Britain is facing a major flu crisis as a fast-spreading, extra-mutated strain of influenza A(H3N2), called “subclade K” or “superflu,” sweeps the country. NHS leaders say the flu season has begun unusually early, with ten times more hospital patients than this time last year. Most cases are among schoolchildren aged five to 14. Experts warn the virus is more infectious and causes more severe illness. Some hospitals have already brought back mask rules. Health officials say masks can help reduce virus spread and protect people who feel unwell. NHS chiefs fear this winter could be the worst on record. (PC: Daily Mail)

On Sunday, a group of soldiers in Benin appeared on state television and said they had removed President Patrice Talon from office. The troops, calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation, declared the constitution suspended and dissolved all state institutions. They named Pascal Tigri as head of the new military council. Gunfire was reported near Talon’s residence in the capital. But government sources and loyal army units say most forces remain loyal to Talon and are working to restore order. The president’s location is unclear. The country has been thrown into political uncertainty as the coup unfolds. (PC: BBC)

Iran has arrested two organisers of a marathon on Kish Island after some women ran without wearing the hijab. Photos shared online showed several women competing without head coverings. About 2,000 women and 3,000 men took part in separate races. Supporters of change praised the images, saying they showed women rejecting strict dress rules. But Iranian officials called it a violation of public decency. The judiciary quickly acted, saying the event itself broke rules. The hijab issue remains central in Iran, especially after the 2022 protests following Mahsa Amini’s death. Authorities have recently increased action against women not wearing the hijab. (PC: BBC)

An eyewitness said about 100 people were on the dancefloor when flames broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane in Goa. The fire started suddenly, and people began to run as smoke filled the room. Many shouted for help while staff tried to guide guests to the exits. Some people fell in the rush to escape. Fire crews reached the club quickly and worked to control the blaze. Several people were taken to hospital with burns and breathing problems. Police are checking what caused the fire. The state government has ordered a safety review of the nightclub. (PC: India Today)

The UN’s nuclear watchdog says the protective shield at the Chernobyl site can no longer safely contain radiation after a drone strike in February. The New Safe Confinement structure was badly damaged, losing its main safety functions. Ukraine blames Russia for the attack, but Moscow denies it. The strike caused a fire and broke parts of the outer cover. The IAEA says only small temporary repairs have been made and major work is needed soon. The steel shield was built to last 100 years and protect the site of the 1986 disaster. The agency says radiation levels remain under control. (PC: CNN)

A fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa’s Arpora killed at least 25 people after midnight on Sunday. Witnesses said the blaze spread fast and escape routes were narrow and confusing. Some people ran into the kitchen and were trapped. Police first said a cylinder blast caused the fire, but several eyewitnesses disagree. The club was allegedly built without proper permits and had a pending demolition notice. Fire trucks struggled to reach the site due to a narrow road. Goa’s chief minister has ordered an inquiry into construction, safety lapses, and the cause of the fire. (PC: HT)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had a “very constructive” call with US peace envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. They spoke about ways to make Russia follow any deal to end the war. Ukrainian officials are in Miami for a third day of talks on a US-backed peace plan. Russia has not made concessions and continues heavy strikes across Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron offered support and will join leaders from the UK and Germany for talks in London on Monday. US and Ukrainian teams say the next steps depend on Russia showing real intent to ease the conflict. (PC: BBC)

Russia launched a major overnight attack on Ukraine, firing 653 drones and 51 missiles. Most were shot down, but a strike destroyed a key railway station in Fastiv and hit energy sites in eight regions, causing blackouts. The attacks came as US and Ukrainian officials held peace talks in Florida. Both sides said the discussions were “constructive” and agreed on a basic security framework, but many issues remain. The talks will continue for a third day. France, the UK and Germany will meet Zelensky in London on Monday to increase pressure on Russia. Moscow says no compromise has been reached. (PC: BBC)

The DGCA on Saturday sent a show-cause notice to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers after the airline faced a week of major disruptions. Hundreds of flights were delayed or cancelled, causing distress to passengers. The regulator said the airline failed to prepare for the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations rules, leading to a shortage of crew and poor planning. The DGCA said this showed big lapses in management, oversight and resource use. It also formed a committee to study the disruptions. The CEO has been asked to explain within 24 hours why action should not be taken. (PC: X)

Russia carried out a major overnight attack on Ukraine, launching 653 drones and 51 missiles. Most were shot down, but a strike destroyed a railway station in Fastiv near Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the attack was “meaningless” from a military view. Russia also hit energy sites in eight regions, causing blackouts. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant briefly lost all external power again. In Florida, US and Ukrainian officials said talks on a security deal were “constructive”. They agreed on a basic framework but said peace depends on Russia taking real steps to stop the war. Talks will continue for a third day. (PC: Reuters)