Pakistan has come under scrutiny after an incorrect map was reportedly displayed during informal peace talks with Afghanistan in Istanbul, Turkey. The meeting, part of a Track 1.5 diplomatic dialogue involving former officials and experts, aimed to reduce rising military tensions between the two neighbours. The controversial map allegedly omitted parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, sparking strong reactions and confusion among participants. Social media users and observers questioned the accuracy of the presentation, while some suggested it may have been a design error. The incident has added further strain to already fragile Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, where border disputes and security concerns continue to dominate discussions despite ongoing mediation efforts by regional facilitators. (PC: NDTV)

West Bengal’s 2026 Assembly elections have witnessed fresh political tension after the BJP alleged serious irregularities in the handling of EVM strongrooms. According to the party, a strongroom in Kolkata’s Bidhannagar area was opened at least 10 times without proper authorization and without the presence of designated observers or party representatives. The BJP has filed a complaint with the Sub-Divisional Officer, claiming violation of election protocols and demanding accountability. The issue has intensified already heated exchanges between the BJP and ruling TMC, both of whom have earlier raised concerns over security lapses and CCTV disruptions. Authorities have reportedly suspended six officials linked to the incident, while the Election Commission has maintained that all strongrooms remain sealed and under strict surveillance. The dispute has further raised questions about transparency and electoral integrity ahead of counting day. (PC: PTI)

A massive fire broke out in a four-storey residential building in Vivek Vihar, East Delhi, early Sunday morning, killing at least nine people, including a toddler. Preliminary reports suggest the blaze may have been triggered by an air conditioner explosion or short circuit, though the exact cause is still under investigation. The fire spread rapidly across multiple flats on the second, third, and fourth floors, trapping residents inside grilled and locked apartments. Firefighters deployed multiple tenders and rescued over a dozen people, but several were found dead during search operations. The incident has raised serious concerns over fire safety in residential buildings. (PC: PTI)

Reports say US President Donald Trump has been briefed by CENTCOM on updated military options for potential targeted strikes on Iran, though no final decision has been made. The plans reportedly include precision attacks on key infrastructure and other contingency operations amid stalled diplomatic talks. At the same time, the US has sent around 6,500 tonnes of munitions and military equipment to Israel in 24 hours, signaling heightened regional readiness. The developments come amid rising tensions in the Middle East, increasing concerns over possible escalation and broader conflict in the region.

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya called the Assembly polls an “election of rejection” of Mamata Banerjee and her party, the Trinamool Congress. Speaking before results, he said issues like “teacher recruitment scams” and unemployment hurt the ruling party. He claimed the BJP could cross 200 seats. Bhattacharya said the campaign focused on “Bengal first” and identity. “She will not be able to do anything this time,” he said. He added the party worked to place agents at every booth and build confidence. Results for the high-stakes election will be announced soon. (PC: India Today)

The death toll in the Bargi Dam boat accident rose to 11 after two more children were found. The cruise had capsized during a storm in Jabalpur. Captain Mahesh Patel said, “I haven’t eaten or slept in three days. I only see those children.” He said he told passengers to wear life jackets as weather worsened. Survivors claimed jackets were not given at the start. A probe is looking into safety lapses. Officials said strong winds hit the boat near an island. Rescue teams continue search operations for missing people. (PC: India Today)

The Trinamool Congress alleged that a BJP-linked vehicle entered a strong room in Kolkata without proper checks. Party workers staged a protest over the claim. The Election Commission of India is overseeing counting set for May 4. Meanwhile, the poll panel ordered a full repoll in Falta in South 24 Parganas. It cited “severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process”. Voting will be held again on May 21 with strict security. Political leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party and TMC exchanged sharp reactions over the developments. (PC: HT)

Pakistan faced criticism after a map shown at talks with Afghanistan left out parts of its own regions. The map appeared during a meeting in Istanbul aimed at easing tensions. Social media users in Pakistan flagged errors in areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Some said the upper section was “clearly inaccurate”. The talks were held in a Track 1.5 format with former officials and experts. They were organised by the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation. Reports said some outlets later removed images showing the incorrect map after backlash.

Family members of jailed Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi say her health has sharply declined. They said she was moved from prison in Zanjan to a local hospital at the last moment. Her brother, Hamidreza Mohammadi, said her blood pressure dropped and doctors could not stabilise it. He said she had earlier collapsed in prison after a suspected heart attack. The Narges Mohammadi Foundation said she was denied proper medical care during detention. The Norwegian Nobel Committee also warned her life remains at risk and called for better treatment. (PC: BBC)

At least nine people, including a one-year-old child, died in a fire at a four-storey building in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar. Four others were injured. Police said the fire broke out early morning and spread across upper floors. Five bodies were found on the second floor. Three were recovered from a locked staircase area. One body was found on the first floor. Officials suspect an AC blast may have caused the fire, but the exact reason is not confirmed. Around 12 fire tenders were sent to the spot. A senior officer said, “10 to 15 people were rescued.” Rajnath Singh expressed grief over the deaths. (PC: X)