Britain has officially called on its domestic refineries to maximise jet fuel production as the government steps up contingency planning to boost supply flexibility, confirmed Energy Department Minister Michael Shanks. The move comes at a critical moment, airlines worldwide are bracing for severe turbulence as jet fuel prices surge amid the ongoing war in Iran, with the peak holiday travel season rapidly approaching. The crisis is expected to ripple across continents in waves. On Tuesday, the head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that the jet fuel shortage will first devastate Asia, before spreading to Europe, then Africa and Latin America, threatening global aviation stability. (PC: Bloomberg)

Exit polls for the West Bengal Assembly Elections have delivered a dramatic forecast as three out of four pollsters predict that the BJP is set to breach Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress stronghold, a bastion the saffron party had long dubbed its "final frontier." These three exit polls project the BJP winning anywhere between 146 to 175 seats, a figure that could comfortably form a government. However, not all pollsters agree. People's Pulse stands alone in predicting a TMC comeback, foreseeing Mamata Banerjee returning to power for an unprecedented fourth consecutive term. As Bengal awaits the actual verdict, the political stakes could not be higher. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump escalated tensions with Iran by warning the country to “get smart soon” over nuclear negotiations, hinting at stronger action including potential blockades. The remarks came during the ongoing Iran conflict and were reinforced by a social media post. Trump also claimed that King Charles III agrees with his stance that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, following their meeting at a White House state dinner. However, Buckingham Palace responded cautiously, reaffirming neutrality. The comments have sparked diplomatic unease, given the monarch’s traditionally non-political role and ongoing UK-US tensions. (PC: The Guardian)

Voting for the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 concluded on April 29, marking the end of polling across five states and one Union Territory. The high-stakes Bengal contest saw intense campaigning and strong voter participation, with polling continuing till evening under tight security. Across other regions, turnout remained robust—Assam recorded about 85.9%, Puducherry nearly 89.9%, and Tamil Nadu over 82%, reflecting significant voter engagement. With polling complete, attention has now shifted to exit polls, which were released after 6:30 PM as per Election Commission norms. Official results are scheduled to be announced on May 4. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 594-km-long Ganga Expressway, Uttar Pradesh’s longest highway, connecting Meerut to Prayagraj. The six-lane (expandable to eight) access-controlled corridor is designed to cut travel time from 10–12 hours to about six hours, with a speed limit of up to 120 kmph. Built at an estimated cost of around ₹36,000 crore, the expressway passes through 12 districts, boosting regional connectivity and economic growth. It includes modern features like an emergency airstrip, smart infrastructure, and improved logistics support. The project is expected to enhance trade, reduce congestion, and transform transportation across Uttar Pradesh. (PC: X)

Voting in Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 recorded 89.99% turnout till 5 pm, higher than 80.4% in 2021 for the same seats. Polling will continue till 6 pm. Officials expect the final figure to rise further. The high turnout comes amid complaints from parties over EVM issues and disruptions in some areas. The Election Commission of India called the complaints “serious” and ordered checks. It said a repoll will be held if tampering is confirmed. Despite tensions, voting continued in most booths with security in place. (PC: India Today)

Mamata Banerjee alleged bias by central forces during West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 before casting her vote in Bhabanipur. She told reporters, “Central forces are working for a particular party.” She also claimed “atrocities” since the previous night. “I have never seen this type of democracy,” she said. Banerjee added that no state police were present at booths and alleged the CRPF had “captured it all”. She said, “They should secure the border, instead of securing one political party.” Voting is underway till 6 pm. Observers expect turnout to match or exceed the high participation seen in the first phase. 

The United Arab Emirates can increase oil exports to India after leaving OPEC. From May 1, it is no longer bound by output limits. Officials called it a “policy-driven evolution aligned with long-term market fundamentals”. The move allows higher production and more shipments through the Habshan-Fujairah pipeline. This route bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, a key global chokepoint. The pipeline can carry up to 1.5 million barrels per day. India, which imports most of its oil, may benefit from stable and quicker supplies. The UAE already provides about 9–10% of India’s crude needs. (PC: India Today)

Voting was stopped at some booths in Falta during Bengal Phase 2 polls after the Bharatiya Janata Party alleged EVM tampering. The party said its voting button was “blocked using a tape” in several booths. BJP leader Amit Malviya demanded repolling in affected areas. The Trinamool Congress denied the charges and called them false. Spokesperson Riju Dutta said the matter falls under the Election Commission. Officials said complaints will be checked and repolling ordered if needed. The area is part of Diamond Harbour, linked to Abhishek Banerjee. (PC: NDTV)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India said it will seek an explanation from Riyan Parag after a video showed him vaping in the dressing room. The clip was captured during an Indian Premier League match between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings. It went viral on social media. A BCCI official said, “We will be seeking an explanation… as vaping is not allowed.” The board added that further action will depend on his response. The incident reportedly happened after Parag was dismissed during the match in Mullanpur.