Supporters of the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party clashed in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas during repolling at 15 booths, officials said. The repoll was ordered by the Election Commission of India after complaints of malpractice. Voting began peacefully in Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour. Tensions rose in Falta, where residents alleged threats. “They said they will burn our houses,” a woman said. Another resident said, “We voted for Trinamool, yet they attacked us.” Turnout crossed 55% by afternoon. Fresh complaints were also raised over EVM strong room handling. 

Air India will reduce several international flights between May and July due to high fuel costs and airspace limits. CEO Campbell Wilson said many routes have become unprofitable. “A massive rise in jet fuel prices and longer flying routes have caused many flights to become unprofitable,” he told staff. Airspace restrictions linked to the West Asia conflict have forced longer routes and higher fuel use. The airline will cut services to Europe, North America, Australia, and Singapore. “The situation remains extremely challenging,” Wilson said, adding that fare hikes have also reduced demand. (PC: India Today)

At least 13 people, including women and a child, were killed in Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese health ministry said. Eight people died in Haboush after evacuation warnings were issued by the Israel Defense Forces. Four others were killed in Zrarieh and one in Ain Baal. At least 32 people were injured. Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has continued despite a ceasefire extension. Hezbollah said it targeted Israeli soldiers, while Israel reported one soldier killed earlier this week. The military said it carried out “around 50 strikes in the last day” in southern Lebanon. (PC: BBC)

India and Bangladesh have started steps to restore full visa services after months of strain. Bangladesh has resumed visas for Indian citizens in all categories. India plans a gradual restart of its visa services in the coming weeks. Riaz Hamidullah said operations that were paused last year were restored in February. Officials said visa services for Bangladesh citizens are now running at limited capacity, with priority for medical and family cases. The two sides are also working on improving political ties. High-level meetings and closer cooperation in trade and energy may follow soon. (PC: The Indian Express)

Zohran Mamdani faced criticism after saying he would urge King Charles III to return the Kohinoor diamond before meeting him at the 9/11 Memorial. Critics described the remark as “rude” and said it focused too much on colonial issues during a sensitive visit. Mamdani made the comment before the brief interaction, though officials shared no details about what was discussed. The Kohinoor has long been a subject of dispute between India and the UK. The exchange drew political reactions, with some questioning Mamdani’s approach. (PC: X)

Around 55% voter turnout was recorded in two West Bengal seats during repolling on Saturday. Magrahat Paschim saw about 56.3% turnout, while Diamond Harbour recorded 54.6% till 1 pm. Repolling is being held at 15 booths in South 24 Parganas after complaints of EVM tampering. The Election Commission of India ordered fresh voting in 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbour. “Repolls have been ordered in these polling stations,” an official said. Earlier, the poll panel received at least 77 complaints. Issues included taped buttons and ink marks on EVMs, which affected voting.

Naveen Patnaik said rapes and murders have become a “daily affair” in Odisha and claimed some countries have advised their women citizens not to travel to the state. The BJD president made the remarks outside the Assembly and during a discussion on women’s participation in democracy. He criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party government, saying it has failed to ensure women’s safety. “Major embassies have told their women citizens not to visit Odisha,” he said. The BJP came to power in 2024 after defeating the BJD, which ruled the state for 24 years. (PC: X)

Iran’s armed forces said a conflict with the United States could resume and claimed Washington is not honouring agreements. Mohammad Jafar Asadi said “evidence shows the US is not committed to any agreements or treaties.” He added that US actions are “media-driven” and aimed at managing oil prices. Iran said its forces remain on high alert and are ready to respond. The remarks come amid a fragile ceasefire between the two sides. Donald Trump recently said he was “not satisfied” with Iran’s proposal for talks. The ceasefire has been in place for about three weeks. (PC: India Today)

Preliminary tests by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found no adulteration in the watermelon eaten by a Mumbai family before their deaths. Other food samples also tested clean. Officials said the cause of death is still unknown. Police are waiting for the Kalina forensic lab report to confirm whether it was food poisoning or a toxic substance. “Only the FSL report will establish the cause,” an official said. Doctors had earlier noted the symptoms were not typical of food poisoning, as the condition worsened very quickly after the family fell ill after eating watermelon. (PC: The Indian Express)

Donald Trump said Iran should be allowed to take part in the FIFA World Cup 2026, adding “let them play”. Iran’s participation had been uncertain after recent US and Israeli strikes. Gianni Infantino had earlier confirmed that Iran would compete and play matches in the United States. Trump said, “If Gianni said it, I’m OK.” He added, “You do whatever you want.” Iran is set to begin its campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles. The issue had raised questions about safety and travel amid ongoing tensions between the two countries. (PC: X)