NEW DELHI: The Center has proposed amending drug rules to stop repeated viral testing of drugs made from human plasma, saying the original plasma used to make these products is screened for infections like HIV and hepatitis before production begins.These drugs include albumin, intravenous immune globulin (IVIG), and clotting factors such as factor VIII and factor IX, and are used to treat immune disorders, serious infections, and bleeding disorders such as hemophilia.Officials said the move is aimed at bringing India’s drug regulations in line with international pharmacopeia standards. Global guidelines require that pooled plasma must be tested for hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C virus RNA and HIV antibodies before being used for isolation, and only plasma that tests negative can be used to make plasma-derived drugs.Currently, the plasma collected to make these drugs is first pooled and tested for viruses, including HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. However, once a drug is produced from this screened plasma, the finished product will be tested again for the same viral markers under existing rules. The government is now proposing to cancel the second round of testing.The health ministry has issued a draft notification seeking public views on the amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945, which regulate the testing of blood products. Dr Aseem Kumar Tiwari, senior director, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Medanta, Gurgaon, said the remaining plasma collected from blood donors can be used by plasma separators to produce a variety of life-saving drugs.“Albumin, plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs) such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and coagulation factors such as factor VIII and factor IX are widely used to treat immune disorders, serious infections and bleeding disorders such as hemophilia,” he said.He added that blood centers often generate surplus plasma after meeting patient demand, which can be supplied to specialized fractionation facilities where different proteins are separated to make these drugs.Dr Tiwari said PDMPs undergo multiple safety checks before reaching patients. “Donated plasma is screened for infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, malaria and syphilis, and the production process includes viral inactivation steps to ensure safety,” he said.“These drugs, known globally as plasma-derived medicines, are not associated with the spread of infection due to stringent testing and viral inactivation during the manufacturing process,” he added.Officials say repeating the same virus tests at the finished product stage would create unnecessary duplication in global practice. The proposed amendments aim to rationalize testing requirements while maintaining strict safety checks during the plasma screening phase.The draft rule was released in consultation with the Pharmaceuticals Technical Advisory Committee, and stakeholders have 30 days to submit comments before the amendments are finalized.
What happened at Reagan National Airport this morning? ‘Suspicious package’ reports spark concerns
There was tension Thursday morning at Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C., when a suspicious package prompted the evacuation of Concourse D and sent passengers fleeing to safety.
The package was discovered in the lounge around 9 a.m., according to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA). Airport police quickly established a security perimeter and cleared the area of travelers. Authorities are investigating the package but have not yet said why they consider it suspicious.
Concourse D is part of Terminal 2 and serves American Airlines flights.
The evacuation comes as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers continue to face pay issues, having not been paid during the partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security.
This is a developing story
Why is Adin Ross distancing himself from Izi Prime? Kick anchor reveals how it feels to be left out of Stacey’s stepbrothers group
Recently, the disagreement between two well-known Kick anchors has attracted the attention of online viewers. On March 11, 2026, anchor Izi Prime gave a speech titled “Join the Chat! Stake” during his Kick live broadcast.During the broadcast, he explained why he believed he was left out of Adin Ross’ content group called Stacy’s Step Bros (SSB). The group includes creators such as Cameron “Cuffem”, Nermin “Cheesur”, Steven “Konvy” and Shnaggyhose.Izi Prime told the audience that even though he lived close to the band’s main live venue, he began to feel ignored. He said the problem wasn’t appearing on the air together. Instead, he felt excluded from the group’s real-life gatherings. The conversation quickly went viral as fans noticed the tension between the two creators, who previously worked closely together on Kick.
Adin Ross explains distance from Izi Prime, who says he feels left out as Stacy’s stepbrother
During a livestream on March 11, Izi Prime opened up about why he felt pushed away from the band. He said the situation made him stop trying to fit into something that no longer felt natural.“You know what I’m saying? You can’t call me ungrateful. I understand, bro. But I’m done trying to force something that’s not working,” Izi Prime said during the livestream.He explained that they often met at the warehouse, where they filmed and spent time together. Even though he lives nearby, he said he rarely feels like he’s involved in the activities.“From that year on, guys, I was seven minutes away from the warehouse. They were hanging out and doing stuff, but I wasn’t a part of it,” he told the audience.Izi Prime also said the issue is not with streaming partnerships. Instead, he thinks the real problems happen off-camera, when everyone is spending time together.“I’m not talking about the on-air thing. I’m talking about the off-air stuff. They were playing basketball and hanging out, but I was just left out,” he added.A day earlier, Aden Rose also addressed the situation during a Kick live broadcast titled “RAINBET #AD 18+” that aired on March 10, 2026. Ross told viewers he didn’t want to create a web series around the situation.“I just wish him the best, and I said if he really wants to be happy, I’ll help him get back to Atlanta,” Rose said during the broadcast.Ross also explained why he distanced himself from Izi Prime at times. According to him, sometimes certain behaviors make cooperation difficult.“I have nothing but love and respect for him. But sometimes I don’t want him around because when someone keeps getting into trouble, it becomes a burden,” Rose said.Even with the disagreement, Ross told the audience that he would still help Izi Prime if he needed support. He said he would even cover relocation costs if the streamer decided to return to Atlanta and start over.
