Sri Rajarajeshwari Peetham has announced the schedule and spiritual framework for its Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2026, while also outlining the broader scope of religious and ritual activities conducted by the organization across multiple countries. The yatra, scheduled from July 20 to August 4, 2026, is positioned as one of the organization’s major pilgrimages, distinct from its year-round spiritual programs carried out globally.
The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra will take pilgrims th
Sri Rajarajeshwari Peetham has announced the schedule and spiritual framework for its Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2026, while also outlining the broader scope of religious and ritual activities conducted by the organization across multiple countries. The yatra, scheduled from July 20 to August 4, 2026, is positioned as one of the organization’s major pilgrimages, distinct from its year-round spiritual programs carried out globally.
The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra will take pilgrims th
Hundreds of U.S. troops have begun evacuating from a major air base in Qatar as part of a coordinated precautionary effort amid rising tensions with Iran. The move comes as the U.S. administration considers a range of military and diplomatic options in response to Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests, raising concerns about potential retaliation against American forces stationed across the region.
Service members at Al Udeid Air Base are being relocated to other military installa
Hundreds of U.S. troops have begun evacuating from a major air base in Qatar as part of a coordinated precautionary effort amid rising tensions with Iran. The move comes as the U.S. administration considers a range of military and diplomatic options in response to Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests, raising concerns about potential retaliation against American forces stationed across the region.
Service members at Al Udeid Air Base are being relocated to other military installa
The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday issued a renewed travel advisory advising Indian citizens to refrain from travelling to Iran, citing the deteriorating security situation amid widespread anti-government protests across the country. The warning comes as unrest in Iran enters its third consecutive week, with the capital city of Tehran remaining one of the focal points of the demonstrations.
In an official statement, the ministry said that Indian nationals are being “onc
The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday issued a renewed travel advisory advising Indian citizens to refrain from travelling to Iran, citing the deteriorating security situation amid widespread anti-government protests across the country. The warning comes as unrest in Iran enters its third consecutive week, with the capital city of Tehran remaining one of the focal points of the demonstrations.
In an official statement, the ministry said that Indian nationals are being “onc
The United States State Department is preparing to pause visa processing for applicants from approximately 75 countries beginning January 21, according to an internal departmental directive. The measure instructs consular officers to deny visa applications under existing immigration law while the department conducts a broad reassessment of screening and vetting standards. The pause is described as indefinite, with only very limited exceptions expected during the review period.
The c
The United States State Department is preparing to pause visa processing for applicants from approximately 75 countries beginning January 21, according to an internal departmental directive. The measure instructs consular officers to deny visa applications under existing immigration law while the department conducts a broad reassessment of screening and vetting standards. The pause is described as indefinite, with only very limited exceptions expected during the review period.
The c
A tragic road accident in the eastern Kazakhstan city of Oskemen has resulted in the death of an Indian student and left two others injured, according to confirmation from the Indian Embassy in the country. The incident involved a group of Indian medical students enrolled at Semey Medical University who were returning from an excursion to the Altai Mountains, a well-known destination in the region. The accident has deeply affected the Indian student community and raised renewed concerns over stu
A tragic road accident in the eastern Kazakhstan city of Oskemen has resulted in the death of an Indian student and left two others injured, according to confirmation from the Indian Embassy in the country. The incident involved a group of Indian medical students enrolled at Semey Medical University who were returning from an excursion to the Altai Mountains, a well-known destination in the region. The accident has deeply affected the Indian student community and raised renewed concerns over stu
Thousands of nurses across several major hospital systems in New York City went on strike Monday after labor negotiations failed to produce a new contract before the deadline. The walkout, which began early January 12, involves nurses from Mount Sinai Hospital and two affiliated campuses, as well as staff at New York-Presbyterian and Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx. Union officials say the action represents one of the largest nursing strikes in the city’s history, both in scale and i
Thousands of nurses across several major hospital systems in New York City went on strike Monday after labor negotiations failed to produce a new contract before the deadline. The walkout, which began early January 12, involves nurses from Mount Sinai Hospital and two affiliated campuses, as well as staff at New York-Presbyterian and Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx. Union officials say the action represents one of the largest nursing strikes in the city’s history, both in scale and i
Sergio Gor formally assumed charge as the United States Ambassador to India on Monday, marking the beginning of a new diplomatic chapter between the two countries. Speaking shortly after taking office, Gor described the relationship between India and the United States as the most consequential global partnership of the century, underlining its growing importance across economic, strategic, and technological domains. He confirmed that fresh trade negotiations between the two sides are schedule
Sergio Gor formally assumed charge as the United States Ambassador to India on Monday, marking the beginning of a new diplomatic chapter between the two countries. Speaking shortly after taking office, Gor described the relationship between India and the United States as the most consequential global partnership of the century, underlining its growing importance across economic, strategic, and technological domains. He confirmed that fresh trade negotiations between the two sides are schedule
Iran’s government said on Monday that it is prepared to enter negotiations with the United States, even as it warned that the country remains fully ready to defend itself militarily amid ongoing nationwide protests and rising international tension. The statement came after US President Donald Trump suggested that Iran’s leadership had expressed interest in talks following his repeated warnings of possible military intervention.
