Official Pentagon data for FY2025 shows a further US military assault decline, with estimated unwanted sexual contact falling among active-duty women and men. The 2025 survey also found a higher reporting rate, while total sexual assault reports declined from recent years. Pentagon data The FY2025 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military found that estimated unwanted sexual contact fell

The Nigerian Navy has rescued nine suspected stowaways discovered aboard the merchant vessel MT Evgenia in Lagos and handed them over to the Nigeria Immigration Service. The NNS Beecroft handover followed an investigation into an alleged illegal travel attempt from Apapa, highlighting continuing concerns over maritime safety and irregular migration. NNS handover follows discovery aboard MT Evgenia

Varalakshmi Vratam is a Hindu observance dedicated to Goddess Varalakshmi, a form of Lakshmi associated with prosperity, auspiciousness and family well-being. Observed especially in South India, the vratam brings together Lakshmi worship, Kalasha puja, traditional offerings and prayers for the welfare of the household. Varalakshmi Vratam meaning and significa

US authorities have charged a 35-year-old Albany woman over an alleged ISIS-inspired plot targeting the New York State Capitol. The Justice Department says Jessica Bowie intended to use an explosive device against the building, kill public officials and later travel to Syria. She is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Jessica Bowie ISIS plot charge Jessica Bowie, 35, made her

India Poland ties are gaining momentum as Warsaw backs New Delhi’s fight against terrorism while acknowledging India’s historic relationship with Russia. Defence cooperation, technology, trade and the India-EU FTA are emerging as key areas in the expanding strategic partnership. Poland terror support strengthens India ties Poland has vo

Nearly 18 years after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Indian authorities have initiated the 26/11 in absentia trial process against six Pakistan-based accused linked to the conspiracy. Mumbai Police has moved to invoke the new legal mechanism under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, while the court must still determine whether all statutory requirements have been fulfilled. The accused are Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed, Zaki-ur

US envoy Jared Kushner says the Gaza peace plan could begin showing progress within 30 days, with early steps focused on Hamas disarmament and closing militant tunnels. His comments followed talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders as Washington tries to revive a stalled roadmap. Hamas disarmament Kushner said he hoped the first visible progress could involve remov

The U.S. visa interview for minors in India generally requires children to appear in person, including newborns and teenagers. The U.S. Embassy in India reiterated the rule as State Department interview-waiver standards remain narrower than in earlier years. The U.S. Embassy in India has reminded parents that minor applicants generally must appear in person for a U.S. visa interview, including newborns and teenagers approaching age 18. Sending only a parent or guar

Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh is placing employment generation at the centre of the state’s development strategy, with a focus on attracting major technology companies, strengthening urban infrastructure and reducing the long-running migration of young professionals to other states. Employment Opportunities Remain a Major Challenge Creating quality jobs within Andhra Pradesh continue

Young riders delivered impressive performances at the HPRC Equestrian Challenge in Hyderabad, with Gautam Sanjay Sujanaani, Janampally Hitesh Reddy and Dhruva Potineni claiming top honours across key dressage categories. Young Riders Continue Strong Form Hyderabad’s promising equestrian riders carried their strong National Qualifier form into the HPRC Equestrian Challenge held at the Hyderaba

A new India global opinion survey shows striking differences in how the country is viewed worldwide. Sri Lanka records the strongest favourable opinion, while the UK, Kenya and Germany also show strong goodwill. Pakistan stands at the opposite end, giving India its lowest rating among the 36 countries surveyed. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka emerged as the most India-friendly country in Pew Research Cente

A new Pew Research Center survey shows the India-Pakistan threat perception remains deeply rooted. Rivalry, China’s role, Russia ties, mistrust and public opinion reveal how decades of tension continue to shape South Asia despite major changes in the global order. Rivalry India and Pakistan continue to see each other as their biggest geopolitical threat nearly eight decades after Partition. A

Indian student applications to US colleges are showing signs of pressure ahead of Fall 2026. Common App submissions from India fell 14%, while visa appointment delays and new F-1 rules add uncertainty for the largest international student group in America. Applications from India are showing signs of slowing as U.S. colleges prepare for Fall 2026. Common App submissions from international applicants declined 9% for the 202

The F-1 fixed admission rule scheduled for September 15, 2026, would replace open-ended duration-of-status admissions with fixed periods. Indian students may face new requirements involving I-94 dates, program extensions, OPT, transfers and graduate study. F-1 students would receive a fixed admission date A major U.S. immigration rule scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, would end th

US international student enrollment could fall 9.5% in Fall 2026, with NAFSA and JB International projecting up to 111,000 fewer students. Visa delays, policy changes and graduate-level declines could cut $3.4 billion in spending and affect 39,000 U.S. jobs. U.S. colleges and universities could enroll up to 111,000 fewer international students in Fall 2026, according to preliminary projections released August 11, 2026, by

The Andhra Pradesh government has joined hands with IIT Madras to develop a scientific and long-term solution to severe coastal erosion along the Uppada coast in Kakinada district, with a ₹323 crore protection project planned. Andhra Pradesh, IIT Madras Partner for Uppada Coast Protection The Andhra Pradesh government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IIT Madras on Wednesday, August

A Texas Apache helicopter crash has killed two US Army soldiers after an AH-64E based at Fort Hood went down near Salado on Wednesday. Military personnel and emergency responders remain at the scene as investigators work to determine what caused the aircraft to crash during Fort Hood operations. Salado crash kills two Fort Hood soldiers Fo

Ohio power outages can create added problems for NRIs, international students and temporary visa holders who rent homes, rely on immigration documents or face food losses. This guide explains insurance, utility claims, SNAP limits and document protection after severe storms. Ohio outages create added concerns for NRI households Severe storms on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, caused widespread power failures across centra

Ohio power outage claims are drawing attention after severe storms cut electricity to more than 130,000 AEP Ohio customers. Utility liability is limited for natural events, but insurance, SNAP replacement benefits and PUCO complaints may provide other recovery options. Ohio storm outages leave customers counting losses Severe storms on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, knocked out electricity to more than 130,000 AEP Ohio c

The Rekha Gupta Tiranga Yatra brought young participants to Kartavya Path in New Delhi ahead of Independence Day. The event highlighted Har Ghar Tiranga, patriotic Delhi events, youth participation and the national flag as a symbol of unity and sacrifice. Kartavya Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta joined a Tiranga Yatra at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on Wednesday, August 12, as the capital steppe