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.

The LPG tanker MT Sarv Shakti, flagged in the Marshall Islands, has successfully cleared the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and is now en route to Visakhapatnam. Carrying 46,313 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas and staffed by 20 crew members, including 18 Indians, the vessel exited the high-risk corridor on May 2. Its safe passage comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region that have disrupted maritime routes and energy supplies. The tanker is expected to arrive in India on May 13, offering reassurance over continuity of LPG imports and highlighting the resilience of critical supply chains during regional instability.

A deadly fire in Vivek Vihar, Delhi killed nine and injured four after structural flaws turned a residential building into a trap. The blaze, likely triggered by an air-conditioner short circuit, spread rapidly through wooden interiors and a single shared staircase. Smart door locks malfunctioned, trapping residents, while iron grills, sealed balconies and nets blocked escape and delayed rescue. A locked terrace further prevented evacuation. With no alternative exits and narrow access for firefighters, smoke and flames overwhelmed occupants. The incident highlights critical failures in building design, fire safety compliance and emergency preparedness in densely packed urban housing.

Canada’s intelligence agency has flagged Khalistani extremists as a national security threat, stating that a small network uses Canadian institutions to promote a violent extremist agenda. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), in its 2025 Public Report, said such activities continue to threaten Canada and its interests abroad. The report noted some individuals spread extremist messaging and raise funds, later diverted toward violence. It emphasised only a limited group is involved, distinguishing violent extremism from legitimate peaceful political expression within the broader community. It further warned that certain actors are well connected to Canadian citizens, leveraging institutional access to mobilise support and collect funds from unsuspecting community members for extremist purposes. (PC: AFP)

Tensions escalated in Bhowanipore ahead of West Bengal’s vote counting after the All India Trinamool Congress alleged a security breach involving vehicles carrying Bharatiya Janata Party flags entering a counting centre. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, contesting against Suvendu Adhikari, raised concerns over unauthorised access to premises storing EVMs. TMC workers claimed a “suspicious” vehicle was allowed inside despite strict security by CAPF and alleged they were pushed back when protesting. Though officials reportedly assured action, the vehicle remained briefly before leaving. The incident adds to mounting allegations of irregularities and heightens political tensions ahead of the crucial May 4 results.