Dubai News: 60-year-old British tourist arrested for photographing missiles during US-Iraq war; could face up to 2 years in prison
A British holidaymaker has been arrested in Dubai on suspicion of filming missiles during the escalating conflict between Iran and the United States, according to reports.The 60-year-old London man, whose name has not been released, was detained at a Bur Dubai police station on Monday while visiting the Gulf city. He is one of 21 people of various nationalities charged under the United Arab Emirates’ cybercrime law for filming or sharing content related to missile activity during ongoing regional tensions.The arrests come as security concerns intensify in the UAE, which is grappling with attacks linked to the broader conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel.
Arrested for shooting missiles
The man was allegedly seen photographing the missile while he was being detained. When questioned by authorities, he immediately deleted the video and said he had no intention of doing anything wrong, according to those who assisted him.Under the UAE’s cybercrime and disinformation legislation, authorities can prosecute individuals who use digital platforms to publish or disseminate information that could disrupt public security or incite public opinion. The group, which was detained over the missile-related video, faces charges for allegedly using “information networks or information technology tools to broadcast, publish, repost or disseminate false news, rumors or provocative propaganda that may incite public opinion or disrupt public safety”.If convicted, the British citizen could face up to two years in prison, a fine of Dh20,000 to Dh200,000 (£4,000 to £40,000), or both. Additional charges may increase potential penalties, including possible deportation.The man’s family are said to be “extremely concerned” about the situation.
Movement group to assist detainees
The case has attracted the attention of the Dubai Detention Organization, which helps foreigners facing legal difficulties in the UAE, and is now helping the British tourist. He is one of 21 people of various nationalities charged under the country’s cybercrime law for filming or sharing missile footage during the conflict, according to the group. talking telegraph, Radha Stirling, the group’s chief executive, said the charges could appear serious even if the underlying conduct involved routine social media activity.“The allegations sound extremely vague but are serious on paper,” she said.“In fact, the alleged conduct may be as simple as sharing or commenting on a video that has already circulated online.”She explained that the country’s cybercrime legislation allows authorities to prosecute not only the person who originally posted the material, but also those who interacted with it.“Under UAE cybercrime laws, the person who originally posted the content may be charged, but so can anyone who modifies, forwards or comments on the content. A video could soon lead to dozens of people facing criminal charges. “Sterling added that current regional tensions make authorities particularly “sensitive” to the dissemination of footage related to missile interceptions or military activity.“There are countless pictures, videos and news reports circulating online about this conflict,” she said. “People understandably assume that if something has been widely shared or published by the media, then it must be acceptable to comment on or retweet it. In the UAE, this assumption can be extremely dangerous. “She also warned that individuals detained in such cases could be considered “national security suspects” during preliminary investigations and that “innocent mistakes can quickly escalate into extremely serious and dangerous situations for foreigners.”“In some cases, people may find themselves treated as national security suspects until the facts are clear,” she said. “This may mean being taken to a specialized CID facility for questioning and being held for a long period of time.”
Tensions rise across the region
The arrests come as the UAE faces security challenges related to wider regional conflicts.according to Ministry of National DefenseSince the escalation began on February 28, the UAE has launched 268 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,514 drones. The attacks have killed six people, including Emiratis, Pakistanis, Nepalis and Bangladeshis.
Iranian attack hits Fairmont Palm Jumeirah hotel in Dubai, UAE? Fire and smoke were reported near the Fairmont Palm hotel after an explosion was reported in Dubai. Image source:X
Air defense interceptions took place across the country, including near Dubai International Airport, where two drones reportedly crashed after being intercepted, causing injuries and prompting passengers to seek shelter. Drone debris was also reported in Creek Harbor, where a hotel was damaged.Authorities have previously warned residents and visitors that posting or sharing unverified information about the conflict online could result in criminal charges under the country’s cybercrime legislation.According to Article 52 of the UAE Cybercrime Law, Posting or republishing false or misleading information online carries a minimum prison term of one year and a fine of 100,000 dirhams ($27,200). If the material is deemed to incite panic, endanger public safety or affect the national economy, the penalty can rise to at least two years in prison and a fine of 200,000 dirhams ($54,400).
