The warning comes just a day after a glacier-related disaster unleashed a devastating flood in Nepal's Bhotekoshi River and a separate mudslide struck China's Gyirong Port, leaving the region facing a rapidly evolving emergency.

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Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has said the August 26 flood was not triggered by rainfall. Satellite observations suggest that a large section of glacier, believed to have broken away from the northern face of Langtang Lirung at an altitude of around 5,200 metre, plunged nearly 1,200 metre into the Lhende River.

The Lhende is a tributary of the Bhotekoshi River.

The massive fall of ice and rock temporarily blocked the narrow river valley, effectively creating a natural dam. The obstruction then gave way, releasing a fast-moving mixture of water, mud, ice and rocks downstream.

The flood surge moved towards several districts, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan.

Why was China's Gyirong Port also hit?

On the Chinese side of the border, a separate mudslide struck the area around Gyirong Port in China's Xizang region on the same morning.

Gyirong is an important trade route connecting China and Nepal.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that mud had accumulated to depths of more than five feet in some areas, while roads and communication links were disrupted.

By Thursday morning, Chinese authorities had confirmed three deaths, while 558 persons were still reported missing. President Xi Jinping has directed authorities to intensify search and rescue operations.

Officials have not yet established whether the Chinese mudslide and the Bhotekoshi flood were directly connected.

New barrier lake creates fresh flood danger

The latest concern centres on another potentially dangerous development upstream. China's Ministry of Water Resources has reported the formation of a barrier lake near the meeting point of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers.

The lake was estimated to contain around 2 million cubic metre of water by Thursday morning and had already begun overflowing. Officials estimate that another 3 million cubic metre could enter the lake over the next three days. That has raised concerns that the natural barrier could fail and release a new flood wave.

Chinese engineers are conducting flood-flow simulations and preparing for a possible breach. On the Nepal side, authorities have urged people living near the Bhotekoshi, Trishuli and Narayani rivers to avoid riverbanks until further notice.

How powerful was the first flood?

The first flood wave entered Nepal at around 9 am on Wednesday, according to DHM data. The surge eventually reached Devghat in Chitwan later that afternoon, where the flow peaked at nearly 5,850 cubic metre per second.

Officials estimate that approximately 20 million cubic metre of additional water passed through Devghat.

The scale was several times larger than the volume associated with the 1985 Dig Tsho glacial flood in the Everest region. The flood travelled roughly 170 km downstream within just a few hours, highlighting the speed at which such Himalayan events can turn into major disasters.

The floods hit several areas on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction across three districts and leaving families searching for missing relatives.

Khanal said the authorities were still assessing the scale of the disaster as rescue and relief teams continued their work.

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“Thousands of families have lost homes and are missing as of now. We are still trying to ascertain the full extent of the disaster,” he was quoted as saying by NDTV.

Death toll rises to 170

The Nepal Police said the death toll from the flash floods had risen to 170 on Thursday. The disaster was linked to an avalanche that blocked the flow of the Lhende tributary of the Bhotekoshi River. The sudden release of water hit Timure, an area close to the Nepal-China border near Rasuwagadhi, before the flooding spread to other locations.

Indians among those missing

Earlier reports on Wednesday said at least 133 Indians and 37 non-resident Indians were among nearly 500 persons whose whereabouts were unknown.

At least 50 of the Indian nationals reported missing were believed to be pilgrims travelling for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.

With the situation changing rapidly and authorities still working to verify information, the number of missing Indian nationals remains a major concern.

Indian Embassy issues helpline numbers

The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has been coordinating with Nepalese authorities over rescue and relief efforts involving Indian nationals.

The embassy has asked people seeking information or assistance to contact 977 985 131 6807 or 977 970 910 7500.

In a separate update, the embassy said efforts were being stepped up in coordination with the Nepal government to locate and assist Indians affected by the floods.

The Nepal Tourism Board has also issued emergency contacts for people needing help. These include the toll-free number 1234, hotline 1144 and Tourist Police number 9851289445.

