British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told his cabinet he would “get on with governing” despite mounting pressure from within the Labour Party to step down after the party’s poor election performance.   The crisis deepened after a government minister resigned and 78 Labour MPs either demanded Starmer’s immediate resignation or asked him to set a departure timetable. Reports suggest divisions have also emerged within the cabinet over his future.   Senior minister Darren Jones dismissed speculation about Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham replacing Starmer, calling such discussions “fantasy politics”.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has appointed his longtime astrologer and spiritual advisor, Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, as Officer on Special Duty (Political) to the Chief Minister following the TVK government’s formation.   Vettrivel, who reportedly advised Vijay on the “auspicious” timing for his swearing-in ceremony, has remained closely associated with the actor-turned-politician throughout his political journey. Known in Tamil Nadu political circles for advising several senior leaders, including former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, Vettrivel had publicly predicted TVK’s strong electoral performance before the Assembly polls. TVK won 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly and later secured support from Congress and VCK to form the government. (PC: India Today)

A man was taken into custody after live bullets were found during security checks at the venue of Himanta Biswa Sarma’s swearing-in ceremony in Guwahati on Tuesday. The incident happened at the Veterinary College Field in Khanapara. Police said no weapon was recovered from the man. He was taken to Basistha police station for questioning. An investigation is underway to find out why he was carrying the bullets. The ceremony was attended by Narendra Modi and several senior NDA leaders. Himanta Biswa Sarma took oath as Assam Chief Minister for a second consecutive term. (PC: PTI)

Israel has passed a new law allowing the death penalty for people accused of taking part in the October 7, 2023 attacks led by Hamas. The law was approved by Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, by 93 votes. It also allows public trials to be broadcast online. Supporters say the law will help deliver justice to victims and their families. Human rights groups have opposed the move, warning about unfair trials and the use of confessions obtained under torture. The special military court will try suspects captured during and after the attacks. (PC: BBC)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled NEET-UG 2026 after allegations of a paper leak. More than 23 lakh students will now have to appear for the exam again. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the case to investigate the leak and identify those responsible. NTA said no fresh registration or fees will be required for the re-exam. Students and parents expressed anger on social media, calling the cancellation unfair to honest candidates. Many said they are facing mental stress after years of preparation. The new exam date will be announced soon. The decision has sparked nationwide debate over exam security. (PC: PTI)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 state-run Tasmac liquor shops located near schools, colleges, places of worship and bus stands. The shops are within 500 metres of these sensitive areas and must be shut within two weeks. The decision is Vijay’s first major policy move after taking oath as Chief Minister. The state has 4,765 Tasmac outlets in total. The government said the step aims to improve public safety and reduce easy access to alcohol. Political leaders, including Kamal Haasan, welcomed the decision and called it an important social reform measure. (PC: PTI)

2 suspected Bangladeshi smugglers were killed in firing by the Border Security Force (BSF) near the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura’s Sepahijala district. The incident took place during a routine night patrol. BSF said a group of suspected smugglers was trying to take goods into Bangladesh. The jawans warned them to stop, but the group allegedly threw stones and bricks. The BSF then fired a few rounds in self-defence. Two men were injured and later died in hospital. They were identified as Nabir Hussain, 40, and Md Mursalin, 22. Their bodies were handed over to Bangladesh authorities after post-mortem examination. (PC: ANI)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 exam held on May 3. The decision was announced on Tuesday after reports of irregularities in the examination process. NTA said information from law enforcement agencies showed that the integrity of the exam had been compromised. The agency added that the current results could not be allowed to stand. NEET-UG is the national entrance test for undergraduate medical courses across India. NTA has said the exam will be conducted again. The new date for the re-examination will be announced separately. Students and parents have been asked to wait for further updates from the agency. (PC: HT)

Hopes for a US-Iran peace deal weakened after Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s response to Washington’s ceasefire proposal, calling it “garbage” and saying the truce was “on life support”. Iran demanded an end to conflicts across all fronts, including Lebanon, compensation for war damage, recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz and an end to the US naval blockade. Rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz pushed Brent crude prices above $104.50 per barrel as shipping disruptions intensified. The United States also imposed fresh sanctions targeting Iranian oil exports to China, while global diplomatic efforts continued amid growing concerns over energy supplies and regional instability. (PC: ANI)

Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay ordered the closure of 717 Tasmac liquor shops operating within 500 metres of religious places, educational institutions and bus stands across Tamil Nadu in his first major decision as Chief Minister. Authorities were directed to complete the closures within two weeks. Of the identified outlets, 276 were near places of worship, 186 near schools and colleges, and 255 near bus stands. The move is being projected as a major social reform initiative despite concerns over its financial impact, as Tasmac remains a key state revenue source. Vijay also approved 200 units of free electricity, anti-drug units in every district and a women’s safety force after assuming office. (PC: PTI)