Pentagon spending $93.4 billion in September 2025: Pete Hegseth faces backlash; calls spending ‘completely unacceptable’
The Pentagon spent $93.4 billion in September 2025, a newly released analysis of Defense Department spending showed, as officials began to run out of budget ahead of a fiscal year deadline, sparking criticism of luxury purchases as the United States descends into a costly conflict with Iran.The Defense Department is using the last month of fiscal year 2025 to spend the rest of its budget to avoid future funding cuts, a practice known as “use it or lose it,” according to a report by government watchdog Open The Books. Open The Books called the spending “completely unacceptable” and said the $93 billion total was the highest in September since at least 2008, Fox Los Angeles reported.Besides spending $6.9 million (approximately Rs. 69 crore) on lobster, the Pentagon also spent $15.1 million (approximately Rs. 151 crore) on rib-eye steak, $2 million (approximately Rs. 20 million) on Alaskan king crab, nearly $140,000 on donuts, more than $124,000 on an ice cream machine, and a Steinway grand piano for the Air Force residence priced at 98,329, the report said. USD, furniture (including a single chair worth nearly $1,900) was sold for $225 million (approximately Rs. 225 crore), a fruit basket stand was sold for $12,540, and Apple devices were sold for $5.3 million (approximately Rs. 53 crore).The findings drew criticism from across the political spectrum. California Governor Gavin Newsom mocked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by posting an AI-generated photo of him amid steak and lobster with the caption: “Hegseth robbed taxpayers of $93 billion in 1 month!!”“Reports show Secretary Pete Hegseth wasted $93 billion in federal Department of Defense funds late last year,” Rep. Melanie Stansbury said on social media. “You better believe we’re going to investigate,” she added.Meanwhile, Congressman Chuck Schumer called Hegseth a “liar” and said the $93 billion would have provided three years of tax credits for the ACA.Hegseth, defending himself in February 2025, said he welcomed DOGE’s review. “We need to know when we spend money, we need to know where it goes,” he told Fox News, adding, “We need to know when we spend money, we need to know where it goes.”A timeline in the report said the Pentagon spent more than $7.4 million a month on lobster tails from March to June 2025. The spending spree peaked in September 2025, with $93.4 billion in contracts and grants. The fiscal year ended on September 30, 2025, and the Pentagon drained remaining funds to avoid forfeiture. In October 2025, the war between the United States and Israel started. According to Fox Angeles, in March 2026, regulators announced full details of public luxury consumption.Congress is expected to hold hearings on the Pentagon’s year-end spending habits. As Iran’s war continues, with ammunition consumption in the first two days estimated at $5.6 billion (about Rs 56 crore), lawmakers are expected to use the spending report to push for tighter oversight and possible reforms to federal “use it or lose it” funding rules.
Controversial ‘detention’ of US citizen Sunny Naqvi: Homeland Security releases video footage of Illinois woman leaving
The alleged 43-hour detention of 28-year-old Sundas (Sunny) Naqvi has become more controversial as the Department of Homeland Security has now released video footage of Naqvi entering a CBP area at 10.21am, entering secondary inspection at 10.46am, and then leaving for a public area at 11.42am. “Her assertion that she was detained by DHS for 43 hours is false,” the Department of Homeland Security said. Many social media users claimed that DHS edited the clip and adjusted the timing to fit their narrative.But now Naqvi’s version of events is also drawing attention because of her past incidents involving law enforcement. The Chicago Tribune reported that Naqvi pleaded guilty in 2022 to providing a false police report alleging sexual assault against a professor in 2019. She completed two years of probation on the case in 2024 and the case was later dismissed, records show.
Sunny Naqvi detained: Here’s what happened so far
- Sunny Naqvi’s family and local politician, Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, said Naqvi was detained by ICE for two days without being properly notified by authorities.
- Naqvi reportedly traveled to India along with six people, including her, but they were not allowed to travel further to the Middle East due to visa issues with one of the six. They returned to Chicago from Istanbul on Thursday and that’s when they were detained, the charges say.
- Family members said Naqvi was taken to Immigration and Customs Enforcement centers in two different states before being released early Saturday morning.
