Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their fragile ceasefire by three weeks following U.S.-brokered talks at the White House led by President Donald Trump. The extension is part of broader efforts to de-escalate an expanding Middle East conflict involving Iran, Hezbollah, and control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Trump said he is willing to wait for the “best deal” with Iran, signalling a preference for a long-term agreement over a quick resolution. Despite the truce, sporadic clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah persist, raising doubts about stability. Meanwhile, tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence continue to complicate peace efforts. (PC: Reuters)

Raghav Chadha said he will leave the Aam Aadmi Party and join the Bharatiya Janata Party. Speaking at a press conference, Chadha said that seven other Rajya Sabha MPs will also move with him. Among them is Harbhajan Singh. Chadha called the move a “new political step” and said it was taken after careful thought. The shift is seen as a major blow to AAP in Parliament. The party has not yet given an official response. The development may change the numbers in the Rajya Sabha and affect future debates and voting. (PC: X)

Raghav Chadha on Friday said he and two other Rajya Sabha MPs have quit the Aam Aadmi Party and will join the Bharatiya Janata Party. Speaking at a press conference with Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, Chadha said, “We… merge ourselves with the BJP.” He claimed more MPs, including Harbhajan Singh and Swati Maliwal, will also join. If confirmed, the move could bypass anti-defection rules. The development comes as AAP prepares for key elections in Punjab, where it is currently in power.

Israel has begun relocating members of the Bnei Menashe from Manipur under Operation Wings of Dawn. About 250 people were flown via Delhi this week, part of a plan announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The community claims descent from a biblical tribe and has sought to return to Israel for religious reasons. Many cite limited access to Jewish practices in remote areas. Israel says the move will help “strengthen” its northern regions. Economic factors and ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur have also pushed migration, though some earlier migrants reported hardship and discrimination. (PC: India Today)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she will shift focus to Delhi after the state elections. Speaking at a rally in Kolkata, she said she aims to unite opposition parties to “dismantle” the BJP at the Centre. “I will take over Delhi once I have secured victory in Bengal,” she said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed the remark. “There is nothing left here. How will she come to Delhi?” he said. The comments come as voting continues in West Bengal, which recorded high turnout in the first phase. (PC: HT)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she will shift focus to Delhi after the state elections. Speaking at a rally in Kolkata, she said she aims to unite opposition parties to “dismantle” the BJP at the Centre. “I will take over Delhi once I have secured victory in Bengal,” she said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed the remark. “There is nothing left here. How will she come to Delhi?” he said. The comments come as voting continues in West Bengal, which recorded high turnout in the first phase. (PC: NDTV)

Global oil prices rose above $106 as tensions grew in the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran-US standoff. Donald Trump said the “clock is ticking” for Iran to agree to a deal. He also ordered action against Iranian boats in the key shipping route. The US said it seized an oil tanker, while Iran earlier targeted three ships and captured two. At the same time, talks led to a three-week ceasefire extension between Israel and Lebanon. However, strikes and casualties in southern Lebanon continue.

India is tightening rules in tiger reserves to limit tourist behaviour and protect wildlife. A 2025 order by the Supreme Court of India restricts mobile phone use in core safari zones. Visitors must keep phones away or on silent. The move follows rising cases of “safari jams” and unsafe actions near animals in parks like Ranthambore National Park. Experts say phones increase crowding and risky behaviour. “People have got reckless in getting photos,” said journalist Charukesi Ramadurai. Officials say the focus is now on conservation, even if sightings become less frequent. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday attacked the Trinamool Congress during a rally in Dum Dum. He said those involved in alleged violence “will have no place to hide” after May 4. He linked the record voter turnout to what he called the end of “jungle raj” in West Bengal. “The files will be opened — this is Modi’s guarantee,” he said. Modi said the high turnout shows public support for change. The first phase of polling recorded around 92.8% turnout across 152 seats. (PC: India Today)

Donald Trump said the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by three weeks after talks in Washington. He said a longer peace effort will take time and support. On Iran, Trump said he will not rush a deal. “I don’t want to rush myself,” he told reporters. He also claimed US control over the Strait of Hormuz. US forces recently boarded a ship carrying Iranian oil. Meanwhile, Iran leaders spoke of unity, while Israel warned it is ready to act if needed. (PC: BBC)