Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district have successfully dismantled a terrorist hideout. Acting on crucial intelligence, a joint operation in the Chatroo region led to the discovery of a significant cache of weapons, including a grenade launcher, carbine, pistol, and substantial explosives. This major seizure highlights ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region.

Trinamool Congress has raised concerns with the Election Commission regarding alleged CCTV blackouts and unauthorized access to EVM strongrooms. BJP dismissed these claims as tactics by a party anticipating defeat. TMC representatives reported seeing individuals inside sealed rooms without party agents present, fueling suspicion ahead of counting day.

Kolkata police have imposed strict prohibitory orders around EVM strongrooms following Trinamool's vote tampering claims and clashes with BJP workers. Security has been heightened with additional forces and sealed roads. The Election Commission vows to punish any disruption, emphasizing robust security at all counting centers statewide to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

The Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, deeming allegations against Assam CM's wife and her counter-allegations politically motivated. The court emphasized personal liberty, stating custodial interrogation wasn't warranted given the political overtones of the dispute.

While most of India may experience normal to below-normal temperatures this May due to increased rainfall, certain regions, including Himalayan foothills, eastern coast, and parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat, are predicted to face an above-normal number of heatwave days. Warmer nights are also anticipated across many areas, linked to climate change.

Home Minister Amit Shah celebrated the return of Lord Buddha's holy relics to Ladakh after 75 years, calling it a «historic reunion» and the «living land of Dhamma.» The fortnight-long exposition of the Piprahwa relics, marked by prayers and rituals, aims to reinforce India's Buddhist heritage. The event highlights peace and compassion amidst global unrest.

West Bengal is on high alert before counting day due to Supreme Court moves, a 15-seat repoll order, and EVM tampering allegations. The TMC has challenged a high court order, while the Election Commission assures security at strongrooms amidst post-poll violence and transport disruptions.

The high court also said while dismissing the petition, “It is the prerogative of the office of the Election Commission of India to appoint the counting supervisor and counting assistant either from the state government or the central government. This court does not find any illegality for appointing counting supervisor and counting assistant from the central government / central PSU employee instead of state government employee.”

The Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera, setting aside the Gauhati High Court's order. The apex court emphasized balancing individual liberty with the state's interest in investigation, noting the allegations appeared politically motivated. Khera must cooperate with the probe and appear when summoned.

West Bengal's political landscape, historically dominated by single parties for extended periods, is now witnessing an intense battle for the 2026 assembly elections. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee's 15-year rule faces a formidable challenge from the aggressively expanding BJP, which aims to end the TMC's reign. This election marks a critical juncture for the state's political legacy.

Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticized the Centre over rising inflation, highlighting a significant Rs 993 jump in commercial LPG cylinder prices in a single day. He warned that this surge, amounting to an 81% increase over three months, will heavily impact small businesses and household expenses, predicting further hikes in petrol and diesel prices.

The Trinamool Congress staged a protest in Kolkata, alleging EVM tampering and procedural lapses in strongrooms before the West Bengal assembly polls. The party accused the BJP and Election Commission of collusion, while the EC asserted the strongrooms were secure and footage showed routine postal ballot segregation.

India witnesses a significant shift as girls now lead in education, outperforming boys in school enrolment and higher education pass-outs. While the overall literacy gap persists, younger generations show near parity. Women dominate fields like MPhil and arts, though men still lead in STEM, indicating ongoing gendered career paths.

The Supreme Court has urged public figures and constitutional post holders to exercise restraint in public discourse, stating that hate speech undermines fraternity, plurality, and multiculturalism. The court emphasized that such speech corrodes democratic values and is antithetical to the constitutional value of fraternity.

The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on Congress leader Pawan Khera's anticipatory bail plea. Khera is facing a criminal case filed by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife over allegations of possessing multiple passports and offshore properties.

The Election Commission is implementing a new QR code-based system for counting hall access on May 4, the day of poll results. This three-tier security measure, involving manual ID checks and QR code scanning for the innermost cordon, will be standard for all future Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.

Exit polls offer contrasting visions for West Bengal, with Today's Chanakya predicting a significant BJP victory and News18 foreseeing a close contest. In Tamil Nadu, DMK alliances appear poised for a majority, while actor Vijay's TVK could impact the AIADMK-BJP's standing. Pollsters also project BJP wins in Assam and an edge for UDF in Kerala.

Pilgrims can embark on the sacred Kailash Manasarovar Yatra again in 2026, with the Ministry of External Affairs coordinating with China. The spiritual journey, resuming for the second year, will see 20 batches of 50 individuals each travel via Uttarakhand or Sikkim. Selection will be computer-generated and gender-balanced, with registration now open.

Tensions flared at Kolkata's counting centres as Trinamool Congress alleged EVM tampering, citing CCTV footage. Election officials refuted claims, assuring three-tier security and authorized personnel. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged a 24/7 vigil at strongrooms, while clashes erupted between TMC and BJP workers. Officials clarified that individuals seen were authorized representatives segregating postal ballots.

Ahead of West Bengal's vote counting, the Election Commission is deploying approximately 70,000 central forces to maintain order, especially in areas prone to post-poll violence. Control rooms will monitor counting day, May 4, for immediate action against any disturbances. Strict legal action awaits those involved in violence, aiming to prevent a repeat of the 2021 incidents.

Dhaka summoned India's acting envoy to protest Assam CM's remarks calling apprehended foreigners 'rude people' and 'infiltrators'. Bangladesh conveyed that such disparaging comments strain bilateral ties and stressed the need for restraint on sensitive issues. The ministry emphasized that public statements capable of straining relations are counterproductive.

Srinagar's agricultural university has welcomed Swiss Saanen goats, sparking immense interest for their high milk yield with less feed. These docile animals, capable of producing five to six litres daily, are being studied for their adaptability to Kashmir's climate and potential for crossbreeding with local breeds. Researchers believe they could revolutionize dairy farming, even for urban households.

A new 20-coach Vande Bharat Express now connects Jammu and Srinagar directly, significantly cutting travel time to five hours. This direct rail link, a first for the two cities, will operate six days a week starting May 2.