Russia’s Defence Ministry said on Thursday that it had transferred what it described as evidence showing that Ukrainian forces targeted a Russian presidential residence earlier this week, an allegation that Kyiv and Western governments have firmly rejected. The announcement adds to rising diplomatic tensions as Moscow and Washington continue discussions related to the broader war in Ukraine. According to the ministry, fragments of a Ukrainian drone recovered after an alleged attem

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As the calendar turns to a new year, New Year’s Day remains a federal holiday across the United States, bringing widespread closures for government offices, schools, banks and financial markets. At the same time, many major retailers and grocery chains plan to welcome customers on January 1, 2026, often with adjusted hours and post-holiday discounts aimed at clearing older inventory. Shoppers and consumers are encouraged to confirm local schedules in advance, as operating hours can vary by

Chinese President Xi Jinping used his annual New Year’s Eve address to reaffirm Beijing’s long-standing position on Taiwan, declaring that reunification with the self-governing island was inevitable. Speaking in Beijing on Wednesday, Xi said that bringing Taiwan under China’s control was “a trend of the times” that could not be stopped, reiterating a pledge that has become a central pillar of his leadership. The speech came just one day after the conclusion of large-scale

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board on Wednesday temporarily suspended registration for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage following an unprecedented surge of devotees during the New Year period. Officials said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure after crowd density reached critical levels at the Katra

Eurostar suspended all of its train services on Tuesday after a power supply failure in the Channel Tunnel forced operations to a halt during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The disruption came as thousands of passengers were travelling between Christmas and New Year, with services to and from London particularly affected. The sudden suspension triggered widespread delays and uncertainty for travellers relying on high-speed rail connections between the United Kingdom and mainla

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is scheduled to attend the state funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka on December 31, marking a significant diplomatic gesture at a time of strained relations between the two neighbouring countries. The decision comes amid heightened political uncertainty in Bangladesh and a broader reassessment of regional alignments in South Asia following last year’s dramatic change of government in Dhaka. Kha

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is often observed with fasting, temple visits and devotional practices, but traditional sources describe it as far more than a symbolic religious occasion. Ancient Hindu texts and yogic teachings present the observance as a carefully timed alignment of cosmic movements, biological rhythms and human consciousness, established long before the emergence of modern scientific terminology. The day is traditionally observed during Dhanur Masa, in the bright fortnight of Margashirsha, immediately preceding Makara Sankranti, when the Sun begins its northward journey known as Uttarayana. While many temples ceremonially open a northern gate on this day, classical interpretations clarify that the reference is not primarily architectural. Yogic literature describes Vaikuntha as a state beyond limitation and suffering, and Dvara as a gateway. Together, the term points toward an internal transition rather than a physical passage. According to yogic physiology, this gateway corresponds to the Sushumna Nadi, the central energy channel that runs along the spinal axis. Texts such as the Shiva Samhita state that liberation is experienced when prana, or vital energy, flows freely through this central channel without obstruction. Vaikuntha Ekadashi is observed on Ekadashi tithi, a lunar phase traditionally associated with reduced digestive activity in the human body. Yogic science holds that on this day the digestive system operates at a minimum, making fasting less stressful on the body. Through fasting, the downward-moving energy known as Apana Vayu is restrained, allowing prana to move upward more naturally. This upward movement is believed to balance the Ida and Pingala nadis, often described as the lunar and solar energy channels, creating conditions favorable for the activation of the Sushumna Nadi. Contemporary scientific research into fasting has begun to recognize restorative processes that align with these ancient observations. Classical yogic texts further explain this mechanism. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika notes that when food intake and sensory distractions are restrained, prana is more likely to enter the central channel. The timing of Vaikuntha Ekadashi coincides with the Sun’s transition toward Uttarayana, symbolically mirroring the upward movement of consciousness described in yogic practices. This phase is traditionally associated with the awakening of higher centers of awareness, moving from the lower chakras toward Ajna and Sahasrara. Hindu scriptures also describe cosmic time in a distinctive way, defining a single day of the devas as consisting of six months of Uttarayana and six months of Dakshinayana. In this framework, one human year equals one full day and night for celestial beings. Vaikuntha Ekadashi is therefore regarded as marking a cosmic dawn within this larger cycle. Devotional practices on this day traditionally include the recitation of the Dwadashakshari mantra, Om Namo Narayanaya, as a form of japa. Beyond ritual observance, the day is understood as an opportunity for internal alignment, where seasonal astronomy, lunar dynamics and human physiology converge. Ancient seers embedded this observance into the calendar as a reminder of harmony between the cosmos and the individual. The invocation Hari Om, often associated with Vaikuntha Ekadashi, reflects this integrated vision. Hari signifies the principle that removes sorrow, ignorance and bondage, while Om represents the primordial sound identified with ultimate reality. Together, they express an aspiration toward clarity and balance within the larger cosmic order. Viewed through this lens, Vaikuntha Ekadashi stands as a structured convergence of spiritual practice and natural rhythms, emphasizing introspection, restraint and alignment rather than mere ritual formality.

