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.

American comedian Louis C.K. sparked widespread debate after praising what he called India’s “functioning poverty” during a discussion about his recent India tour. Comparing Indian cities with New York City, he said he saw fewer homeless people and less open drug abuse in India than on New York streets. Louis described India’s informal housing systems as offering survival opportunities for the poor, unlike the harsh economic conditions in the US. His comments quickly went viral online, with many users supporting his observations while others criticized the comparison as oversimplified and insensitive toward poverty realities in both countries. (PC: Mint)

Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace has become India’s first space-tech unicorn after raising $60 million in a major funding round led by Sherpalo Ventures and Singapore’s GIC. The investment pushed the company’s valuation to $1.1 billion, highlighting growing global confidence in India’s private space sector. Existing investors, including BlackRock and Greenko Group, also participated in the round. Founded by former ISRO scientists Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, Skyroot is preparing to launch Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital rocket. The fresh capital will support rocket launches, manufacturing expansion, and future space technology development. 

Millions of voters across England, Scotland, and Wales cast ballots in crucial local and parliamentary elections amid growing political uncertainty in the UK. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch distanced herself from possible alliances with Reform UK, calling the party “not serious” despite earlier hints at local cooperation. The elections are seen as a major test for Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Labour, which faces strong challenges from Reform UK, the Greens, Liberal Democrats, and nationalist parties in Scotland and Wales. Early projections suggest major shifts in Britain’s political landscape and potential heavy losses for traditional parties. (PC: PA)

Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti said Indian forces destroyed 13 Pakistani aircraft and struck 11 Pakistani airfields during Operation Sindoor in 2025. He stated that India also targeted nine terror camps following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. According to the Air Marshal, Pakistan failed to cause major damage to Indian military or civilian infrastructure. India said the operation achieved its objectives with precision and restraint, forcing Pakistan to seek a halt in hostilities after suffering heavy losses during the cross-border confrontation. (PC: The Times of India)

Political tensions intensified in Tamil Nadu after the Governor delayed inviting actor-politician Vijay to form the government despite his party, TVK, emerging as the single-largest party with 108 seats in the Assembly. Leaders from the DMK, VCK, and other allies accused the Governor of disrespecting the people’s mandate. Kamal Haasan said the delay insulted Tamil Nadu and harmed democracy. Congress has already extended support to TVK, while VCK and Left parties are considering backing Vijay. Meanwhile, the Governor has reportedly asked TVK to prove majority support before proceeding with the swearing-in process. (PC: NDTV)

Scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation have confirmed that strong solar activity speeds up the fall of old satellites and space debris back towards Earth. Researchers at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre tracked 17 pieces of orbital debris over 34 years and found that rising solar activity increases atmospheric drag in space. This causes debris to lose altitude faster and eventually re-enter Earth’s atmosphere. The study observed the pattern across three solar cycles between 1986 and 2024. Scientists said the findings could help space agencies plan safer missions and better manage growing concerns over space junk in Earth’s orbit. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Economic Advisory Council member Sanjeev Sanyal said Kolkata’s revival is essential for reducing India’s east-west economic gap and driving growth in Eastern India. Speaking at an event on state economies, Sanyal said West Bengal’s share in the national economy has fallen from around 11% after Partition to nearly 5.5% today. He said Kolkata was once a major industrial and financial centre, but its decline slowed the entire eastern region. Sanyal added that rebuilding Kolkata’s industrial strength and improving links with global supply chains would help Eastern India grow faster and support India’s long-term economic goals.