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)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he met Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday, marking the leader’s first publicly acknowledged interaction since assuming the country’s top position in early March. Speaking after the meeting in Tehran, Pezeshkian praised Khamenei’s “vision” and described his conduct as “humble and sincere.” The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and growing international scrutiny over Iran’s political and military posture. Khamenei has largely remained out of public view since his appointment, fuelling speculation about internal political dynamics and decision-making within the Islamic Republic’s leadership structure. The meeting is likely to be closely watched for signals on Iran’s domestic governance and broader regional strategy.

The BCCI has issued an eight-page advisory to all 10 IPL franchises after multiple protocol violations during IPL 2026, including vaping in dressing rooms and unauthorised phone usage. Secretary Devajit Saikia warned teams about “honey trap” risks, banned unauthorised visitors in hotel rooms, and ordered strict movement reporting for players and staff. Franchise owners were also barred from interacting with players in dugouts, dressing rooms, or restricted zones during matches. The advisory prohibits vaping, e-cigarettes, and banned substances across stadiums, hotels, and practice facilities. Teams must maintain guest approval systems, movement logs, and mandatory compliance briefings. The BCCI warned violations could invite fines, suspensions, disqualification, or even legal action against individuals and franchises.

US President Donald Trump said he held a “great call” with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, with both leaders agreeing that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons. Trump stated that Washington and the European Union were “completely united” on preventing Tehran from developing nuclear capabilities and linked the discussion to wider security concerns in West Asia. The leaders also discussed EU-US trade ties and implementation of the Turnberry trade framework agreed in Scotland. Trump urged the EU to honour tariff reduction commitments and warned tariffs could rise if progress stalls before America’s 250th Independence anniversary. Von der Leyen later reaffirmed commitment to trade cooperation and regional stability. (PC: Pixabay)

R. N. Ravi on Thursday dissolved the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, officially ending the tenure of the outgoing government and paving the way for the Bharatiya Janata Party to form its first government in the state following its sweeping victory in the 2026 Assembly elections. The dissolution order came into effect from May 7 under the Governor’s constitutional authority after the Assembly’s term concluded amid intense political confrontation and post-poll unrest. The BJP, which secured a decisive mandate in the elections, is now expected to begin the formal government formation process. The move marks a major political shift in West Bengal after years of rule by Mamata Banerjee and the All India Trinamool Congress. (PC: X)

Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is reportedly considering a mass resignation of all 107 MLAs if either the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam or All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam is invited to form the government amid the ongoing Tamil Nadu political deadlock. Sources said the move reflects mounting frustration within TVK as negotiations remain stalled despite the party emerging as the single largest force with 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, still short of the majority mark. The development follows reports that the DMK initiated backchannel discussions with the AIADMK to prevent TVK from taking power after the closely contested Assembly elections. (PC: PTI)