Russia has reportedly proposed a wide-ranging technology transfer package for its fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jet, signalling that defence cooperation may take centre stage when President Vladimir Putin visits India next month. The offer comes as New Delhi continues to balance long-standing strategic ties with Moscow while facing Western scrutiny over its neutral stance on the conflict in Ukraine. The proposal, according to officials familiar with the matter, could strengthen India

Health authorities in the United States have confirmed the country’s first human case of the H5N5 bird flu virus after a Washington state resident tested positive for the strain earlier this month. The infection marks the first documented instance of H5N5 in a person anywhere in the world, underscoring what experts describe as the unpredictable evolution of avian influenza viruses. Officials emphasized that the overall public risk remains low, but the case is being closely monitored due to the unusual nature of the strain. According to Washington state health officials, the patient became severely ill in early November, presenting with a high fever, significant breathing difficulty, and episodes of confusion. The individual was initially treated at a medical facility in Grays Harbor County, approximately 100 miles from Seattle, before being transferred to a hospital in King County for advanced care. Authorities revealed that the patient is older and has underlying health conditions, though no further identifying information was provided. Laboratory testing confirmed that the patient had contracted H5N5, a subtype of bird flu previously detected only in birds. Until now, human infections in the United States have involved the more widely recognized H5N1 strain. Researchers say the emergence of H5N5 in a human highlights the ongoing adaptability of influenza viruses circulating in domestic and wild bird populations. Investigators believe the patient’s exposure likely came from their own property, where they kept a mixed backyard flock of domestic poultry. The area is also frequented by wild birds such as ducks and geese, which are known carriers of various avian influenza strains. Officials stated that either domestic birds or wild species could have transmitted the virus, and both scenarios are under review. Despite the unusual circumstances, health authorities maintain that the case does not indicate increased transmission risk to the broader public. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Washington state officials reiterated that there is no evidence of human-to-human spread associated with H5N5. Individuals who had close contact with the patient were evaluated and tested, and no additional infections have been identified. Experts also clarified that H5N5 is not a newly discovered virus; it has been circulating among birds for some time. This instance simply marks the first confirmation of the strain infecting a human. Because influenza viruses regularly mutate as they pass between species, scientists continue to track their behavior, particularly when new patterns of infection appear. This case is the first recorded human bird flu infection in the United States in at least eight months. The country has been dealing with a widespread bird flu outbreak since early 2022, during which 71 human infections have been documented. One fatality was reported in Louisiana. Only a handful of cases have occurred so far this year, reflecting the sporadic and largely low-risk nature of avian influenza transmission to people. Health agencies continue to monitor bird populations, agricultural settings, and human cases to better understand how avian influenza evolves and to ensure timely guidance for the public. While the H5N5 infection represents a rare event, officials stressed that prevention measures, including avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and practicing proper hygiene around poultry, remain important tools in reducing exposure risks.

India is preparing for one of its busiest wedding seasons, with nearly 46 lakh weddings expected in 2025 and spending projected at around Rs 6.5 lakh crore. As celebrations grow grander, Indian weddings often resemble Bollywood productions with choreographed sangeets, elaborate décor and multi-day festivities. But with budgets crossing Rs 30–35 lakh for most weddings, and luxury ceremonies easily exceeding Rs 1 crore, families are pouring unprecedented amounts into these events. With such

Indian-origin venture capitalist Asha Jadeja Motwani has asserted that she played a role in shaping former President Donald Trump’s recent shift in tone on the H-1B visa program, a move that has triggered debate among his political supporters. The program, which enables United States companies to hire skilled foreign workers, has long been a focal point in policy discussions involving the technology sector. Motwani said she spoke directly with both Trump and Vice President JD Vance about th

Illinois residents can now use digital driver’s licenses and state identification cards on their iPhones, marking a significant technological shift in how individuals verify their identity at airports, bars, restaurants, and select venues across the state. The program officially began Tuesday morning following the implementation of a new state law that authorizes digital IDs and enables their integration into mobile devices. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced the launch

