On International Tea Day Banarasis miss their favourite chai shops during lockdown

Sirens echoed across RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus after a reported drone strike heightened tensions in an already volatile region. UK officials believe the unmanned aircraft was launched from Iran, following earlier missile launches that fell into the sea. The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed increased security measures, while Defence Secretary John Healey acknowledged the rising threat level. Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged British nationals in the region to follow official travel advice, warning that the situation remains dangerous and unpredictable as regional instability deepens.