Russia marked its annual Victory Day parade in Moscow with a significantly reduced military display amid ongoing security fears linked to the Ukraine war. President Vladimir Putin attended the Red Square ceremony and vowed victory in what the Kremlin calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine. Unlike previous years, the parade featured no tanks or heavy military hardware, reflecting both battlefield pressures and fears of Ukrainian attacks. North Korean troops who reportedly assisted Russian forces also participated. Tight security measures surrounded the event, while fighter jets flew above Moscow. The scaled-back celebration highlighted the prolonged strain of the war on Russia’s military and economy. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine from May 9 to May 11, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day commemorations marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The temporary truce includes a suspension of military operations and a major prisoner exchange involving 1,000 detainees from each side. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the agreement, though both nations previously accused each other of violating earlier ceasefires. Trump described the development as a hopeful step toward broader peace negotiations in the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict. (PC: Getty Images)

Suvendu Adhikari took oath as West Bengal’s first-ever BJP Chief Minister, marking a historic political shift after the BJP ended the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule in the state. The swearing-in ceremony at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior NDA leaders and thousands of supporters. BJP secured over 200 seats in the 294-member Assembly, delivering a massive defeat to Mamata Banerjee and the TMC. Adhikari described the moment as the beginning of a “Sonar Bangla” era, signaling a major transformation in West Bengal politics. (PC: The Hindu)

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has issued a show-cause notice to wrestler Vinesh Phogat, accusing her of indiscipline, anti-doping violations and breaches of federation rules. WFI declared her ineligible to compete in domestic events until June 26, ruling her out of the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda. The federation alleged that Phogat failed to complete the mandatory six-month notice period required after returning from retirement and also questioned her participation in two weight categories during 2024 trials. The Olympian has been given 14 days to respond. The controversy further deepens the ongoing conflict between Phogat and WFI leadership. (PC: HT)

Actor-politician Vijay received a major political boost after the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) officially extended support to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), helping the party cross the crucial 118-seat majority mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly. Congress, CPI and CPI(M) had already backed TVK following the fractured election verdict. With the support letters in place, Vijay is expected to formally stake claim to form the next government before Governor Rajendra Arlekar. The dramatic alliance shift marks a historic moment in Tamil Nadu politics, with Vijay now poised to become Chief Minister after TVK’s stunning electoral debut. (PC: NDTV)

Tamil Nadu’s post-election political drama intensified after reports suggested that the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi chief could become a consensus Chief Minister candidate in a possible alliance involving the AIADMK and DMK. The move reportedly emerged amid efforts to block actor-politician Vijay and his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government after a fractured mandate. However, negotiations faced resistance, with alliance arithmetic and leadership disagreements complicating the plan. Meanwhile, VCK later extended support to Vijay’s TVK, helping the party move closer to the majority mark needed to form the government, significantly reshaping Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. (PC: NDTV)

Uncertainty over government formation in Tamil Nadu continued on Saturday as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) delayed announcing its stand on supporting actor-politician C Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). TVK, which won 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, needs 118 seats to form the government. Congress, CPI and CPI(M) have already extended support, leaving TVK short by one seat. VCK, which won two seats, has emerged as the key player in the political deadlock. VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan said the party would announce its final decision later in the day after internal consultations. (PC: X)

An Indian sailor was killed and four others suffered burn injuries after a wooden cargo dhow caught fire near the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. Seventeen Indian crew members were rescued by a passing vessel operating in the area, according to sources. The injured sailors are undergoing treatment in Dubai and are reported to be safe. Officials from the Indian Consulate in Dubai met the rescued crew members and are coordinating with the dhow owner to provide assistance. The incident comes amid continued tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important oil shipping routes. (PC: X)

A cryptic message by AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has intensified speculation that actor-politician Vijay may have quietly secured enough support to form the next government in Tamil Nadu.   Without naming any party, Palaniswami congratulated the “party forming the government” after the Assembly results, triggering fresh political chatter at a time when Vijay’s TVK is locked in a tense numbers battle. TVK emerged as the single-largest party with 107 seats in the 234-member Assembly, still short of the 118-seat majority mark.   Congress, CPI and CPI(M) have already backed Vijay, while all eyes are now on Thol Thirumavalavan and the VCK, whose decision could prove decisive in government formation.   The suspense has deepened with reports of backchannel talks, late-night negotiations and lobbying by smaller parties. Vijay has also met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar multiple times to stake claim, while Raj Bhavan is understood to be waiting for formal proof of majority support before inviting any alliance to form the government. (PC: India today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday touched the feet of 98-year-old veteran BJP worker Makhanlal Sarkar during a public event in West Bengal. Sarkar is considered one of the BJP’s earliest grassroots leaders in the state and had accompanied Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee during the Kashmir movement in 1952. BJP leaders said Sarkar played a major role in expanding the party organisation in North Bengal after 1980. State BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya also recalled Sarkar’s arrest during the Congress era for singing a nationalist song.