Prashant Kishor registered a major victory in the Bankipur Assembly by-election, defeating BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar by 19,324 votes. The result ended the BJP’s decades-long dominance and gave the Jan Suraaj Party its first Assembly seat in Bihar. Prashant Kishor Wins Bankipur By 19,324 Votes Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has scored a remarkable victory in the Bankipur Assembly by-election, defeating the Bharatiya Janata

The US visitor visa bond program has become permanent, affecting selected B1/B2 visa applicants from 50 countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. Eligible travellers may need to pay a refundable bond of up to $20,000, depending on a consular officer's assessment. US Visitor Visa Bond Program Becomes Permanent The United States has

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has urged political parties and Kannada organisations to avoid a statewide bandh over the Cauvery dispute. The state plans to protect its water interests legally while prioritising drinking water amid a severe rainfall deficit. Cauvery Bandh Appeal After All-Party Meeting Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has appealed to political parties and pro-Kannada organisations to withdraw plans for a

Sheikh Hasina public appearance in Delhi on August 5 will mark her first public address since leaving Bangladesh following the 2024 student-led uprising. The former prime minister is expected to discuss Bangladesh's political crisis, her return plans, democratic reforms and the legal challenges she continues to face. Sheikh Hasina August 5 Event

Google has withdrawn a newly launched image-generation feature from Google Earth after users demonstrated how it could create convincing but fictional satellite-style scenes. The Google Earth AI image tool lasted less than a day before concerns over fake satellite images, policy violations and online disinformation forced the company to reverse course. Google Earth AI Tool Removed After One Day

India is preparing to test polymer currency after the Centre approved the Reserve Bank of India’s proposal for field trials of ₹10 and ₹20 notes. The pilot will include one billion notes of each denomination, but paper currency is not being withdrawn. Both types could circulate together if the trial succeeds. India Revives Polymer Note Plan After 15 Years The approval revives an idea pursued more than a decade ago. In 2009, the RBI b

Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has linked any future agreement with the United States to an end to Israeli military operations in Lebanon. His position places Lebanon, Hezbollah support and Israeli withdrawal at the centre of Tehran’s conditions as regional diplomatic efforts continue. Iran-US peace conditions In a statement posted on X, Khamenei said Iran would require the protectio

President Shahabuddin Steps Down Bangladesh is entering another crucial phase in its political journey after President Mohammad Shahabuddin decided to resign before completing his five-year term. The development follows months of political uncertainty and growing pressure over his perceived closeness to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. His de

The Tier-II and Tier-III consumption boom is reshaping India’s consumer economy. Rising incomes, digital adoption, young buyers and premium spending are turning Urban Bharat into a major growth market for brands and investors. Tier-II and Tier-III Cities Power India’s Consumer Growth Tier-II and Tier-III cities are becoming major centres of India’s consumer economy. Cities such as Lucknow, Jaipur, Indore, Surat, Patna and Bhopal are

An Indonesian court has sentenced 19 people to prison for their roles in an Indonesia baby trafficking operation that moved infants through several cities and sold some to adoptive families in Singapore. The Bandung City District Court imposed terms ranging from three years and four months to seven years after finding all defendants guilty of human trafficking. The convictions were delivered on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Court

TVK has demanded the complete abolition of NEET and called for states to receive full authority over education, medical admissions and related policies. TVK Demands NEET Abolition and Greater State Authority Tamil Nadu’s ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has renewed its demand for the complete abolition of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test, saying its opposition goes beyond allegations of examination irregularities. The party said

Mamata Banerjee backed the Opposition’s Delhi protest over the alleged NEET paper leak and condemned the police action against students as unacceptable. Mamata Backs Opposition Protest Over NEET Row Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has supported the Opposition protest in New Delhi over the alleged NEET paper leak and police action against students. She called the treatment of young demonstrators unacceptable and accused the Union

Trump restores direct US flights to Lebanon after more than four decades, marking a major policy shift during Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's White House visit. The announcement comes amid discussions on regional security, Israeli troop withdrawal, Hezbollah, and stronger US support for Lebanon's stability. Trump Restores Direct US Flights to Lebanon After 40 Years

France is preparing to introduce a social media age ban for children under 15, aiming to improve teen safety and reduce cyberbullying. While the proposal has gained political backing, officials still face major challenges in implementing secure, privacy-friendly age verification systems. France Social Media Age Ban Nears Approval but Age Verification Remains

Andy Burnham Cabinet Reshuffle Removes Starmer Allies Andy Burnham’s cabinet reshuffle has placed trusted allies and experienced Labour figures in senior government roles while removing several ministers associated with Keir Starmer. The appointments signal a change in political direction as the new prime minister begins shaping his economic and domestic agenda. Andy Burnham Cabinet Takes Shape

Iran sanctions block long-term economic growth, according to a senior Iranian official who says the country cannot achieve sustainable development without reconnecting to the global financial system. While temporary measures have kept trade moving, officials argue that lasting economic progress requires renewed access to international banking, investment and financial markets.

This guide explains NRE, NRO and FCNR accounts in plain English, compares tax and repatriation rules, shows where overseas and Indian income should go, and gives realistic account combinations for salaried NRIs, landlords, investors and families. Last reviewed: July 18, 2026 The first banking question most new NRIs ask sounds simple: “Which Indian account should I use now?”

Last reviewed: July 18, 2026 Moving abroad changes more than your address. Your Indian bank accounts, tax status, investments, insurance, property records, nominees and digital access may all need attention. These issues may not feel urgent when you leave, but a failed transaction, expired mobile number, tax notice or missing document can later create stress. This practical checklist explains what to update in India during the

US strikes Chabahar Port surveillance tower in a major expansion of its military campaign against Iran. CENTCOM says the facility helped the IRGC monitor shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran insists the strategically important port remains operational despite the attack. US Strikes Chabahar Port Surveillance Tower in Iran  

Iran media reporting restrictions have been imposed following renewed US airstrikes, with authorities directing news organisations to limit coverage of civilian infrastructure damage. The directive comes as Washington considers expanding its military campaign, raising fresh concerns over regional stability. Iran Media Reporting Restrictions Ordered After US Strikes