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India is witnessing a fresh surge in COVID-19 cases, primarily driven by a new variant identified as JN.1. According to the Union Health Ministry, 257 active COVID cases have been recorded across states, with the majority arising in Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. This variant is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia and is now spreading in parts of India, echoing similar spikes seen in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand. What is the JN.1 Variant?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to usher in a new era in Indian Test cricket with a fresh leadership duo as the selectors finalize the squad for the challenging five-match series in England, beginning June 20 in Leeds. According to reports, Shubman Gill is the frontrunner to be appointed the new captain of the Indian Test team, marking a significant generational shift following the recent retirements of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. At just 25, Gill

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced a major setback in their quest for a top-two finish in the IPL 2025 points table after a 42-run defeat to SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Lucknow. With just one league match remaining, RCB’s road to the top two is no longer solely in their hands. While a win in their final fixture is now non-negotiable, the team must also rely on other match outcomes and a favorable Net Run Rate (NRR) scenario to edge ahead. After the loss, RCB remains on 1

Miss India 2025, Nandini Gupta, has earned a prestigious spot among the top 24 global finalists for the Miss World 2025 pageant, an event that is creating waves of pride and excitement across the country. Held for the first time in Telangana, India, the international beauty pageant has turned into a celebration of culture, tradition, and youthful talent. The competition has attracted 108 participants from around the world, each representing their nation’s grace and excellence. After a s

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

Memorial Day 2025 will be observed on Monday, May 26, marking one of the most solemn and meaningful national holidays in the United States. The day serves as a tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who died while serving their country. It is a time of remembrance, reflection, and patriotic honor. History and Origin of Memorial Day Originally known as Decoration Day, the holiday began after the American Civil War as a way to honor Union so

Just when residents were beginning to enjoy a short-lived reprieve from the sweltering heat, Gulf humidity has made a strong comeback. Houston is once again facing hot, sticky weather heading into the Memorial Day holiday weekend, with temperatures climbing back into the mid-90s, feeling closer to 100°F due to high humidity levels. After a slightly cooler and more pleasant Wednesday, the shift back into typical southeast Texas heat is in full effect. The KPRC 2 Weather Team warn

The City of Hutto has officially been recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, landing the 13th spot on a new list released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The data reflects population changes from 2023 to 2024, during which Hutto grew by over 9 percent, making it the only city in Central Texas to break into the top 15. What was once a small, quiet town on the outskirts of Austin is now experiencing a development boom fueled by an influx of new residents and

The second and final suspect involved in a deadly street racing crash on Mother’s Day in South Dallas has turned herself in to authorities. Sharonda Clark, 47, the driver of the black Cadillac seen fleeing the crash site, surrendered on Wednesday following a police manhunt and public appeals for her arrest. The crash, which occurred on May 11, took the life of Jose Ambrocio Medina Soto, 59, after his pickup truck was struck during a high-speed race between two vehicles. The ot

In a powerful display of unity and cultural pride, the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) brought vibrant celebrations to Roselle, New Jersey, and Brooklyn, New York, in honor of Haitian Flag Day. The dual events, held on May 17, 2025, were filled with color, music, and inspiring messages that encouraged youth and communities to embrace values of conscience, integrity, and peace. Hosted in front of Roselle Borough Hall, the New Jersey celebration marked the 222nd anniversar

Get ready for San Ramon’s most anticipated event of the year the Art and Wind Festival, returning this Sunday and Monday with a spectacular lineup of attractions, performances, and family-friendly activities. Taking place at various locations around City Hall and local school fields, the two-day festival is packed with entertainment for all ages, celebrating art, wind, community, and creativity. The annual festival will showcase fine arts and crafts vendors, three live enterta

Dublin’s favorite summer destination is making a splash again The Wave Waterpark is officially reopening its gates this Memorial Day, offering a season of fun and cool relief from the rising California heat. Set to welcome families starting at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 26, 2025, the water park promises an exciting array of attractions and programs for all ages throughout the summer. Following its grand opening on Memorial Day, The Wave will operate from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. over the

Federal authorities have arrested Kenneth Mattson, a 63-year-old real estate investor from Sonoma and former owner of a specialty car consignment shop in downtown Pleasanton, on charges related to a $28 million Ponzi scheme that allegedly spanned over a decade. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed that Mattson is facing a nine-count indictment for wire fraud, money laundering, and obstruction of justice, unsealed this Thursday. Mattson, known locally for operating the now-d

A fast-moving grass fire that broke out Thursday afternoon near Livermore, California, has scorched 261.8 acres but is now reported to be 60% contained, according to the Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD). Known as the Midway Fire, it started around 2:51 p.m. near Patterson Pass Road and Midway Road, just outside of Mountain House. As of 6:03 p.m. on Thursday, forward progress of the fire had been stopped. Initial containment efforts were quickly escalated as the fire jumped the

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the inaugural session of the Rising North East Summit 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, declared the Northeast region of India as the most diverse and dynamic contributor to the nation’s development. Highlighting its multifaceted significance, he stated that from trade and tradition to textiles and tourism, Northeast India exemplifies true diversity and strength within the country. The two-day summit, held on May 23rd and 24th, aims

A deeply personal and politically charged letter from former MP Kalvakuntla Kavitha to her father, BRS chief K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), has ignited a storm in Telangana's political circles. Reportedly handwritten after the BRS Silver Jubilee celebrations in Warangal, the 6-page letter begins with “My Dear Daddy” and goes on to raise pointed concerns about the party’s leadership direction, KCR’s speech, and his muted criticism of the BJP. Kavitha’s

In a development that has sparked intense debate in the entertainment industry, actress Deepika Padukone has reportedly been dropped from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit after she requested a 6-hour workday due to her responsibilities as a new mother. The film was set to star Prabhas opposite Padukone, but disagreements over working hours and contract terms reportedly led to her exit. According to media reports, Deepika’s agency had requested that the

 In a high-profile crackdown, the Anakapalli District Police have dismantled an international cybercrime syndicate based in Achyutapuram, Andhra Pradesh. The scam, which impersonated Amazon’s customer support team, targeted unsuspecting US citizens in a sophisticated multi-layered fraud operation. Authorities arrested 33 individuals during coordinated raids across three locations on May 22. The operation, led by the Anakapalli Superintendent of Police and based on a compl

 In a major policy development, the Indian government has initiated high-level talks to overhaul the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework. According to a report by The Economic Times, the discussions aim to streamline the current slab structure, reduce business complexities, and prepare Indian industries for greater global competitiveness. The GST overhaul talks come amid broader tax reform efforts, including the introduction of an income tax simplification bill earl