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

The United States has carried out a series of airstrikes in Nigeria targeting Islamic State terrorists, following what US President Donald Trump described as escalating attacks against Christians in the region. The strikes, which Trump said were conducted on his direct orders, were aimed at extremist groups operating in northwest Nigeria and were described as both numerous and deadly.

Thailand has defended its military’s decision to remove a Hindu statue located along its border with Cambodia, stating that the action was necessary to establish control over a disputed frontier area. The move, which took place on December 25, has sparked criticism and renewed debate over border management and cultural sensitivity in the region. According to Thai authorities, the statue was situated in an area that remains contested between Thailand and Cambodia. Officials said th

China has strongly criticised a recent Pentagon report, calling it irresponsible, misleading, and an attempt to create divisions between Beijing and New Delhi while exaggerating the so-called China threat narrative. Responding sharply, Chinese officials accused the United States of distorting China’s defence policy and interfering in its internal affairs to justify Washington’s continued military dominance. Speaking at a media briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokes

As Christmas Day approaches, shoppers across central Ohio are adjusting their plans as many retailers prepare to close early on Christmas Eve and shut their doors entirely on Christmas Day. This year, the holiday falls on a Thursday, prompting widespread schedule changes as businesses balance customer demand with time off for employees to spend with family and friends. For consumers making last-minute purchases or gathering ingredients for holiday meals, knowing store hours ahead of

An investigation by The New York Times has revealed that the Donald Trump Presidency raised an unprecedented $2 billion in donations during 2025, making it the most heavily funded second-term presidency in American history. Among the hundreds of donors were at least six Indian-origin Americans or the companies they lead, many of whom reportedly benefited from decisions taken by the Trump administrat

A powerful earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale struck Taiwan’s southeastern coastal region on Wednesday, sending strong tremors across multiple cities and causing buildings to sway in the capital city of Taipei. The earthquake originated near Taitung County and was felt across large parts of th

The United States has cautioned India about China’s evolving two-front strategic approach that combines diplomatic calm along the Line of Actual Control with an aggressive expansion of military support to Pakistan. The warning comes from the US Department of Defense’s 2025 Annual Report to Congress on Military and Security Developments involving the People’s Republic of China, a comprehensive assessment of Beijing’s military modernisation and regional ambitions. The report h

A tragic aviation accident in Turkey has claimed the lives of Libya’s top military commander and seven others after a private jet crashed shortly after taking off from the capital city, Ankara. The incident occurred soon after the aircraft departed Esenboga Airport, bringing a sudden and devastating end to a diplomatic visit aimed at strengthening defence cooperation between Libya and Turkey. Libyan officials confirmed that the deceased included Gen. Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad,

As Christmas approaches, shoppers and workers across the country are navigating adjusted schedules as many retailers, government offices and financial institutions modify their operating hours ahead of the holiday. With Christmas Eve falling midweek this year, the final days before the holiday are expected to be among the busiest for stores and grocery chains, while closures on Christmas Day and limited hours on surrounding days are prompting consumers to plan ahead. Several major retailers are extending hours in the days leading up to Christmas to accommodate last-minute shoppers, though most will close earlier than usual on Christmas Eve. Wholesale club Costco has confirmed that its warehouses will operate on reduced schedules, closing at 5 p.m. on Dec. 24. Walmart locations nationwide are also expected to close early, with most stores shutting their doors at 6 p.m. Target locations may vary by market, but many stores will close around 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve after offering extended hours earlier in the week. Sam’s Club members should expect a 6 p.m. closing time on Christmas Eve, while Trader Joe’s stores are planning to end operations at 5 p.m. Department and apparel retailers are following similar patterns. Macy’s and Nordstrom locations will generally close earlier than normal on Christmas Eve, with many stores ending the day by 5 p.m. Old Navy locations are expected to close around 6 p.m., while Walgreens stores will largely remain open during regular business hours, though pharmacy counters may operate on limited schedules. Grocery chains including Mariano’s, Jewel-Osco, Meijer, Sunset Foods and Heinen’s are also adjusting hours, with most closing between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., depending on the brand and location. Whole Foods stores are expected to operate with modified hours, and Starbucks customers are advised to check individual store schedules. Shopping malls across the Chicago area and surrounding suburbs are also reducing hours on Christmas Eve after extended shopping days earlier in the week. Many major malls will close between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., including Woodfield Mall, Oakbrook Center, Water Tower Place and several outlet centers. Shoppers are encouraged to verify hours directly with mall management, as opening times may differ by location. Beyond retail, several essential services are operating on altered schedules. Most banks will remain open on Christmas Eve but are expected to close earlier than usual. Mail delivery through the United States Postal Service will continue on Dec. 24 and again on Dec. 26, though post office branches will be closed on Christmas Day. Government services in Illinois, including secretary of state offices and DMVs, will be closed on both Dec. 24 and Dec. 25 before reopening on Friday. Financial markets are also observing holiday schedules. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will end trading early at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve and remain closed for Christmas Day, resuming normal operations on Dec. 26. With a mix of early closures and full-day shutdowns across sectors, consumers are advised to complete errands early and confirm local hours before heading out. The compressed holiday schedule is expected to drive heavier traffic in stores and malls during limited operating windows, making advance planning essential in the final stretch before Christmas.    