Speaking at a conference of foreign ambassadors in
Iran’s government said on Monday that it is prepared to enter negotiations with the United States, even as it warned that the country remains fully ready to defend itself militarily amid ongoing nationwide protests and rising international tension. The statement came after US President Donald Trump suggested that Iran’s leadership had expressed interest in talks following his repeated warnings of possible military intervention.
Speaking at a conference of foreign ambassadors in
Makara Sankranti is one of the most auspicious and widely celebrated festivals in India. Observed every year in mid-January, the festival marks the transition of the Sun into Makara Rashi (Capricorn), beginning the Sun’s northward journey known as Uttarayana. In 2026, Makara Sankranti will be celebrated on Thursday January 15 across most parts of India.
Unlike many Hindu festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Makara Sankranti is based on the solar calendar
Makara Sankranti is one of the most auspicious and widely celebrated festivals in India. Observed every year in mid-January, the festival marks the transition of the Sun into Makara Rashi (Capricorn), beginning the Sun’s northward journey known as Uttarayana. In 2026, Makara Sankranti will be celebrated on Thursday January 15 across most parts of India.
Unlike many Hindu festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Makara Sankranti is based on the solar calendar
Australia’s political landscape saw a significant shift on Thursday after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the launch of a royal commission into last month’s deadly shooting at Bondi Beach. The decision came after weeks of sustained pressure from victims’ families, community leaders, and public figures, who had called for the country’s most powerful form of independent inquiry. The
Australia’s political landscape saw a significant shift on Thursday after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the launch of a royal commission into last month’s deadly shooting at Bondi Beach. The decision came after weeks of sustained pressure from victims’ families, community leaders, and public figures, who had called for the country’s most powerful form of independent inquiry. The
plunging close to one percent amid rising global uncertainty and mounting trade-related concerns. The S&P BSE Sensex fell by more than 700 points during afternoon trade to hover around the 84,300 mark, while the NSE Nifty50 slipped over 225 points to trade near 25,915. Weak sentiment spread across sectors, dragging frontline stocks as well as the broader market lower, reflecting heightened investor caution.
Market participants attributed the decline to a combination of weak glob
plunging close to one percent amid rising global uncertainty and mounting trade-related concerns. The S&P BSE Sensex fell by more than 700 points during afternoon trade to hover around the 84,300 mark, while the NSE Nifty50 slipped over 225 points to trade near 25,915. Weak sentiment spread across sectors, dragging frontline stocks as well as the broader market lower, reflecting heightened investor caution.
Market participants attributed the decline to a combination of weak glob
Chinese intelligence services have penetrated email systems used by staff members working for key committees in the United States House of Representatives, according to officials familiar with the matter, marking one of the most significant congressional cyber intrusions disclosed in recent years. The operation, known internally as Salt Typhoon, is described as part of a long-running cyber-espionage campaign attributed to China’s Ministry of State Security.
Sources with knowledge of the investigation said the breach affected email accounts used by congressional staff supporting the House China Committee, as well as aides associated with the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Intelligence Committee, and the Armed Services Committee. The unauthorized access was discovered in December, prompting federal authorities to begin a broader review of congressional digital security practices and potential exposure of sensitive communications.
