The Board of Control for Cricket in India has issued strict new rules for IPL 2026 to prevent scandals and security risks. In a seven-page advisory, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia warned franchises about possible “honey-trap” risks. Surprise checks may be carried out in players’ hotel rooms by a special task force. Outsiders will not be allowed into players’ rooms without team manager approval. Players and staff must also inform security officials before leaving hotels. The BCCI said any rule violation could lead to fines, suspension or disqualification. Franchise owners were also told not to contact players during matches. (PC: BBCI/IPL)

A third UK national is suspected to have contracted Hantavirus linked to an outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius. The person is currently on the remote island of Tristan da Cunha. Two other UK nationals have confirmed infections and are being treated in the Netherlands and South Africa. Five hantavirus cases have been confirmed so far, including one passenger who died. UK health officials said British passengers returning from the ship may need to isolate for 45 days. The World Health Organization called the outbreak a serious incident but said the risk to the public remains low. (PC: Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly spending weeks in underground bunkers due to fears of assassination attempts, drone attacks and a possible coup, according to the Financial Times. Security around Putin has been tightened by Russia’s Federal Protective Service. Reports said he has reduced public appearances and now spends long periods in bunkers, including one in southern Russia’s Krasnodar region. The Kremlin is also using pre-recorded videos to show normal activity, the report claimed. Security checks for people meeting Putin have become stricter. Concerns reportedly grew after Ukrainian drone attacks and rising tensions during the Ukraine war. (PC: AFP)

Actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has warned that all its 107 MLAs will resign if the DMK or AIADMK tries to form the government in Tamil Nadu. TVK emerged as the single-largest party but is short of the majority mark by 10 seats. Governor RV Arlekar refused to invite Vijay to form the government, saying he lacked enough support. TVK claims it is in talks with Congress, Left parties and smaller groups for support. Meanwhile, reports suggest the DMK and AIADMK are discussing possible alliance options. Several opposition leaders have criticised the Governor’s decision and backed TVK’s demand for a floor test.

West Bengal may soon get two Deputy Chief Ministers as the BJP prepares to form its first government in the state, sources said. The BJP won 207 seats in the 294-member Assembly, defeating Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress, which won 80 seats. Governor RN Ravi has dissolved the Assembly, clearing the way for the new government. Several BJP leaders are likely to join the cabinet, including Suvendu Adhikari, Dilip Ghosh and Agnimitra Paul. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Kolkata on Friday for the BJP legislature meeting. The swearing-in ceremony will take place on Saturday at Brigade Parade Ground.

Wildlife scientist Krithi K. Karanth has become the first Indian to win the 2026 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year award. The announcement was made in Mumbai on May 6. Karanth is the CEO of the Centre for Wildlife Studies, which works to protect wildlife and reduce conflict between humans and animals. Under her leadership, the organisation has helped over one lakh people in 7,000 villages across India. Her education project, Wild Shaale, has reached 72,000 children in forest areas since 2018. Karanth has also written over 100 research papers and mentored young scientists from different countries. (PC: National Geographic)

Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI allegedly planned attacks on a historic temple in Delhi, a popular dhaba on the Delhi-Sonipat highway, and a military camp in Haryana, sources said. The plans were reportedly linked to the Shahzad Bhatti module. Delhi Police Special Cell arrested nine alleged operatives during “Gang Bust Operation 2.0”. Investigators said one accused surveyed the temple and shared photos with Pakistan-based handlers through social media. The group allegedly planned firing at security forces at the temple and a grenade attack at the dhaba. A military camp in Hisar and some UP police stations were also reportedly targeted. (PC: Akshardham Temple)

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warned that the ongoing conflict involving Iran could cause far greater consequences than anticipated by Donald Trump. Speaking after a meeting with Trump in Washington, DC, Lula said the “invasion of Iran” would create “more damage” than the US president realises. He suggested Trump believes the conflict is effectively over, but cautioned against underestimating the long-term geopolitical and humanitarian fallout. Lula’s remarks highlighted growing international concern over escalating tensions in West Asia and reflected Brazil’s more cautious diplomatic position amid the evolving crisis. The comments came during continuing global scrutiny of US military operations and regional instability involving Iran. (PC: Conectas)

Sixteen members of seven families displaced from Sandeshkhali’s Sarberia area for nearly a decade returned home on Wednesday, describing it as the end of fear linked to Trinamool strongman Sheikh Shahjahan and his aides. The return, facilitated by the BJP after the political shift in Bengal, was attributed by police to improved law and order. Several returnees alleged they fled after the 2016 Assembly elections for opposing the entry of alleged criminal elements into the Trinamool Congress. Many later joined the BJP. Newly elected BJP MLA Sanat Sardar said more displaced residents are expected to return. Sandeshkhali had gained national attention in 2024 over protests alleging intimidation, land grabbing and exploitation. (PC: Pashupati Das)

Two Indian crew members are among 149 people aboard the MV Hondius, where a deadly hantavirus outbreak has killed three passengers and infected eight others. Operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, the ship remains under global health scrutiny as authorities race to contain the rare Andes strain, which can spread through close human contact. The health status of the Indian crew members remains undisclosed. The outbreak is believed to have originated during a birdwatching tour in Ushuaia, Argentina. The vessel has departed Cape Verde and is heading to Tenerife, Spain, for passenger screening and disinfection. The World Health Organization said public risk remains low but warned additional cases may emerge during the lengthy incubation period. (PC: Reuters)