Iran has submitted a new peace proposal to the United States through Pakistani mediators in an effort to end the ongoing conflict. However, US President Donald Trump said he is “not satisfied” with the offer, calling its terms unacceptable. Key disagreements remain over Iran’s nuclear programme, uranium enrichment, and broader security conditions. While Pakistan continues to act as a diplomatic backchannel and push for negotiations, both sides have hardened positions after earlier progress. Despite the setback, diplomatic engagement is still ongoing, with hopes for a negotiated settlement alive but uncertain amid rising regional and global concerns.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly remarked that no one—not even Maa Durga—can predict the outcome of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, amid intense speculation over exit polls. Responding to media queries, he emphasized that only the official results on counting day will reveal the verdict. While several exit polls suggest the BJP may have an edge, others indicate the possibility of the ruling Trinamool Congress retaining power. Polling for the 294-seat assembly concluded in two phases, with counting scheduled for May 4, keeping political uncertainty high. (PC: Moneycontrol)

Kolkata Police imposed prohibitory orders banning public gatherings across seven vote-counting locations following overnight tensions linked to alleged irregularities. The Trinamool Congress raised concerns over “suspicious activities” at two counting centres, sparking protests and political confrontation. However, the Chief Electoral Officer dismissed the claims, clarifying that routine procedures like postal ballot segregation—conducted under supervision, sometimes using torchlight—were misinterpreted. Authorities stated that strong rooms storing Electronic Voting Machines remain sealed and secure. After official clarification, protesting leaders withdrew. The restrictions aim to prevent unrest and ensure smooth, transparent counting of votes in the high-stakes West Bengal assembly elections. (PC: NDTV)

Post-election violence has erupted across several districts of West Bengal, including South 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, Malda and North 24 Parganas, with incidents of arson, clashes and assaults reported. Supporters of rival parties primarily the All India Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party have traded allegations of attacks and intimidation. Police have detained multiple individuals, deployed additional forces, and initiated investigations to restore order. The unrest comes just days before vote counting for the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, raising concerns over law and order and the potential for further escalation.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has alleged that a strongroom storing EVMs was opened without proper authorisation in Bidhannagar, escalating tensions a day after similar claims by the All India Trinamool Congress. BJP leaders have lodged a formal complaint with the local Sub-Divisional Officer, according to reports. In response, six officials have been suspended pending investigation. The controversy comes just days before counting in the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, intensifying scrutiny over EVM security. Election authorities have not yet issued a detailed explanation regarding the alleged incident.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, has left the Persian Gulf after a record deployment of over 300 days, amid stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran. The carrier is now moving to the European Command zone, reducing direct US naval presence in the Gulf. Despite its departure, two other carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush remain in the region. The move follows prolonged operations, including missions linked to the Iran conflict and earlier deployments in the Caribbean. Analysts see the shift as a recalibration rather than a withdrawal, with tensions still unresolved. (PC: Reuters)

The Election Commission of India has ordered repolling in 15 polling stations across South 24 Parganas following complaints of irregularities during the recent West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. Voting will be held from 7 am to 6 pm in 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbour. The decision follows allegations, primarily by the Bharatiya Janata Party, that EVM buttons were tampered with using tape in parts of Falta, alongside complaints of booth jamming and rigging. The EC is yet to decide on additional booths in Falta as investigations continue into reported violations. (PC: PTI)

The Trinamool Congress has approached the Supreme Court of India challenging the Election Commission of India directive allowing deployment of central government and PSU staff for vote counting in West Bengal. The move comes after the Calcutta High Court upheld the EC’s decision, ruling it legally valid under election laws. TMC argues the directive is arbitrary and could undermine state authority, while the EC maintains it ensures transparency and fairness. The dispute intensifies political tensions ahead of counting day, with broader concerns over neutrality and electoral integrity. 

Commercial LPG cylinder prices in India have surged past ₹3,000 after a steep ₹993 hike, taking the Delhi rate to about ₹3,071.50. This sharp increase—linked to global oil tensions and disruptions in West Asia—has triggered concern among hotels, restaurants, and small businesses heavily dependent on LPG. Industry bodies warn that higher fuel costs will likely be passed on to consumers through increased food prices. While domestic LPG prices remain unchanged, the burden on commercial users is growing, alongside reports of supply shortages and black marketing, intensifying inflation fears. 

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stated that billions of dollars owed by the United States to the UN are “non-negotiable,” rejecting reports that Washington is linking payments to reform conditions. The US has proposed cost-cutting measures, pension reforms, and steps to limit China’s influence as prerequisites for releasing funds. Guterres emphasized that assessed contributions are mandatory obligations, separate from reform discussions. The US has reportedly paid only about $160 million of over $4 billion owed, raising concerns about the UN’s financial stability and risk of a funding crisis. (PC: Reuters)