Officials emphasized that the compromised accounts belonged to staffers rather than elected lawmakers, and it remains unclear whether the personal email accounts of members of Congress were accessed during the intrusion. Nonetheless, the targeting of committees responsible for national security, foreign policy, and intelligence oversight has raised concerns about the scale and intent of the operation. Investigators are continuing to assess what data may have been viewed or extracted and whether the intrusion enabled further access to internal government systems.
Salt Typhoon is believed to be part of a sustained cyber campaign that has targeted US communications infrastructure for several years. According to individuals familiar with the operation, the tools and methods linked to the campaign have allowed Chinese intelligence to exploit vulnerabilities in telecommunications networks, providing access to unencrypted phone calls, text messages, and voicemail traffic across the United States. In certain circumstances, the same infrastructure has reportedly been used to gain entry into email systems.
Security officials have also indicated that communications involving senior US government figures may have been intercepted as part of this broader effort, underscoring the persistent nature of the threat. While the full scope of the intercepted material has not been publicly detailed, authorities view the campaign as a strategic intelligence-gathering effort rather than a short-term or isolated attack.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges facing US institutions as foreign intelligence agencies increasingly rely on cyber tools to collect information. Lawmakers and security experts have repeatedly warned that congressional offices, which often operate with limited technical resources compared with executive branch agencies, can present attractive targets for sophisticated adversaries seeking insight into policy deliberations and legislative priorities.
Federal agencies responsible for cybersecurity and counterintelligence are coordinating with congressional officials to strengthen defenses, review access controls, and improve monitoring of digital systems. The breach is expected to intensify calls for additional investment in cybersecurity protections for legislative offices and for closer cooperation between Congress and national security agencies in responding to advanced cyber threats.
As investigations continue, officials have stressed that the episode serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of cyber espionage and the need for constant vigilance in protecting sensitive government communications.
Chinese intelligence services have penetrated email systems used by staff members working for key committees in the United States House of Representatives, according to officials familiar with the matter, marking one of the most significant congressional cyber intrusions disclosed in recent years. The operation, known internally as Salt Typhoon, is described as part of a long-running cyber-espionage campaign attributed to China’s Ministry of State Security.
Sources with knowledge of the investigation said the breach affected email accounts used by congressional staff supporting the House China Committee, as well as aides associated with the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Intelligence Committee, and the Armed Services Committee. The unauthorized access was discovered in December, prompting federal authorities to begin a broader review of congressional digital security practices and potential exposure of sensitive communications.
Officials emphasized that the compromised accounts belonged to staffers rather than elected lawmakers, and it remains unclear whether the personal email accounts of members of Congress were accessed during the intrusion. Nonetheless, the targeting of committees responsible for national security, foreign policy, and intelligence oversight has raised concerns about the scale and intent of the operation. Investigators are continuing to assess what data may have been viewed or extracted and whether the intrusion enabled further access to internal government systems.
Salt Typhoon is believed to be part of a sustained cyber campaign that has targeted US communications infrastructure for several years. According to individuals familiar with the operation, the tools and methods linked to the campaign have allowed Chinese intelligence to exploit vulnerabilities in telecommunications networks, providing access to unencrypted phone calls, text messages, and voicemail traffic across the United States. In certain circumstances, the same infrastructure has reportedly been used to gain entry into email systems.
Security officials have also indicated that communications involving senior US government figures may have been intercepted as part of this broader effort, underscoring the persistent nature of the threat. While the full scope of the intercepted material has not been publicly detailed, authorities view the campaign as a strategic intelligence-gathering effort rather than a short-term or isolated attack.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges facing US institutions as foreign intelligence agencies increasingly rely on cyber tools to collect information. Lawmakers and security experts have repeatedly warned that congressional offices, which often operate with limited technical resources compared with executive branch agencies, can present attractive targets for sophisticated adversaries seeking insight into policy deliberations and legislative priorities.
Federal agencies responsible for cybersecurity and counterintelligence are coordinating with congressional officials to strengthen defenses, review access controls, and improve monitoring of digital systems. The breach is expected to intensify calls for additional investment in cybersecurity protections for legislative offices and for closer cooperation between Congress and national security agencies in responding to advanced cyber threats.