The Embassy of India in Beijing has also provided a WhatsApp helpline at 0086 185 1428 4905 for assistance.

Rescue efforts continue

Rescue and relief operations are underway in the affected areas as authorities search for missing people and assess the damage caused by the sudden flooding.

The exact number of people still unaccounted for is expected to become clearer as rescue teams reach affected locations and authorities verify reports from families and local officials.

The disaster has caused particular concern in India because of the large number of Indian tourists and Kailash Manasarovar pilgrims believed to have been in the affected region.

Meanwhile, the US Geological Survey said that a glacial collapse triggered the catastrophic flash flood in Nepal and Tibet that roared down valleys, wiping out entire villages and leaving a trail of destruction. 

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The US Geological Survey (USGS) initially reported that a magnitude 4.4 earthquake had struck early Wednesday, around 66 km (41 miles) north of Kathmandu near the Nepal-Tibet border. However, it later changed its assessment, saying the seismic activity was caused by a large glacial collapse rather than an earthquake.

According to the USGS, the collapse involved ice and rocks that moved downstream, triggering a massive debris flow and devastating floods. The agency based its conclusion on information from nearby seismic stations, long-period seismic waves and satellite images. It confirmed that no earthquake had occurred.

“The Lhende Khola has flooded twice in 14 months, this time triggered by an ice rock avalanche from a glacier on the Nepal side that blocked the river and released a sudden surge downstream,” Saswata Sanyal, a disaster risk reduction specialist at the climate research group was quoted as saying by news agency Associated Press (AP).

Catastrophic floods ravage Nepal

The floods hit Nepal’s Rasuwa district, which borders Tibet, on Wednesday. Villages were flooded and important infrastructure was damaged. Nepal’s Tourism Ministry said 468 tourists and travellers, including 393 foreigners, were still unaccounted for in the mountainous region, which is popular among trekkers and pilgrims.

Chinese state media reported that 558 people were missing on the Tibet side of the border, including at least 260 foreign nationals. The missing foreigners in Nepal included 142 Indians, 47 Americans, 34 Australians, 33 Britons and 24 Canadians. Nepal Police said 165 bodies had been recovered by Wednesday evening, while Chinese state media reported three deaths on the Tibet side.

Many of those affected were travelling to Kailash Mansarovar, a high-altitude pilgrimage site in Tibet that is considered sacred by Hindus, Buddhists and other religious communities.

Earlier, Nepali officials believed that an earthquake may have caused part of a glacier to collapse and trigger the floods. However, the USGS later clarified that the seismic signal was produced by the collapse of glacial rock and ice and the movement of debris, not by an earthquake.

An early analysis of Planet Labs satellite images suggested that an ice-and-rock landslide caused the debris-filled flood in the Lhende River. The incident occurred around 20 km (12 miles) northeast of the Rasuwagadhi border crossing between Nepal and China.

Experts said the steep and difficult terrain of the Himalayas increases the risk of such landslides, glacial collapses and sudden floods.

Officials said the floodwaters entered the Bhote Koshi River from the Tibetan side at around 9 am, badly affecting Timure and Syapru Besi. A mudslide also hit the Tibetan side near the Gyirong border crossing, causing deaths and leaving several people missing, according to China’s state-run Xinhua.

The exact cause of the flash floods was not immediately known. Nepal’s Flood Forecasting Division said heavy rainfall in Rasuwa was unlikely to have caused the flooding, while satellite images showed significant rain on the Tibetan side. Officials are investigating whether a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) may have triggered the disaster.

Videos shared on social media showed powerful floodwaters rushing through the area and carrying away a bridge. Another video showed a house collapsing as people ran to safety.

The Nepal government launched rescue operations in the affected areas. However, helicopters could not land in some places because of the high water levels. Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered an extensive search for missing people in Tibet and called for better monitoring and early-warning systems to prevent further disasters.

Bihar on alert

The Bihar government increased monitoring of the situation as floodwaters moved towards India. Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit held a video conference with district magistrates and instructed officials in areas along the Gandak and Kosi river systems to remain especially alert.

