Scottish Premiership champions Celtic are expected to make a decision on Kelechi Iheanacho’s future in the coming weeks LN247 can confirm.
The Nigeria international joined Brendan Rodgers’ side last summer on a one-year contract, with the club retaining an option to extend his stay for a further season.
Footy-Africa’s sources close to the situation have indicated that the extension clause can be activated solely at Celtic’s discretion, giving the club full control over whether Iheanacho remains at Parkhead beyond this summer.
Despite enduring an injury-hit campaign, Iheanacho played an important role in Celtic’s successful season, helping the club secure both the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup. The former Leicester City forward returned from fitness setbacks at a crucial stage of the campaign and contributed several important goals as Celtic completed a domestic double.
Footy-Africa understands that no final decision has been taken regarding the 29-year-old’s future. While Iheanacho is believed to be open to remaining in Glasgow, the next move rests firmly with the Scottish champions.
The feeling within Celtic is that there is significant appreciation for the striker’s quality and experience. However, concerns remain over his fitness record after he missed several key matches throughout the season.
Iheanacho made 24 appearances across all competitions during the campaign, although only eight of those came as starts. He completed the full 90 minutes on just two occasions but still managed to score nine goals and provide one assist.
The club are expected to enter the transfer market in search of a first-choice striker this summer, although Iheanacho could still have a role to play as a valuable squad option, particularly amid uncertainty surrounding the future of Japanese forward Daizen Maeda.
Should Celtic opt against activating the extension clause, the former Manchester City forward is unlikely to be short of offers. He has already attracted interest from several clubs in Turkey ahead of the summer transfer window.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reassured Asian allies that Washington is not retreating from its commitments in the Indo-Pacific region, while urging partner nations to significantly increase their defence spending and military preparedness in response to growing security threats, particularly from China.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Hegseth said the United States remains fully committed to its alliances and partnerships across Asia despite concerns that Washington’s focus on conflicts in Europe and the Middle East could weaken its engagement in the region.
“The United States is not turning its back on the Indo-Pacific,” Hegseth told regional defence leaders and military officials. “But our allies and partners must do more. Security is a shared responsibility.”
The remarks come amid heightened tensions across the Indo-Pacific, including disputes in the South China Sea, increasing Chinese military activity around Taiwan, North Korea’s missile programmes, and concerns about regional security competition.
Hegseth stressed that the U.S. military presence in Asia remains strong and that Washington continues to view the region as a strategic priority. He pointed to ongoing cooperation with allies such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines, as well as growing security partnerships with countries including India and Singapore.
However, he argued that regional governments must contribute more resources to their own defence capabilities rather than relying heavily on American military support.
“We welcome strong allies, but deterrence requires investment,” Hegseth said, adding that nations facing increasing security risks should accelerate military modernization efforts and expand defence budgets.
The Pentagon chief’s comments reflect a broader policy position within the administration of President Donald Trump, which has repeatedly called on U.S. allies in Europe and Asia to shoulder a greater share of defence costs. Washington has argued that stronger local military capabilities are essential for maintaining regional stability and deterring potential aggression.
Much of Hegseth’s speech focused on China, which he described as the most significant long-term strategic challenge facing the United States and its allies. He warned that Beijing’s military expansion and increasingly assertive actions in the region have raised concerns among neighbouring countries.
According to Hegseth, China is rapidly modernizing its armed forces, expanding naval capabilities, and increasing pressure on Taiwan. He said the United States would continue working with partners to preserve freedom of navigation and maintain stability in international waters and airspace.
Chinese officials have consistently rejected accusations that Beijing threatens regional stability, arguing that its military activities are defensive in nature and aimed at protecting national sovereignty. China has also criticized growing U.S. military deployments and alliance-building efforts in the region, describing them as attempts to contain China’s rise.
The Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier annual security forum, has become an important platform for discussions on strategic competition between the United States and China. Defence ministers, military commanders, diplomats, and security experts from across the world attended this year’s gathering amid growing uncertainty over global security.
Hegseth also highlighted recent U.S. military cooperation initiatives, including expanded joint exercises with regional allies, enhanced intelligence-sharing arrangements, and increased deployment of advanced military assets throughout the Indo-Pacific.