As investigations continue, officials have stressed that the episode serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of cyber espionage and the need for constant vigilance in protecting sensitive government communications.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told American lawmakers on Wednesday that President Donald Trump is seeking to acquire Greenland through negotiations rather than through any immediate use of military force. The remarks were delivered during a closed-door briefing with congressional leaders, according to reports familiar with the discussion. Rubio attempted to reassure lawmakers that the administration’s current approach is centered on diplomacy, even as debate over Greenland has intensifi
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told American lawmakers on Wednesday that President Donald Trump is seeking to acquire Greenland through negotiations rather than through any immediate use of military force. The remarks were delivered during a closed-door briefing with congressional leaders, according to reports familiar with the discussion. Rubio attempted to reassure lawmakers that the administration’s current approach is centered on diplomacy, even as debate over Greenland has intensifi
Former White House physician and retired US Navy doctor Ronny Jackson has emerged as a central figure in negotiations that led to a $500 million mining and rare earths agreement between American and Pakistani entities, according to recent disclosures filed with the US Department of Justice. The filings, submitted under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, outline Jackson’s direct engagement with Pakistani officials and detail his involvement in shaping the deal at multiple stages.
Former White House physician and retired US Navy doctor Ronny Jackson has emerged as a central figure in negotiations that led to a $500 million mining and rare earths agreement between American and Pakistani entities, according to recent disclosures filed with the US Department of Justice. The filings, submitted under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, outline Jackson’s direct engagement with Pakistani officials and detail his involvement in shaping the deal at multiple stages.
The Saudi-led coalition announced on Wednesday, Jan 7, that it had conducted what it described as limited pre-emptive military strikes in Yemen, citing concerns that escalating actions by UAE-backed secessionist forces could further destabilize the fragile security situation. Coalition officials said the strikes were aimed at preventing a wider confrontation and preserving the possibility of political dialogue amid renewed tensions in the country’s south.
According to the coalitio
The Saudi-led coalition announced on Wednesday, Jan 7, that it had conducted what it described as limited pre-emptive military strikes in Yemen, citing concerns that escalating actions by UAE-backed secessionist forces could further destabilize the fragile security situation. Coalition officials said the strikes were aimed at preventing a wider confrontation and preserving the possibility of political dialogue amid renewed tensions in the country’s south.
According to the coalitio
Authorities in Maryland say a man accused of killing his former girlfriend inside a Columbia apartment may have left the United States shortly after the alleged crime, prompting an expanding investigation involving federal law enforcement. Police believe the suspect departed the country just days after the fatal incident, raising concerns that he may now be overseas as investigators work to secure his arrest.
Howard County Police identified the suspect as 26-year-old Arjun Sharma. According to investigators, Sharma is charged with first- and second-degree murder in connection with the death of 27-year-old Nikhita Godishala of Ellicott City. Detectives say Godishala was found dead inside an apartment located in the 10100 block of Twin Rivers Road in Columbia after officers executed a search warrant at the residence.
Police said Sharma had reported Godishala missing on Friday, telling officers that he had last seen her inside the Columbia apartment. Authorities later determined that Sharma had left the United States on a flight to India on the same day the missing person report was filed. Investigators now believe the killing occurred several days earlier, on New Year’s Eve, at approximately 7 p.m.
Following the discovery of Godishala’s body on Saturday, police obtained an arrest warrant for Sharma. Officials said the warrant was active by Sunday, as detectives continued to piece together the timeline leading up to the woman’s death. Medical and investigative findings led authorities to conclude that Godishala died from stab wounds inflicted inside the apartment.
Howard County Police stated that there is currently no publicly identified motive for the killing. Detectives described the case as an active and ongoing investigation, noting that they are coordinating with U.S. federal law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend the suspect. Efforts are underway to determine Sharma’s exact location and whether international assistance may be required to bring him into custody.
Police have not released additional details about the relationship between the suspect and the victim beyond confirming that they were previously involved. Officials said further information would be shared as it becomes available and emphasized that the investigation remains a priority as authorities pursue the suspect across international boundaries.
Anyone with information relevant to the case has been urged to contact law enforcement as the search continues.
