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Deadly Andes Hantavirus spreading faster due to climate change? Expert issues serious warning |watch

Hindustan Times · last updated

Deadly Andes Hantavirus spreading faster due to climate change? Expert issues serious warning |watch

Published on May 08, 2026 07:54 pm IST

An Argentine infectious disease expert has linked the spread of the deadly Andes strain of hantavirus to climate change and shifting rodent ecosystems. The warning comes as the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak continues to raise global concern, with at least three deaths and eight confirmed or suspected cases reported. Experts say the virus can spread from rodents to humans and, in rare cases, from person to person. The World Health Organization says the public health risk remains low but investigations are ongoing. Scientists are now studying whether climate patterns like El Niño could increase future hantavirus outbreaks worldwide.

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China to enter Iran war before Xi-Trump meet? Beijing angry after its ship attacked near UAE

Published on May 08, 2026 07:28 AM IST

A Chinese-linked tanker came under attack near the Strait of Hormuz on May 4, prompting sharp reactions from Beijing as tensions between the United States and Iran escalated further. China confirmed that Chinese nationals were aboard the vessel, identified by reports as the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker JV Innovation, though no casualties were reported. Maritime sources said the ship caught fire after being hit by possible shells or a drone near the UAE coast. The incident marked the first known attack on a Chinese-linked oil tanker since the Iran war began, raising fears over global energy security ahead of Xi Jinping’s key meeting with Donald Trump next week.

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After Putin’s hint at capturing Kyiv city next, Russia spooks US, Ukraine with ‘final victory’ move?

Published on May 08, 2026 07:18 AM IST

Russia has just raised the stakes again in the Ukraine war – and this time, it is tying any hope of peace talks to a major concession from Kyiv. Vladimir Putin’s aide Yury Ushakov now says there will be no resumption of trilateral talks with Ukraine and the United States unless Kyiv takes what Moscow calls “one serious step” on Donbas. That “step”, according to Russian officials, means the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the contested Donbas region – a demand Kyiv has repeatedly rejected. This comes after warnings for foreign diplomats to leave Kyiv and speculation that Russia could be preparing a new offensive against the Ukrainian capital, even as a two-day Victory Day ceasefire was announced. At the same time, President Volodymyr Zelensky is accusing Moscow of systematic looting across occupied Ukrainian territories, including plans to extract and export key minerals such as titanium, lithium and graphite, alongside the ongoing seizure of Ukrainian grain. With the ceasefire fragile, attacks reportedly continuing, and Donbas and resources at the core of the dispute, the path to any real peace deal looks more uncertain than ever.

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CIA leak confirms US ‘defeat’ in Iran war: US govt panic over Trump’s Hormuz moves exposed| Gulf,oil

Published on May 08, 2026 07:15 AM IST

Fresh intelligence leaks are now raising serious questions about Donald Trump’s claims on the Iran blockade strategy. A controversial CIA assessment suggests the pressure campaign may not be working as quickly as Washington wants. Despite the blockade threat, intelligence officials reportedly believe Tehran could survive a Strait of Hormuz shutdown for several more months. The classified findings also indicate Iran may still retain significant missile and drone capability, even under sustained military pressure. Officials familiar with the report say Tehran could rely on crude stockpiles, alternative routes, and smuggling networks to avoid immediate economic collapse. The assessment appears to challenge Trump’s repeated claims that the blockade is already crippling Iran’s economy. It also adds a new layer of concern over America’s long-term strategy in the region, especially as tensions remain high between the U.S., Iran, and Israel. What does this mean for the future of the conflict, and how far can Iran really go under blockade pressure?

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China sends Russia-made Su-30 jets to US ally’s backyard: Trump easy target after ‘losing’ to Iran?

Published on May 08, 2026 05:31 AM IST

China deployed Russian-supplied Su-30MK2 fighter jets alongside H-6L bombers over the disputed Huangyan Island in the South China Sea, signaling a fresh show of force near U.S. allies as tensions rise globally. Beijing said the patrol demonstrated effective control over contested waters and airspace around the strategically sensitive region. The Su-30s carried R-77 air-to-air missiles and YJ-91 anti-ship missiles, while the bombers were equipped with long-range YJ-12 cruise missiles. Analysts say the patrol highlights China’s continued maritime strike capability even as Beijing transitions toward newer aircraft like the J-16, J-35 and future sixth-generation fighter programs expected to emerge in the 2030s.

