India is preparing for one of its busiest wedding seasons, with nearly 46 lakh weddings expected in 2025 and spending projected at around Rs 6.5 lakh crore. As celebrations grow grander, Indian weddings often resemble Bollywood productions with choreographed sangeets, elaborate décor and multi-day festivities. But with budgets crossing Rs 30–35 lakh for most weddings, and luxury ceremonies easily exceeding Rs 1 crore, families are pouring unprecedented amounts into these events. With such

Indian-origin venture capitalist Asha Jadeja Motwani has asserted that she played a role in shaping former President Donald Trump’s recent shift in tone on the H-1B visa program, a move that has triggered debate among his political supporters. The program, which enables United States companies to hire skilled foreign workers, has long been a focal point in policy discussions involving the technology sector. Motwani said she spoke directly with both Trump and Vice President JD Vance about th

Questions continue to emerge at the California Capitol as Attorney General Rob Bonta faces heightened scrutiny over his use of campaign funds for legal services during his recent reelection effort. The issue gained traction after disclosures showed that Bonta’s campaign spent more than $468,000 on legal assistance connected to a federal inquiry that intersected with his 2022 campaign. Although Bonta has not been accused of wrongdoing, his reliance on campaign money to cover significant lega

Health officials across the United States are closely monitoring a rapidly spreading H3N2 influenza strain that has already led to unusually large outbreaks in several countries. The early and aggressive activity observed abroad is raising concern that the U.S. may be headed toward a more challenging flu season than in recent years. Countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Japan have recorded stronger-than-normal waves of influenza infection, with some regions reporting significant

Cristiano Ronaldo made an unexpected appearance at a White House state dinner hosted by United States President Donald Trump in honour of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The high-profile gathering, held in the East Room, brought together political leaders, top executives and international guests, adding a notable sporting figure to an already prominent list. The presence of the Portuguese football icon drew considerable attention, marking one of his rare visits to the Unite

The long-pending CBI and ED cases involving Jagan have remained nearly inactive for many years, with hearings moving at a slow pace and the accused avoiding personal attendance. Over the past several years, Jagan has not appeared before the CBI court despite multiple hearings being scheduled, leading to increasing discussions over prolonged delays. Now, for the first time in years, Jagan has been directed to appear in person, bringing renewed attention to the long-standing cases. Reports indi

A day after a Louisiana court rejected his application for asylum, Indian gangster Anmol Bishnoi is being deported from the United States and is expected to arrive in New Delhi around 10am on Wednesday, according to officials familiar with the matter. Bishnoi, who is wanted in multiple high-profile criminal cases across India, has been identified as the key conspirator in the killing of politician Baba Siddique in October last year. He is the younger brother of incarcerated gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi, whose syndicate has been active across several northern states. Sources stated that Anmol is being brought back to India on a chartered aircraft along with two fugitives wanted in separate Punjab-related investigations. A senior officer said that once his asylum plea was dismissed on Monday, US authorities initiated deportation procedures and notified Indian agencies of his travel schedule. The officer added that detailed coordination began immediately for securing his arrival. Indian security officials said arrangements have been made for multiple teams of Delhi Police to be deployed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport to assist central agencies. Preliminary discussions indicate that the National Investigation Agency will present Bishnoi before a court to seek custody in connection with ongoing terror and organised crime cases. Investigators are prioritising his alleged involvement in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in May 2022, the killing of Baba Siddique in 2024, and a firing incident outside the residence of actor Salman Khan. Baba Siddique’s son, Zeeshan Siddique, confirmed that he received an email from US authorities informing him that Bishnoi had been “removed” from the country. He said the communication was sent because his contact information was registered as part of the victim’s family details, and such updates were routinely provided. However, he added that he had no clarity on Bishnoi’s exact travel status or location after removal. Baba Siddique was shot dead outside his Bandra office on October 12, 2024. Following the attack, Mumbai Police arrested 26 individuals and invoked sections of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act. Anmol was listed as the mastermind in the chargesheet, and police claimed that audio clips recovered from the accused matched his voice, allegedly giving instructions for the execution of the murder plot. Indian authorities had sought Bishnoi’s extradition in January last year. In response, the US Department of State had requested additional information in March, specifically asking for detailed proof of his direct role in various crimes and supporting technical evidence. Bishnoi was arrested by US immigration officials in November 2024 for travelling with forged documents but was later released on bail after a period of detention. Investigators said Anmol fled to the United States in May 2022 using a fake passport issued under the name “Bhanu.” His cover began to unravel when US immigration authorities flagged discrepancies in reference letters submitted with his travel documents. A Red Corner Notice was issued against him in December 2022, and the NIA announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to his capture. Officials noted that Bishnoi faces 31 criminal cases, including 22 in Rajasthan alone, and has nine pending arrest warrants. The Lawrence Bishnoi syndicate, which he is believed to have helped manage from abroad, spans Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi, and is suspected of carrying out extortion, targeted killings and coordinated operations using overseas handlers. With his deportation underway, agencies expect a significant breakthrough in investigations linked to the network’s recent activities.