Authorities in Maryland say a man accused of killing his former girlfriend inside a Columbia apartment may have left the United States shortly after the alleged crime, prompting an expanding investigation involving federal law enforcement. Police believe the suspect departed the country just days after the fatal incident, raising concerns that he may now be overseas as investigators work to secure his arrest.
Howard County Police identified the suspect as 26-year-old Arjun Sharma. According to investigators, Sharma is charged with first- and second-degree murder in connection with the death of 27-year-old Nikhita Godishala of Ellicott City. Detectives say Godishala was found dead inside an apartment located in the 10100 block of Twin Rivers Road in Columbia after officers executed a search warrant at the residence.
Police said Sharma had reported Godishala missing on Friday, telling officers that he had last seen her inside the Columbia apartment. Authorities later determined that Sharma had left the United States on a flight to India on the same day the missing person report was filed. Investigators now believe the killing occurred several days earlier, on New Year’s Eve, at approximately 7 p.m.
Following the discovery of Godishala’s body on Saturday, police obtained an arrest warrant for Sharma. Officials said the warrant was active by Sunday, as detectives continued to piece together the timeline leading up to the woman’s death. Medical and investigative findings led authorities to conclude that Godishala died from stab wounds inflicted inside the apartment.
Howard County Police stated that there is currently no publicly identified motive for the killing. Detectives described the case as an active and ongoing investigation, noting that they are coordinating with U.S. federal law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend the suspect. Efforts are underway to determine Sharma’s exact location and whether international assistance may be required to bring him into custody.
Police have not released additional details about the relationship between the suspect and the victim beyond confirming that they were previously involved. Officials said further information would be shared as it becomes available and emphasized that the investigation remains a priority as authorities pursue the suspect across international boundaries.
Anyone with information relevant to the case has been urged to contact law enforcement as the search continues.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Monday issued a sharp response following reports that United States forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, escalating already heightened tensions across Latin America. Petro’s remarks came in the wake of renewed warnings and threats from US President Donald Trump toward Venezuela, a country that has remained at the center of prolonged geopolitical friction in the region.
In a message posted on social media, Petro suggested he
Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Monday issued a sharp response following reports that United States forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, escalating already heightened tensions across Latin America. Petro’s remarks came in the wake of renewed warnings and threats from US President Donald Trump toward Venezuela, a country that has remained at the center of prolonged geopolitical friction in the region.
In a message posted on social media, Petro suggested he
Greenland has returned to the center of international attention following remarks by US President Donald Trump, who said the United States needs Greenland from a national security standpoint. The comments triggered concern in Denmark and Greenland, reviving debate over the Arctic island’s growing geopolitical importance at a time of rising global tensions and strategic competition.
Denmark and Greenland reject takeover rhetoric
Denmark, which is responsibl
Greenland has returned to the center of international attention following remarks by US President Donald Trump, who said the United States needs Greenland from a national security standpoint. The comments triggered concern in Denmark and Greenland, reviving debate over the Arctic island’s growing geopolitical importance at a time of rising global tensions and strategic competition.
Denmark and Greenland reject takeover rhetoric
Denmark, which is responsibl
The United States announced criminal charges against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, hours after what officials described as large-scale military strikes carried out early Saturday. According to US authorities, the couple has been indicted in the Southern District of New York on multiple counts related to drug trafficking and terrorism, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s long-running confrontation with the Caracas leadership.
In a sta
The United States announced criminal charges against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, hours after what officials described as large-scale military strikes carried out early Saturday. According to US authorities, the couple has been indicted in the Southern District of New York on multiple counts related to drug trafficking and terrorism, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s long-running confrontation with the Caracas leadership.
In a sta
Tensions between Washington and Tehran intensified on Friday after a senior Iranian official warned that U.S. military installations and personnel across the Middle East could be targeted if the United States intervenes in Iran’s internal unrest. The warning came hours after former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States was prepared to protect protesters in Iran if authorities used force against them.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s parliament,
Tensions between Washington and Tehran intensified on Friday after a senior Iranian official warned that U.S. military installations and personnel across the Middle East could be targeted if the United States intervenes in Iran’s internal unrest. The warning came hours after former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States was prepared to protect protesters in Iran if authorities used force against them.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s parliament,
