The US Congress has banned employees from installing DeepSeek, a Chinese chatbot, on official devices due to security risks. The House’s Chief Administrative Officer warned that “threat actors are already exploiting” DeepSeek to spread malware. The chatbot is under review and remains unauthorised for House use. Staffers are prohibited from using it on phones, computers, and tablets. This follows past AI restrictions, including limits on ChatGPT in 2023 and Microsoft Copilot in 2024. The decision highlights Congress’s struggle to balance AI advancements with cybersecurity, ensuring the integrity of its systems against potential foreign threats.

Water bills in England and Wales will rise by an average of £123 (26%) in 2025/26, Water UK confirmed. Southern Water customers face a 47% hike, while Thames Water's 16M users will see a 31% increase to £639. The regulator Ofwat approved the hikes to fund infrastructure upgrades, including sewage system improvements. Water UK pledged £4.1B in aid for low-income households. "We understand increasing bills is never welcome," said Water UK CEO David Henderson. Consumers also face rising energy bills and council tax. Ofwat urged struggling customers to seek support from suppliers.

Authorities have recovered 40 bodies after an American Airlines jet and a U.S. military Black Hawk helicopter collided mid-air over the Potomac River in Washington DC, killing all 67 people aboard. The aircraft crashed while the jet prepared to land at Reagan National Airport. Rescue efforts quickly turned to recovery as officials confirmed no survivors. The FAA is under scrutiny over staffing issues, while President Trump blamed diversity hiring, a claim widely criticized. Investigators are analyzing black boxes to determine what went wrong. Transportation officials plan an FAA overhaul to prevent future tragedies.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan condemned Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s remark calling President Droupadi Murmu a “poor thing,” stating it was “in poor taste” and “hurt the dignity” of the office. Gandhi’s comment, made after Murmu’s address to Parliament, sparked political outrage. BJP chief JP Nadda called it “elitist” and “anti-tribal,” while BJP MP Sambit Patra said it was “totally inappropriate.” The President’s office rejected claims she was tired, emphasizing her commitment to marginalized communities. The statement suggested Congress leaders misunderstood Indian linguistic nuances, making the comment “unfortunate and entirely avoidable.”

U.S. President Donald Trump blamed diversity hiring policies for the recent plane crash near Washington, D.C., despite no evidence linking them to the tragedy. He criticized Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recruitment under the Biden administration and signed an executive order ending diversity efforts in aviation. Trump also replaced the FAA head and ordered a review of safety protocols. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called Trump's remarks "despicable," while Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer condemned his speculation. The FAA defended its hiring standards, stating all employees meet rigorous qualifications. Investigators are still determining the cause of the crash.

A speeding truck crashed into a vehicle carrying Maha Kumbh Mela devotees in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur on Friday evening, leaving several feared dead. The accident occurred in Kusmi Kala near the Nandganj police station. Officials are assessing casualties as rescue operations continue. This tragedy follows a deadly stampede in Prayagraj earlier this week, which killed at least 30 people and injured 60 during the holy Mauni Amavasya dip. Authorities have urged strict traffic monitoring in the region. Eyewitnesses described the scene as devastating, with injured devotees receiving emergency medical aid at nearby hospitals.

A recent collision between a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and an American Eagle Flight 5342 near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has raised concerns over the safety of the Black Hawk. In service since 1979, the helicopter is renowned for its reliability in combat and transport. Despite over 5,000 units built, the Black Hawk has been involved in several fatal accidents, including a recent crash in Kentucky. Experts suggest the crew’s limited number of crew chiefs and possible lack of awareness of the jet’s presence may have contributed to the incident. The Army is reviewing its aviation safety measures.

Kinnar Akhara removed Mamta Kulkarni from the prestigious post of Mahamandaleshwar after internal tensions surfaced within the religious organization. Kulkarni's appointment, which had been controversial due to her past in Bollywood, was met with resistance from several members. Juna Akhara expelled both Kulkarni and her guru, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, citing growing discontent. The decision came after rumors suggested Tripathi might be relieved of her duties. Kulkarni had recently performed 'pind daan' at Sangham Ghat, and Tripathi defended her appointment, stating Kulkarni had been in touch with the Akhara for over a year.

Elon Musk has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for his contributions to free speech. European Parliament member Branko Grims confirmed the nomination, citing Musk’s defense of fundamental rights and global dialogue. A Norwegian MP, Marius Nilsen, had also nominated Musk in 2024 for his role in fostering open communication. Grims shared a confirmation email from the Nobel Committee, thanking co-proposers. "Musk has done more for free speech in the third millennium than anyone else," he said. The nomination has sparked global debate over Musk’s influence on modern discourse.

Investigators recovered black boxes from the American Airlines flight that collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington DC’s Reagan Airport, killing 67. Divers searching the Potomac River have retrieved 28 bodies. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is analyzing flight data. Reports indicate only one air traffic controller was on duty, raising staffing concerns. President Trump speculated on hiring standards and ended diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in aviation. China confirmed two nationals among the victims, while Russia mourned its citizens. A preliminary NTSB report is expected in 30 days.