Video: UK paratrooper's parachute drop on remote island to aid hantavirus patient

The UK Defence Ministry has released dramatic footage of a British paratrooper parachuting through thick clouds onto the remote South Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha to assist a man suspected of contracting hantavirus after disembarking from the cruise ship MV Hondius.

The video captures the soldier gliding over the vast ocean before touching down on one of the world’s most isolated inhabited islands as part of a rare emergency medical mission. The suspected patient, a British national, developed diarrhoea and fever days after leaving the vessel and is currently isolating in a stable condition.

A team of six paratroopers and two military clinicians from 16 Air Assault Brigade carried out the operation from an RAF A400M aircraft, while oxygen cylinders and medical supplies were air-dropped simultaneously. The UK said it marked the first time British military medical personnel had been deployed for humanitarian support via parachute.

Tristan da Cunha, home to just 221 people, has no airport and can only be reached by sea. The mission followed confirmation by the UK Health Security Agency of a suspected hantavirus case on the island.

Iran has no choice but to fight back ferociously: Esmaeil Baghaei on war with US

In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran, discussed Tehran's response to US President Donald Trump's threats. He detailed the history of Tehran's diplomatic engagement with Washington, highlighting the US withdrawal from the JCPOA and the assassination of IRGC Commander Qassem Soleimani. He explained Iran's recent proposal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which the US rejected. Baghaei stated, "Blockade itself is a declaration of an act of war," attributing the current international maritime and energy crises, including those affecting India, to actions by the US and Israel. He also questioned why the disarmament of Israel's nuclear weapons is not part of global demands, noting Iran's compliance with the NPT. Addressing the possibility of a ground invasion by the US, Baghaei affirmed Iran's military readiness, warning, "We have no other choice other than fighting back ferociously." He emphasised that Iran is defending its homeland and international law against aggression.

Call for austerity after election campaigning? Experts decode timing of PM's appeal

The Prime Minister has urged citizens to adopt austerity measures, including reducing fuel consumption and limiting gold purchases, as escalating West Asia tensions drive global crude oil prices higher. State-owned oil firms face significant financial losses while the national currency weakens against the dollar. During a televised debate, the ruling party defended these measures as necessary for economic stability, while the opposition criticised the government for placing the burden on citizens. In Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK faces a potential split as thirty rebel lawmakers met the pro-tem speaker ahead of a crucial floor test. Meanwhile, in Telangana, a Union Minister's son has been booked under the POCSO Act for alleged sexual harassment, leading to accusations of delayed investigations. In Kerala, the national leadership has yet to finalise a Chief Minister candidate a week after election victory. Additionally, a film producer addressed censor board delays and a lead actor's political transition. These developments highlight significant political and economic shifts across India, from energy policy to regional leadership transitions.

PM’s austerity push sparks political firestorm. Message for people, not politicians?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to the public for the adoption of several austerity measures to mitigate the economic impact of the West Asia crisis has sparked a political confrontation. He urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption, utilise public transport, and limit gold purchases to preserve foreign exchange reserves. Opposition leaders criticised the appeal, questioning the continuation of large-scale political roadshows and demanding a special parliament session to address inflation and fuel taxes. During televised debates, ruling party representatives defended the nation's economic stability, while analysts highlighted structural financial strains. Simultaneously, West Bengal announced an administrative reshuffle, appointing the former Chief Electoral Officer as Chief Secretary and the Special Observer as Chief Adviser to the Chief Minister. In Kerala, the Congress high command continues deliberations over the next Chief Minister. Key contenders include the former leader of the opposition and a prominent organisational strategist. Former state party presidents have been summoned to the national capital for consultations as the party evaluates legislative support and ally preferences before making a final announcement.

No gold for a year, fuel use cuts: Is PM readying India for a West Asia war flare-up?

Amid escalating West Asia tensions and surging global crude oil prices, the government has issued a ten-point advisory urging economic discipline to stabilise the currency. Citizens are requested to reduce fuel consumption, postpone non-essential international travel, and halt gold purchases for one year to prevent foreign exchange outflow. Recommendations include adopting electric vehicles, utilising public transport, and promoting domestically manufactured goods. Economic experts analyse these measures, emphasising the need for government austerity and policies to boost exports. Concurrently, the United States has rejected an Iranian peace proposal, heightening geopolitical concerns regarding the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear sanctions. In a separate development, the Prime Minister marked the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Somnath Temple Prana Pratishtha, releasing a commemorative stamp and coin. This visit coincided with the anniversary of the 1998 nuclear tests, linking spiritual heritage with national security and scientific progress. The broadcast highlights the intersection of civilisational significance, strategic military strength, and the urgent need for renewable energy adoption during this global crisis.