Political uncertainty in Tamil Nadu after actor Vijay’s party falls short of majority Historic win but no clear mandate C Joseph Vijay, a well known film star turned politician, has led his newly formed party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to a major breakthrough in Tamil Nadu’s state election. The party won 108 seats in the 234 member assembly, becoming the single largest party. However, it still fell 10 seats short of the 118 needed for a majority. This result created a hung assembly, leaving the state without a clear path to form a stable government. Coalition talks begin amid uncertainty After the results, the Indian National Congress, holding five seats, announced its support for TVK. Even so, Vijay still needs at least five more legislators to reach the majority mark. He met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and formally staked claim to form the government. The governor later stated that TVK has not yet shown proof of majority support in the assembly. Reports suggest the governor has asked Vijay to demonstrate backing from at least 118 members before any invitation to form government is considered. Debate over constitutional process TVK leaders and allies have criticized the governor’s approach, arguing that the single largest party should normally be given a chance to prove majority on the assembly floor. Legal and constitutional experts remain divided. Some say the governor is acting to ensure political stability, while others believe established convention supports inviting the largest party first and allowing a floor test later. A shift in Tamil Nadu politics TVK’s rise has been compared to earlier political disruptions in the state, especially when MG Ramachandran broke away to form AIADMK and later became chief minister. For decades, Tamil Nadu politics has been dominated by DMK and AIADMK. This election broke that pattern, with TVK emerging as the strongest single party and defeating the ruling DMK. Possible outcomes still open In the past few days, political discussions have intensified. There is even speculation about unlikely alliances between long time rivals. However, analysts say Vijay may still secure support from smaller parties and independents to reach the required number. The final outcome now depends on post election negotiations, not just the vote results.
ElectionPolitics

Political uncertainty in Tamil Nadu after actor Vijay’s party falls short of majority

Historic win but no clear mandate C Joseph Vijay, a well known…

Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of breaking a short Victory Day ceasefire. Drone strikes, artillery fire, and security restrictions
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Three Killed After Mount Dukono Volcano Eruption in Indonesia Deadly Eruption Hits Mount Dukono During Hiking Trip At least three hikers lost their lives after Mount Dukono erupted on Friday morning in Indonesia. The volcano sent a huge column of ash nearly 10 kilometers into the sky, creating panic among hikers and nearby residents. The victims were part of a group of 20 hikers from Singapore and Indonesia who were climbing the volcano despite safety restrictions issued by local authorities. Rescue teams later evacuated the remaining members of the group and shifted them to nearby hospitals for treatment and medical checks. Officials confirmed that two Singaporean men, aged 27 and 30, died in the incident along with a local woman from Ternate. Rescue workers have not yet recovered the bodies because continuous eruptions and dangerous terrain are slowing the operation. Rescue Operation Faces Major Challenges Local police and rescue teams said strong volcanic blasts and falling ash have made it difficult to reach the crater area where the victims are believed to be located. Authorities temporarily stopped the recovery mission after nightfall and plan to continue the search on Saturday morning. Two porters from the hiking group stayed behind on the mountain to support rescue workers during the operation. Witnesses near the volcano reported that Mount Dukono continued releasing hot ash and volcanic material throughout Friday afternoon. A local resident helping rescuers said ash clouds and rocks were still coming out from the crater area for several hours after the eruption. Officials remain concerned because the volcano has shown continuous activity in recent months. Authorities Had Already Warned Hikers Indonesian authorities had repeatedly warned people not to climb Mount Dukono because of increased volcanic activity. The volcano has erupted more than 200 times since March last year, making it one of the country’s most active volcanoes. One hiking guide present during the eruption said pressure inside the volcano had likely been building for several days. He described Friday’s eruption as extremely powerful and dangerous. Eyewitnesses also reported that several other hikers were on the mountain when the eruption happened. Officials are now investigating how visitors managed to enter the restricted area despite safety warnings. Indonesia’s Volcano Risks Remain High Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The country has more than 120 active volcanoes, and authorities regularly monitor volcanic activity to reduce risks for local communities and tourists. The latest Mount Dukono tragedy highlights the dangers of ignoring official safety warnings near active volcanoes. Rescue operations are expected to continue until all victims are recovered from the mountain.
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Three Killed After Mount Dukono Volcano Eruption in Indonesia

Deadly Eruption Hits Mount Dukono During Hiking Trip At least three hikers…

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Rising tensions in the Gulf continue to threaten global energy supplies and diplomatic efforts Iran has sharply criticized the United States after fresh military activity near the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Washington keeps choosing military action even when diplomatic discussions remain possible. In a statement shared on X, Araghchi said Iran would never surrender to pressure or threats. He questioned whether the latest American actions were part of a deliberate strategy or the result of misleading political influence on US President Donald Trump. The exchange of accusations came after both countries blamed each other for recent attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, US forces reportedly targeted more Iranian vessels in nearby waters. Despite the growing tensions, Trump stated that the ceasefire agreement still remains active. The ceasefire aims to create space for negotiations that could end the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is expected to respond soon to new American proposals. Speaking during a visit to Italy, Rubio expressed hope that Tehran would seriously consider the offer. Iran has continued to tighten control over the Strait of Hormuz while also targeting US allies in the Gulf region. The strategic waterway handles nearly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Concerns over disruptions in the area have already pushed global energy prices higher. Earlier this week, Trump approved and later paused a military operation aimed at helping thousands of stranded vessels move through the region. Many ships have remained stuck since February due to ongoing security threats. The United States has also maintained a naval blockade around Iranian ports to pressure Tehran into accepting American conditions. Iranian officials strongly criticized the move and called it unlawful. On Friday, US Central Command announced that American forces stopped two Iranian oil tankers from entering an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman. According to the statement, US forces used precision strikes to disable the vessels after they allegedly violated the blockade. American officials also claimed that more than 70 tankers are currently being prevented from entering or leaving Iranian ports. The latest incidents followed Thursday’s confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz. US officials accused Iran of launching drones, missiles, and small boat attacks against American warships. Iran’s military leadership rejected the accusation and instead claimed that US forces targeted Iranian ships and carried out airstrikes on coastal areas. Reports from Iranian authorities said one cargo vessel near Minab caught fire during the attacks. The situation has further increased fears of a wider regional conflict and deeper instability in global energy markets.
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Rising tensions in the Gulf continue to threaten global energy supplies and diplomatic efforts

Iran has sharply criticized the United States after fresh military activity near…

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