Health officials across the United States are closely monitoring a rapidly spreading H3N2 influenza strain that has already led to unusually large outbreaks in several countries. The early and aggressive activity observed abroad is raising concern that the U.S. may be headed toward a more challenging flu season than in recent years. Countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Japan have recorded stronger-than-normal waves of influenza infection, with some regions reporting significant

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has introduced full contactless payments on Metrobus, marking a significant expansion of the Tap. Ride. Go. system that first debuted on Metrorail earlier this year. Beginning Tuesday, riders across the region can use a contactless credit or debit card, as well as mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, to pay fares directly at the bus card reader. The update is designed to reduce friction for daily commuters and casual riders, particul

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a sharp warning that the country cannot rule out the possibility of an all-out war with India, stating that Islamabad remains on full alert as tensions rise across the region. Speaking to Samaa TV, Asif said his analysis suggested India could adopt hostile strategies, including border incursions or coordinated attacks, and stressed the need for complete preparedness. His remarks follow Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi’

A day after a Louisiana court rejected his application for asylum, Indian gangster Anmol Bishnoi is being deported from the United States and is expected to arrive in New Delhi around 10am on Wednesday, according to officials familiar with the matter. Bishnoi, who is wanted in multiple high-profile criminal cases across India, has been identified as the key conspirator in the killing of politician Baba Siddique in October last year. He is the younger brother of incarcerated gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi, whose syndicate has been active across several northern states. Sources stated that Anmol is being brought back to India on a chartered aircraft along with two fugitives wanted in separate Punjab-related investigations. A senior officer said that once his asylum plea was dismissed on Monday, US authorities initiated deportation procedures and notified Indian agencies of his travel schedule. The officer added that detailed coordination began immediately for securing his arrival. Indian security officials said arrangements have been made for multiple teams of Delhi Police to be deployed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport to assist central agencies. Preliminary discussions indicate that the National Investigation Agency will present Bishnoi before a court to seek custody in connection with ongoing terror and organised crime cases. Investigators are prioritising his alleged involvement in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in May 2022, the killing of Baba Siddique in 2024, and a firing incident outside the residence of actor Salman Khan. Baba Siddique’s son, Zeeshan Siddique, confirmed that he received an email from US authorities informing him that Bishnoi had been “removed” from the country. He said the communication was sent because his contact information was registered as part of the victim’s family details, and such updates were routinely provided. However, he added that he had no clarity on Bishnoi’s exact travel status or location after removal. Baba Siddique was shot dead outside his Bandra office on October 12, 2024. Following the attack, Mumbai Police arrested 26 individuals and invoked sections of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act. Anmol was listed as the mastermind in the chargesheet, and police claimed that audio clips recovered from the accused matched his voice, allegedly giving instructions for the execution of the murder plot. Indian authorities had sought Bishnoi’s extradition in January last year. In response, the US Department of State had requested additional information in March, specifically asking for detailed proof of his direct role in various crimes and supporting technical evidence. Bishnoi was arrested by US immigration officials in November 2024 for travelling with forged documents but was later released on bail after a period of detention. Investigators said Anmol fled to the United States in May 2022 using a fake passport issued under the name “Bhanu.” His cover began to unravel when US immigration authorities flagged discrepancies in reference letters submitted with his travel documents. A Red Corner Notice was issued against him in December 2022, and the NIA announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to his capture. Officials noted that Bishnoi faces 31 criminal cases, including 22 in Rajasthan alone, and has nine pending arrest warrants. The Lawrence Bishnoi syndicate, which he is believed to have helped manage from abroad, spans Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi, and is suspected of carrying out extortion, targeted killings and coordinated operations using overseas handlers. With his deportation underway, agencies expect a significant breakthrough in investigations linked to the network’s recent activities.

