Health teams in hazmat suits evacuated suspected hantavirus patients from cruise ship MV Hondius as global authorities stepped up monitoring of a rare outbreak linked to the Andes strain. The Dutch-flagged vessel, carrying about 150 passengers and crew, reported at least eight confirmed or suspected cases after three passengers died. The World Health Organization said the Andes strain is the only hantavirus known to occasionally spread between humans through close contact. Passengers were confined to cabins while medical teams carried out testing and contact tracing. Spain agreed to receive the ship under controlled conditions as health agencies across Europe and South America continued surveillance and quarantine planning. (PC: NDTV)

Donald Trump said the conflict involving Iran could end “quickly” as Tehran reviews a US proposal linked to nuclear talks. Reports said the White House is working on a 14-point framework that could lead to wider negotiations between the two sides. The reported proposal includes limits on Iran’s nuclear enrichment, easing sanctions, and restoring free transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials said the proposal is still under consideration and that Tehran will share its response through Pakistani mediators. Pakistan’s foreign minister said efforts are being made to turn the current ceasefire into a permanent end to the conflict. (PC: BBC)

Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar again on Thursday as Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam continued efforts to secure enough support to form the government. TVK won 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly and remains short of the majority mark. Sources said Vijay also called a meeting of party MLAs to discuss the next steps. Congress has extended support to TVK, while AIADMK denied reports of backing the party. Governor Arlekar is seeking legal opinion as questions remain over the numbers. “Only place to test a majority is the floor of the House,” senior advocate Sanjay Hegde said.

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide Chandranath Rath was shot dead in Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district in a suspected planned attack, police said. Investigators believe the attackers followed Rath’s car before opening fire on Wednesday night. Police sources said around 10 rounds were fired. Rath suffered multiple bullet injuries and later died at a private hospital. His driver was also injured and remains critical at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata. Police recovered bullet shells and are checking CCTV footage from nearby areas. Adhikari called it a “pre-planned murder” and urged BJP workers to maintain peace. The Trinamool Congress denied BJP allegations linked to the killing. (PC: India Today)

Kolkata Police banned bulldozers and earthmovers from victory rallies after BJP supporters allegedly used one during a New Market procession that targeted a Trinamool office following the Assembly election results. Police Commissioner Ajay Nand warned JCB owners against renting machines for political events, promising seizures and legal action. Eight people were arrested over the rally, while action was also announced against officers present at the scene. Authorities said more than 200 FIRs had been registered and 433 people arrested in connection with post-poll violence across Bengal within 48 hours. Over 50,000 central force personnel remain deployed statewide as police intensify surveillance, preventive arrests and intelligence coordination measures amid escalating political tensions.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to visit India from May 24–26 for bilateral discussions and the upcoming Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. According to reports, Rubio will meet S. Jaishankar, Ajit Doval, and call on Narendra Modi. The visit comes amid efforts to stabilise India-US relations following friction over tariffs and sanctions. Sergio Gor said Washington values its growing strategic partnership with India. The Quad meeting is expected to focus on Indo-Pacific security, economic coordination, and regional geopolitical challenges. (PC: AP)

Following the BJP’s sweeping victory in West Bengal, speculation has intensified over who will become the state’s first BJP chief minister. Amit Shah is expected to oversee the leadership selection process in Kolkata, with Suvendu Adhikari emerging as the strongest contender. Adhikari, who defeated Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur and retained Nandigram, is viewed by many within the party as the face of the BJP’s Bengal breakthrough. Other names under discussion reportedly include Agnimitra Paul, Rupa Ganguly, Samik Bhattacharya, and Dilip Ghosh. (PC: PTI)

On the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army released a video calling India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack “resolute, calibrated and precise.” The operation, launched on May 7 last year, targeted nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including bases linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. India said over 100 terrorists were eliminated. The strikes triggered a brief military escalation with Pakistan before a ceasefire understanding on May 10. Narendra Modi later described Operation Sindoor as India’s “new normal” against terrorism.

Donald Trump said the ongoing US conflict with Iran was progressing “unbelievably well,” comparing it to previous US actions in Venezuela. Speaking at White House events and later in the Oval Office, Trump described the conflict as more of a “skirmish” than a full-scale war and claimed negotiations with Tehran were advancing positively. He said Iran “wants to make a deal” and indicated recent talks had gone “very smoothly.” Trump also warned that if the US withdrew now, Iran could take decades to recover. Reports suggest Washington and Tehran are exploring a preliminary framework agreement tied to sanctions relief, maritime access, and temporary limits on Iran’s nuclear activities.

Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead near Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas, intensifying Bengal’s volatile post-election atmosphere. According to reports, motorcycle-borne attackers intercepted Rath’s SUV before opening fire at close range. Police recovered cartridges, live rounds, and seized a suspected crime vehicle carrying a reportedly fake number plate. Rath’s driver remains critically injured. BJP leaders termed the incident a “pre-planned political assassination,” while Trinamool Congress condemned the killing and demanded a court-monitored CBI investigation. Forensic teams and investigators are examining CCTV footage as political tensions and allegations sharply escalate across the state. (PC: PTI)