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UAE under missile attack after US ‘breaks’ truce: Iran’s payback for ceasefire ‘Violation’?

Published on May 08, 2026 03:25 AM IST

U.A.E. air defenses intercepted missiles and drones on May 8 as the country faced its third reported attack in a week amid escalating Iran-U.S. tensions. Authorities said loud explosions heard across the Emirates were linked to ongoing interception operations targeting incoming aerial threats. The attacks followed a major blaze at Fujairah oil terminal earlier this week and came just hours after direct military exchanges between Washington and Tehran near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claimed U.S. warships launched strikes on Iranian territory, while Washington said it acted in self-defense after “unprovoked” attacks. Explosions were also reported in Tehran, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island and Minab as regional tensions spiraled further.

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Saudi Arabia’s 4th panic move in 4 days as US ‘violates’ truce: Arabs scared of Iran’s next revenge?

Published on May 08, 2026 02:08 AM IST

Alarm bells are ringing in Riyadh as fears grow that the fragile Iran–U.S. ceasefire could be on the verge of collapse. As Iranian and American forces trade fire in and around the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is scrambling to contain a crisis that threatens both Gulf oil routes and global trade. After urgent calls with President Donald Trump and Iranian envoy Abbas Araghchi, Saudi Arabia has issued its fourth warning in as many days, urging both sides to step back from the brink. Riyadh’s ambassador to the UN, Abdulaziz al-Wasel, has warned that any disruption to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz could send shockwaves through international supply chains and global markets. While Trump publicly downplays the latest clashes as a mere “love tap”, Iran claims it has damaged U.S. warships and forced destroyers to pull back from the strategic chokepoint. With alleged Iranian-linked attacks near the UAE and U.S. strikes on Iranian targets, the question now is stark: is the region sliding back into open conflict?

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Trump counts mounting war losses: 228 US assets reduce to rubble in Iran’s revenge strikes

Published on May 08, 2026 01:26 AM IST

A shocking new report claims Iran struck at least 228 U.S. assets across 15 military bases during the Gulf conflict, exposing hidden vulnerabilities in America’s regional shield. Satellite imagery reviewed by major outlets allegedly showed damage to hangars, radars, fuel depots and key defense systems from Bahrain to Kuwait and Qatar. Analysts now warn Washington underestimated the accuracy and survivability of Iran’s smaller drones, forcing rapid dispersal of U.S. personnel across the region. With THAAD systems damaged and even key Navy hubs reportedly hit, the Iran war is reshaping how future conflicts and base defenses may be fought.

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US ‘violates’ ceasefire, Iran retaliates with full might but Trump downplays clash as warships flee

Published on May 07, 2026 11:12 PM IST

Despite the heightened tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly downplayed the confrontation, describing it as limited while maintaining that American warships successfully moved out of danger zones. Meanwhile, reports indicate Iranian operations targeted U.S. naval assets, forcing strategic repositioning of vessels in the region. Global markets and energy observers are closely monitoring the situation due to the Strait of Hormuz’s critical role in oil transport and international trade. Diplomatic channels remain under pressure as regional allies call for restraint and de-escalation. The developments come amid rising uncertainty over the stability of the ceasefire and fears that continued exchanges could spiral into a broader military confrontation involving multiple Gulf nations and global powers.

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Trump & Bibi watch closely as Mojtaba Khamenei meets Pezeshkian in rare secret talks

Published on May 07, 2026 01:43 PM IST

Amid growing rumours of internal rifts within Iran’s leadership, President Masoud Pezeshkian has confirmed a rare, nearly 2.5-hour meeting with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. The encounter marks the first public contact since the February 28 strikes and comes as reports suggest tensions between the civilian government and IRGC commanders over war policy. Pezeshkian is said to have privately criticised escalating military actions as risky for Iran’s economy. With ceasefire talks intensifying and the U.S. pushing for a deal, this high-level meeting could signal a critical shift in Tehran’s strategy. Is Iran recalibrating or deepening its internal divide?

