The Congress has extended support to actor-politician Vijay and his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to form the next government in Tamil Nadu, but with a key condition that no “communal forces” be included in the alliance.   The support from Congress adds five MLAs to TVK’s tally, taking its strength to 112, still short of the 118-seat majority mark in the 234-member Assembly. TVK is also holding talks with the VCK, CPI and CPM to secure additional support.   Congress said the alliance was based on “shared responsibility” for a secular and progressive government in Tamil Nadu after TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the election.

US President Donald Trump announced a temporary pause in “Project Freedom”, the American operation launched to guide stranded vessels through the Strait of Hormuz after weeks of conflict with Iran. Trump said the decision followed “great progress” in talks aimed at reaching an agreement with Tehran. The operation had begun earlier this week to restore the movement of oil shipments through the critical global trade route. Iranian state media described the pause as a US “retreat”, claiming Washington failed to reopen the waterway. Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the offensive phase of the conflict had ended. (PC: BBC)

The United States has announced the phased closure of its consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan, citing the safety of diplomatic personnel and resource management. The US State Department said diplomatic responsibilities for Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region will shift to the embassy in Islamabad, while engagement with local officials will continue. The move comes as Pakistan pushes mediation efforts between the US and Iran following weeks of conflict. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said “Operation Epic Fury” had concluded, while US President Donald Trump announced a temporary pause in restrictions on ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz to allow space for negotiations with Iran. (PC: HT)

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the ceasefire between the United States and Iran is “not over”. His remarks came after attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. He said US ships moved safely, showing the route is “clear”. Iran warned that the conflict is not finished. The US has launched “Project Freedom” to guide ships in the area. The United Arab Emirates also reported missile and drone attacks. Tensions remain high. Experts say the situation could worsen if both sides do not step back. (PC: BBC)

Russia and Ukraine have announced separate ceasefires this week. Russia said it will pause fighting on May 8 and 9. Ukraine said it will start an open-ended ceasefire from May 6. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Russia to stop attacks and move to talks. Despite this, missile and drone strikes killed five people and injured many in Ukraine. In Russia, two people died in a drone attack. Both sides accused each other of violence. The ceasefires are not agreed together. Fighting and tensions continue as both sides prepare for next steps. (PC: DSNS Ukraine)

US President Donald Trump congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the BJP’s victory in West Bengal. He called it a “historic, decisive” win. The Bharatiya Janata Party won 206 seats in the 294-member Assembly, crossing the majority mark. The results were announced by the Election Commission of India. The win ends years of rule by the Trinamool Congress. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari defeated Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur. The results show a major political shift in the state. (PC: Reuters)

A Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker issued a “7700” emergency signal while flying over the Persian Gulf near Qatar. The aircraft later went missing from radar, according to flight data. It had taken off from Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. Data showed the plane circled in the air before descending. The cause of the emergency is not clear. There is no official statement from the US military. Reports also said there is no confirmation of any attack linked to the incident so far. (PC: Fightradar and AFP)

A powerful explosion at a fireworks factory in Liuyang, Hunan, China killed 26 people and injured 61, state media said. The blast struck the Huasheng Fireworks plant on Monday afternoon. Authorities evacuated people within a 3km radius. Over 1,500 responders joined rescue work and saved seven trapped people. Two gunpowder warehouses raised fears of more blasts. Police took “control measures” against staff. Xi Jinping called for full rescue efforts and a probe. Officials said air and water quality remain normal. (PC: BBC)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned the United States not to be “dragged back into the quagmire” after fresh attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. The US says Iran fired missiles and drones at military and commercial ships. Tehran denies some claims. US President Donald Trump said American forces destroyed seven Iranian fast boats, which Iran rejected. Washington has launched “Project Freedom” to escort ships out of the waterway. Around 2,000 vessels remain stuck. Shipping firm Maersk said one of its ships exited with US military support. (PC: BBC)

3 Indian nationals were injured after Iran launched fresh missile and drone strikes on the United Arab Emirates, officials said. The attack caused a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone. Authorities said four cruise missiles were fired. Three were intercepted and one fell into the sea. The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi said it is in touch with local authorities. “We are ensuring proper medical care and welfare,” it said. UAE officials called the strikes a “serious escalation” and said they reserve the right to respond. The injured were taken to hospital with moderate injuries. (PC: India Today)