The investigation into the Red Fort blast has taken a darker turn as the NIA uncovered evidence showing the accused had initially planned large-scale rocket bomb strikes across Delhi before turning to a car bomb. According to sources, the group was actively attempting to develop a Hamas-style drone system capable of launching rocket-based explosives into crowded and high-security zones. Investigators revealed that the module was modifying commercially available drones to carry and launch leth

US President Donald Trump announced that the United States will move forward with selling F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant shift in defence cooperation just as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prepares for his first Washington visit in more than seven years. Trump described Saudi Arabia as a strong ally and confirmed that the kingdom’s request for the world-class stealth aircraft will be fulfilled. The crown prince is expected to arrive with clear priorities, includi

Emirates has placed an order for 65 additional Boeing 777-9 aircraft valued at $38 billion, marking one of the largest commercial agreements announced during the opening day of the Dubai Airshow 2025. The deal increases the airline’s total Boeing orderbook to 315 wide-body aircraft, strengthening its position as the manufacturer’s largest customer for long-range passenger jets. Emirates described the decision as a major commitment to United States aerospace production, saying that future manufacturing work tied to the order will support hundreds of thousands of high-value jobs over the lifespan of the program. The new agreement also expands the airline’s partnership with GE Aerospace, which supplies the GE9X engines that power the Boeing 777-9. With this order, Emirates now has commitments for 540 GE9X engines in addition to its existing fleet powered by GE90 and GP7200 engines. According to GE Aerospace, the continued growth of this partnership demonstrates the airline’s confidence in the long-term reliability and efficiency of the company’s engine portfolio. GE executives stated they are prepared to support Emirates with maintenance and performance solutions as deliveries are completed. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said the new jet order reflects a long-standing strategic relationship with Boeing and GE. He added that the agreement reinforces the airline’s plan to modernize its fleet as passenger demand continues to rise across international markets. Emirates has relied heavily on the Boeing 777 platform for long-haul operations and views the next-generation 777-9 as a key component of its future capacity. However, the announcement comes as Boeing continues to face production and certification delays for the 777X program. The aircraft was originally scheduled to enter service several years earlier, but revised delivery targets now extend into 2027. These setbacks have forced Emirates to invest billions of dollars retrofitting existing aircraft to sustain operations until the new deliveries begin. The carrier has publicly expressed frustration with the delays, urging Boeing to accelerate progress and meet contractual commitments. Industry analysts note that the agreement may add renewed pressure on Boeing’s leadership, including chief executive Kelly Ortberg, who has been tasked with restoring production stability. The company remains under heightened scrutiny as it works through supply chain constraints and regulatory requirements that have affected multiple aircraft programs. For Emirates, the latest order underscores confidence in the long-term viability of the 777-9 but also highlights the operational challenges posed by delays. Despite those uncertainties, the deal reinforces the airline’s view that large, efficient twin-engine jets remain essential for global carriers operating high-density long-haul routes. As international travel continues to recover, Emirates expects the new aircraft to support expanded schedules and improved fuel performance across its network. The company plans to integrate the incoming jets alongside ongoing cabin upgrades and service expansions intended to maintain its competitive position in the long-haul market. The agreement represents one of the most significant commercial announcements of the year for the aviation industry and signals the continued demand for next-generation wide-body aircraft, even as manufacturers face production constraints. Emirates says it will continue working closely with Boeing and GE to ensure that the aircraft and engine programs remain on track as delivery timelines develop over the next several years.    

State regulators have approved CenterPoint Energy’s $2.9 billion systemwide resiliency plan, setting the stage for a series of gradual rate increases that will begin affecting customers next year. Under the approved structure, electric bills will rise by about one dollar per month at the start, eventually reaching an additional four dollars per month by 2028. These increases come at a time when many Houston-area residents are already adjusting to multiple rate changes that have occurred over t

A devastating road accident near Medina, Saudi Arabia, has left India in deep shock as 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims lost their lives, including 18 members of a single family from Hyderabad. Nine of the victims were children, and the loss spans three generations. The tragedy occurred at around 1:30 am when their bus, returning from the holy pilgrimage, collided with a diesel tanker and burst into flames. The impact was so severe that several passengers, who were asleep at the time, were unable to

