Welcome to your daily news briefing for May 7, 2026. As we gather for today's assembly, the world around us is shifting rapidly-from major political realignments in South India to historic diplomatic milestones in Delhi.
Whether it's the evolution of global trade or the latest updates in national security and sports, staying informed is your first step toward becoming a global citizen. Let's dive into the headlines that are shaping our world today.
National News Headlines
Punjab: Blast near army cantonment area in Amritsar, hours after explosion in Jalandhar
Chandigarh: Two back-to-back explosions near security establishments shook Punjab on Tuesday night, triggering panic and drawing condemnation from opposition parties, which called them efforts to "destabilise" the state.
India, Vietnam elevate ties to enhance comprehensive strategic partnership
New Delhi: India and Vietnam on Wednesday elevated their ties for an enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership and set a USD 25 billion annual trade target by 2030 as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese President To Lam held talks focusing on expanding bilateral ties in areas of trade, defence and critical minerals in the face of increasing geopolitical upheavals.
Congress declares support to TVK, says alliance covers future polls as well
Chennai: The Congress party, a long-time ally of the DMK, on Wednesday announced its support to actor-politician Vijay's TVK to form the government in Tamil Nadu and severed ties with the Dravidian major.
Oath-taking ceremony of new BJP govt in Bengal to be held on May 9: Party state unit chief
Kolkata: West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya on Wednesday announced that the oath-taking ceremony of the new government in the state will be held on May 9.
Himanta resigns as Assam CM to form new government after May 11
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday resigned along with his Cabinet colleagues, paving the way for formation of a new government led by the BJP, officials said.
18 of 28 track-related derailments during 2025-26 occurred at turnouts: Railway Board
New Delhi: Emphasising turnouts as a major focus area for track maintenance, the Railway Board has said that out of 28 derailments due to track-related issues during 2025-26, 18 occurred at points where trains move from one track to another.
Nitish Kumar's son may join Bihar Cabinet on May 7
Patna: JD(U) president Nitish Kumar's son Nishant has agreed to join the Samrat Choudhary government in Bihar, and he is likely to be sworn in at the Cabinet expansion function on Thursday, according to a source close to both the ex-CM and his son.
Shashi Shekhar Vempati appointed new CBFC chairperson
New Delhi: Shashi Shekhar Vempati, former CEO of Prasar Bharati, was on Wednesday appointed chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) by the government.
Revised NPS optional for employees, says Maharashtra govt
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has made its revised National Pension Scheme optional for employees covered under the existing NPS, according to a circular released by the state finance department on Wednesday.
SC refuses to adjourn hearing on pleas against EC law, says this matter is more important
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to accede to the Centre's request to adjourn the hearing on pleas challenging the constitutional validity of a 2023 law that removed the CJI from a committee responsible for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and the deputies, saying the matter is "more important" than the Sabarimala case.
SC collegium approves names of 10 advocates as judges of Punjab and Haryana HC
New Delhi: The Supreme Court collegium has approved a proposal for appointment of 10 advocates as judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Goods, services exports up 4.59 pc to USD 863.11 bn in FY26
New Delhi: The country's goods and services exports rose 4.6 per cent to an all-time high of USD 863.11 billion during 2025-26, up from USD 825.26 billion in 2024-25, despite global economic uncertainties, according to revised commerce ministry data.
International News Headlines
Trump pauses 'Project Freedom', claims great progress for final agreement with Iran
Washington: President Donald Trump has suspended 'Project Freedom', to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, claiming progress in negotiations with Iran toward an agreement to end the war.
China asks Iran to reopen Strait of Hormuz 'as soon as possible'
Beijing: China on Wednesday called on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz "as soon as possible" as it appreciated Tehran's commitment not to develop nuclear weapons, a prime demand of US President Donald Trump to end the war against the Islamic Republic.
PTI