Villages and border market washed away

Rasuwa Chief District Officer Narendra Pariyar said officials had received reports that villages and infrastructure sites had been washed away. The full extent of the damage was still being assessed.

Pariyar warned that the disaster could have caused significant loss of life and property.

Timure Bazaar, a market near the Tibet border, and the nearby customs area suffered major damage. Vehicles and goods were swept away by the floodwaters.

A newly built Friendship Bridge at Rasuwagadhi was also destroyed. The bridge had been reconstructed after a deadly flood last year.

The fire broke out inside the maternity ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) at around 7 am. Preliminary investigation suggests a fault in the air-conditioning system as possible cause behind the blaze, however precise cause was not immediately established.  

Watch 4 videos..
Fire in Islamabad Hospital Nursery Claims Lives of 14 Infants

A fire broke out early Wednesday morning in the neonatal unit of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, caused by a malfunction in an air-conditioning unit, killing 14 infants out of… pic.twitter.com/f9qdlEIzpP

— mahmoud khalil (@sahel2212) August 26, 2026

The fire was brought under control quickly, but cooling operations continued for some time. The Islamabad administration said six fire engines and four ambulances were used during the rescue operation. The affected hospital ward was later sealed off.

The incident is being described as one of the deadliest hospital fires in Pakistan in recent years. It has also raised concerns about the condition of the country’s public healthcare system. Government hospitals provide subsidised treatment but often face problems such as overcrowding and a lack of resources. Watchdog groups have also repeatedly raised concerns about poor management at state-run hospitals.

Shehbaz Sharif expresses grief

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed “deep sorrow and heartfelt regret” over the deaths and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

His office said those responsible for any negligence should be identified and face the “strictest action.”

The Islamabad administration has also set up an inquiry committee headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner General. The committee will investigate the fire, determine its cause and examine how the incident happened.

A US State Department spokesperson said on Tuesday that it launched a global training initiative at all US embassies and consulates worldwide and that appointments for visa services will be adjusted to accommodate training. 

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The suspension of visa appointments became known after applicants with already scheduled interviews at US embassies and consulates received emails informing them that their appointments had been postponed. They were told that new appointment dates would be shared later.

H-1B visa fee controversy

The decision came a day after the Trump administration proposed a new H-1B visa application fee of $103,265. The H-1B visa allows US companies to employ skilled workers from other countries.

The Department of Homeland Security made the proposal after President Donald Trump had announced plans last year to raise the H-1B visa fee to $100,000. However, a court stopped that order in June this year.

Trump's crackdown on immigrants

Since returning to office in 2025, President Donald Trump and his administration have taken several strict measures against immigrants in the US.

These include cancelling visas and green cards and rejecting immigration applications. Such actions were also reported during pro-Palestinian protests at US colleges and universities over Israel's war in Gaza.

The administration has also ordered large-scale deportations and increased raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

The US Treasury described the action as part of a wider economic campaign aimed at disrupting Iran’s financial links around the world. It said India-based Sadashiva Overseas Limited imported around USD 69 million worth of Iranian petroleum products between February 2024 and June 2025. Some of these shipments were reportedly connected to Bonjoure Commodity FZE, which has already been sanctioned by the US.

PP Softtech Private Limited and Prakrutees Infra Impex India Private Limited were each accused of importing around USD 25 million worth of Iranian petroleum products. Together with Sadashiva Overseas, the imports cited by the US were valued at about USD 119 million.

The fourth firm, Portease Partners LLP, an India-based customs broker, was sanctioned for allegedly helping move several shipments of Iranian petrochemical products into India.

The US also sanctioned three Indian nationals — Prashant Garg, director of PP Softtech, and Portease partners Indrismiya Asharafmiya Shekh and Harish Ramchandra Rangi.

US steps up economic pressure on Iran

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the new sanctions would increase pressure on the Iranian government, calling the campaign an “economic D-Day.” Washington has warned that any form of economic dealings with Iran could lead to sanctions as it tries to financially isolate Tehran.

