Polling picked up pace in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal with impressive voter participation by 11 AM. Tamil Nadu recorded 37.56% turnout across 234 constituencies, while West Bengal saw 41.11% in its first phase covering 152 seats. Long queues at polling booths since early morning signaled strong public enthusiasm in the ongoing Assembly elections.

The Government of India has dismissed reports of petrol and diesel price hikes as fake and misleading. Officials clarified no such proposal exists. Authorities said such rumors aim to create panic, highlighting that fuel prices have remained stable for four years despite global volatility.

Amid speculation after Deepika Padukone announced her pregnancy, reports claimed her role in Raaka might be trimmed. However, the makers have dismissed these as baseless as per times of india report. They confirmed Deepika continues to play a crucial role alongside Allu Arjun in Raaka, directed by Atlee.

Team Varanasi is set to make its first global appearance at CCXP México 2026 on April 24 with an exclusive panel. The session will showcase behind-the-scenes footage and offer fans a chance to interact directly with the team, marking a major international step for the project.

Tamil Nadu recorded 17.69% voter turnout by 9 am across all 234 Assembly constituencies, with long queues seen since early morning. Meanwhile, West Bengal logged 18.76% turnout in the first phase of its 2026 Assembly polls, covering 152 constituencies, as voting continues amid tight security and brisk participation.

Amid heavy voter turnout in Tamil Nadu, actor-politician Vijay has reportedly written to the Election Commission, urging extra polling hours. He cited large crowds stranded at bus stations, raising concerns over voters missing their chance. The move comes as long queues and transport issues mark today’s high-voltage polling.

With both legends injured, it remains unclear if they will play in today’s Mumbai vs CSK clash. Dubbed the “El Clásico” of the IPL, fans are hoping both stars return to the battleground this evening.

Tamil Nadu Assembly elections polling happens today. All eyes are on Thalapathy Vijay's TVK Party's Performance. The votes TVK cuts will decide this election, according to the Pre-poll surveys. Vijay himself is contesting from two seats - Perambur and Trichy East. The counting will happen on May 4th and the results will be out on the same day.

Another tragedy has struck family of the late former Cantonment MLA, Sayanna. His wife, Geetha, has passed away while undergoing treatment in a Private Hospital due to health complications. Three years ago, the then MLA, Sayanna, passed away due to health issues. His daughter, Lasya Nanditha, was elected as the MLA. Later, she lost her life in a car accident.

Petrol and Diesel prices in India may rise by ₹25–28 per litre after the ongoing Assembly elections as high Crude Oil prices and Strait Of Hormuz disruptions squeeze refiners, according to Kotak Institutional Equities. The Geo-political tensions reportedly caused a burden of 27,000 Crore per month on the refiners.

Tharun Bhascker's Gaayapadda Simham is releasing on May 1st and is carrying good buzz in the trade. The movie will be having its Censor tomorrow. Dil Raju bought the First Copy of the film for an NRA amount. The movie will be clashing with Satya's Jetlee at the box office and both belong to same genre.

Ram Charan is doing some patchwork of Rai Rai Raa Raa song from Peddi in Ramoji Film City. There are 300 dancers present in the set erected there. Jani Master is composing steps in the song. The song was previously shot in two locations. The movie is being planned for June 25th release.

Nandamuri Balakrishna and Gopichand Malineni's new film is currently being shot in One Studio. The shoot is going on at a brisk pace. This is a Mafia Backdrop Story and Balakrishna will be seen in a Single Getup in the film. Nayantara is the heroine while Peddi Producer Kilaru Satish is bankrolling the film.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has seized two cargo vessels, including a ship bound for Gujarat, in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The action came amid escalating regional tensions and fragile ceasefire conditions. Reports say the ships were accused of violating navigation rules. The incident raises fresh concerns over global shipping security and oil route stability.

India is set to introduce the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) from May 1 under the new gaming law. The body will regulate, register, and monitor online games and esports across the country. It will also ensure compliance, handle approvals, and maintain a national gaming registry. Officials say it aims to bring transparency, safety, and structured growth to India’s fast-growing online gaming industry.

The Supreme Court strongly criticised West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee over her alleged interference during an Enforcement Directorate raid linked to I-PAC. The court observed that a sitting CM cannot obstruct an ongoing investigation and warned that such actions may endanger democratic institutions. It said constitutional offices must respect investigative independence and avoid turning probes into political confrontations.

Rajadhani files fame Bhanu is making a film which is the Biopic of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. He reportedly weaved an interesting story based on the important events in the life of the Senior Politician. The cast and crew details of the movie will be out soon.

After completing indoor schedules of crucial scenes, Venkatesh and Trivikram’s Adarsha Kutumbam team shot a fight sequence at Malakpet Metro Station. Billed as a crazy comedy-action entertainer, the film is now targeting an October release.

Tesla has launched the Model Y L Premium in India at ₹61.99 lakh. The SUV offers a 681 km range on a single charge and supports fast charging, adding over 250 km in just 15 minutes. With a dual-motor AWD system and 6-seat layout, it combines long-distance efficiency, quick charging capability, and premium performance for Indian EV buyers.

In a major relief, the High Court has directed authorities not to take any action based on the Justice PC Ghosh Commission report on alleged Kaleshwaram irregularities. The court observed that the commission failed to follow proper procedures. KCR and Harish Rao had approached the court challenging the report, securing temporary protection from further action.