Chandranath Rath, a close aide of Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in a suspected planned ambush in Madhyamgram, West Bengal. Police said Rath’s vehicle was allegedly tailed and blocked before bike-borne attackers opened fire at close range. Investigators recovered bullet shells and are examining CCTV footage to trace the assailants. Rath suffered multiple gunshot wounds and later died at a private hospital. The killing has intensified post-election political tensions, with the BJP and Trinamool Congress trading accusations over the incident. (PC: India Today)

Milind Soman completed a 15-kilometre open-water swim across the Strait of Gibraltar, travelling from Tarifa in Spain to the coast of Morocco in Africa. Sharing photos from the challenge on Instagram, the 60-year-old called it a “beautiful” experience. The feat drew praise from fans and celebrities, including Shenaz Treasury. Fitness experts said long-distance open-water swimming tests endurance, immunity and recovery systems through cold exposure, breath control and sustained physical effort. Experts also stressed the importance of nutrition and recovery after extreme endurance activities. (PC: The Indian Express)

Israel launched an air strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs for the first time since the April ceasefire with Hezbollah, escalating tensions in the region. The strike targeted Dahieh, a Hezbollah stronghold, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying a senior Radwan Force commander was the target. Local reports said Hezbollah members were meeting at the site during the attack. Despite the ceasefire announced in April, both sides have continued exchanging attacks. Lebanon’s health ministry said more than 120 people were killed in Israeli strikes across the country over the past week. (PC: BBC)

Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi has reportedly asked actor-politician Vijay to submit proof of support from at least 118 MLAs before being invited to form the next government. Sources said the governor questioned how the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam would secure a majority with only 113 confirmed legislators, including Congress support. TVK is now exploring support from Left parties, VCK and PMK to cross the majority mark. Sources also said the party may move court if the governor delays the invitation despite Vijay expressing readiness for a floor test in the Assembly.

Operation Sindoor marked India’s first major stand-off weapon conflict, with Indian armed forces striking terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir using only long-range missiles and loitering ammunition. According to reports, India used SCALP, BrahMos, Rampage and Crystal Maze missiles to target nine terror facilities, including Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Muridke headquarters and Jaish-e-Mohammed’s Bahawalpur base. Indian forces also deployed Harpy and Harop kamikaze drones to destroy Pakistani air defence systems. Officials said the operation highlighted India’s growing focus on high-technology warfare, precision strikes and stand-off combat capabilities without crossing the Line of Control. (PC: HT)

The mother of Chandranath Rath, a close aide of Suvendu Adhikari, accused the Trinamool Congress of targeting her family after the BJP’s election victory in West Bengal. Rath was shot dead near Madhyamgram on Wednesday night in what police suspect was a planned attack. His mother, Hasirani Rath, said her son was “tortured and killed” and demanded life imprisonment for those responsible. “They did this because the BJP came to power,” she told reporters. Police said Rath’s SUV was stopped before bike-borne attackers opened fire. Investigators are questioning suspects while the main attackers remain absconding. The TMC denied all allegations and demanded a court-monitored probe. (PC: India Today)

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)