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.

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)

Iran has said it is fully prepared to counter sweeping new US sanctions aimed at further isolating Tehran from the global economy. Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said the country had plans in place to manage the measures and predicted another failure for Washington.   US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the new sanctions would target Iran’s financial links, including sectors such as technology, gold, aviation and shipping. China opposed the unilateral measures, while analysts questioned their effectiveness, noting that China continues to buy most of Iran’s oil despite previous US sanctions. (PC: BBC)

Iranian state television aired a video titled “Where to Kill Barron Trump” that allegedly tracked the movements of US President Donald Trump’s son and announced a $10 million bounty. The report said the video was produced by IRGC-affiliated media and broadcast on Channel 3. It also made claims about Barron Trump’s communications and security arrangements. The broadcast follows an earlier video targeting First Lady Melania Trump. Barron and Melania receive round-the-clock protection from the US Secret Service. The development comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran and renewed US economic pressure on Iran. (PC: NDTV)

The United States has announced a new round of sanctions against Iran, targeting sectors including digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and maritime transport. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that countries and entities helping Iran move or launder money could face secondary sanctions and possible exclusion from the US dollar-based financial system. The measures are part of Washington’s wider effort to cut Iran’s access to global trade and financial networks. The latest sanctions target dozens of individuals, companies and vessels. The move increases pressure on Tehran and raises concerns for countries and businesses that maintain financial or commercial ties with Iran. (PC: X)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Iran tried to kill one of his sons, amid continuing tensions between Israel and Tehran. Speaking to Israel’s Channel 14, Netanyahu did not identify which of his two sons was allegedly targeted. He made the claim while discussing security arrangements for former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, who is contesting the October 27 election. Netanyahu said round-the-clock protection was necessary against Iranian threats. The claim comes as the US-Israeli war with Iran nears six months, with diplomatic efforts stalled and the Strait of Hormuz remaining blocked, keeping global energy prices under pressure. (PC: HT)

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has vowed that the UK will continue supporting Ukraine despite what he called Russia's "outrageous threats". During his first official visit to Kyiv, Burnham met President Volodymyr Zelensky and chaired a Coalition of the Willing meeting. Britain will share blueprints for components used in the Scalp missile, helping Ukraine develop domestic production. Russia warned it could target future missile facilities. Burnham said allies would strengthen Ukraine's air defences and increase pressure on Moscow through sanctions. The coalition also pledged to curb Russia's war funding and support Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved. (PC: BBC)

The number of U.S. military personnel killed or wounded since the start of the Iran war has risen to 774, according to the latest Pentagon data. The Defence Casualty Analysis System reported that 18 service members have been killed, while 756 have been wounded in action. The updated figures highlight the growing human cost of the conflict as Washington continues its military operations in the region. The casualties include troops injured during combat and related operations. The Pentagon regularly updates its casualty data as new information becomes available, with the latest figures marking a significant rise in U.S. military losses. (PC: Washington Post)