The latest action comes despite a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran, with no permanent agreement reached so far. Washington had previously sanctioned other India-based companies over alleged Iranian oil dealings, including four firms in February and six companies along with three Indian nationals in July last year.

The new sanctions also cover around 20 companies in China and Hong Kong and four Chinese nationals. In total, nearly 60 individuals, companies and vessels have been targeted by the US Treasury.

Iran rejects US sanctions

Iran has strongly opposed the latest US measures. Its Foreign Ministry said the sanctions violated international law and the UN Charter.

The ministry said countries that value their sovereignty and national interests would not accept what it described as unlawful pressure and intimidation.

Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said the country was fully prepared to deal with the new sanctions and had a two-year plan to counter their impact.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf also dismissed US warnings against countries trading with Iran, calling them “big talk.” He said Iran’s trading partners had told Tehran that they considered Washington’s threats meaningless.

Flight tracking data showed that the aircraft, believed to be a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, flew from Riga in Latvia to Moscow. The aircraft was operating under callsign RCH4555 and carried registration 07-7181.

According to flight tracking information, the plane left Riga at around 8:50 am and reached Moscow shortly after 10 am. So far, there has been no official explanation for the unusual flight from either the US or Russian governments.

What is US military aircraft doing in Moscow?

The exact reason behind the aircraft's arrival remains unknown. The Kremlin also reportedly told Reuters that it had no information about the flight.

The aircraft's recent flight history has added to the speculation. Tracking data showed that it arrived in Riga on August 23 after departing from the area of Camp Springs in Maryland, home to Andrews Air Force Base.

Andrews is one of the most important US military air transport facilities and is closely associated with the movement of senior American officials.

However, the presence of a C-17 does not necessarily mean that a senior US official was travelling on the aircraft.

The Globemaster is primarily used to transport troops, vehicles, military equipment, communications systems and other cargo. It can also be deployed to support official government visits by moving equipment and personnel in advance.

Speculation over possible US-Russia talks

The unusual flight has fuelled speculation online, particularly because of continuing efforts to revive negotiations over the Ukraine conflict.

There have also been reports in recent weeks suggesting that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth could travel to Moscow as Washington looks for ways to restart stalled discussions.

However, there is no confirmation that Hegseth was on the aircraft that landed in Moscow.

Another possibility being discussed is that the aircraft could be linked to preparations for a visit by US special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.

The two have earlier been involved in diplomatic efforts between Washington and Moscow over the Ukraine war.

When did a US aircraft last fly directly to Russia?

A US aircraft was reported to have made a direct trip to Russia in January this year when Witkoff and Kushner travelled to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Those discussions focused on efforts to find a possible path towards ending the Ukraine conflict.

However, Putin maintained his demand that Ukrainian forces withdraw from parts of the eastern Donbas region, one of the key issues blocking progress in negotiations.

Mystery remains over Moscow landing

For now, the purpose of Tuesday's flight remains unclear. While the aircraft's connection to Andrews Air Force Base and its movement from Riga have encouraged speculation about a possible diplomatic mission, there is no official evidence confirming who was on board or what the aircraft was carrying.

With tensions between Washington and Moscow still high, the unexpected appearance of

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Sai Pradeep had recently completed his master’s degree in computer science from Anderson University’s College of Business in South Carolina. According to his family, the difficulty in finding a job after completing his studies had left him under considerable stress.

Pradeep moved to the US in 2024

Pradeep travelled to the United States in 2024 to pursue higher education. After completing his master’s degree, he began searching for a job but reportedly faced difficulties in securing employment.

He allegedly died by suicide in San Antonio on August 21.

His cousin Deepthi has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help bring his body back to Dammaiguda in Hyderabad and meet the expenses related to his funeral.

The fundraising appeal said Pradeep had recently completed his master’s degree and was looking for work in the US.

Family remembers him as a curious and determined person

Pradeep, who was affectionately known as ‘Deepu’ among his family and friends, was remembered as someone who was eager to learn and take on new challenges.

According to the fundraising page, he learned Spanish after moving to the US. His family said his ability to pick up the language quickly reflected his curiosity and willingness to learn.

