The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has urged people not to panic over rising H1N1 cases in Delhi-NCR. ICMR chief Dr Rajiv Bahl said there is no new or unusually dangerous strain of influenza in India. H1N1, also known as swine flu, is now a common seasonal virus. Most infections are mild and improve on their own. People with flu symptoms should rest, drink enough fluids and avoid close contact with others. Bahl advised people to seek medical help if they face breathing problems or chest pain. He also said antivirals should be taken only on medical advice.

A US Air Force C-17 transport aircraft landed at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport on Tuesday. The reason for the unusual flight remains unclear. Flight data showed the aircraft, callsign RCH4555, flew from Riga, Latvia, and reached Moscow shortly after 10 am. The Kremlin told Reuters it had no information about the aircraft. Neither Washington nor Moscow has issued an official statement. The aircraft had earlier arrived in Riga from Andrews Air Force Base in the US. The flight has sparked speculation about possible US diplomatic talks with Russia over the Ukraine war. No visit has been confirmed.

Kit Harington has replaced Nicholas Hoult as Gilderoy Lockhart in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television series after Hoult reportedly exited due to scheduling issues. Best known for playing Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, Harington will take on the role of the celebrity wizard and Hogwarts professor previously played by Kenneth Branagh in the films. Harington, a longtime Harry Potter fan, had earlier voiced Lockhart in an audiobook. The first season, based on Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, is set to premiere this Christmas, while season two will adapt The Chamber of Secrets. (PC: BBC)

Four Indian companies have been sanctioned by the US for allegedly helping Iran trade and transport oil, as Washington expands its economic pressure campaign under “Operation Economic Outcast”. The measures target entities accused of facilitating Iranian petroleum sales through shipping, financial and trading networks. The US Treasury has warned that businesses and banks continuing to deal with Iran could face further action. The sanctions come as Washington seeks to isolate Tehran economically and pressure its trading partners. The move could raise concerns for Indian firms with exposure to Iranian oil and related business networks. (PC: HT)

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has challenged the BJP to compare the condition of 1,000 government schools in AAP-ruled Punjab with an equal number in BJP-ruled Gujarat. He dared BJP leaders to visit the schools and assess infrastructure, education standards and facilities. Kejriwal said the comparison would expose the difference between the two governments’ approach to public education. The challenge comes amid an ongoing political battle between the AAP and BJP over governance and development. Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains also backed Kejriwal, saying the state government was ready for a transparent comparison. (PC: India Today)

Fifteen-year-old Indian chess player Vandan Alankar Sawai pulled off a stunning victory over former world champion Magnus Carlsen in an online game. Sawai defeated the Norwegian chess great in 50 moves and later said he was shocked when Carlsen made a crucial blunder. The teenager seized the opportunity and converted his advantage to register one of the biggest wins of his young career. The victory has drawn attention across the chess world, highlighting the growing strength of India's young players and their ability to challenge the sport's biggest names. (PC: India Today)

BJP national spokesperson Ajay Alok has sparked a fresh row after saying the Modi government addressed upper-caste concerns by introducing the 10% EWS quota in 2019. His remarks came amid protests demanding reforms to caste-based reservation and the scrapping of the now-stayed UGC equity rules. Reservation reform activists hit back, accusing Alok of dismissing their right to question policies affecting them. The debate has intensified after activist Ajeet Bharti was booked under the SC/ST Act over alleged remarks against MP Chandrashekhar Azad, adding political heat to the reservation controversy. (PC: India Today)

A US military aircraft landed at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport on Tuesday, triggering speculation about the purpose of the rare flight. Flight tracking data identified the aircraft as a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, which flew from Riga, Latvia, to Moscow. Neither Washington nor Moscow immediately explained the visit, while the Kremlin said it had no information. The aircraft had earlier arrived in Riga from Camp Springs, home to Andrews Air Force Base. Online speculation linked the flight to possible Ukraine peace talks, including reports of a potential visit by US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. (PC: India Today)

China has vowed to protect its interests after the US announced wider sanctions targeting Iran and countries trading with Tehran. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing opposed what it called “illegal unilateral sanctions” and would take necessary measures to safeguard its rights. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that nations, banks and businesses maintaining financial ties with Iran could face isolation. China remains Iran’s largest oil buyer, with analysts estimating that around 90% of Iranian oil exports go to China. India and Russia could also be affected, but neither has yet responded.

An Indian man living in the US has sparked an online debate after claiming he saved more in India despite earning around ₹1 crore annually in America. Nitin Malhotra said his $8,000 monthly income is heavily reduced by mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, food and other household expenses, leaving him with about $1,000-$1,200 in savings. He said that while earning ₹25 lakh annually in India, he could save around ₹1-1.25 lakh every month after rent and daily expenses. His comparison has triggered a wider discussion on salaries, cost of living and quality of life. (PC: HT)