Many taxpayers are facing a frustrating wait for their tax refunds as nearly 24 lakh income tax returns (ITRs) for the Assessment Year 2025–26 have been pending for more than 90 days. According to the Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, as of February 4, 2026, out of 8.79 crore ITRs filed, approximately 24.64 lakh were yet to be processed, leaving millions of individuals waiting for their refunds. The large backlog has triggered concerns, especially for senior citizen

Former Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan has announced that he will not seek public office again, drawing a definitive line under years of speculation about his political future despite continued encouragement from supporters to pursue a national role. Hogan made the announcement in an opinion column published Tuesday, stating that while he remains deeply invested in the well-being of Maryland and concerned about the broader direction of national politics, his time as an electora

A 28-year-old Hindu auto-rickshaw driver was beaten to death in southeastern Bangladesh, marking the latest fatality in a continuing wave of violence targeting minority communities amid ongoing political unrest. The victim, identified as Samir Das, was attacked in the Daganbhuiyan area of Chittagong on the night of January 11, according to local reports. His death is the seventh reported killing of a Hindu individual since unrest intensified across the country in late December. The

Tensions in Bangladesh have escalated sharply following the killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, triggering widespread protests and renewed anti-India sentiment across the country. A radical student outfit linked to Hadi, Inqilab Moncho, has issued a strong ultimatum to the interim Yunus administration, demanding sweeping action within strict deadlines, including the suspension of work permits issued to Indian nationals. The group announced its demands during a protest gathe

Pakistan’s recent diplomatic and military outreach to Bangladesh has triggered fresh speculation about a potential defence agreement that could significantly reshape regional security dynamics in South Asia. Over the past few months, several senior Pakistani military officials, including the chairperson of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, the Navy chief, and ISI head Lt General Asim Malik, have made repeated visits to Dhaka. These developments come as Bangladesh’s interim leadership u

Sheikh Hasina has accused the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of losing control of Bangladesh as the country faces growing unrest, rising extremism, and weakening ties with India. The former Prime Minister said that violence has become routine and that the current administration appears unable to stop attacks targeting civilians, minorities, and institutions. Sharif Osman Hadi, a radical student leader, was shot in Dhaka on December 12 and later died from his injuries. His dea

The Mahayuti alliance recorded a sweeping victory in the Maharashtra local body elections, winning 207 municipal president posts across the state and establishing strong control over urban local governance. Results from the State Election Commission showed the Bharatiya Janata Party leading the tally with 117 seats, making it the single-largest party in the polls. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena followed with 53 posts, while the Nationalist Congress Party secured 37, giving the ruling allianc

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, denounced the lynching of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das, who was beaten to death in Mymensingh after being accused of making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad. The government said there is no place for violence in a New Bangladesh and assured that those responsible for the killing will face strict legal action. The attack took place on Thursday night in Dubalia Para, where residents allegedly confronted Dipu before fata

Tension in Bangladesh has sharply escalated after India closed its visa centres in Rajshahi and Khulna, prompting violent protests and warnings of further unrest. Demonstrators clashed with security personnel near the Assistant High Commission of India in Rajshahi after attempting to march toward the compound. Protesters accused India of injustice and went so far as to threaten bloodshed, saying they would use swords or other weapons if necessary. The situation has alarmed authorities on both

The Telangana Panchayat elections revealed two major political trends shaping the state’s future. Congress, under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, has solidified its position as the dominant force across the state. With over 52 percent of the seats, the party’s rural and semi-urban appeal has clearly expanded. These results reflect continued voter trust since the 2023 Assembly victory, confirming Congress as the strongest political presence in Telangana. On the ot

Massive student and teacher protests erupted across Dhaka University and Jagannath University after the Yunus-led interim government scrapped the posts of music and physical education teachers in public schools. The move came after Islamist organisations like Hefazat-e-Islam and Islami Andolon Bangladesh denounced such subjects as “un-Islamic” and threatened street protests unless the government prioritized religious education. The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education had init

In 2025, as the Indian Navy launches Exercise Trishul off the coast of Gujarat, history echoes across the Arabian Sea. The large-scale tri-services drill, featuring warships, fighter jets, tanks, and helicopters, is designed to test India’s combat readiness along its south-western frontier. This very coastline holds immense historical significance — it was here, sixty years ago, that the Pakistan Navy attempted a bold attack on the temple town of Dwarka during the Indo-Pak War of 1965, an

Pakistan has offered Bangladesh the use of its Karachi port for exporting jute and other goods, marking a significant geopolitical move amid deteriorating India-Bangladesh relations. The offer comes shortly after India banned the import of jute products through land routes, a major blow to Bangladesh’s export sector. The development was formalized during the Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting in Dhaka, held after a gap of nearly 20 years, signaling a thaw in relatio

Thousands of Islamists across Bangladesh took to the streets demanding a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which they labeled an extremist Hindutva outfit. The rallies, organised after Friday prayers in Dhaka and Chattogram by hardline groups like Hefazat-e-Islam and Intifada Bangladesh, reflect a growing tide of anti-Hindu sentiment in the country. The protestors accused ISKCON of engaging in “subversive and extremist” activities, and called for it

The Deccan Derby 2025, presented by the Race2Win Foundation, was an unforgettable evening that masterfully combined the thrill of horse racing with the glamour of high fashion and the power of philanthropy. Hosted at the iconic Hyderabad Race Club, the event was a celebration of not just the prestigious Derby, but also the timeless elegance of fashion, culture, and the foundation’s unwavering commitment to social impact.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus sparked a political storm during the UN General Assembly in New York, openly stating that Dhaka’s relations with India have soured since last year’s student protests that toppled Sheikh Hasina. Yunus accused India of providing shelter to Hasina and spreading “fake news” portraying the uprising as Islamist-driven. According to him, this has deepened mistrust between the two neighbors, alrea

Choosing the right baby stroller is one of the most important decisions for new parents. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to find the perfect balance of comfort, safety, and convenience. In 2025, stroller designs have become more advanced, offering features that cater to modern parenting needs while still being practical and stylish. Understanding what to look for will help parents make a smart choice that suits both their lifestyle and budget. The first fact

Punjab is grappling with its worst floods since 1988, with the devastating effects of swollen rivers causing massive destruction across the state. As of today, 37 lives have been lost, and all 23 districts of Punjab have been affected by the floodwaters, which have been exacerbated by heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The floods have

The Indian government has made its position clear regarding sports engagements with Pakistan, especially in the context of upcoming international events. In a new policy unveiled by the Sports Ministry, the government declared that India will not participate in any bilateral sporting events with Pakistan, even if hosted at neutral venues. The policy, which has been implemented immediately, aims to limit interactions with Pakistan in sports following the strai

Actor Vijay, leader of the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has made it clear that his party will contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections without forming alliances with the ruling DMK or the BJP. Addressing a packed rally in Madurai, Vijay emphasized that TVK would not be playing second fiddle to any established Dravidian party, including the AIADMK and DMK. His stance signifies a bold political move as he prepares to introduce his party to