The family also remembered him for his focus on fitness and a disciplined lifestyle. His dedication to exercise and health reportedly inspired people around him.

“Deepu” was described as a kind, strong and positive person who worked hard to achieve his goals.

(Suicide is a serious mental health issue. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately. Reach out to trusted family or friends, or contact the Government of India’s Jeevan Aastha helpline at 1800 233 3330 for support. You are not alone, and help is available.)

Family seeks support to bring body home

Pradeep’s sudden death has left his parents and other family members facing a difficult loss. The GoFundMe campaign is seeking financial assistance to cover the cost of repatriating his body to Hyderabad and arranging the funeral. The family has also requested prayers and support for his parents during this difficult period.

As of Tuesday, the fundraising campaign had received more than $29,057.

Deepthi said any amount remaining after the repatriation and funeral costs would be used to support Pradeep’s parents.


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If implemented, the move would be the largest mass visa cancellation in US history and could face legal challenges. The State Department is expected to announce the move in the coming weeks. It would target B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to people who have sought or are seeking asylum. The plan is being carried out in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said officials were working with DHS to identify and cancel the visas of people who entered the US as short-term visitors but later applied for asylum to remain in the country permanently. He did not give an exact number, saying the cancellations would happen gradually and the figure could change.

The officials said visa cancellation would not automatically result in deportation. People with pending asylum cases would generally have their immigration status changed, but they would no longer be treated as business or tourist visitors. The officials spoke anonymously because the plan has not yet been finalised.

Since Trump returned to office for his second term, his administration has introduced several stricter visa measures. These include checking applicants' social media activity more closely, requiring costly visa bonds and restricting visas for citizens of some countries.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau also criticised asylum seekers on social media on Monday. He accused some people of using tourist and business visas to enter the US and then applying for asylum. He said asylum should not be used as a way to bypass immigration rules and referred to the case of a Colombian citizen who entered the US on a tourist visa in 2015 before applying for asylum.

B1 visas are mainly issued for business travel, while B2 visas are used for tourism, visiting family and medical treatment. It is not yet clear how many B1 and B2 visa holders have applied or are applying for asylum and could be affected by the planned cancellations.

People currently applying for B1 or B2 visas are required to confirm that they do not intend to seek asylum in the US and must show that they plan to return to their home country.

The DHS has begun proposing new fees for both the H-1B work visa programme and the F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, according to New York City-based immigration law firm Fragomen.

The proposals are still under review and the exact amounts are not public. However the development deems significant for Indians, who account for overwhelming majority of H-1B beneficiaries.  

The possible new fees come after a difficult year for H-1B applicants. The Trump administration had introduced a $100,000 payment requirement for certain H-1B petitions, but a federal court later struck down the fee.

The H-1B visa is meant for foreign professionals working in specialised jobs, while the F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme allows international students to work temporarily in jobs related to their studies.

What Are the Possible New H-1B and OPT Fees?

Fragomen, a leading US immigration law firm, said on August 21 that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has started the process of introducing new fees for the H-1B and F-1 OPT programmes.

According to the firm, DHS sent a proposed fee rule for the OPT programme to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review on August 20. A separate proposal for a fee on certain H-1B petitions was submitted to the OMB and cleared review on August 19.

The details of both proposals have not been made public yet, so there is no confirmed amount for the new fees.

However, Fragomen said recent media reports suggest that the DHS could propose an OPT fee of up to $100,000. The proposed H-1B fee may also be connected to the legal dispute over the earlier $100,000 H-1B payment requirement.

According to intelligence inputs cited by India Today, Turkish Air Force C-130 aircraft made multiple sorties between August 19 and August 21. The aircraft were seen at Nur Khan airbase near Rawalpindi as well as Masroor airbase in Karachi.

Officials tracking the activity reportedly found the frequency of the flights unusual, particularly because of the repeated movement between the two countries within a relatively short period.