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Is Trump’s Gulf ally paying the price for backing America as Iran rains fire on its oil lifeline?

Published on May 07, 2026 01:40 PM IST

The Gulf may have just crossed into its most dangerous phase yet. Missiles in the sky. Oil zones in flames. And Arab capitals suddenly confronting a question they never thought they would have to ask: is the UAE now directly in Iran’s crosshairs? The region has witnessed a dramatic escalation. The UAE says its air defenses were activated against incoming Iranian missiles and drones. Fujairah, one of the Gulf’s most critical oil hubs, was suddenly engulfed in flames after a mysterious strike. And at the center of the crisis sits a pipeline that may matter more than the Strait of Hormuz itself. Because this was not just any target. Reports suggest the attacks focused on the UAE’s key oil bypass route, infrastructure specifically designed to reduce dependence on Hormuz and weaken Tehran’s leverage over Gulf shipping. Iran denies responsibility. Abu Dhabi blames Tehran. Tehran blames Trump’s “adventurism.” And somewhere in the middle of the accusations lies a larger geopolitical battle over oil, pressure, and control of the Gulf. But this crisis did not emerge in isolation. The UAE had already exited OPEC+, increased oil ambitions, and moved closer to Washington. Now, analysts are asking whether those moves unintentionally painted a target on Abu Dhabi at the worst possible moment. As drones, tankers, pipelines, and warships become part of the same battlefield, one thing is becoming clear: this is no longer just a Hormuz crisis. It is a fight over who controls the future flow of global energy.

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On cam: WHO breaks silence on Hantavirus outbreak, says low risk but more infections cannot be ruled out

Published on May 07, 2026 12:16 PM IST

A deadly Hantavirus outbreak is raising alarm across the globe after the World Health Organization confirmed multiple deaths and warned that more cases could still emerge. Health officials are urging countries to remain vigilant as investigations continue into suspected infections linked to international travel and cruise ship exposure. While fears of another global health emergency are growing, the WHO has stressed that the situation is not currently comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities continue monitoring the outbreak closely amid concerns over rare human-to-human transmission involving certain hantavirus strains.

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Hantavirus cruise horror escalates? WHO warns of possible human spread, says ‘can’t be ruled out…’

Published on May 07, 2026 12:12 PM IST

A deadly Hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship has triggered an international health alert after multiple deaths and suspected infections were reported across several countries. According to the World Health Organization, confirmed and suspected cases linked to the voyage have emerged in the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa, and beyond, with dozens of passengers isolated onboard near Cape Verde.

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Why TVK chief Vijay has to wait to become Tamil Nadu Chief Minister | Tell Me Why | Episode 41

Published on May 07, 2026 10:42 AM IST

Tamil Nadu politics has taken a dramatic turn after actor-turned-politician Vijay’s TVK emerged as the single largest party, defeating both DMK and AIADMK. But why is there still no Chief Minister? The controversy now centers on Governor Rajendra Arlekar, who has refused to invite Vijay to form the government without proof of majority support. Constitutional experts argue the Governor must first invite the single largest party, making this a major debate over democracy, constitutional norms, and political strategy. Is this constitutional caution or political interference? Here’s a full breakdown of the unfolding Tamil Nadu power struggle.

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Trump rubs salt on Americans’ wounds amid oil shock: celebrates stock market while US pays more…

Published on May 07, 2026 09:19 AM IST

As Trump halts his Hormuz mission after just one day, Mojtaba’s aide mocks a “scared” U.S. Navy and reminds Washington of its 1980 failure in Iran. Yet on the home front Trump cheers record Wall Street highs, even as petrol prices, inflation fears and looming midterms threaten his political standing.

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Putin launches plan to capture Kyiv? Russia’s wmd move in Mid-East to keep US away from rescue?

Published on May 07, 2026 09:16 AM IST

With the U.S. tied down by Iran, Putin is seen moving toward a “final assault” on Kyiv. Moscow has ordered foreign embassies to evacuate the Ukrainian capital ahead of Victory Day, warning of “inevitable” strikes on decision‑making centres, even as Zelensky calls Russia’s truce “unfair” and declares his own ceasefire.