THE HEADLINES::
- West Bengal registers record 92.47 percent voter turnout in two-phase Assembly polls, highest since Independence.
- Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to flag off extended Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express train service from Jammu Tawi Railway Station.
- India plans to add 62 new vessels with over 51 thousand crore rupees investment in current financial year to boost Atmanirbhar shipping.
- US Federal Reserve keeps interest rates steady between 3.5 and 3.75 percent amid inflation concerns and global economic strain.
- In IPL Cricket, Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Mumbai Indians by six wickets at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
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West Bengal has registered a record 92.47 per cent voter turnout in the two-phase Assembly polls, the highest in the state since Independence. Poll percentage in the second phase stood at 91.66 percent, while it was 93.19 percent in the first phase on April 23. The combined poll percentage over the two phases stands at 92.47 percent. More from our correspondent:
“The second and final phase of polling in the West Bengal Assembly Elections passed off with a high voter turnout and largely peaceful voting across the state. Polling was conducted in 142 constituencies spread over seven districts, which includes Kolkata, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly and Purba Bardhaman. Election Commission said the phase recorded a turnout of over 92 per cent, indicating strong voter participation.Women voters turned out in large numbers, in many areas surpassing male participation. Meanwhile, sporadic incidents of tension and clashes were reported from a few pockets. Political parties have exchanged allegations over intimidation and irregularities, though officials maintained that the overall situation remained under control. The phase is crucial in shaping the electoral outcome, as it covers a significant number of seats. With polling in both phases now complete, attention shifts to the counting of votes, which will determine who will govern West Bengal for the next five years. SANDEEPAN DASGUPTA, AKASHVANI NEWS, KOLKATA.”
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Several exit polls have predicted a thumping victory for the BJP in Assam. According to Exit polls conducted by several TV channels and private firms, the BJP led alliance is expected to get around 87 to 100 seats in Assam, while the Congress is expected to secure around 26 to 36 seats.
In West Bengal, some of the exit polls are predicting a BJP victory while others have forecast a win for the Trinamool Congress (TMC). As per the exit polls, BJP is expected to win around 140 to 160 seats, whereas TMC is likely to secure around 120 to 140 seats.
In Keralam, as per exit polls, Congress is likely to come back to power. Exit polls have predicted the Congress led UDF winning 75 to 90 seats, while LDF is expected to win in 45 to 60 seats.
Most exit polls in Tamil Nadu have shown a clear lead for the DMK-led alliance. Exit polls have predicted DMK to clinch around 112 to 140 seats with AIADMK securing 60 to 100 seats.
In Puducherry, almost all exit polls forecast a return to power for the NDA government. They have projected the NDA alliance to win 16 to 20 seats, while the DMK-Congress alliance winning 6 to 8 seats.
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In a major boost to connectivity and tourism, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will today flag off the extended Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express service from Jammu Tawi Railway Station. Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr Jitendra Singh will also be present on the occasion. The train is currently running between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, has now been extended up to Jammu Tawi. The train will now operate with 20 coaches instead of eight, which will significantly enhance the capacity, connectivity, and comfort. Our correspondent reports that the move is expected to provide a major boost to tourism, enabling more visitors to explore destinations like Srinagar and nearby attractions.
”The semi high-speed Vande Bharat trains are equipped with modern passenger amenities and offer a faster, more comfortable and reliable journey through the scenic Kashmir Valley. The train has been specially designed to operate in the region’s challenging terrain and extreme cold conditions, ensuring smooth functioning even in sub-zero temperatures. The train is equipped with advanced heating systems to ensure comfort for passengers and drivers. With the extension of Vande Bharat train, the passengers can travel between Jammu and Srinagar in less than five hours. The initiative is expected to boost tourism by improving access to destinations such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonmarg. This will also benefit local residents, promote tourism, facilitate trade and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region. Dipendra Kumar, Akashvani News, Jammu.”
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be on a two-day visit to Ladakh, beginning today. In a social media post, Mr Shah said that during his visit, he will be attending the first ever international exposition of the holy relics of Lord Buddha, commencing on the 1st of May, on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. The Home Minister noted that devotees from different parts of the world will offer veneration to the relics of Lord Buddha in the exposition.
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Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, has said that India is advancing a roadmap to add 62 vessels in Financial Year 2026-27, backed by investment of over 51 thousand crore rupees. Chairing a high-level inter-ministerial review meeting regarding the Strait of Hormuz in New Delhi, Mr Sonowal called for urgent expansion of India’s shipping capacity to ensure resilience against external disruptions. During the meeting, he also reviewed the status of the Joint Venture between Shipping Corporation of India and Oil PSUs to acquire 59 vessels.
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In Madhya Pradesh, 12 labourers were killed and 20 others injured when a pick-up van carrying them overturned in Dhar district last night. According to preliminary information, 35 labourers were returning home from Baggad in Dhar district when the driver lost control of the vehicle near Chikliya crossing. The vehicle overturned and collided with an SUV coming from the opposite direction.
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed grief over the incident. Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia of 2 lakh rupees each from PM National Relief Fund to the next of kin of the deceased. The injured would receive 50,000 rupees.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has also expressed condolences. He has also announced an ex gratia of 4 lakh rupees each to the families of the deceased and 1 lakh rupees each to the seriously injured, and 50,000 each to the injured.
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In Karnataka, seven people, including three children were killed after a compound wall collapsed near Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital in Bengaluru yesterday. The incident took place amid heavy rain, strong winds and hailstorms, when the victims were taking shelter near the wall. The structure suddenly gave way, trapping them under the debris. All seven people died on the spot. Police and emergency services rushed to the site, using an earthmover to recover the bodies and rescue the injured with the help of locals.
