ECI announces repolling for Falta Assembly seat in West Bengal on May 21

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday (May 2, 2026) announced repolling for Falta Assembly seat in South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal on May 21. The polling will be held in all 285 polling stations in the Assembly constituency. The votes will be counted May 24. On May 4, election results will be declared for 293 of 294 Assembly seats in the State, barring Falta.

Trump says U.S. could restart Iran strikes ‘if they misbehave’

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday (May 2, 2026) he had been told about the concept of a deal with Iran, but was waiting ‌for the exact wording, while warning there was still the possibility of restarting strikes on the country if ​Tehran misbehaves. A senior Iranian official said on Saturday (May 2, 2026) that an Iranian proposal so far rejected by Mr. Trump ⁠would open shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and end the U.S. blockade of Iran while leaving talks on Iran’s nuclear program for later.

Government officers, whether Central or State, belong to ECI during poll time, says Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Saturday (May 2, 2026) called it a “fallacy” nursed by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) party that West Bengal Government services’ employees owe allegiance to it and Central employees were loyal to or controlled by the political party ruling the Centre. They are employees of the government and are part of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in the exercise of their electoral duties during the poll time.

Finance Ministry notifies FDI easing for foreign firms with up to 10% Chinese stake under FEMA

The Finance Ministry has notified a decision to allow overseas companies with Chinese shareholding of up to 10% to invest in India under the automatic route under FEMA, according to a notification. In March, the Union Cabinet approved amendments in the press note (PN) 3 of 2020 of the DPIIT. As per the amendments, foreign companies having a Chinese/Hong Kong shareholding of up to 10% will be eligible to invest in India in sectors where FDI is permitted under the automatic route subject to sectoral conditions.

INDIA bloc likely to meet after poll results to discuss strategy on delimitation, women’s quota

The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc is likely to meet, once the results of the Assembly elections are declared on May 4, to discuss the way forward on the topic of women’s reservation, which has been tied up with the delimitation exercise and expansion of the Lok Sabha.

Delhi court rejects bail plea of Al Falah University chairman in money laundering case

A Delhi court on Saturday (May 2, 2026) rejected the regular bail plea of Al Falah University group Chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui in a money laundering case, after hearing arguments from him and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Additional Sessions Judge Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan declined relief, with a detailed order awaited. The ED opposed the bail, citing the gravity of allegations and the ongoing probe. Siddiqui, arrested in November 2025, is accused of generating illicit funds through student fees by misrepresenting institutional accreditation.

Bail order reminder that personal liberty can’t be sacrificed for political vendetta: Pawan Khera

Congress leader Pawan Khera said anticipatory bail granted to him by the Supreme Court is a reminder “to those who misuse state power” that personal liberty cannot be sacrificed for political vendetta “I thank the Hon’ble Supreme Court for upholding the rule of law, and Abhishek Singhvi along with the AICC Law Department for their timely and steadfast interventions. For the second time, Dr. Singhvi and his sharp team - Muhammad Khan and Omar Hoda – have defended my liberty amid sustained threats and intimidation by the Assam CM,” he said.

Jabalpur cruise tragedy: Death toll rises to 11 as bodies of two kids found; search continues

Two more dead bodies were recovered from the Bargi dam reservoir on Saturday (May 2, 2026), taking the death toll in the Jabalpur cruise tragedy to 11, even as rescuers and divers continue to search for remaining two victims, officials said. According to officials, at least 200 personnel of the Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Madhya Pradesh’s State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF), and local administration as well as local fishermen are involved in the search operation that has been going on for three days now, in an expanded area with the help of advanced equipment.

Stuck for over an hour, no response from police, says woman who confronted Maharashtra Minister for traffic jam

Teena Choudhry, who was seen in a video speaking to Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan during a traffic hold-up, has said police personnel ignored her for over an hour before the situation escalated. She added that the Minister was the only person in his rally who tried to hear her. Teena Choudhry, the woman who confronted Mr. Mahajan over a traffic jam, has released an account of the incident. She said she was stuck near Mahindra Taaz for more than an hour and received no response from police officers.

China rejects U.S. sanctions on refineries over Iran oil links

China will not comply with U.S. sanctions against five firms targeted for purchasing Iranian oil, Beijing’s Commerce Ministry said on Saturday (May 2, 2026). China is a key customer for Iranian oil, mainly through independent “teapot” refineries that rely on discounted crude from the Islamic republic.

India go down 0-3 to France in the Thomas Cup semifinals, settle for bronze

India’s hopes of reclaiming the title ended in disappointment as they went down 0-3 to France in the semifinals of the Thomas Cup Finals, settling for a bronze medal here on Saturday. The absence of Lakshya Sen proved costly as HS Prannoy joined Ayush Shetty and Kidambi Srikanth in defeat, losing 19-21, 16-21 to world No. 17 Toma Junior Popov, as India failed to win a single game in a completely one-sided contest.