Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian were among eight people killed in a helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan, Iran. The crash occurred while traveling to the city of Tabriz. Lebanon has announced three days of mourning, and Hezbollah, a powerful paramilitary force, has expressed condolences. The Iranian government has praised Raisi as a hardworking leader who sacrificed his life for the nation. Search and rescue efforts have ended, and the bodies will be evacuated to Tabriz. The government has assured no disturbance in governance despite the tragic accident.

Bollywood actor Yami Gautam and her husband, filmmaker Aditya Dhar, have announced the arrival of their baby boy, Vedavid. The couple shared the news on Instagram, revealing that Yami gave birth on Akshaya Tritiya. They expressed gratitude to the medical professionals at Surya Hospital, particularly Dr. Bhupender Awasthi and Dr. Ranjana Dhanu, for their expertise and tireless efforts. The couple is overjoyed and has requested fans to shower their son with love and blessings. This is the first child for the couple, who tied the knot in 2021. Fans and well-wishers have flooded social media with congratulations and good wishes.

Taiwan's new president, William Lai, has called on China to stop threatening the island and accept its democracy. In his inaugural speech, Lai called for dialogue to replace confrontation, and vowed that Taiwan would never back down to Chinese intimidation. China claims Taiwan as its own and has increased pressure in recent years, including military incursions. Lai, a former doctor and politician, won a three-way presidential race in January and has been labeled a "secessionist" by China. Despite this, he stuck to a cautious approach, similar to his predecessor, and called for peaceful resolution. The move is seen as a key moment in the tense relations between Taiwan and China.

The Indian Coast Guard rescued 26 people from a stranded ferry boat off the Goa coast. The 'Nerul Paradise' was caught in rough weather and faced fuel exhaustion, leaving 24 passengers and two crew members in distress. The Coast Guard ship C-148 responded quickly, braving rough seas, and brought everyone to safety. Medical aid was provided upon arrival at the harbour. The swift action of the Coast Guard averted a potential disaster, ensuring everyone's safety. The rescue operation was successful due to the prompt response and bravery of the Coast Guard personnel.

Voting for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections is underway across 49 constituencies in six states and two Union Territories. By 11am, voter turnout was recorded at 23.7%. Key seats include five in Bihar, three in Jharkhand, 13 in Maharashtra, five in Odisha, 14 in Uttar Pradesh, and seven in West Bengal, along with one each in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Notable candidates include Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Smriti Irani, and Rajnath Singh, as well as Congress’s Rahul Gandhi and former J&K CM Omar Abdullah.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow over the tragic demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash. PM Modi praised Raisi's efforts in strengthening India-Iran bilateral relations and offered heartfelt condolences to their families and the people of Iran. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also conveyed sympathies, highlighting India's solidarity with Iran during this difficult time. The crash occurred in East Azerbaijan province after Raisi's visit to inaugurate a dam project with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev. The Indian government mourns the loss of these distinguished leaders.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian have been confirmed dead following a helicopter crash in northwestern Iran. The aircraft, carrying several officials, went missing in the mountains near Jolfa. Rescue teams located the wreckage early Monday, but found no survivors. The incident comes during a period of heightened tensions for Iran, marked by recent military actions and ongoing domestic unrest. Raisi, a close ally of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was a prominent hard-liner and former judiciary head. The crash highlights challenges faced by Iran’s aging and sanctions-hit air fleet.

Several Bollywood stars cast their votes on Monday, May 20, during the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections. Among the early voters were Janhvi Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Akshay Kumar, and Sanya Malhotra. Akshay Kumar, voting for the first time after regaining Indian citizenship in August 2023, joined the queue early. Janhvi Kapoor donned a pink anarkali suit, while Sanya Malhotra and Rajkummar Rao posed for the paparazzi with their inked fingers. Farhan Akhtar, accompanied by his sister Zoya Akhtar and mother Honey Irani, also participated. Other notable voters included Anita Raj, Kunal Kohli, and Aamir Khan's children, Junaid and Ira Khan.

The fifth phase of India's Lok Sabha elections 2024 is in progress, with voting taking place in 49 constituencies across six states and two union territories. High-profile seats in Uttar Pradesh, including Rae Bareli and Amethi, are up for grabs, with key candidates like Rahul Gandhi and Smriti Irani in the fray. Other notable contestants include Rajnath Singh, Piyush Goyal, and Omar Abdullah. Voting began at 7am and will end at 6pm. Enhanced security measures have been implemented, especially in West Bengal and Odisha, to ensure smooth polling. Nearly 9 crore voters will decide the fate of 695 candidates.

Iranian state TV reported that no survivors were found at the crash site of President Ebrahim Raisi’s helicopter in the mountainous Jolfa region. The helicopter, carrying Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and seven others, was located after extensive search efforts. Rescuers found the wreckage largely destroyed and burned. Footage showed the crash site across a steep valley. Turkey and Russia have dispatched drones and rescue teams to assist. The crash occurred as Raisi returned from the Iran-Azerbaijan border. Vice President Mohammad Mokhber is next in line for the presidency, pending approval by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.