Good evening, everyone. Here is a clear and student-friendly roundup of the most important national, legal, business and international news of the day.
Each update explains what happened, where it happened, and why it matters, helping students stay informed about key developments in India and around the world.
National News
- Exit Polls: UDF ahead in Kerala, TMC staring at upset in WB, DMK back in Tamil Nadu, BJP in Assam
Exit polls released on Wenesday concluded across Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry indicate a highly varied political outcome, with no single national pattern emerging. While the BJP appears strong in Assam, the Congress-led UDF is projected to make a comeback in Kerala, and regional parties continue to dominate in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
- Repoll likely if EVM tampering found in Bengal
In Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal said repolling may be ordered in booths where EVM tampering is detected. The statement highlights strict monitoring measures to ensure fair elections.
- Over 78 per cent turnout in Bengal polls amid tensions
In West Bengal, voter turnout crossed 78 per cent in the second phase of Assembly elections. The contest between Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari intensified, with reports of sporadic violence in some areas.
- Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari visit same polling area
In Bhabanipur, both Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari reached the same booth area during polling. The development underlined the high-stakes political battle in the Chief Minister's constituency.
- Protests during BJP candidate's booth visit in Bengal
In North 24 Parganas, BJP candidate Ratna Debnath faced protests from TMC workers while visiting a polling booth. The incident added to tensions during the ongoing elections.
- Healthcare access improves across India, says NSO survey
In New Delhi, a National Statistical Office survey reported a significant increase in healthcare access across the country. The improvement is linked to government initiatives, expanded public health services, and wider insurance coverage.
- PM Modi inaugurates Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 594-km-long Ganga Expressway connecting Meerut to Prayagraj. The project is expected to boost connectivity and economic development in the region.
- CBSE denies glitches in Class 12 evaluation process
In New Delhi, CBSE rejected claims of delays or technical issues in evaluating Class 12 answer sheets. The board said results are on schedule and likely to be announced in the third week of May.
- 43 insurgents to surrender in Mizoram
In Aizawl, officials said 43 members of a Hmar insurgent group will surrender and lay down arms. The move is seen as a step towards peace and stability in the region.
- Supreme Court questions temple entry rights in Sabarimala case
In New Delhi, the Supreme Court questioned how a non-believer can claim the right to enter the Sabarimala temple. The court said it must examine whether the claim is made by a devotee or non-devotee.
- No legal gap in handling hate speech, says Supreme Court
In New Delhi, the Supreme Court stated that existing criminal laws are sufficient to deal with hate speech cases. The court said there is no need for additional legislation on the issue.
- India's gold demand rises 10 per cent in Q1
In Mumbai, the World Gold Council reported that India's gold demand rose by 10 per cent to 151 tonnes in the first quarter. The increase was driven mainly by higher investment demand due to rising gold prices.
International News
- Sri Lanka resumes Chemmani mass grave excavation
In Colombo, a Sri Lankan court ordered the resumption of excavation at a mass grave site in Chemmani. The site dates back to the civil war period and the process will take place under diplomatic observation.
To be updated.
- Ceasefire shatters: Gaza continues to burn as Israel says Hamas operative killed
The Israel Defense Forces has said it killed a senior Hamas intelligence official in an airstrike in Gaza, while also carrying out strikes on Hezbollah-linked targets in southern Lebanon. The developments come amid ongoing tensions and continued reports of casualties despite a ceasefire framework.
- 'Prepare for extended blockade': Trump tells aides to target Iran's economy
US president Donald Trump has asked his aides to prepare for an extended blockade of Iran, according to reports citing US officials reported by The Wall Street Journal.
- King Charles III addresses Congress: Subtle critiques of Trump amid 250th anniversary
King Charles III commemorated the 250th anniversary of the United States' independence from Britain on Tuesday, expressing profound appreciation for the development of "one of the most consequential alliances in human history" while cautioning against "the clarion calls to become ever more inward-looking."
- Europe becomes fastest-warming continent as climate crisis worsens
Europe is now facing climate change at a pace that is outstripping every other continent, according to a new UN-backed report that warns of rapidly intensifying heat, fires, and environmental breakdown across the region.
- White House says Iran 'talks ongoing' despite Trump's sharp warning and tensions
The White House has confirmed that negotiations with Iran are continuing despite escalating tensions in West Asia. According to spokesperson Anna Kelly, US officials are still in contact with Iranian representatives, even as the region faces heightened military and political strain.