The Axis My India exit poll suggests major shifts in key states. In Tamil Nadu, actor-politician Vijay and his party TVK may win 98–120 seats, close to the majority mark. The ruling DMK may get 92–110 seats. In Assam, the NDA is projected to win 88–100 seats, giving Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma another term. The poll also shows NDA leading in Puducherry. Exit polls are only estimates and may differ from final results. (PC: X)

The US Central Command has prepared a plan for a “short and powerful” wave of strikes on Iran, according to reports. The plan aims to break the deadlock in talks and push Iran towards a deal. Donald Trump said he will continue a naval blockade instead of immediate strikes. He called the blockade more effective, saying Iran is “choking like a stuffed pig.” Reports say possible strikes may target key infrastructure. Iran has warned of “unprecedented action” if pressure continues. Talks remain stalled with no clear progress. (PC: HT)

Police in London have declared a terrorist incident after two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green. The victims, aged 34 and 76, are in stable condition. The Metropolitan Police arrested a 45-year-old British man born in Somalia on suspicion of attempted murder. Officers used a Taser after he tried to attack them. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it an “antisemitic attack” and said such acts target the whole country. Police said the suspect had a history of violence. Counter-terrorism officials are leading the investigation. (PC: BBC)

Exit polls have given the BJP a slight edge in West Bengal, but ground mood points to a tighter contest. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s personal appeal and the “Bangla Asmita” factor remain strong. “Bangla Asmita” means pride in Bengali identity, culture, and language. Many voters still see her as a key Bengali voice. This may limit the BJP’s gains despite anti-incumbency. The BJP has pushed hard on issues like governance and corruption. However, local feedback shows mixed views. Some voters support change, while others remain cautious. Final results on May 4 will decide the outcome. (PC: India Today)

Exit polls for Puducherry show the NDA leading but not by a large margin. Most surveys suggest the alliance may cross the majority mark of 16 seats in the 30-member Assembly. Axis My India has projected 16–20 seats for the NDA, while others also give it an edge. The SPA alliance is expected to follow behind, with a smaller seat share. Several constituencies are seen as closely fought. These tight races could decide the final result. Exit polls give early trends, but the actual outcome will be clear only after counting day. (PC: X)

The Axis My India exit poll has projected a strong win for the NDA in Assam. It suggests the alliance may get 88 to 100 seats in the 126-member Assembly. The BJP alone is likely to win 70 to 80 seats. Allies AGP and BPF are expected to add more seats. The Congress-led alliance may be limited to 24 to 36 seats. The poll indicates that key campaign issues helped the ruling side. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma led the campaign. Final results on May 4 will confirm if the NDA secures another term. (PC: NDTV)

Exit polls suggest a comeback for the Congress-led UDF in Kerala, pointing to a possible return to its long pattern of changing governments. Most pollsters have placed UDF ahead, with the ruling LDF close behind. Axis My India has given UDF 78–90 seats and LDF 49–62 seats. Other surveys also show a similar trend. The state voted on April 9 for 140 seats. The LDF, led by Pinarayi Vijayan, has been in power since 2016. Final results on May 4 will confirm if Kerala returns to its usual cycle or keeps the current government. (PC: HT)

The Axis My India exit poll has suggested a major shift in Tamil Nadu politics. It indicates that actor-turned-politician Vijay could emerge as a strong force in his debut election. The poll even compares him to M. G. Ramachandran, known as MGR, who once changed the state’s political path. Vijay’s party, TVK, has drawn support from young voters. The exit poll hints at a break from the long-standing two-party system. However, final results will decide if this early trend turns into actual seats on counting day. (PC: India Today)

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth declared America is "watching Iran 24/7" to monitor its nuclear programme, testifying before the House Armed Services Committee. Defending the Iran war, Hegseth stated Tehran's unrelenting "nuclear ambitions" made conflict unavoidable. President Trump dismissed Iran's latest peace proposal, warning Tehran to "get smart soon" and demanding complete nuclear dismantlement as a ceasefire condition. Meanwhile, UAE announced its exit from OPEC, shocking global energy markets, as Brent Crude surged past $112 per barrel. Diplomatic tensions deepened with Germany's Chancellor Merz publicly clashing with Trump over the war. In parallel, Lebanon's death toll climbed to 40 as the fragile April 17 ceasefire continued unravelling dangerously. (PC: The Indian Express)

West Bengal has scripted electoral history, recording its highest-ever voter turnout since Independence across both polling phases, with over 92% participation. Phase one on April 23 saw 91.78% turnout, while Phase two on April 29 recorded 91.71%, according to the Election Commission of India. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar celebrated the milestone saying, "Chunav ka Parv, Paschim Bengal ka Garv." Over 2.22 crore voters were eligible in the final phase alone. The contest remains a fierce TMC vs BJP battle, with TMC eyeing 100+ seats from Phase one while BJP claims 110. Key constituencies including Bhabanipur and Tollyganj remain closely watched as Bengal awaits its historic verdict. (PC: HT)