Hopes for a US-Iran peace deal weakened after Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s response to Washington’s ceasefire proposal, calling it “garbage” and saying the truce was “on life support”. Iran demanded an end to conflicts across all fronts, including Lebanon, compensation for war damage, recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz and an end to the US naval blockade. Rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz pushed Brent crude prices above $104.50 per barrel as shipping disruptions intensified. The United States also imposed fresh sanctions targeting Iranian oil exports to China, while global diplomatic efforts continued amid growing concerns over energy supplies and regional instability. (PC: ANI)

Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay ordered the closure of 717 Tasmac liquor shops operating within 500 metres of religious places, educational institutions and bus stands across Tamil Nadu in his first major decision as Chief Minister. Authorities were directed to complete the closures within two weeks. Of the identified outlets, 276 were near places of worship, 186 near schools and colleges, and 255 near bus stands. The move is being projected as a major social reform initiative despite concerns over its financial impact, as Tasmac remains a key state revenue source. Vijay also approved 200 units of free electricity, anti-drug units in every district and a women’s safety force after assuming office. (PC: PTI)

Bengaluru-based IT professionals Danish Abdi and Vrushali Prasade created history by becoming the first couple to complete a side-by-side open-water swim from Sri Lanka to India via the historic Ram Setu route. The duo swam nearly 32 kilometres across the Palk Strait from Talaimannar to Dhanushkodi in 10 hours and 45 minutes while battling rough waves, shifting winds and powerful ocean currents. Their expedition, conducted under strict safety supervision with support boats, paramedics and Indian Coast Guard personnel, drew widespread praise online. Remarkably, both are software professionals who reportedly began serious swimming training only four years ago and documented the challenge to inspire aspiring athletes and adventurers.

Bangladesh responded sharply after the new BJP-led West Bengal government announced plans to transfer land to the Border Security Force for fencing the India-Bangladesh border. Bangladesh Prime Minister adviser Tarique Rahman’s foreign affairs adviser Humaiun Kobir said Dhaka “cannot be intimidated with barbed wire” and urged India to adopt a more humane approach toward border issues. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the decision during his first cabinet meeting after assuming office. Bangladesh also raised concerns over alleged “push-back” incidents involving undocumented migrants. Responding to Dhaka’s remarks, India said the issue must be viewed in the context of repatriating illegal Bangladeshi nationals and called for bilateral cooperation. (PC: PTI)

West Bengal will implement the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme from June 1, while women across the state will also begin travelling free on government-run buses from the same date. The state government said existing welfare programmes would continue alongside Ayushman Bharat, ensuring beneficiaries retain access to current schemes. The rollout marks a significant policy shift in West Bengal’s healthcare framework by bringing the state under the Narendra Modi government’s flagship public healthcare initiative, which provides insurance coverage to eligible families. The introduction of free bus travel for women is expected to benefit daily commuters, including students and working professionals, while potentially increasing public transport usage across the state. (PC: X)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will skip the upcoming BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi due to “scheduling reasons”, according to China’s Foreign Ministry. Beijing also indicated that it would not send any other high-level representative for the May 14 gathering, resulting in the absence of senior Chinese participation at the key BRICS diplomatic event hosted by India. The announcement comes amid continued geopolitical and strategic sensitivities involving regional and global powers within the BRICS grouping. The meeting in New Delhi is expected to focus on multilateral cooperation, economic coordination and global geopolitical developments among BRICS member nations. China’s decision not to send senior leadership has drawn attention given the significance of the forum and India’s hosting role. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan reportedly allowed Iranian military aircraft to quietly park at its airbases during the US-Iran conflict, potentially shielding them from possible American airstrikes, according to US officials cited by CBS News. Reports said several Iranian aircraft, including an RC-130 reconnaissance plane, were moved to Pakistan Air Force Base Nur Khan near Rawalpindi shortly after the April ceasefire announcement. Iran also reportedly relocated some civilian aircraft to Afghanistan as part of efforts to protect aviation assets amid escalating tensions. Pakistani officials denied the claims, arguing such aircraft movements could not remain hidden at a major urban airbase. US Senator Lindsey Graham said Pakistan’s mediator role would require “complete reevaluation” if the allegations proved true. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday renewed his appeal for austerity measures amid rising economic uncertainty linked to the ongoing West Asia crisis. Addressing an event in Vadodara, Gujarat, Modi urged citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, use public transport, adopt work-from-home practices and prioritise virtual meetings. He also asked people to postpone gold purchases and avoid unnecessary foreign travel and overseas weddings to reduce foreign exchange outflows. Highlighting disruptions in global supply chains and rising import costs, Modi called for stronger support to the “Vocal for Local” campaign and encouraged citizens to choose Indian-made products. (PC: India Today)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday arrested former West Bengal minister and TMC leader Sujit Bose in connection with the alleged municipality recruitment scam. The agency claimed Bose illegally recommended nearly 150 candidates for jobs in South Dum Dum Municipality in exchange for money. ED officials questioned the 63-year-old leader at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake before taking him into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Investigators also alleged they traced flats and bank deposits linked to the proceeds of crime. Bose, a former Bidhannagar MLA, will be produced before a special court on Tuesday. (PC: News18)

US health officials are monitoring 18 Americans evacuated from the cruise ship MV Hondius after possible exposure to the Andes strain of hantavirus. Sixteen passengers were taken to a federal quarantine unit in Omaha, while two others, including one showing mild symptoms, were sent to Atlanta. Officials said the public risk remains “very, very low” as the virus does not spread easily between people. One American passenger tested positive, though asymptomatic. The outbreak aboard the Dutch cruise ship has already claimed three lives, while health agencies continue monitoring passengers for symptoms during quarantine. (PC: BBC)