His remarks were welcomed by several U.S. allies, though some regional governments remain cautious about balancing security cooperation with Washington against maintaining economic ties with China, which remains the largest trading partner for many Asian countries.
Security analysts say Hegseth’s message reflects Washington’s effort to reassure allies while simultaneously pushing them toward greater military self-reliance. Experts note that many Indo-Pacific countries have already begun increasing defence budgets in recent years amid concerns over regional tensions.
According to data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), defence spending across Asia has risen steadily over the past decade, driven largely by military modernization programmes in Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, and several Southeast Asian nations.
The Pentagon maintains that a stronger network of capable regional partners is essential for preserving stability in the Indo-Pacific as geopolitical competition intensifies. Hegseth said the United States would remain engaged in the region but emphasized that future security challenges require a collective response rather than dependence on any single nation.
“We are here to stay,” Hegseth said. “But enduring peace comes when allies stand strong together.”
Activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has said he would appoint a drone as Nigeria’s minister of defence if he becomes president, insisting that technology remains the key to tackling insecurity in the country.
Sowore made the remark during a live interview on Arise TV on Thursday, where he outlined his security strategy and criticised the current handling of the nation’s defence system.
The AAC presidential candidate said Nigeria’s worsening security situation could only be addressed through modern technology, proper equipment and responsible leadership within the armed forces.
According to him, the military needs commanders who are committed to fighting insecurity instead of remaining in Abuja.
“We have to have honest leaders and supervisors and officers who are not staying in Abuja fighting over land but actually fighting wars, generals who can actually strategise and do what is right,” he said.
Sowore also said the police should concentrate on maintaining internal security rather than carrying out duties outside their primary responsibilities.
“A police force that can carry out internal security of the country, not escorting people or arresting people for insulting others on Facebook,” he said.
He further explained that his proposed security structure would rely heavily on drones and artificial intelligence to monitor and eliminate threats across the country.
“I’m just going to have a control centre where people sit down and track terrorists and liquidate them,” he said.
Responding to a suggestion by the interviewer that artificial intelligence could also serve as defence minister, Sowore said it would form part of the strategy.
“That’s part of it. And that drone will fly everywhere.”
Despite his emphasis on technology, Sowore maintained that solving insecurity also requires improving the living conditions of citizens, especially young people vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups.
“Ultimately, you must create a society where people can find jobs and go to school, and not be willing to take up arms.”
Louisiana lawmakers have approved a controversial new congressional map that is expected to strengthen Republican control of the state’s U.S. House delegation by eliminating one of Louisiana’s two majority-Black congressional districts. The move comes amid an intensifying national redistricting battle ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The Republican-controlled Louisiana Senate gave final approval to the map in a 28-10 party-line vote on Friday after the state House had earlier passed the proposal. Republican Governor Jeff Landry is expected to sign the measure into law.
The new map would likely shift Louisiana’s congressional delegation from a 4-2 Republican advantage to a 5-1 Republican edge, giving the GOP a stronger position in the closely divided U.S. House of Representatives.
At the center of the controversy is the elimination of one of the state’s two majority-Black districts, currently represented by Democratic Congressman Cleo Fields. The district had been created under a court-ordered map in 2024 after federal courts found that earlier district boundaries diluted Black voting power in violation of the Voting Rights Act.
However, the political landscape changed dramatically in April when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Louisiana’s existing congressional map, ruling that it constituted an unconstitutional racial gerrymander because race was the predominant factor used in drawing district lines. The decision in Louisiana v. Callais significantly weakened legal protections that had supported the creation of majority-Black districts across parts of the South.
Following that ruling, Louisiana Republicans moved quickly to redraw the state’s congressional boundaries before the November midterm elections. The newly approved map reshapes Fields’ Baton Rouge-based district by dispersing many Democratic and Black voters into surrounding Republican-leaning districts while concentrating a larger share of Black voters into the New Orleans-based district represented by Democratic Congressman Troy Carter.
Republican lawmakers insist the new boundaries were drawn based on partisan considerations rather than race. State Senator Jay Morris, the bill’s sponsor, told lawmakers during debate that the objective was to improve Republican electoral performance rather than target any racial group. He said mapmakers were instructed not to use racial data when preparing district proposals.
