Reports say US President Donald Trump has been briefed by CENTCOM on updated military options for potential targeted strikes on Iran, though no final decision has been made. The plans reportedly include precision attacks on key infrastructure and other contingency operations amid stalled diplomatic talks. At the same time, the US has sent around 6,500 tonnes of munitions and military equipment to Israel in 24 hours, signaling heightened regional readiness. The developments come amid rising tensions in the Middle East, increasing concerns over possible escalation and broader conflict in the region.

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya called the Assembly polls an “election of rejection” of Mamata Banerjee and her party, the Trinamool Congress. Speaking before results, he said issues like “teacher recruitment scams” and unemployment hurt the ruling party. He claimed the BJP could cross 200 seats. Bhattacharya said the campaign focused on “Bengal first” and identity. “She will not be able to do anything this time,” he said. He added the party worked to place agents at every booth and build confidence. Results for the high-stakes election will be announced soon. (PC: India Today)

The death toll in the Bargi Dam boat accident rose to 11 after two more children were found. The cruise had capsized during a storm in Jabalpur. Captain Mahesh Patel said, “I haven’t eaten or slept in three days. I only see those children.” He said he told passengers to wear life jackets as weather worsened. Survivors claimed jackets were not given at the start. A probe is looking into safety lapses. Officials said strong winds hit the boat near an island. Rescue teams continue search operations for missing people. (PC: India Today)

The Trinamool Congress alleged that a BJP-linked vehicle entered a strong room in Kolkata without proper checks. Party workers staged a protest over the claim. The Election Commission of India is overseeing counting set for May 4. Meanwhile, the poll panel ordered a full repoll in Falta in South 24 Parganas. It cited “severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process”. Voting will be held again on May 21 with strict security. Political leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party and TMC exchanged sharp reactions over the developments. (PC: HT)

Pakistan faced criticism after a map shown at talks with Afghanistan left out parts of its own regions. The map appeared during a meeting in Istanbul aimed at easing tensions. Social media users in Pakistan flagged errors in areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Some said the upper section was “clearly inaccurate”. The talks were held in a Track 1.5 format with former officials and experts. They were organised by the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation. Reports said some outlets later removed images showing the incorrect map after backlash.

Family members of jailed Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi say her health has sharply declined. They said she was moved from prison in Zanjan to a local hospital at the last moment. Her brother, Hamidreza Mohammadi, said her blood pressure dropped and doctors could not stabilise it. He said she had earlier collapsed in prison after a suspected heart attack. The Narges Mohammadi Foundation said she was denied proper medical care during detention. The Norwegian Nobel Committee also warned her life remains at risk and called for better treatment. (PC: BBC)

At least nine people, including a one-year-old child, died in a fire at a four-storey building in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar. Four others were injured. Police said the fire broke out early morning and spread across upper floors. Five bodies were found on the second floor. Three were recovered from a locked staircase area. One body was found on the first floor. Officials suspect an AC blast may have caused the fire, but the exact reason is not confirmed. Around 12 fire tenders were sent to the spot. A senior officer said, “10 to 15 people were rescued.” Rajnath Singh expressed grief over the deaths. (PC: X) 

The Jammu and Kashmir government has completed the takeover of 58 schools linked to the Jamaat-e-Islami through the Falah-e-Aam Trust. Officials said these schools were under the trust’s influence. Administrative control has been given to nearby government school principals. Some school heads said, “The takeover has effectively stripped us of our autonomy.” Others said daily work remains mostly unchanged. The move is part of a wider action that began in 2022 and expanded in 2025. These schools were known as affordable options with strong results. The government said the step was taken in the interest of students. (PC: The Indian Express)

Fresh reports claim gunshots were fired near comedian Kapil Sharma’s Kap’s Cafe in Surrey, Canada. This is said to be the fourth such incident since 2025. Social media posts linked the firing to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and claimed threats were issued to Sharma and the cafe owner. The posts warned him to “fall in line”. However, these claims have not been officially confirmed. Earlier, similar firing incidents were reported in July, August and October 2025. Sharma had said earlier that local authorities may lack control over such incidents. The situation has raised concerns about safety around the cafe. (PC: News18)

Traffic on the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway in Pune was hit after hundreds of people blocked the road to protest the rape and murder of a 3.5-year-old girl. The protest took place near Navale Bridge, where family members placed the child’s body and demanded strict punishment. Police said a 65-year-old man has been arrested and has confessed to the crime. The protest began as a sit-in but later led to heavy traffic jams. Authorities issued advisories and later cleared the road. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he would seek capital punishment for the accused. (PC: HT)