Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has reportedly warned that all 107 of its MLAs may resign if the rival DMK and AIADMK join hands to form the next Tamil Nadu government. The warning comes amid intense political uncertainty after TVK emerged as the single-largest party with 108 seats but fell short of the majority mark. Sources said Vijay’s camp views any DMK-AIADMK alliance as a betrayal of the public mandate for political change. Congress has already extended conditional support to TVK, while negotiations with smaller parties continue. The Governor has reportedly asked Vijay to prove support from at least 118 MLAs before staking claim. (PC: PTI)

India remained the world’s largest recipient of remittances in 2024, receiving over $137 billion from overseas Indians, according to the UN-backed International Organization for Migration’s World Migration Report 2026. India became the only country to cross the $100 billion mark, far ahead of Mexico, the Philippines and France. The report highlighted the growing economic contribution of the Indian diaspora and noted strong remittance growth across South Asia. Since 2010, India’s remittance inflows have steadily surged from $53 billion to nearly $138 billion. The UN also said India is working to convert “brain drain” into “brain gain” through diaspora engagement and innovation initiatives. (PC: Reuters)

West Bengal Governor RN Ravi dissolved the state assembly on May 7 after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refused to resign following the Trinamool Congress’s crushing defeat in the 2026 Assembly elections. The BJP secured over 200 seats, while Mamata alleged the mandate was “looted” and questioned the election process. The Governor issued the dissolution order under Article 174 of the Constitution as the assembly’s five-year term expired. The political standoff triggered debates over constitutional procedures, caretaker governance, and possible legal challenges. The BJP has demanded her immediate removal, while the Trinamool Congress plans to challenge the election outcome in court. (PC: NDTV)

India on Thursday said repatriation of illegal Bangladeshi nationals remains a “core issue” in ties with Bangladesh, responding to Dhaka’s concerns over alleged migrant “push-ins” along the Assam and West Bengal border. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged Bangladesh to cooperate in expediting the return of at least 2,862 identified illegal immigrants. Bangladesh recently placed border guards on alert and warned of action if migrants are forcibly sent through unguarded border stretches. While Dhaka raised concerns following political developments in eastern India, New Delhi did not address reported differences between the Centre and state governments on handling illegal migration. The issue has emerged as a major diplomatic and border-security concern between Delhi and Dhaka.

India on Thursday rejected allegations in a Canadian intelligence report accusing New Delhi of foreign interference, calling the claims “baseless imputations.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India respects sovereignty and does not interfere in other nations’ internal affairs. He urged such concerns to be handled institutionally rather than through politicised public narratives. Simultaneously, India highlighted that the same CSIS report acknowledged the threat posed by Canada-based Khalistani extremist groups. The report noted extremist elements misuse democratic freedoms in Canada to promote separatism, radicalisation and violent activities. New Delhi reiterated concerns over threats to diplomats, vandalism of religious sites and pro-Khalistan activities, while maintaining that Ottawa has failed to adequately act against extremist networks operating from Canadian soil.

With no party securing a clear majority in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member House. With Congress support, the alliance has risen to 112 MLAs, though one of Vijay’s two winning constituencies will eventually have to be vacated, leaving it short of the 118 needed to form government. Amid political uncertainty, Vijay met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar twice this week and staked claim to power. However, Raj Bhavan said TVK still lacks the numbers required to independently form the government. Sources said the Governor asked the party to prove support before invitation was considered. (PC: X)

The World Health Organization has dismissed comparisons between the recent Hantavirus outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that the situation remains contained and manageable. Concern rose after eight cases, including three deaths, were linked to an outbreak aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. WHO official Maria Van Kerkhove said hantavirus is a well-known virus that has existed for years and differs significantly from COVID-19. WHO officials believe the outbreak will remain limited if public health measures, international cooperation and contact tracing continue effectively, while maintaining that the overall public health risk remains low. (PC: Reuters)

The ongoing conflict involving Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have triggered severe fuel shortages across Asia, enabling China to expand its regional influence through strategic energy diplomacy. Leveraging vast oil reserves and dominance in renewable energy manufacturing, Beijing selectively eased restrictions on fuel and fertilizer exports to countries including Vietnam, Philippines and Bangladesh. China simultaneously accelerated exports of solar panels, electric vehicles and green technology, strengthening diplomatic ties while positioning itself as a dependable long-term energy partner. Analysts say the crisis has amplified Beijing’s geopolitical leverage and exposed Asia’s deep dependence on Middle Eastern energy routes. (PC: Times Now)

Polling stations opened across Wales on Thursday for the crucial 2026 Senedd Election, marking the first election under a major new voting structure. The number of Members of the Senedd will rise from 60 to 96, with six representatives elected from each of 16 constituencies through a proportional representation-style system. Voters now cast only one ballot for a party or independent candidate, replacing the previous two-vote format. Unlike UK general elections, voter ID is not required. The election also marks the second time 16 and 17-year-olds can vote in Wales. Counting begins Friday after polls close at 10 pm BST alongside elections elsewhere in Britain. (PC: X)

West Bengal Governor R. N. Ravi dissolved the state Assembly under Article 174(2)(b) on May 7, officially ending the Trinamool Congress government and removing Mamata Banerjee from office after she refused to resign following the BJP’s decisive election victory. The Governor’s notification stated the Assembly stood dissolved with immediate effect. Banerjee had alleged EVM tampering, vote looting and Election Commission collusion, insisting the BJP’s win was “immoral”. The BJP is yet to announce its chief ministerial candidate, with legislative party meetings scheduled. Meanwhile, Bengal continues witnessing post-poll violence, including multiple deaths, amid heavy deployment of central forces and heightened political confrontation across the state.