Post-poll violence erupted across West Bengal despite the BJP’s landslide victory, with reports of arson, vandalism, clashes, and at least one alleged killing. The Trinamool Congress accused BJP cadres of attacking workers and offices in areas like Tollygunge, Kasba, Howrah, and Birbhum, while the BJP denied involvement, blaming internal TMC rivalries. Mamata Banerjee ordered a fact-finding probe as tensions escalated. The Election Commission of India had earlier termed the elections peaceful, but violence intensified after results. The unrest underscores Bengal’s entrenched cycle of electoral violence, raising concerns over law and order despite heavy deployment of central forces.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the ceasefire between the United States and Iran is “not over”. His remarks came after attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. He said US ships moved safely, showing the route is “clear”. Iran warned that the conflict is not finished. The US has launched “Project Freedom” to guide ships in the area. The United Arab Emirates also reported missile and drone attacks. Tensions remain high. Experts say the situation could worsen if both sides do not step back. (PC: BBC)

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has won one seat in the West Bengal Assembly, ending its five-year drought. CPI(M) candidate Mostafizur Rahaman defeated Humayun Kabir of the Trinamool Congress in Domkal. He won by 16,296 votes. The party had won zero seats in 2021. This victory removes that record. The Left Front also saw the Indian Secular Front retain one seat. The Left’s support has declined since 2011. However, this result shows a small return for the party in the state. (PC: Facebook)

The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India. The new bill will raise the strength from 33 to 37 judges. The Chief Justice is not included in this count. The government said the move will help the court work faster. It aims to reduce pending cases and improve efficiency. Information Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said it will ensure quicker justice. The extra cost will be paid from the Consolidated Fund of India. The number of judges has been increased many times since 1956. (PC: PTI)

Russia and Ukraine have announced separate ceasefires this week. Russia said it will pause fighting on May 8 and 9. Ukraine said it will start an open-ended ceasefire from May 6. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Russia to stop attacks and move to talks. Despite this, missile and drone strikes killed five people and injured many in Ukraine. In Russia, two people died in a drone attack. Both sides accused each other of violence. The ceasefires are not agreed together. Fighting and tensions continue as both sides prepare for next steps. (PC: DSNS Ukraine)

US President Donald Trump congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the BJP’s victory in West Bengal. He called it a “historic, decisive” win. The Bharatiya Janata Party won 206 seats in the 294-member Assembly, crossing the majority mark. The results were announced by the Election Commission of India. The win ends years of rule by the Trinamool Congress. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari defeated Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur. The results show a major political shift in the state. (PC: Reuters)

A Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker issued a “7700” emergency signal while flying over the Persian Gulf near Qatar. The aircraft later went missing from radar, according to flight data. It had taken off from Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. Data showed the plane circled in the air before descending. The cause of the emergency is not clear. There is no official statement from the US military. Reports also said there is no confirmation of any attack linked to the incident so far. (PC: Fightradar and AFP)

Actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is planning talks with Congress, Left and smaller parties to form a government. TVK won 108 seats but needs 118 for a majority. Sources said the party may reach out soon. Congress leader Sasikanth Senthil said, “We will take a considered and collective decision.” He added that any move will be in Tamil Nadu’s interest. TVK shocked rivals by defeating the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. The party also ended decades of dominance by major regional parties. Talks may decide the next government soon. (PC: PTI)

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said, “We did not fight the BJP, we fought the EC.” She accused the Election Commission of India of helping the Bharatiya Janata Party win. Banerjee claimed she was “kicked, pushed and manhandled” inside a counting centre. She also said vote counting was delayed to favour the BJP. The EC has not replied to these claims. The BJP won 207 seats, while TMC got 80. Banerjee said, “We were defeated not by public mandate but by conspiracy.” She added opposition parties will now work together. (PC: ANI)

An IndiGo flight was evacuated at Chandigarh International Airport on Tuesday after a passenger’s power bank reportedly caught fire, filling the cabin with smoke. Flight 6E-108 from Hyderabad had already landed when the incident occurred. “Smoke was detected from a passenger’s power bank after an apparent internal explosion,” officials said. Crew members used fire extinguishers and activated emergency protocols, evacuating 198 passengers via slides. One passenger suffered a minor ankle injury. The situation was brought under control quickly, and no major injuries were reported. (PC: India Today)