Democrats and civil rights advocates strongly dispute that claim. They argue the map effectively reduces Black political representation in a state where African Americans make up roughly one-third of the population. Opponents described the redistricting effort as a form of racial gerrymandering disguised as partisan mapmaking.
Democratic State Senator Royce Duplessis warned during floor debate that Louisiana was participating in what he called a “race to the bottom” by redrawing congressional districts during an election cycle. Other Democratic lawmakers argued the new boundaries would likely face legal challenges because of their impact on minority voting power.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana signaled that it is preparing potential legal action against the map. The organization accused lawmakers of creating what it described as a racial gerrymander “hiding behind the thin veneer of partisanship.”
The Louisiana dispute forms part of a broader nationwide redistricting fight that has intensified following recent court decisions affecting voting rights protections. Republican-controlled states including Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, and others have explored similar efforts to redraw congressional districts in ways that could increase GOP representation in Congress.
According to political analysts, Republicans could gain as many as ten additional congressional seats nationwide through ongoing redistricting efforts, potentially helping the party maintain control of the House after the 2026 elections. Democrats, meanwhile, are pursuing redistricting opportunities in states such as California and Utah but have achieved fewer gains so far.
The Louisiana map fight has also disrupted the state’s election calendar. Governor Landry previously postponed congressional primary elections after the Supreme Court ruling to allow lawmakers time to adopt a replacement map. The state has since shifted to a new election schedule that will use the revised district boundaries if the law survives expected court challenges.
Legal experts expect lawsuits to be filed within days, meaning Louisiana’s congressional map could once again become the focus of a major court battle over voting rights, race, and political representation in the United States.
Ukraine has intensified its use of artificial intelligence-powered drones in attacks on Russian military logistics, with Ukrainian forces reportedly striking multiple Russian supply trucks transporting ammunition, fuel, and equipment to frontline positions in eastern and southern Ukraine. The attacks are being seen as part of Kyiv’s growing reliance on autonomous and semi-autonomous drone warfare as the conflict enters a new technological phase.
According to Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) and the Ministry of Digital Transformation, several Russian military transport convoys were targeted this week in the occupied regions of Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and parts of southern Kherson. Ukrainian officials said AI-assisted attack drones successfully identified and tracked moving military trucks before carrying out precision strikes without continuous operator guidance.
Video footage released by Ukrainian military channels appeared to show drones locking onto moving cargo vehicles on rural roads before striking them directly. Ukrainian officials claimed the attacks destroyed fuel tankers, ammunition trucks, and troop transport vehicles supporting Russian units near active combat zones. Independent verification of all battlefield claims remains difficult.
Military analysts say the latest systems rely on machine-vision technology, onboard processors, and artificial intelligence software that allows drones to continue tracking targets even when electronic warfare systems disrupt communications. Russia has increasingly relied on jamming systems to interfere with Ukrainian drones, prompting Kyiv to accelerate development of AI-enabled alternatives.
Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov said earlier this month that more than half of Ukraine’s new drone systems now include some level of autonomous targeting or navigation capability. He described artificial intelligence as “essential for overcoming electronic warfare and preserving battlefield effectiveness.”
The strikes come as Ukraine continues targeting Russian logistics networks rather than focusing solely on frontline assaults. Western military experts say disrupting supply routes has become one of Kyiv’s most effective strategies against Russia’s larger manpower and artillery advantages. Russian forces depend heavily on truck convoys to move ammunition, fuel, food supplies, and reinforcements to forward positions across occupied territories.
Russian military bloggers acknowledged several recent attacks on supply convoys but argued that the overall impact on battlefield operations remained limited. Some pro-Kremlin commentators nevertheless warned that Ukraine’s increasing use of AI-guided drones presents a growing challenge for Russian forces.
The drone campaign forms part of a broader technological race between Russia and Ukraine. Both countries have rapidly expanded domestic drone production and invested heavily in autonomous systems, electronic warfare technologies, and battlefield artificial intelligence since the war began. Analysts increasingly describe the conflict as the world’s largest testing ground for military drone innovation.
