Here are the top 5 stories for the day

Exit polls 2026: Focus shifts to projections as voting ends

With the final phase of assembly elections in West Bengal concluded, attention has turned to exit polls, set to be released after 6:30 pm in line with Election Commission of India guidelines. Strong voter turnout across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry has raised expectations ahead of counting on May 4, with tight contests anticipated in several regions. As per EC norms, exit polls cannot be published until 30 minutes after voting ends in the final phase. Follow live updates

Bengal Elections phase 2 voting 2026 Live Updates: Mamata accuses CRPF of ‘atrocities’, casts ballot in Kolkata

As polling in West Bengal concluded with Phase 2 on Wednesday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp attack on the Central Reserve Police Force after casting her vote at Mitra Institution in Bhabanipur, alleging intimidation of party workers and polling agents at booths. “The atrocities by the central forces are unprecedented. What is happening is not at all free and fair polls,” she said. Follow live updates

‘They better get smart soon’: Trump warns Iran to ‘get their act together’ amid stalled nuclear talks

US president Donald Trump criticised Iran’s approach to ongoing negotiations, saying the country “doesn’t know how to sign a non-nuclear deal” and warning it to “get smart soon.” “Iran can’t get their act together. They don’t know how to sign a nonnuclear deal. They better get smart soon!” Trump said through a post on Truth Social. Read full story

Ganga Expressway, UP’s longest expressway, inaugurated by PM Modi

Ganga Expressway, the longest expressway so far in Uttar Pradesh, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The 594 kilometres long Ganga expressway is a six-lane expressway that aims to reduce the travel time between Meerut and Prayagraj to just 6 hours! Read full story

Epstein silence, subtle messaging and NATO push: Key takeaways from King Charles III’s historic US speech

King Charles III used his first US visit as monarch to mark 250 years of American independence while navigating diplomatic strains, delivering a rare address to Congress that acknowledged differences with Donald Trump’s administration but emphasised shared democratic values, strong alliances like NATO, support for Ukraine, and the urgency of climate action, all while using humour to ease tensions. Read full story