Australia has issued a health advisory warning about possible counterfeit rabies vaccines administered in India, raising concerns for travellers who received anti-rabies shots while visiting the country. The alert was released by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), which said that some doses of the rabies vaccine brand Abhayrab may be fake and could fail to provide protection against the deadly virus.

According to Australian authorities, the concern applies to people vaccinated in India from November 1, 2023 onwards, especially those who were given Abhayrab or are unsure which brand they received. The advisory states that counterfeit vaccines may not contain the required active ingredient, leaving individuals unprotected against rabies, a disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

Australian health officials have advised affected travellers to treat such doses as potentially invalid. They are being urged to consult doctors and may need repeat vaccination using approved rabies vaccines available in Australia. In some cases, blood tests may be recommended to check antibody levels and confirm protection. The advisory does not apply to people who received other verified rabies vaccine brands in India or were vaccinated outside the country.

Rabies remains a major public health challenge in India, which accounts for a large share of global rabies deaths, largely due to dog bites. Prevention depends on prompt vaccination and proper post-exposure treatment, making vaccine quality critical.

Responding to the Australian warning, Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), the manufacturer of ‘Abhayrab’, has strongly denied claims of widespread circulation of fake vaccines. The company said it had identified a single counterfeit batch with a packaging issue earlier this year, which it claims was promptly reported and removed from circulation. IIL stressed that its vaccines are manufactured under strict quality standards and supplied through authorised channels.

Indian authorities have not issued a nationwide recall so far, and there has been no confirmation of large-scale distribution of fake rabies vaccines within the country. However, health experts say the advisory highlights the need for vigilance, stronger supply-chain monitoring, and better public awareness.

Australian officials have clarified that the alert is a precautionary measure to protect travellers and does not imply that all rabies vaccines given in India are unsafe. Individuals who may have been affected are advised not to panic but to seek medical guidance to ensure full protection against rabies.

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Bollywood superstar Salman Khan celebrated his 60th birthday on December 27, 2025, at his Panvel farmhouse in Maharashtra. Known for keeping his celebrations private, Salman combined family time with fun moments for fans and photographers.

As midnight struck, Salman stepped outside to cut a red-and-white cake with paparazzi gathered outside. Dressed casually in a black T-shirt and jeans, he greeted them warmly, posed for photos, and shared slices of cake, delighting both the media and fans. His fresh clean-shaven look caught attention on social media.

The main party at the farmhouse included Salman’s family, parents Salim and Salma Khan, siblings Arpita and Alvira, and other close relatives. Friends and Bollywood stars were also present, making the gathering star-studded yet cozy.

Cricket legend MS Dhoni attended with his wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva, attracting excited fans outside. Other celebrity guests reportedly included Tabu, Huma Qureshi, Rakul Preet Singh, and singer Mika Singh. The event featured laughter, casual chats, and heartfelt moments among friends and family.

Special touches, like a video tribute from directors who have worked with Salman, highlighted the milestone. The celebration reflected his preference for meaningful personal moments rather than extravagant public displays.

This year is significant as Salman turns 60, joining the other iconic “Khans” of Bollywood at this milestone. Amidst birthday celebrations, he also looks forward to his upcoming film Battle of Galwan, keeping fans excited for both his personal and professional achievements.

Salman’s birthday bash in Panvel blended warmth, fun, and a sense of togetherness, showing why he remains one of Bollywood’s most loved stars.

Also Read: DGCA submits IndiGo probe report, action expected

The aviation regulator has completed its investigation into the recent IndiGo flight disruptions and submitted a detailed report to the Civil Aviation Ministry. The probe was ordered after a series of cancellations and delays caused major inconvenience to passengers across multiple cities.

The enquiry committee examined the airline’s internal systems, focusing on crew availability, flight scheduling, and adherence to revised Flight Duty Time Limitation rules. These norms were introduced to improve safety and manage fatigue, but the panel assessed whether IndiGo was adequately prepared to implement them without disrupting operations.

During the disruptions, IndiGo cancelled a large number of flights in a single day and struggled to stabilise its network in the days that followed. The airline acknowledged shortcomings in anticipating crew shortages and aligning training schedules with operational demands. These lapses reportedly triggered a cascading effect, leading to prolonged delays and passenger dissatisfaction.

Following the initial chaos, the DGCA took immediate corrective steps. These included cutting IndiGo’s winter flight schedule and issuing notices to senior leadership, asking why regulatory action should not be taken. The regulator also reiterated that airlines must balance expansion plans with realistic assessments of manpower and infrastructure readiness.

Now that the investigation report has been submitted, the government is reviewing the findings and recommendations. Officials have suggested that strong regulatory action is likely, including penalties and stricter monitoring of airline operations. The objective, authorities said earlier, is not just punitive action but ensuring that similar disruptions do not recur.

The outcome of the case is being closely watched by the aviation industry, as it could set a benchmark for how regulators respond to large-scale service failures. For passengers, the focus remains on accountability, improved reliability, and better crisis management by airlines.

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Thousands of travellers faced major disruptions over the weekend as Winter Storm Devin swept across the United States, bringing heavy snow, icy roads, and strong winds to much of the Northeast during the busy holiday travel period.

The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings for New York, New Jersey, and surrounding states, with snow accumulations expected to reach 8–9 inches (20–23 cm) in some areas. Meteorologists warned of hazardous conditions, including slippery roads, poor visibility, and travel delays on both air and ground routes.

By Friday evening, nearly 1,500 flights had been cancelled nationwide, and over 5,400 were delayed, according to FlightAware. Airports in the New York metropolitan area, including John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty, and LaGuardia, were particularly affected, with hundreds of flights grounded at each hub. Airlines like JetBlue and Delta reported some of the highest numbers of cancellations.

