West Bengal is witnessing a dramatic political shift as the Bharatiya Janata Party surges ahead in early counting trends, crossing the crucial halfway mark in the 294-seat assembly. Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress are facing their toughest challenge in 15 years, with key strongholds like Kolkata and Howrah showing signs of slipping away. Suvendu Adhikari, once a close aide of Mamata, has emerged as a central figure in BJP’s aggressive push. Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee has raised concerns over alleged counting irregularities, urging party workers to stay alert until the final results are declared.

A chemical tanker carrying 12 Indian crew members came under fire near Oman on April 25, raising fresh concerns over safety in the Gulf region. The vessel, identified as MT Siron, was sailing near the outer port limits of Shinas when Iranian Coast Guard units fired warning shots during an intervention. All Indian crew members on board have been reported safe, but the incident has intensified worries about maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping routes. Indian authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with multiple agencies to ensure the safety of seafarers.