Bangladesh’s ruling party, the Bangladesh Awami League led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, congratulated Suvendu Adhikari after he took oath as West Bengal’s first BJP Chief Minister. The message praised the BJP’s electoral victory and wished prosperity for West Bengal and India. The development is being viewed as a significant diplomatic gesture amid changing political dynamics in eastern India. Adhikari’s swearing-in marks the end of the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule in the state. Political observers believe the outreach from Bangladesh could influence future regional cooperation and India-Bangladesh relations, especially concerning border and trade issues. (PC: X)

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin said the incoming government in the state should continue major welfare schemes introduced during the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam regime. Speaking amid ongoing government formation efforts, Stalin stressed the importance of political stability and avoiding another election in Tamil Nadu. He particularly highlighted schemes such as the free breakfast programme for schoolchildren and the ₹1,000 monthly assistance for women heads of households. Stalin also said the new administration should fulfil its election promises while protecting public welfare. His remarks came as parties extended support to Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to form the government. (PC: PTI)

India successfully conducted a flight trial of an advanced Agni-V missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. The Defence Ministry confirmed that the missile carried multiple payloads capable of striking different targets across a wide geographical area in the Indian Ocean Region. The successful test marks a major boost to India’s strategic defence and deterrence capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated Defence Research and Development Organisation, the Indian Army, and industry partners for the achievement. The trial also demonstrated India’s growing expertise in advanced missile systems and placed the country among a select group possessing MIRV technology. (PC: X)

Actor-turned-politician Vijay faced five days of intense political uncertainty after his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), emerged as the single-largest party but fell short of the majority mark in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. TVK’s tally slipped from 108 to 107 because Vijay won two seats and had to vacate one. Congress support pushed the alliance to 112, while CPI and CPI(M) backing raised it to 116. Finally, support from VCK and other allies helped TVK cross the 118-seat majority mark, taking the alliance strength to 120 and clearing the way for Vijay to become Chief Minister. 

Russia marked its annual Victory Day parade in Moscow with a significantly reduced military display amid ongoing security fears linked to the Ukraine war. President Vladimir Putin attended the Red Square ceremony and vowed victory in what the Kremlin calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine. Unlike previous years, the parade featured no tanks or heavy military hardware, reflecting both battlefield pressures and fears of Ukrainian attacks. North Korean troops who reportedly assisted Russian forces also participated. Tight security measures surrounded the event, while fighter jets flew above Moscow. The scaled-back celebration highlighted the prolonged strain of the war on Russia’s military and economy. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine from May 9 to May 11, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day commemorations marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The temporary truce includes a suspension of military operations and a major prisoner exchange involving 1,000 detainees from each side. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the agreement, though both nations previously accused each other of violating earlier ceasefires. Trump described the development as a hopeful step toward broader peace negotiations in the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict. (PC: Getty Images)

Suvendu Adhikari took oath as West Bengal’s first-ever BJP Chief Minister, marking a historic political shift after the BJP ended the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule in the state. The swearing-in ceremony at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior NDA leaders and thousands of supporters. BJP secured over 200 seats in the 294-member Assembly, delivering a massive defeat to Mamata Banerjee and the TMC. Adhikari described the moment as the beginning of a “Sonar Bangla” era, signaling a major transformation in West Bengal politics. (PC: The Hindu)

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has issued a show-cause notice to wrestler Vinesh Phogat, accusing her of indiscipline, anti-doping violations and breaches of federation rules. WFI declared her ineligible to compete in domestic events until June 26, ruling her out of the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda. The federation alleged that Phogat failed to complete the mandatory six-month notice period required after returning from retirement and also questioned her participation in two weight categories during 2024 trials. The Olympian has been given 14 days to respond. The controversy further deepens the ongoing conflict between Phogat and WFI leadership. (PC: HT)

Actor-politician Vijay received a major political boost after the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) officially extended support to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), helping the party cross the crucial 118-seat majority mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly. Congress, CPI and CPI(M) had already backed TVK following the fractured election verdict. With the support letters in place, Vijay is expected to formally stake claim to form the next government before Governor Rajendra Arlekar. The dramatic alliance shift marks a historic moment in Tamil Nadu politics, with Vijay now poised to become Chief Minister after TVK’s stunning electoral debut. (PC: NDTV)

Tamil Nadu’s post-election political drama intensified after reports suggested that the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi chief could become a consensus Chief Minister candidate in a possible alliance involving the AIADMK and DMK. The move reportedly emerged amid efforts to block actor-politician Vijay and his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government after a fractured mandate. However, negotiations faced resistance, with alliance arithmetic and leadership disagreements complicating the plan. Meanwhile, VCK later extended support to Vijay’s TVK, helping the party move closer to the majority mark needed to form the government, significantly reshaping Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. (PC: NDTV)