West Bengal will implement the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme from June 1, while women across the state will also begin travelling free on government-run buses from the same date. The state government said existing welfare programmes would continue alongside Ayushman Bharat, ensuring beneficiaries retain access to current schemes. The rollout marks a significant policy shift in West Bengal’s healthcare framework by bringing the state under the Narendra Modi government’s flagship public healthcare initiative, which provides insurance coverage to eligible families. The introduction of free bus travel for women is expected to benefit daily commuters, including students and working professionals, while potentially increasing public transport usage across the state. (PC: X)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will skip the upcoming BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi due to “scheduling reasons”, according to China’s Foreign Ministry. Beijing also indicated that it would not send any other high-level representative for the May 14 gathering, resulting in the absence of senior Chinese participation at the key BRICS diplomatic event hosted by India. The announcement comes amid continued geopolitical and strategic sensitivities involving regional and global powers within the BRICS grouping. The meeting in New Delhi is expected to focus on multilateral cooperation, economic coordination and global geopolitical developments among BRICS member nations. China’s decision not to send senior leadership has drawn attention given the significance of the forum and India’s hosting role. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan reportedly allowed Iranian military aircraft to quietly park at its airbases during the US-Iran conflict, potentially shielding them from possible American airstrikes, according to US officials cited by CBS News. Reports said several Iranian aircraft, including an RC-130 reconnaissance plane, were moved to Pakistan Air Force Base Nur Khan near Rawalpindi shortly after the April ceasefire announcement. Iran also reportedly relocated some civilian aircraft to Afghanistan as part of efforts to protect aviation assets amid escalating tensions. Pakistani officials denied the claims, arguing such aircraft movements could not remain hidden at a major urban airbase. US Senator Lindsey Graham said Pakistan’s mediator role would require “complete reevaluation” if the allegations proved true. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday renewed his appeal for austerity measures amid rising economic uncertainty linked to the ongoing West Asia crisis. Addressing an event in Vadodara, Gujarat, Modi urged citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, use public transport, adopt work-from-home practices and prioritise virtual meetings. He also asked people to postpone gold purchases and avoid unnecessary foreign travel and overseas weddings to reduce foreign exchange outflows. Highlighting disruptions in global supply chains and rising import costs, Modi called for stronger support to the “Vocal for Local” campaign and encouraged citizens to choose Indian-made products. (PC: India Today)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday arrested former West Bengal minister and TMC leader Sujit Bose in connection with the alleged municipality recruitment scam. The agency claimed Bose illegally recommended nearly 150 candidates for jobs in South Dum Dum Municipality in exchange for money. ED officials questioned the 63-year-old leader at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake before taking him into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Investigators also alleged they traced flats and bank deposits linked to the proceeds of crime. Bose, a former Bidhannagar MLA, will be produced before a special court on Tuesday. (PC: News18)

US health officials are monitoring 18 Americans evacuated from the cruise ship MV Hondius after possible exposure to the Andes strain of hantavirus. Sixteen passengers were taken to a federal quarantine unit in Omaha, while two others, including one showing mild symptoms, were sent to Atlanta. Officials said the public risk remains “very, very low” as the virus does not spread easily between people. One American passenger tested positive, though asymptomatic. The outbreak aboard the Dutch cruise ship has already claimed three lives, while health agencies continue monitoring passengers for symptoms during quarantine. (PC: BBC)

A dramatic wildlife encounter unfolded near Chitwan National Park after two one-horned rhinos were seen engaged in a fierce fight close to a public road in Sauraha, Nepal. Videos of the clash quickly went viral, showing the rhinos charging and pushing each other as shocked tourists watched from a safe distance. Wildlife officials later urged visitors not to crowd or disturb wild animals during such incidents. Experts said the confrontation was likely linked to a territorial or dominance dispute. Chitwan is known for frequent wildlife sightings, including endangered greater one-horned rhinos near tourist and settlement areas.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked the Centre over alleged irregularities in NEET-UG 2026, claiming there were “89 paper leaks and 48 re-exams” in the last 10 years. Calling NEET an “auction”, Gandhi alleged exam questions were circulated on WhatsApp before the test, putting the future of over 22 lakh students at risk. The Rajasthan SOG is probing a “guess paper” allegedly containing questions similar to the actual exam. Meanwhile, the National Testing Agency said NEET-UG 2026 was conducted under full security protocols, including biometric verification, AI-based CCTV monitoring and GPS-tracked transportation of question papers. (PC: X)

West Bengal’s new BJP government, led by Suvendu Adhikari, will introduce major welfare measures from June 1, including implementation of Ayushman Bharat, free travel for women in government buses and rollout of the proposed “Annapurna Bhandar” scheme. Under Annapurna Bhandar, eligible women are expected to receive ₹3,000 through direct benefit transfer, doubling support offered under the previous “Laxmir Bhandar” programme. The government said all existing welfare schemes would continue through a more transparent system and asserted that illegal infiltrators or non-citizens would not receive benefits. The administration also reaffirmed support for border security, promising land allocation for BSF infrastructure and expansion activities. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal urging Indians to avoid foreign travel and overseas weddings for at least a year comes even as official data shows spending by Indian tourists abroad has already been declining for the past two years. According to Reserve Bank of India data, the major increase in outward foreign exchange spending is now driven largely by high-net-worth individuals investing in foreign movable and immovable assets, including overseas property, debt and equity investments. The analysis suggests leisure travel and destination weddings are no longer the primary contributors to outbound dollar outflows. The findings add a new dimension to the debate around capital outflow, foreign spending patterns and economic nationalism amid global economic uncertainty.