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The aircraft activity has attracted attention as Pakistan continues to strengthen its unmanned warfare capabilities. Intelligence inputs suggest that the Turkish flights may have been linked to the delivery of a substantial consignment of drones and related equipment to Pakistan. Sources also indicated that an HQ-series air defence system could have been part of the equipment transferred.

The exact nature and quantity of any military equipment delivered have not been officially disclosed.

Turkey has supplied Pakistan with unmanned systems in the past, including the Bayraktar TB2, a medium-altitude, long-endurance armed drone. The platform became widely known after its use in combat operations in Ukraine and has been exported to several countries.

Pakistan steps up unmanned warfare capability

The latest aircraft movements come at a time when Pakistan is seeking to expand its inventory of drones, long-endurance unmanned platforms and loitering munitions.

Defence cooperation between Islamabad and Ankara has grown in recent years, with unmanned aerial systems forming an important part of the relationship. Sources cited in the report said some of the latest procurement efforts are also being pursued through defence arrangements involving Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan's military leadership is reportedly pushing ahead with the acquisition programme despite the country's economic pressures. The focus is increasingly shifting towards systems that can provide persistent surveillance, precision strike capability and battlefield intelligence.

Turkish drones already used along Pakistan's Western Border

Pakistan has earlier deployed Turkish-origin unmanned systems for surveillance and military operations along its western border.

Islamabad has also been looking to expand its fleet with longer-endurance UAVs and loitering weapons as part of a broader effort to modernise its military capabilities.

Against this backdrop, the repeated arrival and departure of Turkish C-130 aircraft from Nur Khan and Masroor airbases has raised questions about what equipment may have been transported and how quickly Pakistan is expanding its drone and air-defence inventory.

In a nearly 15-minute video circulated on Punjabi social media platforms, Dalla rejected Brar’s allegations and questioned the claims made against him.

PTC News, however, does not endorse the authenticity or veracity of the audio.

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Dalla claimed that he was not with Nijjar when he was killed and said he had not met him for almost a year before the incident. Nijjar was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, Canada, in 2023. His killing led to a major diplomatic dispute between India and Canada.

Responding to Goldy Brar’s allegations, Dalla denied that Nijjar had provided him with money, shelter or weapons. He also rejected claims that he had been involved in any arrangement linked to Nijjar.

Dalla further accused Brar of working at the behest of agencies and alleged that the cases involving Brar’s parents were part of a larger plan. He also questioned why no case was registered against Brar’s parents following the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in May 2022.

In the video, Dalla also spoke about alleged gang influence over Punjabi singers. He claimed that some singers were being offered support by gangsters and were performing at events without payment, while the profits were allegedly being controlled by gang networks.

Dalla also referred to the 2020 killing of Manohar Lal, a Dera Sacha Sauda follower in Bathinda. Lal was the father of a person accused in a sacrilege case. Dalla acknowledged his connection to the incident, while his network had earlier described the killing as revenge linked to previous sacrilege cases.

What Goldy Brar allegedly claimed

The controversy began after a purported leaked audio recording surfaced in which Goldy Brar allegedly told Khalistani terrorist Paramjit Singh Pamma that Nijjar had been killed because of his alleged role in supporting people involved in drug-related activities.

Brar allegedly claimed that Nijjar had also provided shelter and support to Dalla, whom Brar has described as a rival.

In the purported conversation, Brar accused Nijjar of supporting young people involved in drug trafficking and using them for his own purposes.

Brar is wanted in India and has been accused in several serious criminal cases, including the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala. The authenticity of the leaked recording has not been independently established.

The allegations made by both sides remain unverified.

Suresh Patel, who was from Gujarat’s Mehsana district, was killed at Ridgecrest Cellars Wine and Spirits in Jackson at around 9 pm, according to police. Local reports said Patel had taken over the store only a few days before the incident, and his daughter was present when he was shot.

According to witnesses, a masked gunman entered the store, pointed a gun at the employees and demanded money. After getting the cash, he reportedly fired several shots, hitting Patel. He died at the scene.

