Times of India

The SIR of electoral rolls became one of the most fiercely debated issues in the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections, with the exercise significantly reshaping the state’s voter base before polling. Nearly 91 lakh names, around 12 per cent of the electorate, were removed during the revision process. Of these, more than 60 lakh voters were marked as deceased, while nearly 27 lakh cases remained pending or under scrutiny.

Soha Ali Khan recounted a terrifying 2011 home invasion where her husband, Kunal Kemmu, confronted the intruder while she stood by, admitting her fear and desire to be braver. She also shared insights into her family dynamics, including seeking relationship advice from brother Saif Ali Khan and getting amusing updates from Kareena Kapoor Khan.

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat asserts her eligibility for the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, despite the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) stance. WFI claims she must complete disciplinary proceedings and adhere to a mandatory notice period for retired athletes. Phogat argues she informed United World Wrestling of her intent to resume competition, but the federation remains unconvinced.

TVK MLA J C D Prabhakar has filed his nomination for the Speaker of the Tamil Nadu assembly, poised for an unopposed election. The 73-year-old, a former AIADMK member, brings significant legislative experience to the role, balancing the ruling combine's youthful image.

An SBI ATM booth in Danapur, Bihar, has been repurposed into a hair salon, baffling unsuspecting customers. The kiosk retains its original exterior, leading many to enter expecting to withdraw cash, only to find haircuts in progress. The property owner reportedly rented the space after ATM operations ceased, with the tenant converting it into a barber shop.

India's nuclear journey began with the 1974 'Peaceful Nuclear Explosion' at Pokhran, making it the sixth nation to harness atomic power for defence. Driven by regional security concerns, India conducted the 'Operation Shakti' tests in 1998, solidifying its status as a nuclear power. These advancements underscore India's strategic capabilities and technological prowess.

Mumbai Indians crashed out of the IPL after a loss to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, marking their sixth consecutive season without a trophy. Inconsistent performances from the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma and a lack of support for Jasprit Bumrah have plagued the team. Yet, Head coach Mahela Jayawardene continues to back the 'core group' despite the struggles.

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink refutes AI bubble concerns, citing a significant shortage in computing capacity, chips, and memory. He predicts a future where financial markets will trade futures of compute, highlighting the growing demand for AI infrastructure. BlackRock is actively investing in data centers and energy assets to meet this demand.

Kerala's next chief minister remains undecided as the Congress high command deliberates between K C Venugopal, V D Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala. Lobbying intensifies for the top post, with leaders awaiting a final decision based on merit and political considerations. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are key in the process, urging unity and discipline.

Virat Kohli watched Urvil Patel's explosive innings for Chennai Super Kings. Patel hit the joint-fastest IPL fifty in just 13 balls. He smashed six sixes in his first eight balls, a new IPL record. Patel scored 65 off 23 balls. Chennai Super Kings won the match by five wickets. Lucknow Super Giants had earlier scored 203/8.

Fed up with their 32-year-old son's drug addiction and abuse, parents and his younger brother allegedly hired a contract killer for Rs 5 lakh to murder him. The mother even sold her jewellery for an advance payment. The son was found strangled to death and his body dumped in a canal.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a dramatic two-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians on the final ball, eliminating MI from the tournament. Despite a late surge, MI's captain's final over gamble didn't pay off. RCB's win propels them to the top of the IPL 2026 points table, boosting their playoff aspirations.

Amid global energy disruptions, PM Modi urged Indians to conserve foreign exchange by reducing reliance on imported fuel. He advocated for public transport, work-from-home, avoiding overseas trips and non-essential gold purchases for a year. The Prime Minister also encouraged farmers to halve chemical fertilizer use and shift towards natural farming.

India and UAE are finalizing an agreement to facilitate the evacuation of Indian workers via Fujairah port, a move likely to be signed during PM Modi's upcoming stopover. This pact addresses potential disruptions from the West Asia conflict, offering a crucial maritime route for over 4 million Indian workers in the UAE.

Says next phase of reform can no longer focus only on infra

Himanta Biswa Sarma has been appointed Assam's chief minister by governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, marking the NDA's third consecutive term. Following his unanimous election as leader of the BJP-led NDA legislature party, Sarma staked his claim with support from 102 MLAs. He will be sworn in on May 12, with Prime Minister Modi expected to attend.

I'll be the only power centre, says Vijay after taking oath as TN CM

Bengal's new Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, is considering relocating his Kolkata residence to the underutilized Soujanya complex in Alipore. Police have assessed the security at the palatial building, constructed for VVIPs. Adhikari, who has emphasized accessibility at his ancestral home, may opt for the more centralized Soujanya due to security needs.