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Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved Maharashtra AI Policy – 2026. The policy is intended to boost the use of Artificial Intelligence in industries, governance and public services across the state. More from our correspondent:
“The policy targets attracting investments worth Rs 10 thousand crore and creating more than one and a half lakh job opportunities by 2031. The establishment of the ‘Maharashtra AI Mission’ has been proposed under this policy, along with a scheme to train two lakh youth and professionals in AI. Under this policy, AI cities will be developed in five innovation areas, and the State AI Data Exchange and Maharashtra Advanced Centre for Artificial Intelligence Training will also be established, among other initiatives. It also aims to bring MSMEs into the field of AI by providing a 20 per cent subsidy on AI implementation costs to five thousand MSMEs, along with the establishment of a central platform called the ‘Maha AI Tools Hub’. To strengthen the start-up ecosystem, the policy proposes a dedicated ‘AI Startup Venture Fund’ of 500 crore rupees. Ankita Apte, Akashvani News, Mumbai.”
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Tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate, with the White House signaling that it is prepared to sustain a naval blockade of Iranian ports for an extended period. This comes amid financial cost to the United States crossing 25 billion dollars, as assessed by the Pentagon. President Donald Trump issued a blunt warning to Iran on social media, saying no deal if Tehran’s nuclear weapons pursuit continues. He said, Iran talks are now ‘telephonic’ amid stalled peace talks. The latest developments point to a widening deadlock. Washington continues to insist that Iran’s nuclear programme must be part of any ceasefire framework, while Tehran has refused to negotiate under pressure. More from our West Asia Correspondent:
“What makes this moment particularly volatile is the absence of any diplomatic off-ramp. Washington is tying any ceasefire to nuclear concessions. Tehran is refusing to engage under coercion. Meanwhile, the blockade is not only squeezing Iran’s economy, it is also imposing a mounting financial burden on the United States, now estimated at over 25 billion dollars. That raises pressure on the Trump administration to demonstrate tangible outcomes, not just strategic resolve. This is VINOD KUMAR, AKASHVANI NEWS, DUBAI.”
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The US Federal Reserve has left its benchmark interest rate unchanged for the third straight meeting as policymakers grappled with the policy impact of persistent inflation and awaited a looming leadership transition at the central bank. In what may have been Chair Jerome Powell’s final meeting at the helm, the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee voted to hold the benchmark funds rate in a range between 3.5 percent to 3.75 percent. The Fed Reserve has said, developments in West Asia are adding to high uncertainty over the economic outlook. In a statement after its two-day meeting, the Fed added that inflation remains elevated, partly due to a recent rise in global energy prices.
Meanwhile, during a news conference following the central bank’s decision, Powell signaled that he would remain on the Board of Governors for an indefinite period after his term as chair ends on May 15th.
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In IPL Cricket, Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Mumbai Indians by six wickets at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai last night. Chasing a target of 244 runs set by Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad scored 249 for 4 in 18.2 overs. For Sunrisers Hyderabad, Travis Head scored 76 runs off 30 balls while Heinrich Klaasen remained unbeaten with 65 runs. For Mumbai Indians AM Ghazanfar took 2 wickets.
Earlier, winning the toss, Mumbai Indians opted to bat and scored 243 for 5 in stipulated 20 overs. Ryan Rickelton was the top scorer with an unbeaten 123 runs off 55 balls while Will Jacks made 46 runs. For Sunrisers Hyderabad, Praful Hinge scalped 2 wickets. Heinrich Klaasen was adjudged Player of the Match.
Today, Gujarat Titans will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The match will start at 7.30 PM.
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The India Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across several parts of the country during the week. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and the northeast. Heavy rain is also expected today in parts of Gangetic West Bengal, and southern states.
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TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS,
- The high stakes battle between the ruling TMC and the Opposition BJP for control of West Bengal is covered prominently by the dailies this morning “West Bengal records historic 92 percent plus voter turnout”, leads The Statesman.”
- “Mamata vs Adhikari in Bhabanipur-on the ground at booths” reports The Indian Express.
- “BJP’s Pravesh Wahi elected as Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) mayor” notes The Pioneer.
- The Asian Age in its editorial piece states “Iran war wrecks OPEC unity as UAE pulls out”, The paper adds that “At a time when the effects of the Iran war are being felt far beyond West Asia, geopolitical tremors within the region itself have led to a startling break in Arab ties. The United Arab Emirates ditching the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries represents an inflection point in global oil supply as the formation of the OPEC cartel in the 1960s had changed the very fundamentals of supply and demand and global economics itself as the Gulf grew exponentially with the petrodollar.”
- “King Charles III highlights US-UK bond during busy day of diplomacy with Trump and Congress” writes The Statesman.
- Finally, “Sacred relics of Buddha reach Ladakh as Leh marks Buddha Purnima” reports the Times Of India.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN
- West Bengal registers record 92.47 percent voter turnout in two-phase Assembly polls, highest since Independence.
- Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to flag off extended Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express train service from Jammu Tawi Railway Station.
- India plans to add 62 new vessels with over 51 thousand crore rupees investment in current financial year to boost Atmanirbhar shipping.
- US Federal Reserve keeps interest rates steady between 3.5 and 3.75 percent amid inflation concerns and global economic strain.
- In IPL Cricket, Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Mumbai Indians by six wickets at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
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