John Swinney, following his victory in the SNP leadership race, secured the position of First Minister of Scotland after a vote at Holyrood. The 60-year-old overcame challenges from opposition leaders, with the Scottish Greens abstaining. Swinney pledged to address child poverty and emphasized collaboration across party lines. His appointment comes after Humza Yousaf's resignation amidst controversy. Swinney's wife's battle with multiple sclerosis featured prominently in his acceptance speech. The former Deputy First Minister aims to lead with respect and courtesy while navigating issues such as Scottish independence and environmental policies, charting a new course for the SNP government.

Israeli tanks seized control of Gaza's Rafah border crossing, defying international warnings and jeopardizing aid to Palestinians. Despite Hamas accepting a cease-fire proposal, Israel pressed on with its military action, citing unmet demands. The move heightens tensions and raises concerns over a wider offensive in the war-torn region. The incursion follows a series of diplomatic maneuvers and military brinkmanship, leaving little hope for immediate peace. U.S. President Joe Biden cautioned against further escalation, urging restraint from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The situation remains tense as Gaza braces for potential escalation while aid agencies warn of humanitarian consequences.          

UK PM Rishi Sunak criticized China's "authoritarian and assertive" behavior abroad following Sky News' revelation that China hacked the UK Ministry of Defence's payroll system. Sunak stressed the UK's firm stance towards China, ensuring measures to protect against such risks. The hack exposed personal information of military personnel and veterans. China denied involvement, calling the accusations "fabricated and malicious." The attack targeted a contractor system, now offline with a review in progress. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps will address the issue in Parliament. MP Tobias Ellwood suggests China may have targeted financially vulnerable individuals.

Israel's overnight strikes in Rafah, part of a promised military incursion, resulted in at least 23 casualties, including six women and five children, as per hospital records cited by Reuters. Mohamed Abu Amra, who lost five relatives, lamented the devastation, asserting innocence: "We did nothing…we don't have Hamas." The US State Department responded to the Israeli army's control of Rafah crossing, emphasizing the importance of a hostage deal for an immediate ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid in Gaza. The attacks escalate tensions, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to prevent further civilian suffering.

In continuation of the Rafah operation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirms military action despite Hamas' acceptance of a ceasefire proposal. The move follows Israeli forces seizing control of the Rafah crossing and shutting down the Kerem Shalom crossing. Amid cheers from crowds, Israel conducted airstrikes on Rafah, with Hamas responding by firing rockets. US President Joe Biden cautioned against invading Rafah, urging restraint. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the intolerable consequences of a ground invasion, urging both parties to pursue a ceasefire.

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.