Bitcoin extended its recent downward trajectory on Monday, falling to its lowest level in six months as weakening expectations of a US Federal Reserve interest rate cut weighed on global market sentiment. The world’s largest cryptocurrency was trading near $94,859, a decline of just over 1 percent in the past 24 hours, continuing a broader slide that has erased a substantial portion of this year’s earlier gains. The latest fall marks Bitcoin’s third consecutive weekly decline and pushes its cumulative losses to more than 10 percent over the past week. After briefly surpassing $126,000 in October, the asset has now entered bearish territory, forfeiting more than 30 percent of the advance recorded earlier in the year. Analysts note that the decline reflects a shift in investor sentiment as traders unwind risk-heavy positions amid renewed uncertainty over global monetary policy. Other major digital assets were also under pressure. Ethereum fell to approximately $3,182, while Solana and Cardano saw modest declines over the past day. The broader pullback has been accompanied by a sharp rise in market liquidations, exacerbating volatility and prompting investors to seek short-term safety. Market observers say the shift is tied to rising concerns that the Federal Reserve may delay rate cuts as inflationary pressures persist. This has contributed to a risk-off approach across multiple asset classes, including cryptocurrencies. Edul Patel, chief executive of Mudrex, said Bitcoin briefly dipped below $93,000 before attempting a mild recovery, although market sentiment remains highly sensitive to macroeconomic signals. According to Patel, large institutional investors have begun accumulating again at lower price levels, suggesting a degree of long-term confidence. He noted that buying activity has increased since mid-week, particularly at price points below $100,000. Technical indicators now show resistance near $99,000 and a developing support region around $92,700, which could provide short-term stability if selling pressure eases. However, analysts caution that volatility remains elevated. Riya Sehgal, research analyst at Delta Exchange, said the global pullback is closely aligned with the broader decline across equities and other risk assets. She pointed to more than $700 million in liquidations within the crypto market in the past day alone, reinforcing the view that leveraged traders are rapidly reducing exposure. Sehgal added that chart patterns suggest long-term holders are beginning to lock in profits, a trend frequently observed during the later phases of strong market cycles. She highlighted resistance between $101,500 and $103,200, with key support near $98,500. Should Bitcoin fail to hold that level, prices could slip further toward the mid-$96,000 range. The combination of high volatility, uncertain monetary policy outlook, and cautious investor behavior suggests crypto markets may remain unstable in the near term. Analysts say that without a clear catalyst, Bitcoin and other major tokens could continue to track broader macroeconomic developments, particularly inflation data and signals from the Federal Reserve. For now, traders appear defensive, and the possibility of a deeper correction cannot be ruled out if global risk sentiment continues to weaken.

The Ramoji Excellence Awards in Hyderabad brought together Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for a heartfelt tribute to the late media icon Ramoji Rao. Both leaders reflected on Ramoji’s unmatched integrity, influence, and disciplined approach to life. Their speeches emphasized that his impact on Telugu society extended far beyond the realms of media or business, resting instead on values that inspired generations. Chandraba

A tragic accident in Saudi Arabia has claimed the lives of at least 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims, many of them from Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana. The victims were travelling from Mecca to Madinah when their bus collided with a diesel tanker near Mufrihat early Monday. The impact of the crash was devastating, leaving dozens dead and several severely injured according to early reports. Rescue teams, paramedics and local authorities reached the spot immediately to carry out emergency respo

Santa Clara County’s recently approved sales tax increase has triggered a growing conflict among its supporters, with county officials, law enforcement leaders and community advocates divided over how the revenue should be distributed. The dispute centers on Measure A, a five-eighths-cent sales tax increase approved by 57% of voters, which county leaders described as a critical source of funding for the region’s strained public hospital system. Now, disagreements over future budget alloca

US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he intends to file a lawsuit seeking between $1 billion and $5 billion against the BBC, following the broadcaster’s apology for a misleading edit of one of his speeches. Trump said the legal action would likely begin next week and insisted that the broadcaster had already “admitted” wrongdoing, though it has publicly denied that its actions meet the threshold for defamation. The dispute centers on a video segment included in a documen

Government contracting is one of the most rewarding and stable career paths for Indian professionals living in the United States. From IT and cybersecurity to engineering and project management, thousands of Indians work for US federal contractors every year. These jobs offer competitive salaries, long-term projects, job security, and exposure to high-impact federal programs. Even though many government jobs require US citizenship, government contracting

The United States is developing a proposal that would divide Gaza into separate security and reconstruction areas as part of a broader plan connected to an upcoming vote at the United Nations Security Council. The plan, described in military documents referenced by officials familiar with the discussions, outlines a division of the territory into a green zone that would fall under Israeli and international military oversight and a red zone that would remain heavily damaged following months of

  US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order removing import tariffs on a broad selection of food products in an effort to curb rising grocery costs and ease pressure on consumers. The decision marks one of the most significant adjustments to his trade policy since tariffs were introduced as a central feature of his economic agenda. The order comes at a moment when Americans have voiced growing frustration over inflation, particularly food prices, following last we