Vijay received the Governor’s approval to form the government in Tamil Nadu after the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam secured additional backing from the CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML. The development ended days of political uncertainty after the Assembly election produced a hung verdict. TVK had initially fallen short of the majority mark despite emerging as the single largest party. Following a meeting between Vijay and the Governor at Lok Bhavan on Friday, support from allied parties helped TVK cross the required threshold to form the government. The move marks a major political breakthrough for Vijay and signals a dramatic shift in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape after the closely contested election. (PC: X)

Spain is preparing a large-scale health operation as the hantavirus-affected cruise ship MV Hondius approaches Tenerife. The Dutch-flagged vessel, carrying 149 passengers and crew from 23 countries, will anchor at Granadilla port without docking. Authorities confirmed no direct contact with the local population will be allowed. Spanish nationals onboard will be transferred to a military hospital in Madrid, while foreign passengers will be repatriated directly via chartered flights coordinated by countries including the U.K. and U.S. Spain’s Health Minister Mónica García called it an “unprecedented operation” involving WHO coordination. Three passengers have died and at least eight confirmed or suspected infections remain linked to the outbreak. (PC: X)

Nepal on Friday reiterated its commitment to resolving its border dispute with India through diplomatic dialogue, amid renewed tensions over the Lipulekh Pass route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Chhetri said Nepal had conveyed its concerns to both India and China regarding the pilgrimage route through territory Kathmandu claims as its own. Nepal maintains that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani belong to it under the 1816 Sugauli Treaty. India recently rejected Nepal’s objections, calling the territorial claims an “unilateral artificial enlargement.” The annual pilgrimage will run from June to August through Lipulekh Pass and Nathu La. (PC: X)

Keir Starmer ruled out resigning after early local election results showed major losses for the Labour Party across England. Labour was projected to lose 249 seats in contests spanning 136 councils and around 5,000 councilor positions. Speaking in London, Starmer admitted the results were “really tough” but insisted he would not “walk away and plunge the country into chaos.” The results reflected a difficult political climate for both Labour and the Conservatives, while the nationalist Reform UK appeared to gain momentum. The elections are being closely watched as a key indicator of shifting public sentiment and the evolving balance of political power across the United Kingdom.

Suvendu Adhikari was formally announced as West Bengal’s next Chief Minister by Amit Shah after the BJP’s historic Assembly election victory. Addressing BJP MLAs in Kolkata, Adhikari declared “bhoy out, bhorsha in” (fear out, trust in), promising a government focused on women’s safety, governance and building a “Sonar Bangla”. The BJP secured 207 seats in the 294-member Assembly, paving the way for its first government in Bengal. Adhikari credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for the victory and pledged to implement every manifesto promise. The oath ceremony will take place at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata in the presence of senior BJP leaders.

The World Health Organization has clarified that the recent hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius is not comparable to Covid-19 or influenza, stressing that the virus spreads very differently. WHO officials said the Andes strain involved can pass between humans only through prolonged close contact, unlike airborne viruses such as Covid. The outbreak has so far caused three deaths and several confirmed infections across multiple countries. Health authorities are tracing passengers and monitoring possible exposures after some travelers disembarked before quarantine measures began. WHO believes the outbreak remains limited and manageable, though additional cases may still emerge due to the virus’s long incubation period. (PC: NDTV)

China has officially confirmed that it provided support to Pakistan during last year’s military confrontation with India, marking a rare public acknowledgment of Beijing’s involvement. The statement, reported by Chinese and Indian media, has intensified concerns in New Delhi over the growing China-Pakistan strategic alliance. The conflict followed India’s Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam terror attack, which triggered days of military escalation between India and Pakistan. Analysts say China’s admission could reshape regional security calculations and deepen tensions across South Asia. India has not issued a detailed response yet, but the development is expected to influence future defence and diplomatic strategies. (PC: The Hindu)

Indonesia’s Mount Dukono volcano erupted violently on Halmahera Island, killing at least three hikers and trapping several others near the crater. Authorities said the eruption sent ash nearly 10 kilometres into the sky, forcing emergency teams to suspend rescue efforts temporarily due to dangerous conditions. Among the dead were two foreign tourists and one Indonesian national. Officials confirmed that many hikers had ignored safety warnings and entered a restricted zone despite heightened volcanic activity. Seventeen climbers were rescued, while several injured survivors were taken to hospital. Indonesia, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” frequently faces deadly volcanic eruptions and seismic disasters.

The BJP formally chose Suvendu Adhikari as the next Chief Minister of West Bengal following the party’s landmark Assembly election victory. Senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh proposed Adhikari’s name during the legislature party meeting in Kolkata, attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The decision ends 15 years of Trinamool Congress rule led by Mamata Banerjee. Adhikari, known as BJP’s “giant killer,” defeated Banerjee in a high-profile electoral battle, strengthening his position as the party’s top Bengal leader. His swearing-in ceremony is expected on May 9. (PC: NDTV)

Tensions in the Middle East escalated after the UAE said it intercepted Iranian missiles and drones targeting the country, leaving three people injured. The attacks came amid renewed clashes between Iran and the United States near the Strait of Hormuz despite an ongoing ceasefire claim by Washington. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of launching a “reckless military adventure” and warned that Iran would not bow to pressure. The US said its forces retaliated after Iranian attacks on American destroyers in the region. Rising conflict fears also pushed global oil prices higher and unsettled international markets. (PC: HT)