The World Health Organization has clarified that the recent hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius is not comparable to Covid-19 or influenza, stressing that the virus spreads very differently. WHO officials said the Andes strain involved can pass between humans only through prolonged close contact, unlike airborne viruses such as Covid. The outbreak has so far caused three deaths and several confirmed infections across multiple countries. Health authorities are tracing passengers and monitoring possible exposures after some travelers disembarked before quarantine measures began. WHO believes the outbreak remains limited and manageable, though additional cases may still emerge due to the virus’s long incubation period. (PC: NDTV)

China has officially confirmed that it provided support to Pakistan during last year’s military confrontation with India, marking a rare public acknowledgment of Beijing’s involvement. The statement, reported by Chinese and Indian media, has intensified concerns in New Delhi over the growing China-Pakistan strategic alliance. The conflict followed India’s Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam terror attack, which triggered days of military escalation between India and Pakistan. Analysts say China’s admission could reshape regional security calculations and deepen tensions across South Asia. India has not issued a detailed response yet, but the development is expected to influence future defence and diplomatic strategies. (PC: The Hindu)

Indonesia’s Mount Dukono volcano erupted violently on Halmahera Island, killing at least three hikers and trapping several others near the crater. Authorities said the eruption sent ash nearly 10 kilometres into the sky, forcing emergency teams to suspend rescue efforts temporarily due to dangerous conditions. Among the dead were two foreign tourists and one Indonesian national. Officials confirmed that many hikers had ignored safety warnings and entered a restricted zone despite heightened volcanic activity. Seventeen climbers were rescued, while several injured survivors were taken to hospital. Indonesia, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” frequently faces deadly volcanic eruptions and seismic disasters.

The BJP formally chose Suvendu Adhikari as the next Chief Minister of West Bengal following the party’s landmark Assembly election victory. Senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh proposed Adhikari’s name during the legislature party meeting in Kolkata, attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The decision ends 15 years of Trinamool Congress rule led by Mamata Banerjee. Adhikari, known as BJP’s “giant killer,” defeated Banerjee in a high-profile electoral battle, strengthening his position as the party’s top Bengal leader. His swearing-in ceremony is expected on May 9. (PC: NDTV)

Tensions in the Middle East escalated after the UAE said it intercepted Iranian missiles and drones targeting the country, leaving three people injured. The attacks came amid renewed clashes between Iran and the United States near the Strait of Hormuz despite an ongoing ceasefire claim by Washington. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of launching a “reckless military adventure” and warned that Iran would not bow to pressure. The US said its forces retaliated after Iranian attacks on American destroyers in the region. Rising conflict fears also pushed global oil prices higher and unsettled international markets. (PC: HT)

Actor-turned-politician Vijay crossed his first major political hurdle after his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), secured support from smaller parties to touch the crucial 118-seat majority mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly. TVK had initially won 108 seats in the 2026 elections and later gained backing from Congress, CPI, CPM, and VCK to form the government. The development ended days of political uncertainty and strengthened Vijay’s claim before Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The victory is being seen as a dramatic shift in Tamil Nadu politics, challenging the long-standing dominance of DMK and AIADMK. (PC: X)

Suvendu Adhikari thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah after being named the next Chief Minister of West Bengal on Friday. Speaking at the BJP legislature party meeting in Kolkata, Adhikari called Shah the “modern-day Chanakya” of India. He also thanked BJP workers for their efforts during the Assembly elections and remembered 321 party workers who allegedly died during the Trinamool Congress rule. Amit Shah said the BJP would work to improve democracy, law and order, and national security in Bengal. Adhikari is set to take oath as Chief Minister on May 9 at Brigade Parade Ground.

Suvendu Adhikari will become the first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Friday. Shah made the announcement after a meeting with newly elected BJP MLAs in Kolkata. Suvendu Adhikari is set to take oath as Chief Minister at 11 A.M. on May 9 at Brigade Parade Ground. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to attend the ceremony. The BJP won 207 seats in the Assembly elections, ending the 15-year rule of the Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee. (PC: PTI)

Suvendu Adhikari was elected as the BJP legislature party leader on Friday, clearing the way for him to become the next Chief Minister of West Bengal. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Kolkata. The oath-taking ceremony for newly elected BJP MLAs will take place on May 9 at Brigade Parade Ground. The BJP recently won a historic victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections, ending the 15-year rule of the Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee. Governor RN Ravi dissolved the Assembly on Thursday. (PC: ANI)

India has successfully carried out the first flight trial of the indigenously developed Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) weapon system off the coast of Odisha. The trial was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Indian Air Force on May 7. The Defence Ministry said TARA is India’s first indigenous glide weapon system that can convert unguided warheads into precision-guided weapons. The system was developed by Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad along with other DRDO labs. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the teams involved in the project. (PC: The Hindu)