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)

Thousands of people across the United States participated in “May Day Strong” protests on May 1, marking International Workers’ Day with a nationwide economic blackout. Organisers coordinated over 3,500 events, urging people to skip work, school, and shopping to demonstrate collective power. The movement, backed by labour unions, immigrant rights groups, and activists, called for taxing the wealthy, ending immigration enforcement actions, and reducing military spending. The protests build on earlier demonstrations and aim to test large-scale mobilisation, with some leaders viewing it as a step toward a potential nationwide general strike in 2028. Educators, students, and communities actively joined the actions across multiple cities. (PC: AFP)

Iran has sent a new diplomatic proposal to the United States through Pakistani mediators, aiming to de-escalate tensions and revive negotiations. The plan reportedly focuses on reopening the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz and ending hostilities, while postponing contentious nuclear discussions to a later stage. Pakistan is acting as a backchannel facilitator, carrying messages between Washington and Tehran amid stalled direct talks. The proposal comes despite ongoing mistrust and disagreements, particularly over Iran’s uranium enrichment program. While a ceasefire has held since April, both sides remain cautious, and the US is yet to formally respond to the latest offer. (PC: HT)

The Election Commission has ordered repolling in 15 polling stations across West Bengal’s Diamond Harbour and Magrahat Paschim constituencies following complaints of irregularities during the April 29 voting. The affected booths include 11 in Magrahat Paschim and 4 in Diamond Harbour, where polling was declared void. Fresh voting will be conducted on May 2 between 7 am and 6 pm. The decision comes after reports of violence, alleged EVM tampering, and disruptions at polling stations. West Bengal witnessed a high voter turnout exceeding 90%, though the election process was marred by incidents in certain areas. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. (PC: PTI)

At least nine people have died after a cruise boat capsized at Bargi Dam near Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh following a sudden storm. Rescue teams recovered additional bodies on Friday, raising the toll, while search operations continue for missing passengers. Several others were rescued from the water. Authorities have deployed NDRF, SDRF, and other teams, along with heavy equipment, to retrieve the submerged vessel. Initial reports point to safety lapses, including delayed distribution of life jackets. The state government has ordered an inquiry into the incident, focusing on possible negligence and adherence to safety protocols. (PC: PTI)

The United States is reportedly considering deploying its advanced “Dark Eagle” hypersonic missile system to the Middle East for the first time, targeting Iranian missile launchers deep inside the country. The proposal, made by US Central Command, aims to overcome the limitations of existing weapons that cannot reach such distant targets. The Dark Eagle, capable of speeds above Mach 5, is designed for high-precision strikes on heavily defended positions. However, it is still not fully operational and has faced delays. If approved, the move would mark a major escalation in US-Iran tensions and the first operational use of this next-generation weapon. (PC: NDTV)