Iran has formalised a new transit approval system for vessels crossing the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz amid tensions with the US over the Middle East conflict. According to shipping journal Lloyd’s List, ships must now submit detailed ownership, cargo and crew information to Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority and pay tolls before transit. Iranian official Mohammad Akraminia said, “Any vessel wishing to pass through it must coordinate with us.” Tehran has also warned countries supporting US sanctions could face difficulties crossing the waterway. India and Pakistan are among nations that have reportedly negotiated with Iran to secure passage for their flagged vessels. (PC: X)

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced six major decisions after chairing his first Cabinet meeting at Nabanna following the BJP’s historic election victory. Adhikari said his government would transfer 600 acres to the BSF for Bangladesh border fencing within 45 days, begin pending census operations, implement Ayushman Bharat and enforce the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in the state. He also announced age relaxation for job aspirants and restored inter-state training for IAS and IPS officers. “We will work for all,” Adhikari said, adding that the government’s priority would be “safety, peace and transparent governance” in West Bengal. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday attacked the Opposition over what he called “appeasement politics” during the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav celebrations in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district. Referring to the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple after Independence, Modi said, “Politics continues to be played even over matters concerning national self-respect. Somnath itself stands as the prime example of this.” He praised Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Rajendra Prasad for rebuilding the temple despite opposition during Jawaharlal Nehru’s tenure. Drawing a parallel with Ayodhya’s Ram Temple, Modi said, “We have seen how even the construction of the Ram Temple faced opposition.” He also released a commemorative stamp and coin marking 75 years of the temple’s reconstruction. (PC: HT)

A US national evacuated from the cruise ship MV Hondius has tested positive for hantavirus, while another passenger showed mild symptoms during a repatriation flight from Spain, US health officials said. The passengers are travelling in biocontainment units as a precaution and will undergo medical screening upon arrival in Nebraska. The outbreak aboard the ship has already claimed three lives, including a Dutch couple and a German woman. Health authorities say the risk of widespread transmission remains low, although concerns persist over the Andes strain of hantavirus, which can spread between humans in rare cases. Several countries are now monitoring evacuated passengers. (PC: BBC)

Benchmark indices plunged sharply on Monday, with the BSE Sensex falling over 1,000 points in early trade as investors reacted to surging crude oil prices and fresh uncertainty in West Asia. Concerns deepened after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to reduce consumption of imported goods such as petrol, diesel and gold. Analysts said the remarks reflected worries over India’s rising import bill and widening current account deficit amid crude prices crossing $105 per barrel. Banking, aviation, auto and jewellery stocks witnessed heavy selling, while defensive sectors like pharmaceuticals and FMCG showed relative resilience during the market turmoil. (PC: Time Today)

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat arrived in Gonda for the National Open Ranking Tournament despite receiving a show-cause notice from the Wrestling Federation of India over alleged anti-doping and disciplinary violations. The tournament is being held in the home district of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Vinesh, returning to competition after nearly 20 months and following the birth of her son, had registered before the deadline. However, winners of the event will not qualify for Asian Games selection trials under WFI policy. She is awaiting clearance from the federation to compete in the women’s freestyle category.

Opposition parties criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he urged citizens to adopt austerity measures amid the escalating Middle East crisis and rising oil prices. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called the appeal “proof of failure”, while leaders from Congress, Trinamool Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) accused the Centre of poor economic planning. Modi had asked people to reduce fuel use, avoid unnecessary foreign travel, postpone gold purchases and revive work-from-home practices to help ease pressure on India’s economy. Meanwhile, an Informal Group of Ministers meeting will review the crisis impact on fuel supplies, inflation and shipping routes. (PC: NDTV)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to deliver a major speech as pressure grows within the Labour Party following heavy election losses across Britain. Labour lost seats in Scottish and Welsh elections and nearly 1,500 councillors in England’s local polls, triggering calls for stronger leadership. Starmer is expected to promise bold reforms and closer ties with the European Union. Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner warned Labour may face its “last chance” if changes are not made quickly. Labour MP Catherine West has also hinted at launching a leadership challenge if dissatisfied with Starmer’s response. (PC: BBC)

Three suspects, including alleged criminal Vishal Srivastava, were detained from Bihar’s Buxar district in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Officials said the West Bengal STF carried out raids in Buxar and took the suspects to Bengal for questioning. Vishal reportedly faces over 22 criminal cases, including murder and robbery. Police tracked the accused through a UPI payment made at a toll booth near Kolkata. Rath was shot dead at point-blank range near his Madhyamgram home on May 6, while his driver suffered critical injuries in the attack. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indian families to avoid buying gold for weddings for one year as rising crude oil prices and heavy gold imports increase pressure on India’s foreign exchange reserves and weaken the rupee. India imports most of its oil and large quantities of gold using US dollars. With crude prices surging due to the West Asia conflict and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, India’s import bill has risen sharply. The government fears that high gold demand during the crisis could further widen the current account deficit, fuel inflation, and put additional strain on the economy and rupee stability. (PC: India Today)