Federal regulators have announced a sweeping recall affecting hundreds of commonly purchased consumer products sold in small grocery stores and markets across parts of the Midwest, citing serious sanitation concerns that may pose a risk to public health. The action follows an inspection of a Minneapolis-based distribution facility that supplies food, medication, and household goods to retailers in Minnesota, Indiana, and neighboring states. According to the Food and Drug Administrat

A meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence was meant to focus on diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Instead, public attention quickly shifted to an unexpected detail captured in photographs taken ahead of the talk

Pakistan has, for the first time, publicly acknowledged that Indian drone strikes caused damage at the strategically sensitive Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi during Operation Sindoor, marking a significant shift from its earlier attempts to downplay or deny the impact of the attacks. The admission came during a year-end press briefing on December 27, when Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister

For nearly a century, humanity has imagined a future where cars drive themselves. From early cinematic visions to ambitious lab experiments, the idea of autonomous vehicles has fascinated engineers, filmmakers, and everyday commuters alike. In 2025, that long-standing dream has finally reached public roads at scale. Driverless robotaxis are no longer experimental concepts hidden behind research labs. They are active, revenue-generating services operating in major global cities, marking a majo

One passenger was killed after a fire broke out in two coaches of the Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express in the early hours of Monday in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district. The incident occurred around 1 am near Elamanchili railway station when the locomotive pilot noticed flames emerging from one of the co

Former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi has issued a public apology after facing widespread criticism over a viral video showing him celebrating with fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya in London. The video, which quickly spread across social media platforms, showed the two men referring to themselv

Mickey Lee, a former contestant on the reality television series Big Brother, has died at the age of 35 after suffering multiple cardiac arrests linked to complications from the flu, according to a statement released by her family. The announcement was shared publicly on Friday through Lee’s official Instagram account, one day after her death on Thursday. In their message, Lee’s family reflected on her impact both on and off television, describing her as a person whose authentic

China has set a new global benchmark in rail transportation technology after successfully accelerating a superconducting magnetic levitation train to a speed of 700 kilometres per hour in just two seconds. The achievement marks the fastest acceleration ever recorded for a maglev system and positions China as the first country to demonstrate this capability using superconducting electric maglev technology. The experiment was conducted by researchers at the National University of Defe

New Jersey officials have declared a statewide state of emergency in advance of a major winter storm expected to impact travel, power infrastructure, and public safety across the region. Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Tahesha L. Way announced the declaration as forecasts indicate the storm could bring significant snowfall, freezing rain, and hazardous road conditions beginning late Friday afternoon. Meteorologists project that northern portions of the state could receive up to 10

The Ohio Department of Agriculture has released the official schedule for the 2026 fair season, giving communities across the state an early look at one of Ohio’s most anticipated summer and fall traditions. The announcement confirms dates for fairs in all 88 counties, along with independent fairs, bringing the total number of events scheduled statewide to nearly 100. The calendar allows families, exhibitors, and fair organizers to begin planning months in advance for a season rooted in agr

Gmail users could soon see one of the most requested features finally becoming a reality. Google appears to be preparing a major update that may allow users to change their “@gmail.com” email address, something that has traditionally been permanent since the day an account was created. While Google has long allowed users with non-Gmail login emails to update their address, those using a Gmail ID have largely been locked in, until now. Interestingly, early signs suggest that India could be

Waymo, the self-driving technology company owned by Alphabet, may soon introduce a new digital co-passenger inside its robotaxis. The company is reportedly experimenting with integrating Google’s Gemini AI chatbot into its autonomous vehicles, allowing riders to converse with an onboard assistant that ca