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

Google chief executive Sundar Pichai has urged caution as global enthusiasm for artificial intelligence continues to fuel record valuations and intense competition across the technology sector. In an interview, Pichai described the present moment as remarkable for innovation, yet marked by clear signs that investor expectations may be stretching beyond what the industry can sustain. His comments arrive at a time when comparisons to previous periods of market exuberance, particularly the late

A significant privacy issue in WhatsApp has come to light after researchers revealed that a long-standing flaw exposed the phone numbers and profile photos of nearly 3.5 billion users worldwide. The discovery was made by a team from the University of Vienna, who found that WhatsApp’s contact-discovery system lacked proper rate limiting, allowing automated tools to check millions of phone numbers per hour. Through this gap, researchers were able to confirm whether a number was registered on

Cristiano Ronaldo made an unexpected appearance at a White House state dinner hosted by United States President Donald Trump in honour of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The high-profile gathering, held in the East Room, brought together political leaders, top executives and international guests, adding a notable sporting figure to an already prominent list. The presence of the Portuguese football icon drew considerable attention, marking one of his rare visits to the Unite

What Is International Men’s Day? International Men’s Day is observed on November 19 every year to honour the achievements, roles, and contributions of men in families, communities, and society. The day also highlights the social, emotional, physical, and mental health challenges faced by men and boys around the world. Focuses on men’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Raises awareness about challenges f

The Kerala High Court has issued a strong warning to the state government and the Travancore Devaswom Board, stating that a disaster at Sabarimala is inevitable if the current level of crowd mismanagement continues. The court criticised authorities for failing to anticipate and control the massive influx of devotees during the pilgrimage season. Within just 48 hours of its opening on November 17, the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple saw nearly two lakh devotees arrive, overwhelming police and Devasw

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made headlines as she attended the birth centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh. The event was marked by the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, and several union ministers including Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and G Kishan Reddy. Before taking the microphone, Aishwarya touched the feet of PM Modi, who was seated on the stage, a gesture that sparked widespread conversations both at the venue and on

Bangladesh’s interim government led by Muhammad Yunus is moving forward with plans to seek Interpol’s assistance to extradite former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal from India. The move comes shortly after the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka sentenced both leaders to death in absentia for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the July–August 2024 unrest. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim confirmed that preparations are underway to request a fre

India has begun rolling out its next generation of e-passports equipped with advanced digital and physical security layers designed to strengthen identity verification and eliminate fraud. The upgraded system is part of Passport Seva Programme 2.0, which introduces new standards in passport security, digital integration, and citizen services. All new passports issued henceforth will be e-passports, while existing non-electronic passports will continue to remain valid until their expiry, with

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

President Donald Trump has introduced a new fast-track visa system called the “FIFA Pass” for international fans attending the 2026 World Cup in the United States. Announced at the Oval Office alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, the scheme offers ticket holders a prioritized visa appointment to ensure smoother travel ahead of the massive tournament. The US expects between five and ten million visitors, making streamlined entry a major focus for the administration. Despite

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

The investigation into the Red Fort blast has taken a darker turn as the NIA uncovered evidence showing the accused had initially planned large-scale rocket bomb strikes across Delhi before turning to a car bomb. According to sources, the group was actively attempting to develop a Hamas-style drone system capable of launching rocket-based explosives into crowded and high-security zones. Investigators revealed that the module was modifying commercially available drones to carry and launch leth

As the NDA prepares to form the next government in Bihar after securing a sweeping mandate, intense negotiations have begun between the BJP and JD(U) over control of the crucial Assembly Speaker’s post. Senior leaders from both parties are meeting in New Delhi to finalise the structure of the new administration, including the allocation of major cabinet portfolios. According to sources, both parties are making a strong case for the Speaker’s position, with the BJP reportedly determined to

Bangladesh witnessed massive unrest on Monday as clashes broke out across Dhaka and several other regions following the International Crimes Tribunal’s death penalty verdict against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The ruling, linked to charges of incitement, killings and failure to prevent atrocities during the student-led uprising of 2024, triggered violent confrontations between Awami League supporters, rival groups, and security forces. Two people lost their lives as highways were b

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

Iran has officially ended its one-way visa-free entry for Indian citizens, a policy shift that will take effect from November 22. The new rule requires Indians to hold a valid visa not only for visiting Iran but also for transiting through its airports. The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi issued a fresh advisory urging Indian travellers to exercise caution, citing a surge in incidents where Indians were deceived with fraudulent job offers and onward travel promises and then kidnappe

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