NATO officials have closely monitored Ukraine’s drone developments, viewing the conflict as a major indicator of how artificial intelligence could reshape future warfare. Recent NATO assessments suggest autonomous systems are becoming increasingly important in reconnaissance, targeting, logistics disruption, and air defence suppression operations.
The latest attacks occurred amid continuing Russian offensives in parts of Donetsk and Kharkiv regions and a broader escalation of long-range strikes by both sides. Ukrainian officials argue that targeting supply infrastructure is critical to slowing Russian advances and reducing pressure on Ukrainian defensive positions.
Defence analysts say the success of AI-enabled drone operations could accelerate global military investment in autonomous weapons systems, even as international organizations and arms-control advocates continue warning about ethical and legal concerns surrounding the growing use of artificial intelligence in combat.
The European Union has agreed to unlock €16.4 billion($19 billion) in previously frozen funding for Hungary after the country’s new government under Prime Minister Péter Magyar implemented a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law, judicial independence, and anti-corruption safeguards.
The decision marks a major shift in relations between Brussels and Budapest following the end of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule. Under Orbán’s administration, billions of euros in EU recovery and cohesion funds were withheld over concerns about corruption, judicial independence, public procurement practices, and democratic standards.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the agreement after talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar in Brussels, praising what she described as substantial progress in restoring transparency and institutional safeguards.
According to the European Commission, the package includes:
€10 billion from the EU’s post-pandemic Recovery and Resilience Facility,
€4.2 billion in cohesion funding,
and an additional €2.2 billion that remains conditional on the completion of further reforms, including measures related to academic freedom and anti-discrimination protections.
Magyar described the agreement as a “historic breakthrough” and said the funds would be directed toward economic recovery, public services, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and support for small and medium-sized businesses.
The release of the funds comes after weeks of negotiations between Hungarian and EU officials. Since taking office earlier this month, Magyar’s government has moved quickly to enact reforms aimed at addressing concerns that had led Brussels to freeze funding under the previous administration. Measures announced include stronger anti-corruption oversight, judicial reforms, and Hungary’s planned accession to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, a key EU body responsible for investigating fraud involving EU funds.
EU officials said the reforms were made possible by Magyar’s large parliamentary majority, which enabled his government to push legislation through quickly in order to meet critical funding deadlines. Hungary faced the risk of permanently losing billions of euros if it failed to satisfy EU conditions before the end of August.
The frozen funds are considered vital for Hungary’s economy, which has struggled with weak growth, high inflation, budget pressures, and reduced investment. Analysts say access to the money could help stabilize public finances, support economic growth, and boost investor confidence. Following news of the agreement, Hungary’s currency, the forint, strengthened against major currencies.
The breakthrough also carries significant political symbolism. For years, Hungary was at the center of disputes with Brussels over democratic governance, media freedom, academic independence, and the treatment of civil society organizations. European institutions repeatedly accused the Orbán government of undermining democratic checks and balances, allegations that Budapest consistently denied.
Despite the agreement, EU officials stressed that some funding remains conditional on Hungary fully implementing promised reforms. Brussels indicated that future disbursements will depend on continued compliance with rule-of-law requirements and commitments made by the Magyar government.
The deal is being viewed across Europe as one of the most significant early tests of Magyar’s pledge to rebuild Hungary’s relationship with the European Union after years of tensions under his predecessor. Observers say the success or failure of the reform agenda could shape Hungary’s economic and political trajectory for years to come.
A Kenyan court has suspended plans for the construction of a U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine and research facility in western Kenya after activists and local residents challenged the project over safety, environmental, and sovereignty concerns.
The High Court Judge Patricia Nyaundi in Nairobi on Friday issued temporary orders halting implementation of the proposed quarantine centre pending a full hearing of a petition filed by civil society groups and community representatives.
The planned facility was to be built near Kisumu County, close to Kenya’s border corridors with Uganda and other East African states vulnerable to Ebola outbreaks. The project reportedly involved cooperation between the Kenyan government, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and international health partners.
According to court documents, petitioners argued that the government failed to conduct adequate public consultations and environmental impact assessments before approving the project. They also claimed residents were not properly informed about the nature of the proposed quarantine and infectious disease containment operations.