A major breakthrough in Andhra Pradesh’s anti-Naxal operations unfolded on Tuesday as police arrested 31 Maoists hiding in Vijayawada, Kakinada and other parts of Krishna district. The arrests created a stir across the region, especially as several of those detained were senior Maoist leaders from Chhattisgarh who had quietly entered the state to escape intensified combing operations.  In a major strike, 27 Maoists were arrested from a four-storey building in New Autonagar, K

US President Donald Trump’s sudden decision to support the release of the Epstein Files marks a dramatic reversal from his earlier refusal, when he dismissed the move as a Democratic distraction. The shift reportedly began after Republicans suffered defeats in several gubernatorial and mayoral races, prompting advisers to push Trump toward a more transparent stance. In a Truth Social post, Trump insisted he had nothing to hide and encouraged House Republicans to vote in favour of the releas

More than six months after the four-day conflict between India and Pakistan, satellite imagery suggests that Pakistan is still struggling to repair critical military installations damaged during India’s Operation Sindoor. OSINT specialist Damien Symon, known for uncovering India’s strike on Pakistan’s Kirana Hills nuclear depot, has released new imagery showing reconstruction activity at key sites, raising doubts about Islamabad’s earlier claims of victory. Symon posted that

US President Donald Trump announced that the United States will move forward with selling F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant shift in defence cooperation just as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prepares for his first Washington visit in more than seven years. Trump described Saudi Arabia as a strong ally and confirmed that the kingdom’s request for the world-class stealth aircraft will be fulfilled. The crown prince is expected to arrive with clear priorities, includi

A large-scale cargo theft network operating out of a Dallas repair shop has been dismantled after an extensive police investigation led to the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of nearly one million dollars in stolen products. Authorities reported that the operation had been functioning for several years and was tied to multiple theft cases affecting businesses across the Dallas-Fort Worth region. The discovery has revealed the depth of coordination behind the thefts and highlighted the i

Emergency teams in Round Rock are actively responding to a gas leak that has led officials to issue a public warning asking residents and commuters to avoid the affected area. The leak is located in the 4100 block of Chert Drive, between Sam Bass Road and FM 1431, an area that includes residential homes and roadways frequently used by local traffic. Authorities have not disclosed the cause of the leak, but crews are focused on securing the site and preventing any potential hazards while ensuring

Melick's Town Farm in Oldwick, located in the heart of Hunterdon County, has long been recognized as a place where fall flavors are deeply rooted in everyday life rather than limited to a short seasonal window. With its beginnings tracing back to 1728, the farm stands as one of New Jersey’s oldest continuously operated family farms. Across nearly three centuries, it has grown from a modest plot of land into the state’s largest apple-growing operation, known for producing more than twenty var

A late-night fire at a residence associated with the Embassy of Laos in Northwest Washington prompted a large emergency response on Sunday, with officials confirming that the cause remains under investigation. The fire was reported around 9:30 p.m. on the 2200 block of S Street Northwest, an area known for its diplomatic presence and historic residential structures. When fire crews arrived, they observed significant smoke and visible flames coming from the second floor of a three-story residence

A large industrial fire at a decommissioned power plant in Texas City was contained Sunday evening after an extensive multi-agency firefighting response that began in the early morning hours. Officials confirmed that although the flames were no longer spreading, the site would continue to smolder well into the night, and residents would likely see smoke for several more hours. No injuries were reported, and authorities said air quality remained safe for nearby neighborhoods despite heavy smok

The United States is preparing a major escalation in its economic pressure campaign against Russia, with President Donald Trump announcing that he supports Senate legislation enabling Washington to impose tariffs of up to 500 percent on countries that continue significant trade with Moscow. The measure represents one of the most aggressive attempts yet to curtail Russian war funding and signals growing frustration in Washington over the prolonged conflict in Ukraine. Speaking before

Santa Clara County’s recently approved sales tax increase has triggered a growing conflict among its supporters, with county officials, law enforcement leaders and community advocates divided over how the revenue should be distributed. The dispute centers on Measure A, a five-eighths-cent sales tax increase approved by 57% of voters, which county leaders described as a critical source of funding for the region’s strained public hospital system. Now, disagreements over future budget alloca