The UK government has raised the national terror threat level from “substantial” to “severe” after a stabbing attack in Golders Green, London. Security minister Dan Jarvis said people should stay “alert and vigilant” but “not alarmed”. He added the move was due to wider risks, including Islamist and far-right threats. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the decision may worry many, especially the Jewish community. She urged people to report concerns. Police said the attack is being treated as terrorism. Authorities added that security agencies are “working round the clock” to keep people safe. (PC: BBC)

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has flagged as fake a viral document claiming to be an Intelligence Bureau assessment of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. The report, titled “Preliminary Assessment of West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026,” has been widely circulated on social media but has not been issued by the Intelligence Bureau, PIB clarified. The fact-check comes amid heightened political tension and competing narratives ahead of counting day. Authorities have urged the public to rely on verified sources and avoid sharing unconfirmed documents, as misinformation could influence public perception during a sensitive electoral process.

Prices of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders rose by Rs 993, reaching Rs 3,071.50 in Delhi. Five-kg mini cylinders also saw a hike of Rs 261. State-run Indian Oil Corporation said these categories form a small share of total consumption. Domestic LPG, petrol, diesel, and kerosene prices were not changed. The company said this was to “protect consumers” from global price swings. The increase may affect restaurants, hotels, and small businesses that depend on commercial LPG. Indian Oil said about 80% of fuel products saw no price change, showing a “calibrated approach” to balance global trends and domestic needs. (PC: India Today)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to closely monitor the situation in West Bengal after the Assembly election results on May 4, amid concerns over possible post-poll violence. The BJP has indicated that central forces will remain deployed for two months to maintain law and order. Party leaders have instructed workers to avoid aggression during celebrations, while also expressing fears of retaliation based on past incidents like the violence following the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021. Meanwhile, both BJP and All India Trinamool Congress leaders have exchanged warnings, raising tensions ahead of the results. 

A disturbing incident in Odisha drew national attention after Jitu Munda exhumed his deceased sister’s remains and brought them to an Odisha Grameen Bank branch to withdraw ₹19,402 from her account. The bank clarified that officials had only requested standard documents like a death certificate and legal heir proof, denying claims that physical verification of the deceased was demanded. Following public outrage and police intervention, the claim was processed and paid to the legal heirs. The episode has sparked debate over financial literacy, bureaucratic rigidity, and the need for more accessible, humane banking procedures in rural areas.

Mamata Banerjee has alleged possible manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines in West Bengal, warning of a “life-and-death” struggle if irregularities occur during counting. She visited a strongroom in Kolkata’s Bhabanipur and urged party workers to maintain round-the-clock vigilance. The All India Trinamool Congress claims to have seen suspicious activity via CCTV, alleging collusion between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Election Commission of India. However, the poll body has firmly denied all allegations, stating strongrooms are secure and procedures followed. BJP leaders dismissed Banerjee’s claims as fear-driven “theatrics” ahead of the May 4 results.

The ongoing Iran conflict is triggering a wider food security crisis across Asia by disrupting fertiliser supplies. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global fertiliser trade has sharply reduced exports from the Gulf, pushing urea prices up over 40%. At the same time, China, the world’s largest fertiliser producer, has restricted exports to protect domestic food security. This dual shock is hitting Southeast Asian agriculture hard, especially in countries like Vietnam and Philippines, which depend heavily on imports. Farmers are cutting planting, raising concerns about reduced rice output and cascading food supply disruptions across the region. (PC: BBC)

A senior Greek foreign ministry official, Alexis Konstantopoulos, has said 2030 could mark a major milestone for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, with groundwork expected to accelerate soon. The corridor aims to connect India, the Middle East, and Europe through integrated transport, energy, and digital networks. He noted that geopolitical tensions, including disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, have reinforced the project’s importance for securing supply chains. Greece is positioning itself as a key European gateway. While conflicts in West Asia have delayed progress, ongoing diplomatic efforts and infrastructure planning could enable gradual implementation within the next few years. (PC: X)

Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson stated that the United States is “not at war” with Iran as the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution approaches. The law limits presidential military engagement without congressional approval. Donald Trump had notified Congress of operations on March 2, placing the deadline on May 1. Johnson emphasized that active combat operations have paused, with Washington focusing on negotiations and maintaining a ceasefire announced in April. Despite earlier military action, US officials maintain the situation does not constitute a formal war, highlighting the legal and political sensitivity surrounding ongoing tensions and diplomacy with Tehran. (PC: AP)

The Election Commission of India has firmly denied allegations of EVM tampering in West Bengal, stating that all strongrooms remain “safe and secure.” Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal clarified that CCTV systems were fully operational and continuously monitored across all storage facilities. He explained that the only activity observed involved the authorised opening of a separate postal ballot room, conducted as per established procedures and with prior intimation to candidates. The clarification comes after the All India Trinamool Congress alleged unauthorised access to ballot boxes and collusion with the BJP. The EC maintained there is no irregularity or controversy.