Lawyers representing the petitioners said local communities feared the facility could expose nearby populations to dangerous pathogens and negatively affect tourism, fishing, agriculture, and trade around Lake Victoria. Some activists also questioned why Kenya had been selected for the project.
The Kenyan government defended the initiative, saying the facility was intended to strengthen East Africa’s preparedness against Ebola and other infectious diseases following repeated outbreaks in neighboring countries, especially Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Health officials argued the centre would improve disease surveillance, rapid isolation capacity, and emergency response systems.
Kenya’s Ministry of Health warned that the region remains vulnerable because of heavy cross-border movement and trade links with countries that have experienced Ebola outbreaks in recent years. Authorities said no Ebola cases had been confirmed in Kenya, but preparedness remained essential.
The United States Embassy in Nairobi said the project was part of broader U.S.-Kenya cooperation on global health security and epidemic preparedness. American officials emphasized that the proposed centre would operate under international biosafety standards and would not store Ebola samples without regulatory approvals.
The court directed government agencies and project partners to submit detailed environmental, safety, and public participation documents before further hearings scheduled for next month. Until then, construction and implementation activities related to the project have been suspended.
The case has sparked wider debate in Kenya over public trust, health emergency preparedness, and foreign involvement in sensitive medical infrastructure projects. Health experts warn that delays in preparedness measures could weaken regional response capacity as Central and East Africa continue facing recurring outbreaks of Ebola, Marburg virus disease, and other infectious threats.
Hey there and welcome to another week. Trust you are improving on your Presentation and Communication Skills….
Today we will talk about ‘First Impressions…
Have you ever met someone for the very first time and, within seconds, already formed an opinion of them? It happens all the time, whether we realize it or not.
Maybe someone walked into the room and you thought to yourself, “ Wow, this person must be super-intelligent by the way they carry themselves… Or perhaps they looked uncomfortable, avoided eye contact, and somehow made the interaction feel awkward , and you kept thinking…” does this person know what to say? It’s gonna be a long long day…..
The truth is… communication begins long before we open our mouths to say anything.
Before you even get the chance to say the first “hello,” people are already reading your posture, facial expressions, energy, appearance, attitude, and even your silence. And in that instant they judge you. So whether we realize it or not, we are constantly communicating. Our body language or the lack of it is always saying something about ourselves.
And in today’s world, where opportunities often move quickly, first impressions matter more than ever. A job interview, business meeting, social gathering, first date, classroom presentation, or even a simple online video call can shape how people perceive us within the first 10 seconds.
But here’s the good news…
First impressions are not about being perfect, expensive, or overly polished. They are more about self-awareness, confidence, warmth, and authenticity.
So here are my five favourite powerful ways you can intentionally communicate a good first impression….
1. Let Your Body Language Speak First
Body language is the non-verbal way we communicate. Its speaking without words and that happens through our facial expressions, gestures, the way we make eye contact,movement and physical behavior.
It often reveals our emotions, attitudes, confidence, interest, discomfort, or intentions without saying a single word… and this communicates more strongly than spoken language.
So, the way you walk into a room, stand, sit, or even hold your phone tells people something about your confidence, mood, and openness.
When you become aware of this simple but intentional actions, can make a huge difference in how you’re perceived. For example, standing upright instead of slouching, or offering a genuine smile. How about making comfortable eye-contact and appearing calm instead of restless.
Your posture often speaks louder than your introduction. So, let your body lanuage control the narrative.
2. Let Your Appearance Communicate Your Intention
Now let’s be honest… whether we like it or not, appearance influences perception. You have also heard the saying,’ Dress the way you want to be addressed…’ That is so true.
That of course does not mean you must wear designer labels or expensive outfits. It simply means presenting yourself intentionally and appropriately for the environment you’re in. If the occasion requires you to be formally dressed, don’t show up in flip-flops and a T-shirt. If you attend a meeting looking disorganized, people may unconsciously assume your thinking is also disorganized.
But when you appear neat, composed, and intentional, it immediately creates trust and credibility.
You see, People often interpret appearance as a sign of self-respect, professionalism, attention to detail and how prepared you are, so you want to make sure you always dress the part. And this goes beyond clothing. Your grooming, facial expression, cleanliness, and overall presentation all contribute to the story people form about you before the conversation even begins.
