News

The US Embassy in Baghdad issued an urgent security warning for American citizens in Iraq, cautioning that serious threats remain despite the reopening of Iraqi airspace and the resumption of passenger flights. In a fresh advisory posted on X, the embassy reiterated its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning, urging US nationals to avoid travel to Iraq under any circumstances and calling on those already in the country to leave immediately. The embassy warned that ongoing risks from missiles, drones, and rocket attacks continue to make travel across Iraqi airspace highly dangerous. It further stated that Iran-backed militias remain active and continue plotting attacks against American citizens and U.S.-linked interests across Iraq, including the Kurdish region.

The process for formation of a Bharatiya Janata Party government in West Bengal has begun, with the outgoing assembly set to be dissolved soon and newly elected BJP MLAs likely to endorse the party’s chief ministerial pick before May 9. The governor may shortly announce the dissolution of the state assembly, whose five-year term ends on Friday. Dissolution of the House will bring an end to Mamata Banerjee’s tenure regardless of whether she steps down.<br /><br />State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said in Kolkata that the swearing-in ceremony may be held on May 9, which coincides with Panchishe Boishakh — the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore — at the city’s iconic Maidan. The choice of date aligns with the party’s emphasis on integrating itself with West Bengal’s cultural traditions.<br />

Political analyst Suvrokamal Dutta explains why Bengal’s verdict was both a rejection of the TMC and an endorsement of the BJP, and what it could mean for Mamata Banerjee’s party and the wider opposition alliance

Operation Epic Fury is officially over—at least its most aggressive phase. Speaking amid weeksss of heightened tensions, Marco Rubio confirmed that the offensive stage of the operation has concluded, declaring “we’re done” with active strikes. The announcement signals a potential shift from direct military action to a more strategic, watch-and-wait approach, even as concerns linger over possible retaliation. While officials have framed the operation as a success, questions remain about its long-term impact and whether this pause marks a true de-escalation—or simply the end of one chapter in a volatile conflict.

Iran War Updates: The United States and Iran have intensified hostilities in the Gulf, carrying out fresh missile and drone strikes as they compete for control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. The renewed clashes come despite a recent ceasefire, raising concerns about a broader escalation in the region.<br /><br />The latest round of attacks includes reported explosions and fires on merchant vessels, as well as strikes on infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, including an oil port in Fujairah. These developments signal a widening of the conflict’s geographical scope.<br /><br />The escalation follows the US launch of “Project Freedom”, an initiative aimed at reopening the strait to commercial shipping. The US military has claimed success in escorting vessels and neutralising threats, including the destruction of six Iranian boats. However, Iran has rejected these claims and warned against any foreign military presence in the area.<br /><br />The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the crisis, as it is one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes. Continued disruption has pushed up oil prices and increased shipping insurance costs, reflecting growing uncertainty in global markets.<br /><br />Both sides have issued conflicting accounts of events, making it difficult to independently verify developments on the ground. Shipping companies have adopted a cautious approach, avoiding the strait amid fears of further attacks.<br /><br />Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are underway, with Iran indicating that talks mediated by Pakistan are ongoing. Iranian officials have emphasised that a military solution is not viable, even as tensions continue to rise.<br /><br />The evolving situation underscores the high stakes involved, with implications not only for regional stability but also for global energy security and economic stability.<br />

Rishabh Pant gifted Yuvraj Singh a golf club and heartfelt note to thank him for mentoring him ahead of IPL 2026 after a difficult phase in his career. Sharing the gesture online, Yuvraj jokingly teased Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma and other mentees, saying, “Sharam karo... Rishabh Pant se kuch seekho.” Meanwhile, Pant continues to struggle for form in IPL 2026.

US President Donald Trump has paused a key military-backed operation in the Strait of Hormuz, citing diplomatic progress with Iran and requests from allies. While the blockade remains active, the halt in ship movement signals a potential shift toward negotiations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Iran of “economic arson,” maintaining that US actions are defensive. Meanwhile, Iran has introduced new transit rules and expanded its claimed control area, warning ships of consequences. The situation remains volatile, with global trade routes and geopolitical stability hanging in balance.#Trump #Iran #HormuzStrait #BreakingNews #USIranTensions #GlobalCrisis #OilRoutes #WorldNews #Geopolitics #LiveNews

Tamil Nadu Election Results 2026 Live Updates: Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has scripted a historic breakthrough in Tamil Nadu, emerging as the single largest party in the 234-member Assembly and triggering intense negotiations over government formation.<br /><br />TVK secured 108 seats, falling just short of the majority mark by around 10 seats, setting the stage for coalition-building in a state long dominated by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).<br /><br />With numbers not adding up independently, TVK has initiated talks with multiple parties. Congress, which won five seats, confirmed it has been approached for support. Congress general secretary K. C. Venugopal said the decision would be taken by the state unit, adding that the party remains committed to keeping the BJP “and its proxies” out of power in Tamil Nadu.<br /><br />Other smaller parties — including PMK (4 seats), CPI, CPI(M), and VCK (two seats each)are also seen as potential allies.<br /><br />At the same time, the AIADMK, which secured 47 seats, has indicated it is in talks with TVK. AIADMK MLA Leema Rose confirmed discussions between Vijay’s party and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami.<br /><br />The dual-track negotiations have made the final shape of the government uncertain. Political observers say TVK faces a strategic choice: align with Congress and smaller parties for a broad coalition, or opt for a numerically stronger but politically complex arrangement with the AIADMK.<br /><br />The election result marks a major shift in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. Since 1967, the state has been ruled by either the DMK or the AIADMK or their alliances. Congress has not independently held power in the state in nearly six decades.<br /><br />For Vijay, the mandate represents a dramatic rise from political newcomer to power contender. However, the coming days will test his ability to convert electoral momentum into a stable government.<br /><br />As backchannel talks intensify, all eyes are now on who TVK chooses as its partner. Stay tuned for the latest developments.<br />

Defeat has exposed in TMC a rot that runs deep. Plus, like Pawars & Yadavs, Banerjees will see intra-family strains testing political bonds. BJP will be relentless. Mamata’s first test, and a tough one, will be upcoming municipal & panchayat polls

Reports from CNN indicate that Israel and the United States are quietly coordinating preparations for a possible new round of military strikes on Iran amid escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and a fragile ceasefire. An Israeli source told CNN that contingency plans focus on targeted attacks against Iranian energy infrastructure and senior officials - moves described as “short and sharp” pressure tactics to push Tehran toward concessions in negotiations.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav announced the party has ended its association with political consultancy I-PAC, citing financial constraints rather than electoral performance. Yadav clarified that the decision was due to limited resources, not recent election outcomes, and that the party had engaged I-PAC for early preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

More than two months into the 2026 Iran war, Donald Trump is confronting the possibility that the conflict may drag on indefinitely, with no decisive military or diplomatic victory in sight. Despite a ceasefire announced in early April, tensions have erupted again, especially in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to exchanges of fire between U.S. and Iranian forces and renewed Iranian attacks on shipping and Gulf states such as the United Arab Emirates.