The Department of Homeland Security disputed that claim, saying she was only screened a second time and released within 90 minutes. Her story, they said, was a blatant lie. The government also said she was stopped because of a past criminal case. Naqvi’s LinkedIn page lists her as a senior solutions architect for a company that says she has never worked for them. The company also said its employees were not detained at O’Hare Airport, the Chicago Tribune reported. Sheriff’s offices in Cook and Dodge counties in Wisconsin said there was no indication she was being detained at local facilities.
“I think I’m in an ICE detention center”
The whole incident began to gain traction after Morrison, who is running for Congress, posted a screenshot of her alleged phone’s location on her campaign Facebook page on Friday. The images appear to show her at the ICE processing center in Broadview and later at a detention center in Dodge County, Wisconsin.“I think I’m in a meth detention center,” Naqvi wrote in a text message at 5:39 p.m. Morrison posted Friday’s news online that evening.
TMC MPs seek meeting with President Murmu but request rejected: report
New Delhi: All-India delegation of Trinamool Congress MPs seeks appointment with President Draupadi Murmu She was briefed on the welfare initiatives taken by the West Bengal government, but the request was rejected due to “lack of time”, news agency PTI reported.According to PTI sources, a senior TMC leader wrote to the President on March 9, seeking time to send a delegation of 12 to 15 members, including party MPs and state ministers. The delegation intends to meet Murmu to discuss the West Bengal government’s welfare schemes aimed at “inclusive development of all sections of society”.However, sources said the request was rejected and Malacañang informed the party that the meeting could not be arranged due to time constraints.Following this, the TMC once again wrote to the President’s office seeking the appointment next week.The development comes amid political controversy over Murmu’s recent visit to Bagdogra, where she attended an international meeting of the Santhal tribal community. During visit, President expressed dissatisfaction over Chief Minister’s absence Mamata Banerjee and her cabinet colleagues to greet her at Bagdogra Airport.Murmu also questioned the state government’s decision to shift the venue of the event from Bidhan Nagar to near Bagdogra airport, wondering if the government expected a reduction in the number of participants.After delivering her speech, Banerjee accused the President of speaking “on the advice of the BJP” and questioned her silence on atrocities against tribal communities in states like Manipur and Chhattisgarh.The Bharatiya Janata Party severely criticized the TMC government over the incident, accusing it of disrespecting the President. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “shameful and unprecedented” and claimed that the ruling party had crossed all boundaries.The controversy has heightened political tensions in West Bengal, where the BJP has emerged as the main opposition to the Banerjee-led TMC government, which is currently in power for a third consecutive term.
3 Questions and Visa Denial: Indian student in US says parents were not allowed to attend her graduation ceremony
An Indian student in the US took to Reddit to express her anguish after her parents were denied a tourist visa by the Mumbai consulate. Recently, it has been reported that there have been many incidents of Indians, including entrepreneurs, being denied tourist visas to the United States. The visa officer has the right to deny any individual’s visa application if, during the interview, they find that the applicant is unlikely to return to their home country and remain in the United States. There are other reasons for visa denials, including past law enforcement cases. The Indian student said her parents were only asked three questions and based on the answers, they decided they should not be issued a tourist visa to the United States. “They were only asked three questions. Purpose of visit, what is your daughter studying and where do you live? That’s it, they denied the visa,” the student posted. “I don’t understand why it’s obvious from these three questions that my parents don’t have strong ties back home,” she wrote.
Reaction to Reddit post
Some people suggested reasons why their visa applications were not approved, some suggested that they should not immediately reapply, and some just trolled.
- “I think a lot of visa officers are confused as to why two parents would drop everything to attend a ceremony that many students don’t even bother to attend. Maybe it’s a cultural difference?” one wrote.
- Some users pointed out that simply saying “we’re going to see our daughter graduate” isn’t enough. Parents must provide details about the degree, college and how they will support their child’s education. They must also mention that since they have some work in India, they have to return to India by certain dates.
- One person believed that visa applicants were judged on their own merits. “If your parents are unable to pay for their own expenses, they will not be eligible for a visa. Your parents must prove that they are able to pay not only for airfare and incidentals, but also for any unforeseen emergencies. What happens if your parent needs hospitalization?” wrote a Reddit user.