3. Let Your Energy Enter The Room Before You
There is such a thing as personal energy. Some refer to it as aura or presence. It could also be described as mood. But regardless of how it is described, it can be felt or sensed.
Have you ever felt someone’s energy immediately? Some people walk into a room and bring calmness. Others bring tension. Some make people feel comfortable instantly, while others create distance without even trying.
But you see, your energy; the presence you exude when you enter the room is a reflection of your innermost being and is also part of how you communicate.
Your emotional presence affects how people respond to you and so if you appear irritated, dismissive, distracted, or overly guarded, people sense it quickly. But if you approach conversations with warmth, curiosity, and optimism, people naturally become more receptive.
This is why emotional awareness matters so much.
You must be able to discern what mood you are carrying or what atmosphere you are creating. Because communication is not only about what people hear from you…It is also about what people feel around you.
4. Be A Good Listener And Make Them Feel Important One of the fastest ways to leave a strong positive impression is by being a good listener. In fact, people who listen well often appear more intelligent, more confident, and more emotionally mature.
We all want to be heard and be around someone who gives us room to express ourselves and listen to what we have to say whether it makes sense or not. That’s because when we feel heard, we naturally feel respected.
Have you noticed how you instantly feel validated and satisfied just because the other person took the time to listen to what you had to say? And so, simple listening habits can completely transform interactions. For example, maintaining attention during conversations while nodding naturally, or asking thoughtful follow-up questions without sudden interruptions but responding with genuine interest.
Real communication is not giving a performance but connecting with the person you are talking with. So being a good listener can make someone feel important and just might be the strongest first impression they get to have of you.
Be Genuine and Authentic while Communicating
And my last favourite powerful way to intentionally communicate a good first impression is being genuine and authentic in your communication.
When you understand that people are very smart and can smell when someone is being unreal, putting on a performance or is trying too hard. When your energy is trying too hard to impress or trying too hard to sound intelligent. In the same way, people can sense it when you are being yourself; the authentic version of you. That version feels relaxed, easy and trustworthy. So just quit the act. You really don’t need to become someone else in order to make a strong impression.
What you need to do is simple. Become more intentional about the best version of yourself. That’s when you speak clearly, being respectful and staying present. Most importantly, show genuine interest in people and allow your unique personality to come through.
People may admire perfection for a while… but soon the thrill and awe wears off. People want to connect deeply with sincerity because in the long run, authenticity creates stronger relationships than performance ever will.
A Final thought…
Your body language, appearance, attitude, energy, and listening habits are all speaking on your behalf, long before your voice ever joins the conversation. So figure out the small but powerful adjustments you need to make to create the changes you desire. Try having a warmer smile or a better posture. Maybe you need to make better eye contact and be more present. Or maybe its just listening more and showing up as the authentic version of yourself. Sometimes that is all it takes to completely change how people experience you.
At the end of the day, communication is happening every moment. But even if First impressions happen quickly, meaningful impressions are built intentionally. So wherever you go this week — at work, school, business meetings, social events, online spaces, or even casual everyday encounters, make the first impression people have of you an inspiring one.
I hope this was helpful… Enjoy your week… and I’ll see you soon.
At least six people are feared dead after a bridge collapsed in India’s northern Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, sending several vehicles and dozens of people plunging into a swollen river amid heavy monsoon rains, authorities said on Friday.
The collapse occurred near the town of Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand state, a mountainous region popular with Hindu pilgrims and tourists. According to local officials, a section of the steel suspension bridge gave way while pedestrians and vehicles were crossing, triggering panic as people fell into the fast-flowing Alaknanda River below.
Rescue teams from India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, army personnel, and local volunteers rushed to the scene shortly after the incident. Officials said at least 28 people had been rescued by Friday evening, while search operations continued for several missing persons believed trapped under debris or swept away by strong currents.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that six deaths were feared based on eyewitness accounts and preliminary rescue assessments, though authorities said the official death toll could change as operations continued. Several survivors were taken to nearby hospitals with fractures, head injuries, and symptoms of hypothermia after being pulled from the cold river waters.
