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Evening news wrap EC announced assembly poll dates for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry, with results due on May 4.Iran said the war will end only when it is sure future US-Israel attacks cannot be repeated, as fighting intensified.Rahul Gandhi urged PM Modi to confer the Bharat Ratna posthumously on BSP founder Kanshi Ram.Mamata Banerjee raised honorariums for priests and muezzins and announced DA arrears just before the poll code kicked in.Middle East tensions, crude oil prices, FII flows and the US Fed decision are likely to drive Indian markets this week. TMC MP Mahua Moitra Accuses BJP Workers Of Bringing -Jungle Raj- To West Bengal Here are the top news of the day:EC announces poll schedule for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and PuducherryThe Election Commission announced assembly election dates for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry, with polling scheduled between April 9 and April 29 and results on May 4. West Bengal will vote in two phases on April 23 and 29, while Tamil Nadu votes on April 23. Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will go to polls in a single phase on April 9. Read full storyIran says war will end only when future US-Israel strikes are ruled outIran’s foreign minister said the conflict with the US and Israel will end only when Tehran is certain such attacks “cannot be repeated”, while claiming Iran has evidence US bases in the Middle East were used in strikes. As fighting entered a third week, Israel approved $827 million in emergency military funding for munitions and urgent combat needs. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: ‘All oil and energy infrastructure will turn to ashes,’ says Iran after US hits Kharg Island’Must take care’: Trump urges nations to send warships to Strait of Hormuz as conflict with Iran intensifiesUS military supremacy shines as China fails big in Iran, VenezuelaFollow live updatesRahul Gandhi urges PM Modi to confer Bharat Ratna on Kanshi RamLeader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding a posthumous Bharat Ratna for BSP founder Kanshi Ram, calling him a “warrior of social justice” and a symbol of Bahujan empowerment. Rahul said the honour would recognise Kanshi Ram’s lasting contribution to Indian politics and the aspirations of millions. Read full storyMamata raises honorarium for priests, muezzins ahead of poll datesWest Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced a Rs 500 hike in the monthly honorarium for priests and muezzins, taking it to Rs 2,000, just hours before the Election Commission was set to announce assembly poll dates. She also approved all fresh applications under the scheme and said pending DA arrears under ROPA 2009 would start being paid from March 2026. Read full storyMiddle East war, crude prices to drive Dalal Street this weekDevelopments in the Middle East conflict and crude oil prices are expected to be the biggest drivers for Indian markets this week, after a bruising selloff on Dalal Street. Analysts said investors will closely track the Strait of Hormuz situation, Brent crude near $100 a barrel, FII outflows, the rupee and the US Federal Reserve’s rate decision. Read full storyAbout the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC MP Mahua Moitra Accuses BJP Workers Of Bringing -Jungle Raj- To West Bengal‘Chai-Pakora At Parl Door’: Amit Shah Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi Over LPG Protest, AI Summit Row7 Indian Pilgrims Killed, Several Injured After Bus Slips Off Mountain Road In NepalInfiltration Bid Foiled In J&K: Pakistani Terrorist Killed In Army-Police Joint Operation In Uri‘Because I Am Brahmin…’: Mani Shankar Aiyar Slams BJP, Clarifies ‘Neech Aadmi’ Comment On PM Modi‘Act Of Aggression’: India Strongly Condemns Pakistan’s Air Strikes On AfghanistanSupreme Court Asked to Phase Out IPS Deputation, But CAPF Bill Does The OppositeIndian Navy Warships On Standby Near Persian Gulf To Assist Vessels In Hormuz Amid West Asia WarTharoor Exposes Reality of LPG Shortages, Questions Modi Govt’s Claims”India Facing Difficult Time…” Former Foreign Secretary On India’s Strategic Loss In West Asia123PhotostoriesPriyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Rashmika Mandanna: Pan-Indian actresses who conquered multiple film industries10 ways Kathal or Jackfruit is prepared across India6 Biggest Controversies in Oscars History: From Will Smith’s slap to ‘Envelope-gate’ Best Picture mix-upArtery ageing in your 30s? 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