A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, originally identified in China, has now reached the United States, prompting concern among health officials due to its rapid spread and high transmissibility. Detected first in travelers arriving between March and April in states including California, New York, Washington, Virginia, and Hawaii, the variant has since appeared in Ohio and Rhode Island, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The variant has become dominant i

Many American travelers are rethinking their summer travel plans in 2025 as political tensions and global perceptions shift. Traditionally enthusiastic about overseas travel, one Georgia-based couple had intended to visit South Korea this August, even finalizing their hotel reservations. However, rising unease surrounding U.S. international policies and increasingly strained relations with other nations prompted them to cancel their plans. Instead of jetting off to Seoul, they opted for a dom

A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is now emerging in the United States after becoming dominant in China and causing a significant rise in cases across Asia. U.S. health officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are monitoring the variant closely as scientists continue to analyze whether NB.1.8.1 poses greater risks in terms of transmission, severity, and resistance to existing vaccines. The variant was initially identified in Asia, particularly in Ch

Memorial Day 2025, observed on Monday, May 26, is not only a time for honoring fallen U.S. military heroes but also a cherished moment for Americans to gather, reflect, and travel. With the long weekend offering a perfect break from routine, Urban Express presents this travel guide featuring top destinations, practical travel tips, and exclusive offers to make your journey smooth and meaningful. Best Memorial Day Weekend Destinations in the U.S. Whether

A routine flight from Delhi to Srinagar turned into a traumatic experience for over 200 passengers when IndiGo flight 6E2142 encountered severe midair turbulence caused by an unexpected hailstorm. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening as the aircraft flew into the path of the storm, which later battered the Delhi-NCR region with strong winds, heavy rain, and hail. As the Airbus navigated through the weather system, passengers, including children, began to scream and cry in dist

A Singapore-based woman’s heartfelt story of meeting former DBS Bank CEO Piyush Gupta during a trip to Bali has captured the internet’s attention not for the reason she expected. The twist? It turns out the man she met wasn’t Piyush Gupta at all. Janney Hujic, a professional based in Singapore, shared what she believed was a powerful encounter with the Indian-origin banker, renowned for transforming DBS into a global digital banking powerhouse. Her enthusiastic and

As Americans prepare to travel over the Memorial Day weekend, cybersecurity experts are warning about a growing digital threat known as "evil twin" WiFi attacks. These attacks target travelers who frequently connect to free public WiFi networks in locations such as airports, hotels, and coffee shops. Hackers create fake wireless networks that closely mimic legitimate ones, tricking users into connecting and exposing their sensitive information. An evil twin WiFi attack h

In a startling revelation, Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who runs the travel channel Travel with Jo, has allegedly confessed to Indian authorities that she was in direct contact with officials connected to Pakistan's intelligence network. The 33-year-old, who has approximately 4 lakh subscribers on YouTube, is currently under arrest on charges related to espionage and national security violations. Sources familiar with interrogation details told India Today

United Airlines is issuing an apology to passengers traveling through San Francisco International Airport following a wave of flight delays and disrupted meal service tied to a major catering provider transition. The airline recently began shifting its catering operations from its long-time partner to a new contractor, a change that has led to logistical issues affecting dozens of flights. The root of the disruption traces back to March, when more than 800 employees with the airli

The United States has issued a strong warning to travelers and visa holders, emphasizing that individuals who overstay their authorized period in the country or commit immigration-related fraud may face immediate deportation and a permanent ban on entering the US in the future. This advisory, which was shared through an official government communication channel, is the third such notice in recent weeks, underscoring the seriousness of the policy shift. The warning states that anyo

In a significant move reflecting the ongoing military and diplomatic tension between India and Pakistan, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced on Saturday that 32 airports across northern and western India have been temporarily closed for all civilian flight operations until May 15. The Airports Authority of India (AAI), in coordination with relevant aviation authorities, issued a series of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) that officially suspend civil aviation activity at these airports, effective

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been suspended indefinitely, following growing hostilities between India and Pakistan. The decision, confirmed by a senior BCCI official on Friday, came in the wake of heightened military tension, multiple air raid alerts, and nationwide blackouts that disrupted not just civilian life but also major sporting events. The league’s suspension was triggered by the mid-match cancellation of Thursday’s clash between Punjab Kings and D

Oakland continues to see significant benefits from its tourism sector, with the city reporting an economic impact of $779 million from visitor activity in 2024. Despite persistent concerns about public safety and a long-standing negative narrative surrounding crime, tourism leaders and city officials are working to reshape Oakland’s image and highlight the many positives the city offers to travelers. In 2024, the city welcomed 3.4 million visitors who spent approximately $58

Following India’s recent military campaign, Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), the United States, United Kingdom, and China have all issued travel advisories, urging their citizens to avoid certain regions in South Asia. The advisories are particularly focused on areas close to the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control, which remains a volatile and heavily militarized zone. The cautionary stance was taken in the

With airfares surging and popular summer destinations like Manali, Shimla, and Leh bursting at the seams, Indian travelers are beginning to look elsewhere for their much-needed seasonal reprieve. While the Himalayas have long been the go-to for beating the heat, there’s a whole other side to India’s summer landscape cooler, quieter, and far less discovered. Whether you crave mountain mist, tribal culture, or coffee-scented valleys, these seven lesser-known destinations beyond the

The federal government is finally preparing to enforce the Real ID Act after nearly 20 years of postponements and shifting deadlines. Starting May 7, travelers who do not yet have a Real ID will still be permitted to board domestic flights, but they should expect additional steps and delays at airport security. Officials clarified this position in response to widespread confusion, especially given the assumption that lack of a Real ID would automatically mean being barred from flying.

Severe weather caused widespread disruptions at all major airports in the Washington, D.C. region on Monday night, resulting in significant delays for flights both arriving and departing. Operations at several key transportation hubs were severely impacted by the storm system that swept through the area, bringing delays that lasted for several hours before being lifted late in the evening. By 11:30 p.m., delays had been lifted across the affected airports and flight activity was g

Newark Liberty International Airport, one of the busiest travel hubs in the United States, is grappling with widespread flight delays and cancellations caused by a combination of air traffic controller shortages and ongoing runway construction. The disruption, which began earlier in the week, continued into Friday morning and has left thousands of travelers stranded, rerouting their plans or waiting anxiously for updates on their departure status. According to the Federal Aviation

The United States government has updated global visa appointment wait time estimates effective April 25, 2025. This update offers clarity for visa applicants by sharing both the average interview wait times from the previous month and the projected timeline for the next available appointment. These changes aim to help travelers and applicants better plan their schedules when applying for non-immigrant visas. In India, demand for U.S. visas remains high, particularly for tourism, b

Despite suffering a narrow 14-run defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals’ young spin all-rounder Vipraj Nigam remains confident that his side will not only make the playoffs but also fight for a top-two finish in the IPL 2025 standings. The Capitals, who have now lost three games at home, fell short while chasing 205, but the mood in the camp remains optimistic. Speaking after the match, Nigam, who impressed with both bat