Eyewitnesses said the bridge appeared overcrowded at the time of the collapse because of increased movement linked to the Char Dham pilgrimage season, one of India’s largest annual religious journeys. Pilgrims and tourists were reportedly using the crossing to access nearby shrines and mountain routes.
Video footage circulating on Indian television and social media showed twisted metal structures hanging over the river while rescue workers used ropes, inflatable boats, and cranes to search for survivors. Heavy rainfall and dangerous river currents complicated rescue efforts throughout the day.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse. Preliminary reports suggested that recent heavy rains may have weakened the bridge’s support structures, though officials are also examining possible maintenance failures and overloading.
India has experienced repeated infrastructure disasters in recent years, often linked to poor maintenance, overcrowding, aging structures, and extreme weather conditions. In 2022, more than 130 people died when a suspension bridge collapsed in Gujarat state, one of the deadliest bridge disasters in Indian history.
The latest incident comes as northern India enters the annual monsoon period, which frequently triggers landslides, flash floods, and infrastructure failures in Himalayan states such as Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Weather officials warned that additional rainfall is expected in the region over the coming days, raising concerns about further disruptions and hazards.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the affected families and said the central government would provide all necessary assistance for rescue and relief operations. Senior federal disaster management officials have been dispatched to Uttarakhand to coordinate emergency response efforts with state authorities.
NATO member states have strongly condemned Russia after a Russian drone crashed into a residential apartment building in Romania, injuring two civilians and triggering renewed fears that Moscow’s war in Ukraine could spill deeper into NATO territory.
The incident occurred overnight in the southeastern Romanian city of Galați, close to the Ukrainian border, during a large-scale Russian drone attack targeting Ukrainian port infrastructure along the Danube River. Romanian authorities said a Russian-made Geran-2 drone entered Romanian airspace and slammed into a 10-storey apartment block, causing an explosion and fire that forced the evacuation of about 70 residents.
Romania’s Defence Ministry said two people were injured, marking the first time since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that civilians have been hurt by a Russian drone strike on Romanian territory. Emergency crews extinguished the fire while police cordoned off the area and bomb disposal teams searched for unexploded fragments.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan condemned the incident as a “serious violation of international law” and said Moscow bore full responsibility for breaching Romanian sovereignty and NATO airspace. Romania’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador and informed NATO allies of the situation, while requesting accelerated deployment of anti-drone defence systems.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed “absolute solidarity” with Romania and said the alliance remained fully prepared to defend all member states against any threat. NATO officials described the drone incident as another example of Russia’s “irresponsible escalation” near the alliance’s eastern flank.
European Union leaders also condemned the incident. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Russia had “crossed yet another line” by allowing military drones to enter NATO territory and endanger civilians.
Romanian military officials disclosed that radar tracked the drone for several minutes after it crossed the border from Ukraine into Romanian airspace. Romanian F-16 fighter jets and a military helicopter were scrambled with authorization to engage hostile drones if necessary, but the aircraft struck the apartment building before interception could occur. Officials said the drone’s low altitude and the dense urban environment complicated response efforts.
The crash happened during one of Russia’s largest recent drone assaults on southern Ukraine, particularly around the port city of Izmail across the Danube from Romania. Ukrainian authorities reported intercepting hundreds of Russian drones overnight, while air raid alerts sounded across several regions.
The latest incident is part of a growing pattern of drone incursions affecting NATO countries bordering Ukraine and Russia. Romania has reported at least 28 airspace violations since Russia intensified strikes near the Danube corridor, while Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, and Croatia have all experienced drone-related incidents linked to the war.
Security analysts say the repeated incursions are increasing pressure on NATO to strengthen air defence coordination along its eastern frontier. Since 2025, NATO has expanded regional operations under “Operation Eastern Sentry,” aimed at improving interception capabilities against drones and missile threats near alliance borders.
Despite the growing tensions, NATO officials emphasized that there is currently no indication the drone strike was a deliberate attack on Romania itself. However, diplomats warned that repeated incidents carry significant risks of escalation and accidental confrontation between Russia and NATO forces.
Russia has not officially commented on the latest Romanian incident. Moscow has previously dismissed accusations over stray drones entering NATO countries, insisting that its attacks are directed solely at military and infrastructure targets inside Ukraine.
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