Police said CCTV footage showed the suspect wearing a grey hoodie, jeans, black work boots and a paintball-style mask. He reportedly escaped in a white sedan. Police have warned that the suspect is armed and dangerous.

The suspect remains at large, and police have launched a search for him. Authorities have appealed to the public to share any information that could help identify or locate him.

A 70-year-old employee who had worked at the store since it opened also fell during the incident and suffered a broken wrist, according to local reports.

Other Attacks On Gujarati Business Owners

Patel’s killing comes amid concerns over violent robberies targeting Gujarati convenience store and business owners in the US.

In May 2025, 30-year-old Paresh “Prince” Patel was shot dead during a robbery at a Tennessee gas station.

Two months ago, Meghna Patel, a Gujarati woman, was shot dead inside her store in Norfolk, Virginia.

In September 2025, Kiran Patel, who was originally from Charotar, was shot dead in a parking lot after confronting an armed robber who had entered her store.

The ship, MV Ocean Winner (IMO 9145530), had 20 Chinese nationals, three Myanmar nationals and one Bangladeshi on board. It had last visited Paradip and was heading to Singapore.

So far, two crew members have been rescued, while the search is still on for the other 22.

Communication Lost

The ICG’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Sri Vijaya Puram received an alert at 11:48 am from the company linked to the ship after communication with MV Ocean Winner was lost.

The company requested help to search for the vessel and its crew. The ship was carrying iron ore from Odisha to Singapore.

Two Crew Members Rescued

After receiving the alert, the MRCC asked MT Aisopos, a commercial ship nearby, to help search for the missing vessel and its liferafts.

At around 8 pm, MT Aisopos found and rescued two crew members from two liferafts. Their condition was not immediately known.

Three Coast Guard Ships Deployed

The Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy are jointly searching for the remaining crew members.

ICG ships Varad and Anmol have been sent to the area, while Vijit has been dispatched from Sri Vijaya Puram to support the rescue operation.

Authorities are also coordinating with other ships in the area to locate the missing crew members and any liferafts.

The deceased has been identified as Gurdeep Singh, who had moved to the United States more than a decade ago in search of better opportunities.

According to people familiar with the family, Gurdeep was on his way to make a pizza delivery when armed men allegedly opened fire on him on Richmond Street in New York City. He suffered fatal injuries in the shooting.

Gurdeep's acquaintances said his father had reportedly borrowed money to send him to the US. He faced several difficulties during his early years in the country but continued working hard to support his family back home.

According to the family, Gurdeep had been working long hours in an effort to improve their financial situation.

He was unmarried and belonged to a family involved in the DJ business.

Following his death, Gurdeep's family has appealed to the Punjab and Central governments to help bring his mortal remains back to India.

The family has also urged the authorities to coordinate with the US administration and ensure that those responsible for the shooting are identified and face strict legal action.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting and the identity of the attackers are expected to be established as the investigation progresses.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the United States was set to impose 50% tariffs on around $28 billion worth of Canadian goods from midnight. In response, Canada said it would impose similar tariffs on US products to protect its workers and businesses.

“As a result, this evening, I have decided to suspend trade negotiations with the US and have directed Canada’s negotiators to return to Ottawa,” Carney said.

The two countries had held three days of talks in Washington to reach a trade deal and avoid the new tariffs. Carney said the negotiations made “important progress” but failed to result in an agreement that met Canada’s goals.

However, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer gave a different version of events. He claimed that Canada had walked away from the negotiations despite progress towards a possible deal.

According to Greer, the US had offered Canada favourable treatment, but new demands and changes in Canada’s earlier commitments disrupted the talks. A senior US official said Canada was seeking concessions in sectors such as automobiles, steel, aluminium and lumber that Washington was unwilling to accept.

The official also warned that if Canada responded with retaliatory tariffs, President Donald Trump could take further steps against Canada.

Meanwhile, US Customs and Border Protection announced that the new tariffs on selected Canadian products would take effect after 12:01 am.

Although the new tariffs affect only a small portion of Canadian exports, they come in addition to existing US tariffs on steel, lumber and automobiles. The measures could put more pressure on Canada’s economy and create further difficulties in trade negotiations.