Child vaccination penalties UAE: UAE News: New draft law proposes fines of up to Dh20,000 for parents who refuse childhood vaccinations
Parents or guardians in the UAE could face fines of up to Dh20,000 if they fail to ensure their children receive mandatory vaccinations, according to a new draft law approved by the Federal National Council (FNC). The proposal is part of a wider effort to strengthen the country’s legal framework for the prevention and control of infectious diseases, Khaleej Times reported.The Federal National Council approved amendments to the UAE’s Infectious Diseases Law at a meeting in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s preparedness against infectious diseases and future health threats.Under the proposed amendments, parents or guardians who refuse or neglect to vaccinate their children under the national immunization schedule could face fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh20,000. However, it is unclear how authorities will enforce the penalties or what specific circumstances might trigger action against families.The UAE’s national immunization program currently requires children to receive a series of vaccinations from birth to 11th grade. The plan includes routine and combination vaccines at different stages of childhood to prevent a variety of infectious diseases.Despite proposed penalties for non-compliance, the draft law confirms that vaccines for newborns and other target groups under the national program will continue to be provided free of charge.The amendment also gives authorities the power to compel vaccination in certain circumstances to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Any such decision must be announced publicly through official media and communication channels to ensure residents are aware of the requirement.At the same time, the law allows for medical exemptions. Individuals with health conditions that prevent them from being vaccinated safely may be excluded from mandatory vaccination requirements.
Lessons from Covid-19 drive legal reform
Officials said the amendments are part of a wider effort to modernize the UAE’s disease control laws. These changes are intended to enhance disease surveillance, response mechanisms, and public health preparedness.Speaking at the FNC meeting, Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh stressed the need to update legislation based on global health developments and lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic.He noted that a strong legal framework helps ensure that the country can respond quickly and effectively to public health risks while protecting community well-being.
Manager takes boss to court and wins £12,000 compensation after boss was excluded from social media tribute
A long-serving Sainsbury’s store manager has been awarded almost £12,000 in damages after an employment tribunal found his bosses had treated him unfairly by excluding him from social media posts celebrating male leaders in the company. Darren Cooper, who manages the supermarket’s Pontypridd branch in south Wales, told the court the oversight had left him feeling “ostracized, humiliated and violated” and that he had called in sick due to anxiety. The panel ruled he should receive £11,852 in compensation, including £7,500 for emotional distress, the BBC reported.
Posts designed to celebrate male leaders
The controversy centers on a November 2022 post shared by Cooper regional director Matt Hourihan on LinkedIn and the company’s internal Yammer platform. In the message, Houlihan said he wanted to “celebrate alpha males” in Sainsbury’s stores across South Wales and England. He wrote:“You all lead busy lives outside of work and deal with health, family and personal issues in the same way as everyone else, but you come to work every day, put on your name tag and provide support, guidance and leadership to the thousands of colleagues who work across our region.” The post included photos of all of the regional store managers who were named and tagged except Cooper. At that time, he had not been at work since July 2022 due to anxiety.
Decades in the supermarket
Cooper, who has worked at Sainsbury’s since 1993, told the court he actually had “orange blood” running through his veins after decades of service to the retailer. In 2010 he became manager of the Pontypridd store near Cardiff and was in charge of the branch for more than a decade before taking a sick leave. When Cooper later saw the International Men’s Day post online, he said the omission caused huge distress. He told the court the incident had caused “unspeakable further damage” to his health and described the “anxiety” of having to respond to friends and colleagues who contacted him to ask if he had left the company.
Court: Omission related to his absence
The tribunal in Cardiff concluded that the decision to let Cooper leave the role stemmed from his manager’s “conscious thought process”. According to the panel, this means the treatment amounts to “unfavorable treatment due to disability”. Employment judge Rhian Brace said the court accepted Cooper’s evidence about how the incident affected him. “He provided evidence of statements that he felt excluded, humiliated and violated by the post and that he felt he had been left out by his absence,” the judge said. She added that as a senior store manager it was reasonable for him to feel humiliated in the situation, especially as there was nothing to stop his boss mentioning the post when they spoke to him the day before it appeared online.
Manager’s explanation
Houlihan argued that Cooper had deleted WhatsApp and said he did not want to be contacted while on leave, making him feel it was inappropriate to include him in posts or ask for photos. He also said he had no photo of Cooper to use. The court expressed sympathy with Houlihan’s position, but ultimately concluded that the decision still resulted in adverse treatment related to Cooper’s disability.
Legal claims and outcomes
After numerous discussions about returning to work, Cooper was fired in June 2023. He subsequently brought proceedings against Sainsbury’s, alleging disability discrimination, harassment, adverse treatment and unfair dismissal. The tribunal ruled in his favor on claims of disability-related harassment and adverse treatment arising out of disability, awarding him a total of £11,852 in compensation. However, his claims for disability discrimination and unfair dismissal were dismissed.