Chaturmasya: A Sacred Four-Month Period of Devotion, Discipline and Diet in Hinduism Chaturmasya, derived from the Sanskrit words “chatur” (four) and “masya” (month), is a sacred period of spiritual retreat and disciplined living in Hinduism. Spanning four months during the Indian monsoon, Chaturmasya begins on Shayani Ekadashi in Ashadha (June–July) and ends on Prabodhini Ekadashi in Kartika (October–November). This period is mar

In a dramatic turn of events in American politics, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has announced the launch of a new political party called the America Party, signaling a major break with former ally President Donald Trump. The announcement follows a bitter public fallout between the two high-profile figures over Trump’s massive domestic spending plan, which Musk has described as fiscally irresponsible and a threat to the nation’s economic stability. Once among T

A devastating flash flood has struck central Texas, triggering a desperate search for more than 25 missing girls at Camp Mystic in Kerr County. Authorities report that the Guadalupe River surged more than 20 feet in less than two hours following intense rainfall, catching many off guard and overwhelming local emergency systems. The catastrophic event has left at least 27 people dead, including nine children, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters the region has seen in years. Among

Nehal Modi, the younger brother of fugitive businessman Nirav Modi, has been arrested in the United States in connection with the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, one of the largest banking frauds in India’s financial history. His arrest follows an Interpol Red Corner Notice and multiple extradition requests made by Indian authorities, specifically the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He was taken into custody by US authorities

Rishabh Pant continues to make history in the cricketing world. On Day 4 of the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, the India vice-captain shattered yet another monumental record. After coming to the crease following KL Rahul's dismissal, Pant wasted no time and struck England pacer Josh Tongue for a six, marking his 22nd six in Tests in England. With this powerful shot, Pant set the record for the most sixes by any batter in Test matches

At a high-voltage rally in Mumbai on Saturday, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray shared a public stage for the first time in nearly two decades. The powerful political reunion was triggered by the widespread backlash over the Maharashtra government's controversial decision to make Hindi a compulsory third language in primary schools. Addressing a p

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) living in Texas, obtaining a driver’s license is a vital step towards settling down and gaining mobility. Whether you have just moved to the state or are planning to drive as a resident, understanding the process of acquiring a Texas driver’s license is essential. While the procedure can seem complex for NRIs, it is fairly simple once you know the steps and gather the required documents. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the proces

In a shocking revelation, Excise officials in Hyderabad uncovered a ganja smuggling racket where marijuana was hidden behind portraits of gods in pooja rooms to avoid detection during police checks. During raids in Dhoolpet, the Excise STF seized over 21 kg of ganja, valued at approximately Rs 22 lakh. The drugs were sourced from Odisha and distributed in small packets to agents in Hyderabad’s IT areas like Gachibowli and Madhapur for retail sale. Several i

Australia has announced a significant increase in its student visa application fee, raising it to AUD 2,000, effective July 1, 2025. This sharp hike, now making Australia the most expensive destination for student visas among major English-speaking countries, is expected to generate AUD 760 million over the next four years. The government justifies this increase as part of its efforts to manage the growing international education sector sustainably, ensuring equi

  As the United States celebrates its 249th Independence Day, it’s not only a time for fireworks and patriotic festivities, but also a chance to reflect on the global web of events that shaped the birth of the most powerful modern democracy. While the American Revolutionary War is often remembered as a fight led by George Washington against British colonialism, few remember how the economic and geopolitical struggles of another region—India—played an indirect

A devastating flash flood struck Texas Hill Country, particularly the Guadalupe River area, resulting in at least 24 confirmed deaths and leaving more than 20 girls from a summer camp still missing. The flood, caused by heavy rainfall totaling 12 inches, surged through Kerr County, flooding homes, campgrounds, and roads with little to no warning. The Guadalupe River rose rapidly, reaching 26 feet in just 45 minutes, overwhelming the area in less than two hours, a

In a significant legislative move early in his second term, President Donald Trump signed the "One Big Beautiful Bill" into law during a celebratory Fourth of July ceremony at the White House. The bill, hailed by Trump as a fulfillment of several key campaign promises, introduces wide-reaching tax cuts, substantial boosts to military spending, and increases funding for immigration enforcement. The legislation also includes controversial reductions to Me

Bishop Ranch, one of the Bay Area’s largest and most influential business parks, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in commercial leasing. In the first half of 2025 alone, Bishop Ranch signed 15 new long-term lease agreements totaling over 254,000 square feet, according to Sunset Development Corporation, the property’s owner and operator. This significant leasing activity represents a shift toward st

Livermore, California, is a gateway to the natural beauty of the East Bay. Known for its vineyards, rolling hills, and wide-open landscapes, it’s also home to some of the region’s most scenic and accessible hiking trails. Whether you're seeking a casual walk, a cardio-boosting ridge run, or a secluded backcountry challenge, these six hiking spots offer something for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Here’s a closer look at the best hiking

Apple has made headlines with its latest real estate investment spree, spending over half a billion dollars in just one week. The tech giant finalized two major property purchases in Silicon Valley, underscoring its commitment to expanding its footprint in the region. On June 24, Apple closed a deal to acquire the 220,000-square-foot Cupertino Gateway complex for $166.9 million. Located on North Tantau Avenue in Cupe

Celebrate Independence Day in Dublin, CA, with an array of exciting events and fireworks shows to enjoy. The 4th of July, falling on a Friday in 2025, offers an extended weekend of fun across the Bay Area, and Dublin is no exception. Whether you’re looking for fireworks displays, parades, or community festivals, there’s something for everyone. In Dublin itself, you can find safe and sane fireworks booth s

Pleasanton is about to experience its first-ever Pet Fair, a fun-filled event designed for pet lovers of all kinds. On August 3, Murphy’s Paw, a locally owned independent pet store, will host a pet extravaganza right on Main Street. The event, part of the Weekends on Main series, promises to offer everything from pet adoptions to delightful contests and tasty treats. This unique gathering is expected to be one of the most adorable events of the year in P

Kentucky has confirmed its first measles outbreak of 2025, joining a growing list of states across the United States battling resurgent infections of a disease that had once been declared eliminated. As of early July, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 1,267 confirmed measles cases nationally, placing the country on the verge of its highest annual case count in more than three decades. The outbreak in Kentucky involves four confirmed cases in Fayette and W

Mediterranean-inspired fast-casual chain Cava is preparing to launch its very first Ohio location, setting its sights on the city of Columbus. The popular restaurant brand, known for customizable grain bowls, pitas, and house-made dips, has submitted plans to open at 1370 Polaris Parkway, directly across from Polaris Fashion Place. A building permit filed in June indicates that the Columbus branch will occupy a space previously used by another restaurant, signaling Cava’s growing national

Each year on July 4, Americans unite to celebrate Independence Day, a moment of national pride that blends history, culture, and community. Known for fireworks, parades, barbecues, and red-white-and-blue festivities, the Fourth of July represents more than just a mid-summer holiday. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, a pivotal event that marked the United States' birth as a free and sovereign nation. The roots of Independence Day trace