The tariffs will also apply to some Canadian goods that previously received preferential treatment under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The breakdown in talks has once again increased trade tensions between the two neighbouring countries, with Canada now preparing retaliatory measures.

Police confirmed the 27-year-old suspect has a history of violent offences and had recently been released from a federal facility serving a sentence for aggravated assault and assaulting a peace officer. He had reportedly failed to report to his assigned halfway house prior to the incident.

According to official police reports, Edmonton Police Service (EPS) first received calls at 4:49 a.m. about a man walking in traffic on Highway 15 near Horsehill Road.

Soon after, at around 5:05 a.m., police began receiving reports of a stabbing inside the Nanaksar Sikh Gurdwara near 14 Street and Horsehill Road.

The EPS Investigative Response Team has taken charge of the investigation and is working closely with the Hate Crimes Unit to determine whether the attack was motivated by hate. Charges against the suspect have not yet been announced.

Following the violent incident, EPS Chief Warren Driechel stressed the police department's commitment to ensuring community safety and addressing the impact of the attack.

"We are thankful that this morning's event did not result in more significant injuries or deaths but also recognise that the trauma experienced by the victims and their community cannot be understated," said EPS Chief Warren Driechel. "This level of violence has no place in our city, and we want to ensure the Sikh community and all Edmontonians that we are taking this incident and their safety, seriously."

Shortly afterwards, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the attack, terming it "appalling" and said in a post on X, "The attack at the Nanaksar Gurdwara in Edmonton this morning is appalling. My thoughts are with the two people who were injured and the wider community that is shaken by this terrible event."

Ajay Pant, 38, has been charged with sanctions-related offences that could lead to a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. His trial is set to begin on December 15.

“He was broken and he was just crying,” she told AFP, recalling their first phone call after his arrest. “He didn't know what had happened to him... He just said, ‘I am in jail, please take me out’.”

Pant was the captain of the oil tanker Smyrtos, which British commandos intercepted on June 14. Authorities allege that the vessel was part of Russia's so-called “shadow fleet”, a network of ships accused of helping Russia bypass oil sanctions imposed after the Ukraine war.

The ship had reportedly left Russia's Ust-Luga port on June 5 and was heading towards Egypt's Port Said with around 98,000 tonnes of oil when it was stopped in the English Channel.

Pant's wife, Ritu, says her husband was only doing his job and following the orders of the ship's owners. She said his responsibility was to safely transport the cargo and that he should not be blamed for decisions made by others.

Prosecutors, however, claim that as the ship's captain, Pant knew about the cargo and its movement. He has been denied bail and remains in custody.

The case could become an important legal test as European countries increase action against Russia's shadow fleet. Pant is believed to be the first ship captain in Europe to face sanctions-violation charges, rather than the ship or its owners.

He is the only crew member to be charged, while most of the other 24 crew members have been sent back to their home countries. India's Foreign Ministry has said that Indian consular officials have met Pant to check on his wellbeing.

The incident took place around 2.20 pm., according to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB). The aircraft involved was identified as a Beechcraft 200 Super King Air.

According to the TSB, the aircraft was attempting to land on the road during an emergency when it collided with two vehicles. One person travelling in one of the vehicles died in the crash.

Emergency crews rushed to the area following the crash. Personnel from BC Emergency Health Services assessed around 10 persons at the scene, with injured individuals taken to hospital for treatment.

Police closed Foothills Boulevard in both directions as they began their investigation and urged members of the public to stay away from the crash site.

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According to Arora, the aircraft's left wing struck a pickup truck. The impact broke the aircraft's propeller, which landed in the middle of the road, while the truck's windshield was shattered.

The exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Authorities have also not confirmed what technical problem, if any, forced the aircraft to make the emergency landing.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has sent investigators to Prince George to examine the incident. Investigators are expected to look into the aircraft's technical condition, flight details, weather conditions and the circumstances surrounding the emergency landing.

Officials said the final cause of the crash will only be known after the investigation is completed.