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026,” has been widely circulated on social media but has not been issued by the Intelligence Bureau, PIB clarified. The fact-check comes amid heightened political tension and competing narratives ahead of counting day. Authorities have urged the public to rely on verified sources and avoid sharing unconfirmed documents, as misinformation could influence public perception during a sensitive electoral process.

Prices of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders rose by Rs 993, reaching Rs 3,071.50 in Delhi. Five-kg mini cylinders also saw a hike of Rs 261. State-run Indian Oil Corporation said these categories form a small share of total consumption. Domestic LPG, petrol, diesel, and kerosene prices were not changed. The company said this was to “protect consumers” from global price swings. The increase may affect restaurants, hotels, and small businesses that depend on commercial LPG. Indian Oil said about 80% of fuel products saw no price change, showing a “calibrated approach” to balance global trends and domestic needs. (PC: India Today)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to closely monitor the situation in West Bengal after the Assembly election results on May 4, amid concerns over possible post-poll violence. The BJP has indicated that central forces will remain deployed for two months to maintain law and order. Party leaders have instructed workers to avoid aggression during celebrations, while also expressing fears of retaliation based on past incidents like the violence following the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021. Meanwhile, both BJP and All India Trinamool Congress leaders have exchanged warnings, raising tensions ahead of the results. 

A disturbing incident in Odisha drew national attention after Jitu Munda exhumed his deceased sister’s remains and brought them to an Odisha Grameen Bank branch to withdraw ₹19,402 from her account. The bank clarified that officials had only requested standard documents like a death certificate and legal heir proof, denying claims that physical verification of the deceased was demanded. Following public outrage and police intervention, the claim was processed and paid to the legal heirs. The episode has sparked debate over financial literacy, bureaucratic rigidity, and the need for more accessible, humane banking procedures in rural areas.

Mamata Banerjee has alleged possible manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines in West Bengal, warning of a “life-and-death” struggle if irregularities occur during counting. She visited a strongroom in Kolkata’s Bhabanipur and urged party workers to maintain round-the-clock vigilance. The All India Trinamool Congress claims to have seen suspicious activity via CCTV, alleging collusion between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Election Commission of India. However, the poll body has firmly denied all allegations, stating strongrooms are secure and procedures followed. BJP leaders dismissed Banerjee’s claims as fear-driven “theatrics” ahead of the May 4 results.

The ongoing Iran conflict is triggering a wider food security crisis across Asia by disrupting fertiliser supplies. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global fertiliser trade has sharply reduced exports from the Gulf, pushing urea prices up over 40%. At the same time, China, the world’s largest fertiliser producer, has restricted exports to protect domestic food security. This dual shock is hitting Southeast Asian agriculture hard, especially in countries like Vietnam and Philippines, which depend heavily on imports. Farmers are cutting planting, raising concerns about reduced rice output and cascading food supply disruptions across the region. (PC: BBC)