Wang Yi urged reopening of the Strait of Hormuz “as soon as possible” during talks in Beijing with Abbas Araqchi. He stressed that achieving a lasting ceasefire is an urgent priority and called for continued negotiations to prevent escalation. China also offered to help de-escalate tensions, while criticising blockades disrupting global shipping. The meeting comes ahead of a potential summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, where the conflict may be discussed. With the strait largely impassable, global energy flows remain at risk amid fragile diplomacy. (PC: Getty Images)

Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are likely to attend the oath ceremony of Bharatiya Janata Party’s first government in West Bengal on May 9 at Brigade Parade Ground. The event coincides with Rabindra Jayanti, adding cultural symbolism. The timing is seen as a strategic move to align the party with Bengal’s cultural identity and counter narratives of being an outsider force. The ceremony marks a historic political shift, with the BJP forming government in the state for the first time after its decisive electoral victory. (PC: X)

Donald Trump issued a fresh ultimatum to Iran, warning of intensified bombing if it refuses U.S. demands. He said military operations under “Operation Epic Fury” would end only upon compliance. Trump also highlighted U.S. naval control over the Strait of Hormuz, claiming it would reopen fully if Iran agrees. The warning comes despite reported progress toward a preliminary deal, including a ceasefire framework and a 30-day negotiation window. Proposed terms include Iran pausing nuclear activity in exchange for sanctions relief. However, a final agreement remains uncertain, keeping tensions high in the region.

The Pakistan Navy assisted an Indian vessel, MV Gautam, stranded in the Arabian Sea after a critical power failure. Responding to a distress alert relayed by Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, Pakistan deployed PMSS Kashmir with support from the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency. The crew including six Indians and one Indonesian received food, medical aid, and technical assistance. The vessel, drifting without propulsion, posed navigational risks. Indian authorities, including the Coast Guard, coordinated follow-up measures, urging towing arrangements. The episode highlights cross-border maritime cooperation despite broader geopolitical tensions in the region.

Kolkata Police has banned the use of JCB machines in victory rallies and processions across West Bengal, citing escalating tensions after recent election-related unrest. Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nanda warned of strict legal action against owners renting out such machinery for celebratory events. The decision follows incidents involving bulldozers during post-poll celebrations, raising concerns over public safety and potential misuse. Authorities aim to prevent intimidation, property damage, and law-and-order disruptions. The move signals tighter enforcement measures as the administration seeks to stabilise the situation amid heightened political sensitivities across the state.

Amit Shah will visit West Bengal on Thursday as the BJP prepares to form its first government in the state after winning 207 Assembly seats. The BJP is expected to hold a legislative party meeting before announcing the next Chief Minister. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is set to meet Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has refused to resign and alleged irregularities in the election process. BJP state president Samik Bhattacharyya said the new Chief Minister’s oath ceremony will take place on May 9, Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary. (PC: X)

Tension gripped Kolkata’s New Market area after a bulldozer entered the busy market during celebrations following the BJP’s West Bengal poll victory. The All India Trinamool Congress alleged that its local party office and nearby shops were vandalised by BJP supporters. Kolkata Police said four people were arrested after complaints of vandalism. Trinamool MP Derek O'Brien claimed meat shops were also targeted. West Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharyya said violence in the party’s name would not be tolerated. Police later banned bulldozers and similar machines from victory processions across the city.

Actor-politician Vijay on Wednesday met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar and staked claim to form the next government after securing support from Congress and smaller parties. Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerged as the single-largest party with 108 seats in the Assembly election. Congress said its support was linked to keeping “communal forces” out of the alliance. The party’s top leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, discussed the political situation in Tamil Nadu. Preparations are now underway for Vijay’s oath-taking ceremony on May 8. (PC: India Today)

India and the United Arab Emirates are moving towards a stronger strategic defence partnership as tensions rise in West Asia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently condemned Iran’s missile and drone attack on Fujairah Port and backed freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. India and the UAE had signed a Letter of Intent on defence cooperation during UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to India in January. Both sides are now working on a broader defence agreement covering military cooperation, cyber security and counter-terrorism. PM Modi is also expected to visit Abu Dhabi later this month to strengthen bilateral ties. (PC: HT)

Samik Bhattacharyya, the West Bengal BJP president, on Wednesday visited Nabanna, the state government headquarters in Howrah, to discuss preparations for the new Chief Minister’s swearing-in ceremony. BJP leaders said the event will be held on May 9 at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, a major political rally venue in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to attend. Bhattacharyya said post-poll violence would not be tolerated and warned against “Trinamoolisation” inside the BJP. He also said action would be taken against BJP leaders found encouraging violence. (PC: Anandabazar.com)