Vladimir Putin took the oath of office for the fifth time as President of Russia, amidst orders for non-strategic nuclear forces exercise. The ceremony, held in the Kremlin, coincides with Victory Day on May 9. Due to India's ongoing General Elections, Ambassador Vinay Kumar represented India at the ceremony. Putin addressed the nation after the inauguration in the ornate Saint Andrew Hall, emphasizing continuity in leadership. Government officials and foreign diplomats, including French Ambassador Pierre Levy, attended the event in Moscow.      

K-Pop sensation Stray Kids made a stunning debut at the Met Gala 2024, with all seven members walking the green carpet in Tommy Hilfiger attire. The group, dressed in coordinating outfits, received a standing ovation as they revealed their dapper ensembles. Leader Bang Chan wore a navy three-piece suit, while Felix donned a silk suit with intricate flowers. Hyunjin and Lee Know made a bold statement in red suits, and Changbin, Han, I.N, and Seungmin completed the group's stylish look. Their appearance was a highlight of the 'Garden of Time' themed event.

Zendaya made a stunning return to the Met Gala, co-chairing the event and wowing on the green carpet. Her ocean blue gown, designed by John Galliano for Maison Margiela, featured a matching headpiece and perfectly captured the "Garden of Time" theme. The hand-painted metallic details and natural motifs added to the ensemble's beauty. With her longtime stylist Law Roach's expertise, Zendaya proved her fashion prowess once again. Her show-stopping look made her one of the evening's standout stars, solidifying her reputation as a fashion icon.

The launch of the Boeing Starliner, carrying astronaut Sunita Williams on her third space mission, has been postponed due to a technical issue. The launch was called off 90 minutes before lift-off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA announced an "off-nominal condition" with an oxygen relief valve as the reason for the delay. Williams and fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore have safely exited the spacecraft. This mission would have made Williams the first woman to fly on a maiden crewed mission of a new space shuttle. A new launch date has not been announced.

Israel has resumed military operations in Gaza, targeting Hamas strongholds in Rafah, despite the militant group's acceptance of a ceasefire agreement brokered by Egypt and Qatar. Israel claims the deal doesn't meet its "core demands" and plans to continue negotiations. The new strikes come after Hamas launched a rocket attack on an Israeli border crossing, killing three soldiers. Israel's response killed 19 Palestinians, including a baby. The escalation threatens to derail the ceasefire efforts and prolong the seven-month conflict.

The United States is scrutinizing Hamas' response to a ceasefire proposal amidst renewed pleas to Israel to refrain from attacking Gaza's Rafah city. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed Hamas' reply, stating discussions with regional partners are ongoing. CIA Director Bill Burns is actively engaged in the matter. While the US supports halting hostilities and releasing hostages, it underscores the importance of a credible and implementable humanitarian plan for Rafah. President Biden reiterated this stance to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, emphasizing potential civilian casualties from a Rafah military operation.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has informed mediators Qatar and Egypt of the group's acceptance of their ceasefire proposal for Gaza amid escalating tensions over Israel's planned invasion of Rafah. Talks stalled over the weekend due to disagreements, exacerbated by a Hamas rocket attack that killed four Israeli soldiers. Residents of eastern Rafah were instructed to evacuate, raising concerns over the humanitarian impact. US President Joe Biden reiterated concerns to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives since its inception in October.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warns a looming hung Parliament led by the Labour Party, branding it a "disaster for Britain" following the governing Conservative Party's local election losses. Sunak vowed to combat the setback, acknowledging voter frustration over economic challenges. The Tories lost control of 10 councils and over 470 council seats, with Labour and Lib Dems making significant gains. Sunak's warning aligns with analysis projecting Labour to secure 294 seats, falling short of a majority. However, polling experts debate the accuracy of such forecasts, emphasizing the uncertainty of future electoral outcomes.

Columbia University has called off its university-wide graduation ceremony scheduled for May 15, replacing it with smaller, school-based events. The decision comes after weeks of pro-Palestinian protests that disrupted campus activities. The university cited the protests as "incredibly difficult for our community." Consultation with student leaders led to the change, with most ceremonies moved to the main athletic complex. Similar demonstrations have erupted across US universities, demanding a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, an end to US military assistance for Israel, and university divestment from companies profiting from Israel's actions.  

As the first anniversary of King Charles III and Queen Camilla's coronation unfolds, the Royal Family invites the public to reminisce about the historic event. Gun salutes echoed across London, with 41 volleys fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery and an additional 62-gun salute from the Honourable Artillery Company. The Archbishop of Canterbury commemorated the occasion, praising King Charles III's commitment amid his battle with cancer. The anniversary signifies a year since the royal couple's majestic procession and the religious ceremony at Westminster Abbey, followed by a weekend of jubilant celebrations across the United Kingdom.