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)

A US trade court has struck down former US President Donald Trump’s temporary 10% global tariffs, calling them “invalid” and “unauthorised by law”. A three-judge panel ruled 2-1 that Trump exceeded the powers given to the president by Congress. The tariffs were imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 after earlier tariffs were blocked by the Supreme Court. Small businesses had challenged the tariffs in court. The ruling stopped tariff collection from three plaintiffs, including two companies and the state of Washington. The Trump administration is expected to appeal the decision. (PC: Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly spending weeks in underground bunkers due to fears of assassination attempts, drone attacks and a possible coup, according to the Financial Times. Security around Putin has been tightened by Russia’s Federal Protective Service. Reports said he has reduced public appearances and now spends long periods in bunkers, including one in southern Russia’s Krasnodar region. The Kremlin is also using pre-recorded videos to show normal activity, the report claimed. Security checks for people meeting Putin have become stricter. Concerns reportedly grew after Ukrainian drone attacks and rising tensions during the Ukraine war. (PC: AFP)

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warned that the ongoing conflict involving Iran could cause far greater consequences than anticipated by Donald Trump. Speaking after a meeting with Trump in Washington, DC, Lula said the “invasion of Iran” would create “more damage” than the US president realises. He suggested Trump believes the conflict is effectively over, but cautioned against underestimating the long-term geopolitical and humanitarian fallout. Lula’s remarks highlighted growing international concern over escalating tensions in West Asia and reflected Brazil’s more cautious diplomatic position amid the evolving crisis. The comments came during continuing global scrutiny of US military operations and regional instability involving Iran. (PC: Conectas)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he met Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday, marking the leader’s first publicly acknowledged interaction since assuming the country’s top position in early March. Speaking after the meeting in Tehran, Pezeshkian praised Khamenei’s “vision” and described his conduct as “humble and sincere.” The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and growing international scrutiny over Iran’s political and military posture. Khamenei has largely remained out of public view since his appointment, fuelling speculation about internal political dynamics and decision-making within the Islamic Republic’s leadership structure. The meeting is likely to be closely watched for signals on Iran’s domestic governance and broader regional strategy.

US President Donald Trump said he held a “great call” with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, with both leaders agreeing that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons. Trump stated that Washington and the European Union were “completely united” on preventing Tehran from developing nuclear capabilities and linked the discussion to wider security concerns in West Asia. The leaders also discussed EU-US trade ties and implementation of the Turnberry trade framework agreed in Scotland. Trump urged the EU to honour tariff reduction commitments and warned tariffs could rise if progress stalls before America’s 250th Independence anniversary. Von der Leyen later reaffirmed commitment to trade cooperation and regional stability. (PC: Pixabay)