Actor-turned-politician Vijay has intensified efforts to form the next government in Tamil Nadu after his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly elections. Vijay has sought support from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), led by Thol Thirumavalavan, along with Congress, CPI and CPM. Congress has already agreed to back TVK, sources said. TVK won 108 seats, falling 10 short of a majority in the 234-member Assembly. Support from VCK and Left parties could help Vijay cross the halfway mark and stake claim to form the government. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump announced a temporary pause in “Project Freedom”, the American operation launched to guide stranded vessels through the Strait of Hormuz after weeks of conflict with Iran. Trump said the decision followed “great progress” in talks aimed at reaching an agreement with Tehran. The operation had begun earlier this week to restore the movement of oil shipments through the critical global trade route. Iranian state media described the pause as a US “retreat”, claiming Washington failed to reopen the waterway. Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the offensive phase of the conflict had ended. (PC: BBC)

Indian journalist Suparna Sharma and graphic artist Anand RK have won the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Illustrated Reporting and Commentary for trAPPed, a graphic investigation published by Bloomberg. The report, created with senior investigative reporter Natalie Obiko Pearson, explored the growing threat of “digital arrest” scams through the story of an Indian neurologist allegedly trapped by online fraudsters. The Pulitzer Board announced the winners at Columbia University in New York, recognising the project’s powerful blend of visual storytelling and investigative journalism. (PC: X)

Former India cricketer and ex-TMC MLA Manoj Tiwary has quit the Trinamool Congress, alleging he was asked to pay ₹5 crore for an Assembly election ticket from Howrah’s Shibpur seat. “Only those who could pay hefty money were given tickets,” Tiwary claimed, alleging large-scale corruption in candidate selection. He said he refused to pay and later lost the nomination. Tiwary also criticised the Mamata Banerjee government, saying ministers had “very little” authority to work independently. Declaring his “TMC chapter is over,” the former Bengal captain said he will now focus on cricket coaching after applying for Bengal’s Ranji team head coach position. (PC: X)

Bangladesh’s ruling BNP has welcomed the BJP’s victory in West Bengal, expressing hope that the long-pending Teesta water-sharing agreement may now move forward. BNP Information Secretary Azizul Baree Helal accused the former Mamata Banerjee-led government of blocking the Teesta pact over state water concerns. He said the BJP’s win under Suvendu Adhikari could improve coordination with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government and strengthen India-Bangladesh ties. The Teesta agreement has remained unresolved for years despite repeated negotiations, with Bangladesh seeking a larger share of river waters for farming and livelihoods. (PC: India Today)

The United States has announced the phased closure of its consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan, citing the safety of diplomatic personnel and resource management. The US State Department said diplomatic responsibilities for Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region will shift to the embassy in Islamabad, while engagement with local officials will continue. The move comes as Pakistan pushes mediation efforts between the US and Iran following weeks of conflict. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said “Operation Epic Fury” had concluded, while US President Donald Trump announced a temporary pause in restrictions on ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz to allow space for negotiations with Iran. (PC: HT)

Tension escalated in Kolkata after a bulldozer demolished a structure at the iconic New Market following recent poll results. The Trinamool Congress claimed the razed structure was a market union office linked to the party, while allegations also surfaced about nearby meat shops being targeted. A video shared by Mahua Moitra showed a crowd waving Bharatiya Janata Party flags during the demolition. Authorities have not confirmed the exact nature of the structure. The incident adds to rising post-election tensions and competing political claims across Bengal.

Himanta Biswa Sarma said Mamata Banerjee should be dismissed if she refuses to resign after her party’s defeat in West Bengal. He asserted the governor would wait briefly before acting, stressing governance cannot depend on individual choice. The Bharatiya Janata Party won 206 seats, while the Trinamool Congress secured 80. Banerjee denied defeat and alleged irregularities, but Sarma rejected these claims, citing lack of proof and Supreme Court backing of voter roll revision. Experts note dismissal is possible but subject to constitutional checks, with the governor expected to invite the majority party to form government. (PC: NDTV)

Mamata Banerjee’s refusal to resign after the Trinamool Congress lost the Assembly election has triggered a potential constitutional crisis in West Bengal. Experts say the governor may seek her resignation and, if denied, invoke Article 356 to impose President’s Rule, citing breakdown of constitutional machinery. The Bharatiya Janata Party secured a landslide majority, defeating Banerjee in Bhabanipur. Constitutional norms require a CM to retain Assembly confidence, which TMC lacks. Analysts warn her resistance could create unprecedented uncertainty, though President’s Rule may be briefly imposed before the BJP forms government.

Donald Trump congratulated Narendra Modi on a “historic, decisive” victory after the Bharatiya Janata Party won 206 seats in the 294-member West Bengal Legislative Assembly, crossing the majority mark. The win ends over a decade of Trinamool Congress dominance. Suvendu Adhikari secured key victories in Bhabanipur and Nandigram, defeating Mamata Banerjee by 15,105 votes. The election saw record turnout above 90% across phases. The result signals a major political shift in Bengal, with BJP set to form its first government in the state. (PC: X)