Phase 1 of the West Bengal Assembly elections recorded 89.93% voter turnout till 5 pm, according to the Election Commission of India. Voting took place in 152 constituencies. The day saw reports of violence in parts of the state. In Murshidabad, a crude bomb was thrown, followed by clashes between workers of Trinamool Congress and All India United Democratic Front led by Humayun Kabir. A BJP candidate from South Dinajpur alleged he was assaulted while going to a polling booth. There were also complaints of EVM glitches in some areas during the voting process. (PC: X)

The 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls have put five key seats in focus as Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari face fresh contests. Bhabanipur sees a high-profile rematch. Nandigram remains a prestige battle. Bhangar is marked by a strong challenge from Indian Secular Front leader Nawsad Siddique. Samserganj comes after past violence in the region. Panihati has drawn attention after a major protest-linked case. The polls are being held in two phases. The Special Intensive Review also removed around 91 lakh names from voter lists. (PC: NDTV)

Ministry of External Affairs gave a brief response after Donald Trump reposted a comment calling India and China a “hellhole”. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal avoided a detailed reply. He said, “We have seen some reports. That's where I leave it.” The statement came during a media briefing when he was asked about the remark. The ministry did not offer further clarification or reaction. The response reflects a cautious approach by India on the issue. There has been no official comment beyond the short statement so far. (PC: HT)

Nawaf Salam accused Israel Defense Forces of war crimes after an air strike killed journalist Amal Khalil in southern Lebanon. Photographer Zeinab Faraj was injured. Lebanese officials said the journalists were hit while taking shelter after an earlier strike. They also alleged an ambulance was targeted. Salam said, “Targeting journalists… constitutes described war crimes.” The IDF denied targeting journalists and said it struck vehicles linked to Hezbollah posing a threat. The Committee to Protect Journalists said it was “outraged” and raised concerns over repeated strikes. (PC: BBC)

Iran has released video showing masked commandos seizing two cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, including one bound for India. The vessels, MSC Francesca and Epaminondas, were intercepted by forces linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The footage shows armed troops approaching in speedboats and boarding using ladders. The India-bound ship suffered damage after gunfire and grenades, though no crew were injured. Iran said the ships lacked “required authorisation” and had “manipulated navigation systems”. The seizures came after recent US action against Iranian vessels, raising tensions in the region.

Allegations of voter intimidation emerged in Murshidabad as West Bengal voted in Phase 1. TMC workers clashed with Humayun Kabir when he visited a polling booth in Naoda. Protesters raised “go back” slogans and called him a “BJP agent”.   Reports said crude bombs were thrown near a school a day earlier, injuring a woman. A victim alleged Kabir’s party was behind the attack.   Police used mild force to control crowds. An officer said, “The situation is peaceful.”   Kabir appealed for calm. “I want voting to happen peacefully,” he said. The Election Commission sought a report on the complaints. 

Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings meet in IPL 2026 with both teams still searching for form. The focus is on MS Dhoni, who is close to returning after a calf injury. Rohit Sharma is also close to a comeback from a hamstring issue. Both players trained ahead of the match at Wankhede. Their availability is not confirmed. Both teams have struggled for consistency this season. Mumbai and Chennai have used many players and are yet to settle combinations. Despite poor form, the rivalry remains close. One key moment or player could decide the match. (PC: India Today)

The United States said there is no fixed timeline to end the conflict with Iran. The White House said President Donald Trump has not set any new deadline for a ceasefire. Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said reopening the Strait of Hormuz is “not possible” due to repeated ceasefire breaches by the US and Israel. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the US blockade and “breach of commitments” are blocking talks. Iran also said it attacked three cargo ships and seized two. With both sides firm, the situation remains at a stalemate. (PC: BBC)

West Bengal recorded 62.18% voter turnout by 1 pm in Phase 1 polling, the Election Commission said. Voting began at 7 am across 152 seats. Violence was reported in Murshidabad’s Nowda after a crude bomb injured several people. This led to clashes between TMC and AUJP workers. Police used mild force to control the crowd. EVM glitches disrupted voting at some booths. In Raghunathpur, ink was smeared on the lotus symbol in an EVM. CRPF later said the issue was fixed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said people were angry with the ruling party. BJP leader Dilip Ghosh claimed a strong wave. (PC: HT)

Iran’s national football team will participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup despite ongoing conflict, officials confirmed. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said the team is fully prepared, with logistics managed by the sports ministry. Participation had been uncertain after US-Israeli strikes in February and safety concerns over matches scheduled in the United States. Iran is set to play all group-stage fixtures in American cities, including games against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt. While earlier remarks from Iranian officials questioned involvement, and Donald Trump raised safety concerns, FIFA has insisted the team will compete. Authorities hope conditions improve, allowing the tournament to proceed peacefully. (PC: Shutterstock)