Times of India

Mamata Banerjee's 'Didi' brand faces its toughest test in West Bengal's elections, balancing welfare schemes and grassroots appeal against BJP's national push. Despite corruption allegations and voter fatigue, her maternalist state model and street-fighter persona remain key, as she rallies voters against perceived disenfranchisement and external forces.

Trinamool Congress supporters in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas protested against an Election Commission-appointed police observer, Ajay Pal Sharma. They accused him of intimidating party workers ahead of the second phase of polling. Sharma had warned of strict action against those influencing voters, prompting a strong response from TMC candidate Jahangir Khan.

A speeding luxury bus overturned on the Purvanchal Expressway in Sultanpur, injuring over 60 passengers. The bus, reportedly overloaded and driven by a conductor or helper, was traveling from Ludhiana to Azamgarh. Rescue operations were swift, with critically injured passengers transferred to higher medical facilities.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled a roadmap for southern India's transportation, highlighting a proposed bullet train network connecting key cities like Amaravati, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. This initiative aims to foster economic integration by drastically reducing travel times.

A Ukrainian drone strike ignited a massive fire at Russia's Tuapse oil refinery on the Black Sea, prompting evacuations. This major Rosneft facility, crucial for fuel exports, had previously halted operations after an earlier drone attack. Authorities are responding to the incident, with the Kremlin confirming measures are being taken.

China has ordered Meta to reverse its $2.5 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus within weeks, citing national security. Beijing claims authority over the Singapore-based firm's China-linked AI technology, demanding the return of assets and data. This move signals a strong warning to Chinese tech founders against exporting sensitive innovations to geopolitical rivals.

An 89-year-old man armed with a shotgun wounded an employee at a social security office in Athens before opening fire at a courthouse, injuring several more people. Police are actively searching for the suspect, with the motive behind the attacks currently unknown.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Priyansh Arya, and Prabhsimran Singh have all been in brilliant form this season​, and the contest is being viewed as a battle between two opening pairs.

Teenage years present challenges and parents can distinguish between healthy coping and avoidance by observing behavioural changes in teens. Signs like altered sleep, declining academic performance, substance use or intense anger may indicate underlying issues. Early recognition and open communication are crucial for providing support and seeking professional help when needed.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis stated a "lone wolf" stabbing of two security guards in Thane is being investigated as potential self-radicalisation. The accused, who recently returned from the US, allegedly targeted Hindus in the name of jihad. Investigators are exploring wider networks, with the ATS and NIA involved. Recovered notes suggest a desire to join ISIS.

West Bengal's final phase of assembly elections concluded today, with all eyes on exit poll projections due after 6:30 pm tomorrow. High voter turnout in the first phase across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry has heightened anticipation for the results. Vote counting for all states is scheduled for May 4.

The Supreme Court emphasized that religious institutions must operate under established norms, not anarchy, while hearing cases related to women's entry at places of worship. A nine-judge bench stated that the right to manage a religious institution requires regulation within constitutional limits to prevent discrimination and ensure orderly functioning.

On April 28, 2026, ‘Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge’ reached a worldwide gross of Rs. 1,779.02 crore, placing it just Rs. 10.54 crore away from beating ‘Baahubali 2’ to become the second highest-grossing Indian film globally. Directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, the film’s India net stands at Rs. 1,131.83 crore, continuing its pursuit of ‘Pushpa 2’s domestic record. Despite the IPL 2026 season and the release of ‘Bhooth Bangla,’ the espionage thriller remains a box office juggernaut.

A political storm brewed as TMC accused BJP of issuing death threats against Mamata Banerjee, citing a BJP spokesperson's remarks on a viral video of an election official. The BJP dismissed the allegations, calling them a "victim card." The controversy intensifies amid concerns of post-poll violence, with the EC deploying central forces.

A seemingly routine stabbing of two security guards in Mira Road escalated into a major security probe after disturbing notes indicating a desire to join ISIS were found at the accused's residence. The 31-year-old suspect, who previously lived in the US, allegedly targeted the guards after questioning their religion.

India’s imports of Russian crude oil have declined 20 per cent month-on-month in April to 1.57 million barrels per day, easing from the sharp surge recorded in March. The spike in March had been driven by the availability of floating cargoes during the Iran conflict.