Recent reporting, background, and summaries from the politics desk.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, 81, has been sworn in for his seventh term, extending his four-decade rule over the nation. This controversial inauguration follows a January election marred by reports of intimidation and abductions, raising significant concerns about democratic processes.
Himanta Biswa Sarma has been sworn in for his second consecutive term as Assam's Chief Minister, following the NDA's significant victory in the recent state elections. Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath in Guwahati, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders present to mark the occasion.
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Sunday killed at least three Palestinians, including two members of the Hamas-run police force, critically highlighting the extreme fragility of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Among the dead were the head of the criminal police force in Khan Younis and his aide, killed in a targeted strike that further escalated regional tensions.
US President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Beijing for a highly anticipated summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, marking the first such visit in nearly a decade and signaling a crucial moment for global diplomacy. The discussions are expected to cover contentious issues like trade, Taiwan, and the Iran conflict, with China particularly keen on securing a trade truce and continued access to US technology.
Péter Magyar is poised to become Hungary's new Prime Minister on May 9, 2026, officially ending Viktor Orbán's 16-year tenure and ushering in a new political era. His Tisza party secured a historic two-thirds parliamentary majority, empowering them to dismantle Orbán's policies and address long-standing corruption.
Despite significant local election losses that saw Labour lose traditional strongholds, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defiantly declared his intention to remain in power. This challenging period for Labour was further highlighted by notable gains for Nigel Farage's Reform UK, signaling a potential shift in the political landscape.
In a stunning political upset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has seized control of West Bengal, a state long considered an opposition bastion. This landmark victory not only marks a significant breakthrough for the BJP but also strengthens Modi's position and signals a potential shift in India's political landscape.
The UK Labour government has unveiled ambitious plans to transform state-owned land into thriving natural habitats, notably by establishing tree nurseries at prisons to restore ecosystems and support prisoner welfare. This significant commitment to environmental restoration also includes converting military ranges into vital heathland or peat bogs, showcasing a broad effort to green public spaces.
President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw American troops from Italy and Spain, citing their perceived lack of support in the US-Israeli war against Iran. This surprising declaration, which follows Spain's opposition to the conflict, also stems from Trump's frustration with NATO allies for not assisting in opening the Strait of Hormuz.
Across the globe, workers and trade unions are uniting on International Labour Day to demand better rights and voice concerns about the struggling global economy. These widespread demonstrations highlight critical issues like the impact of the Middle East conflict on living standards and soaring energy costs, with protests spanning countries from the Philippines to France.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the FDA have jointly launched the RAPID coverage pathway, a new initiative designed to significantly expedite Medicare beneficiaries' access to innovative Class II and Class III Breakthrough Devices. This streamlined process aims to secure Medicare coverage for these advanced medical technologies within just two months of FDA market authorization, promising faster access to potentially life-changing treatments.
King Charles III delivered a historic address to the U.S. Congress, becoming only the second British monarch to do so and emphasizing themes of unity and peace. This landmark visit, occurring amidst strained UK-US relations due to the Middle East conflict, aimed to smooth diplomatic ties while also celebrating 250 years of American independence.