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced a major financial support initiative for pastors across the state, declaring that Rs 50 crore will be credited directly into their bank accounts on December 24. The announcement was made during the Semi Christmas celebrations organised by the Andhra Pradesh State Government in Vijayawada, marking a significant pre-Christmas gesture tow

Australian euthanasia activist and physician Philip Nitschke has once again sparked international debate after publicly demonstrating a new assisted dying device known as the Kairos Kollar. Nitschke, the founder of Exit International, is already widely known for inventing the Sarco pod, a 3D-printed capsul

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has publicly criticised the recently concluded India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, describing it as a low-quality deal that undermines New Zealand’s economic and labour interests. His remarks come just days after India and New Zealand announced the successful conclusion of FTA negotiations, which both governments claim could significantly boost bil

Frozen shrimp sold at Jewel-Osco grocery stores in Illinois are being recalled following a federal investigation that raised concerns about possible contamination during handling and storage, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Federal officials said the affected shrimp may have been packaged, prepared, or held under insanitary conditions and could potentially contain trace amounts of radioactive material. The recall was issued Friday by Direct Source Seafood LLC, a

Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9 ended on a remarkable high as commoner Kalyan Padala lifted the trophy, along with Rs 35 lakh prize money and a Maruti Suzuki Victorious car, defeating celebrity contestant Thanuja in a thrilling finale. The result aligned perfectly with the season’s core theme of commoners versus celebrities, a narrative that kept viewers engaged throughout the show’s run. Kalyan’s victory highlighted how audience relatability and trust outweighed star status in determining th

The world’s richest individual added significantly to his fortune after a major legal reversal in the United States. The Delaware Supreme Court on Friday cleared Elon Musk’s long-disputed $56 billion compensation package from Tesla, overturning a lower court ruling that had invalidated the 2018 pay plan. The decision marked a pivotal moment in a case that has drawn global attention to executive compensation, corporate governance, and shareholder rights at one of the world’s most valuabl

Meta is preparing a major comeback to the artificial intelligence industry with two new models named Mango and Avocado, expected to launch in the first half of 2026. These models are designed to challenge the dominance of OpenAI and Google, who currently lead the AI landscape. Mango will focus on generating high-quality images and videos, while Avocado will serve as Meta’s next large language model, built for text generation, complex reasoning, and coding capabilities. Both models are being

An appellate court in Romania has sentenced American rapper Wiz Khalifa to nine months in prison for drug possession, bringing a legal case tied to a 2024 music festival appearance to a close more than a year after the incident occurred. The ruling was delivered on Thursday by the Constanta Court of Appeal and represents a final decision under Romanian law. The case stems from events at the Beach, Please! Festival, held in July 2024 in Costinesti, a popular coastal resort in Constanta County along the Black Sea. Romanian authorities stopped the artist after he allegedly consumed cannabis while performing on stage during the festival. Prosecutors later stated that Khalifa was found in possession of more than 18 grams of cannabis and that part of the substance had been used publicly during his performance. Court documents identified the artist by his legal name, Cameron Jibril Thomaz, and confirmed that he was convicted of possession of dangerous drugs without legal authorization for personal use. Under Romania’s criminal code, cannabis remains classified as an illegal substance, and possession for personal consumption is treated as a criminal offense rather than a civil violation. The appellate ruling followed an earlier decision by a lower court in Constanta County, which in April imposed a criminal fine of 3,600 lei, equivalent to approximately $830. Prosecutors challenged that outcome, arguing that the penalty did not reflect the seriousness of the offense or the circumstances under which it occurred. The appeal sought a custodial sentence, which the higher court ultimately approved. Romania is known for maintaining some of the stricter drug laws in Europe. Even small quantities of cannabis intended for personal use can lead to criminal prosecution, with penalties ranging from fines to prison terms of up to two years. Legal experts note that public consumption, particularly in a high-profile setting, can be viewed as an aggravating factor under Romanian law. It remains unclear whether Romanian authorities will pursue extradition, as Khalifa is a U.S. citizen and does not reside in Romania. Officials have not publicly confirmed whether further legal steps will be taken to enforce the sentence outside the country’s borders. Wiz Khalifa, 38, rose to international fame with his breakout mixtape “Kush + Orange Juice” and later achieved mainstream success with chart-topping singles and collaborations. During his performance at the Romanian festival last summer, he was seen smoking a large hand-rolled cigarette while performing his hit song “Young, Wild & Free,” a moment that later became central to the criminal investigation. The case has drawn attention to the legal risks artists face when performing abroad, particularly in countries with stringent drug policies. Legal analysts say the ruling underscores the importance of understanding local laws, as actions that may be tolerated or legal in one jurisdiction can carry serious consequences in another.

A small family-run restaurant in Jersey City has become a standout success story in the local dining scene, driven by determination, cultural pride, and an unlikely culinary journey. Korai Kitchen, the city’s first Bangladeshi restaurant, is operated by a mother-daughter duo whose path to national recognition began without formal training or professional kitchen experience. Chef and owner Nur-E Gulshan Rahman opened Korai Kitchen alongside her daughter, Nur-E Farhana, in February