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)

Iran has accused the United States of choosing military action over diplomacy after fresh clashes in the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran would not bow to pressure. The US said its forces struck Iranian vessels and blocked tankers from entering Iranian ports. President Donald Trump said the ceasefire remains in place and urged Iran to accept a deal. The tensions have raised concerns over oil supplies and fears of a wider conflict in the Gulf region. (PC: EPA)

A special tribute to David Attenborough lit up London’s iconic Piccadilly Circus as the legendary broadcaster celebrated his 100th birthday. BBC Studios displayed a two-minute video on the famous Piccadilly Lights, honouring Sir David’s decades-long contribution to wildlife storytelling and conservation. (PC: BBC)   Born on May 8, 1926, Attenborough has spent more than seven decades bringing nature closer to millions through landmark documentaries. His recent series Wild London highlighted the biodiversity thriving across the British capital. Colleagues who worked with him described him as curious, warm and deeply passionate about wildlife even at 99. Conservationists said his legacy continues to inspire generations to protect the natural world.

US President Donald Trump said Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a three-day ceasefire from May 9 to May 11. The pause in fighting will include a prisoner exchange, with both sides releasing 1,000 prisoners each. Trump said he spoke directly to Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Both leaders confirmed the agreement. Trump called the move a possible “beginning of the end” of the war, which started in 2022. Zelenskyy thanked the United States for helping broker the deal and said Ukraine hopes Russia follows the terms of the ceasefire. (PC: AP)

The United States government has released a large batch of previously classified UFO or UAP files following a directive from President Donald Trump. The declassified archive includes infrared military images, radar footage, Apollo 17 Moon photographs and reports of mysterious airborne objects across different regions. Among the most discussed materials are unexplained lights seen above the lunar surface during the Apollo 17 mission and a “football-shaped” object reportedly spotted near Japan by the US Indo-Pacific Command. Officials described the files as “unresolved cases” lacking sufficient explanation. More documents, videos and photographs are expected to be released in phases over the coming weeks. (PC: X)

David Attenborough turned 100 on Friday, with Google unveiling a special wildlife-themed Easter egg and custom Doodle to honour his legacy. Users searching his name are greeted with a “Thank You, Sir David” message surrounded by animated animals inspired by his iconic documentaries, including penguins, gorillas and blue whales wearing party hats and carrying gifts. YouTube also marked the occasion by showcasing the most-viewed BBC Earth videos narrated by him. Attenborough, born in 1926, has spent decades transforming wildlife filmmaking through landmark series including Planet Earth, Blue Planet and Life on Earth.

Spain is preparing a large-scale health operation as the hantavirus-affected cruise ship MV Hondius approaches Tenerife. The Dutch-flagged vessel, carrying 149 passengers and crew from 23 countries, will anchor at Granadilla port without docking. Authorities confirmed no direct contact with the local population will be allowed. Spanish nationals onboard will be transferred to a military hospital in Madrid, while foreign passengers will be repatriated directly via chartered flights coordinated by countries including the U.K. and U.S. Spain’s Health Minister Mónica García called it an “unprecedented operation” involving WHO coordination. Three passengers have died and at least eight confirmed or suspected infections remain linked to the outbreak. (PC: X)

Keir Starmer ruled out resigning after early local election results showed major losses for the Labour Party across England. Labour was projected to lose 249 seats in contests spanning 136 councils and around 5,000 councilor positions. Speaking in London, Starmer admitted the results were “really tough” but insisted he would not “walk away and plunge the country into chaos.” The results reflected a difficult political climate for both Labour and the Conservatives, while the nationalist Reform UK appeared to gain momentum. The elections are being closely watched as a key indicator of shifting public sentiment and the evolving balance of political power across the United Kingdom.

China has officially confirmed that it provided support to Pakistan during last year’s military confrontation with India, marking a rare public acknowledgment of Beijing’s involvement. The statement, reported by Chinese and Indian media, has intensified concerns in New Delhi over the growing China-Pakistan strategic alliance. The conflict followed India’s Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam terror attack, which triggered days of military escalation between India and Pakistan. Analysts say China’s admission could reshape regional security calculations and deepen tensions across South Asia. India has not issued a detailed response yet, but the development is expected to influence future defence and diplomatic strategies. (PC: The Hindu)

Tensions in the Middle East escalated after the UAE said it intercepted Iranian missiles and drones targeting the country, leaving three people injured. The attacks came amid renewed clashes between Iran and the United States near the Strait of Hormuz despite an ongoing ceasefire claim by Washington. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of launching a “reckless military adventure” and warned that Iran would not bow to pressure. The US said its forces retaliated after Iranian attacks on American destroyers in the region. Rising conflict fears also pushed global oil prices higher and unsettled international markets. (PC: HT)