Officials advised travellers to avoid non-essential travel as the storm moved in. Several states, including New York and New Jersey, declared states of emergency, activating road-clearing crews and emergency services to keep highways safe. Authorities urged motorists to exercise caution, as icy surfaces and snow-covered roads posed serious risks.

Airlines responded by offering flexible rebooking options and waiving change fees, helping passengers adjust travel plans disrupted by the storm. Despite these measures, travellers faced long waits at airports, and some flights were delayed for several hours while crews worked to clear snow and ice from runways and aircraft.

The storm hit at the peak of holiday travel, when millions of people typically fly across the country. The combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds created widespread disruptions not just in the Northeast but across other regions, affecting both domestic and international flights.

Winter storm Devin highlighted the challenges of managing air travel during extreme weather events, particularly during busy travel periods. Authorities continue to monitor conditions, with forecasts warning that the storm could bring continued snow and icy conditions through the weekend. Travellers are advised to check flight schedules frequently and plan for delays if travel is unavoidable.

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 Israel has became the first country in the world to officially recognise Somaliland as an independent nation, ending over 30 years of diplomatic isolation for the breakaway region in northern Somalia.

The recognition was announced in a joint declaration by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. Israel said it would establish full diplomatic ties, including embassies and ambassadors, and work with Somaliland in areas like agriculture, technology, health, and trade. Netanyahu said the move was in line with the Abraham Accords, the agreements Israel signed with several Arab nations.

Somaliland President Abdullahi welcomed the recognition, calling it historic. He said it would strengthen Somaliland’s international standing, trade opportunities, and partnerships in Africa and the Middle East. Somaliland has been self-governing since 1991, with its own government, currency, and security forces, but had not been officially recognised by any UN member country until now. Its location near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait makes it strategically important.

The announcement sparked strong criticism. Somalia’s government called Israel’s move a “violation of its sovereignty” and insisted Somaliland is still part of Somalia. Countries like Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti also criticised Israel, and the African Union reaffirmed support for Somalia’s unity.

The United States has not recognised Somaliland, and some officials remain cautious. Experts say Israel’s recognition could change politics in the Horn of Africa, possibly encouraging other countries to consider recognising Somaliland and increasing competition for influence in the region.

While this is a diplomatic breakthrough for Somaliland, it also raises questions about sovereignty, regional stability, and international norms.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet US President Donald Trump in Florida this Sunday to advance negotiations on a peace plan aimed at ending Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Zelensky said the plan, which he has been developing over several months, is about 90% complete, signaling significant progress in diplomatic efforts.

The discussion will cover security guarantees for Ukraine, economic cooperation, and sensitive territorial disputes, particularly over the Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. These territorial issues remain central and contentious, with Ukraine refusing to cede land and exploring solutions such as demilitarised or special economic zones in contested areas. Zelensky also indicated that unresolved matters might eventually be subject to a national referendum, contingent on a ceasefire.

A key priority for Kyiv is obtaining legally binding security assurances from the United States to prevent further aggression. Reports suggest the proposed guarantees could span 15 years with renewal options, although Ukraine is pressing for long-term certainty. The talks will also explore broader economic cooperation, including potential assistance in rebuilding Ukraine’s infrastructure and stabilising its economy amid the war.

Zelensky emphasized the urgency of progress, stating that “a lot can be decided before the New Year,” while Trump expressed optimism about productive discussions. While no formal agreements are expected immediately, the meeting is viewed as an opportunity to refine unresolved elements of the peace framework and to secure high-level support for Ukraine’s positions.

The upcoming meeting underscores the continuing international engagement in the Ukraine conflict. European leaders may join virtually, highlighting the global dimension of diplomatic efforts. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure persist, underscoring the ongoing stakes in the negotiations.

Both leaders are expected to use the Sunday talks to chart the next steps for the peace plan, balancing Ukraine’s security needs, territorial integrity, and economic recovery with broader regional and international concerns.

Also Read: CEO, two others arrested in Udaipur gang-rape

Jammu and Kashmir cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq removed “Hurriyat Chairman” from his X profile after authorities warned he might lose access, calling the decision a forced choice to keep his account active.

Udaipur police have arrested three senior executives of a private IT company following allegations of gang rape by a female manager. The accused include the company’s CEO, a female executive head, and her husband. The three were presented in court on Thursday and remanded to police custody for four days as the investigation continues.

The incident took place after a birthday party hosted by the CEO of GKM IT Private Limited in Shobagpura. The victim, a company manager, attended the celebration, which continued late into the night. She told police that after consuming alcohol, she began feeling unwell and requested to be taken home.

According to her complaint, the female executive offered to drop her home and took her into a car where the CEO and her husband were already present. During the ride, the group reportedly stopped at a shop where the victim was given a substance resembling cigarettes. She alleged that after consuming it, she lost consciousness and could not remember what happened next.

The next morning, the woman discovered she had been sexually assaulted. She also noticed physical injuries and missing personal items. Following a medical examination confirming her injuries, she filed a formal complaint at Sukher police station.

Police have cited dashcam footage from the vehicle as key evidence, along with other recordings from the car that corroborate parts of the victim’s statement. Authorities have registered the case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, with the investigation overseen by Additional Superintendent of Police Madhuri Verma.

Officials have stated that further action will depend on the ongoing investigation and review of evidence. The arrests have drawn attention to workplace safety and the responsibilities of senior company officials in preventing such incidents.

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The Congress on Saturday alleged that a ₹112 crore kickback linked to Uttar Pradesh government advertising contracts benefited former Prasar Bharati chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal, citing an Income Tax report, and demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.