G7 origins shaped membership criteria As world leaders prepare for the 2026 G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, attention has once again turned to a recurring question in global politics: why is China, the world's second-largest economy, not a member of the influential group? While Beijing plays a major role in global trade, manufacturing and international affairs, it remains outside the G7 framework that brings together some of the world'

Private Jet Crashes At La Romana Airport A private jet crashed on the runway at La Romana International Airport in the Dominican Republic on Sunday, June 7, killing the pilot and co-pilot, according to the country’s aviation authorities. The aircraft was identified as a Gulfstream G200, and officials said no passengers were reported on board at the time of the crash. Videos shared online appeared to show t

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday arrested Manisha Mandhare, a Botany professor and member of the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) paper-setting committee for the 2026 NEET-UG exam held on May 3. Mandhare was taken into custody in Delhi after interrogation at the CBI headquarters. According to the CBI, Mandhare was a key source behind the leak of the NEET-UG 2026 Biology questions, acting as a “mastermind” following information obtained from retired Chemistr

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has once again demanded the abolition of NEET-based medical admissions, following the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. In a statement posted on X, CM Vijay called for a shift to admissions based on Class 12 marks, emphasizing that the recent paper leak incident exposed NEET’s “structural flaws.” He urged the Union government to allow states to handle medical seat allocations under the state quota using Class 12 scores, an appr

A major breakthrough has emerged in the ongoing investigation related to the NEET-UG examination 2026 after police arrested one suspect from Maharashtra’s Nashik district. According to officials, the accused belongs to Nandgaon village and was reportedly pursuing a BAMS course. The arrest was made following allegations of irregularities connected to the highly competitive medical entrance examination, which is attended by lakhs of students across India every year. Investigators stated that the suspect is currently being questioned to determine his exact role in the case and possible links with other individuals involved in the alleged malpractice network. Authorities are examining digital evidence, phone records and communication details as part of the probe. Officials believe the interrogation could help uncover whether a larger organised group was involved in the operation connected to the examination. The incident has once again raised concerns regarding the security and transparency of national-level competitive examinations. Students and parents across the country are closely monitoring the developments, as any allegation related to exam malpractice creates anxiety among candidates preparing for medical admissions. Officials have assured that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty in the investigation. Police sources indicated that further arrests are possible if additional evidence emerges during the inquiry. Examination authorities and security agencies are also reviewing monitoring systems and preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in future examinations. The case has sparked fresh discussions on strengthening exam security protocols and ensuring fair opportunities for deserving students nationwide.

Students Furious After NEET-UG Re-Test Announcement The sudden decision to conduct a re-test for NEET-UG 2026 after an alleged paper leak in Rajasthan has triggered massive outrage among students and parents across Kolkata. Thousands of candidates who appeared for the highly competitive medical entrance examination on May 3 were left shocked after the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced that the examination would be cancelled and conducted again. Students said

India’s emergence as a civilisational power in global affairs What did Kenneth Juster say about India’s global role? He called it a rising civilisational power, underscoring a major shift in how the country positions itself internationally. Former U.S. Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster said on Thursday, April 23, 2026, that India has evolved into a “civilisational power” under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting a more assertive and confident global posture. Speaking at an event hosted by the Hudson Institute, Juster identified Modi’s 2014 election as a turning point that accelerated India’s transformation in foreign policy and international engagement. Expanding diplomatic reach and global engagement Juster emphasized that India’s approach to global affairs has shifted significantly over the past decade, with New Delhi demonstrating greater confidence and a willingness to engage broadly with countries across regions. He noted that India no longer views itself as limited to a regional role but instead positions itself as a major global force with a distinct civilizational identity. This evolution has enabled India to expand its diplomatic outreach and pursue strategic ambitions with increased clarity and purpose. Navigating U.S.-China competition with strategic autonomy According to Juster, India’s foreign policy reflects a careful balance between deeper global engagement and maintaining strategic autonomy, particularly in the context of U.S.-China competition. While India shares concerns with other middle powers about preserving independence in decision-making, it has simultaneously strengthened ties with the United States. This dual approach allows India to navigate geopolitical tensions while safeguarding its national interests. Growing influence in global governance platforms Juster also highlighted India’s increasing role in global governance, including its active participation in G7 discussions as a regular observer and its leadership during the G20 presidency in 2023. He pointed to India’s ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2047 as a key driver of its international strategy. Additionally, India has sought to position itself as a leading voice for the Global South, shaping conversations on development, equity, and governance. Washington’s perspective on India’s rising global role Juster’s remarks reflect a broader consensus in Washington that India is emerging as a confident and influential actor on the world stage. By combining strategic independence with proactive diplomacy, India is increasingly seen as a country intent on shaping the global order in the 21st century while advancing its long-term national objectives.

Infosys, the global information technology giant, is set to hire 20,000 college graduates in FY27, reinforcing its strong push into the artificial intelligence (AI) services sector. The announcement comes at a time when many companies in the tech industry are facing layoffs, positioning Infosys as a major player in the growing demand for AI-driven solutions. CEO Salil Parekh confirmed the hiring plan at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, where he highlighted the changing demand landscap

India has been elevated to major power status in the Asia Power Index 2025, marking a significant milestone in New Delhi’s expanding global profile. The latest edition of the Index places India third in its overall ranking, behind only the United States and China, reflecting a steady enhancement of the country’s economic strength, military capability and regional influence. The ranking signals a turning point for India, which has long sought to consolidate its role as a central player in

Houston residents are waking up to a noticeably colder holiday morning as Thanksgiving begins with crisp, seasonable temperatures across the region. Morning lows dipped into the 40s, marking a drop of nearly twenty degrees from last week’s early-morning conditions. The cooler air settled in overnight, giving the city a refreshing start to the holiday, while mostly sunny skies are expected to hold throughout the day. The clear weather should provide an ideal backdrop for gatherings, travel,

As Thanksgiving Day 2025 arrives, many households will spend the holiday preparing meals, hosting gatherings, and enjoying time with family. Yet it is also a day when some people inevitably need to make a last-minute run for ingredients, or choose to stop by a store or café during their celebrations. Holiday schedules vary widely across the country, and several major grocery chains and retailers have updated their hours in anticipation of the seasonal rush. With Thanksgiving 2025 expected to

The G20 Leaders’ Summit 2025 opened in South Africa on Friday, marking a significant moment for the international forum as it convenes on the African continent for the first time. Hosted in Johannesburg, the three-day gathering carries the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” reflecting South Africa’s priorities of promoting collaborative global action in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. This year’s summit places particular emphasis on strength

Bangladesh witnessed massive unrest on Monday as clashes broke out across Dhaka and several other regions following the International Crimes Tribunal’s death penalty verdict against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The ruling, linked to charges of incitement, killings and failure to prevent atrocities during the student-led uprising of 2024, triggered violent confrontations between Awami League supporters, rival groups, and security forces. Two people lost their lives as highways were b

In the run-up to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the Congress has begun seeking a greater share of seats from its ally, the DMK, while simultaneously warming up to actor Vijay’s Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). According to sources, senior Congress leaders in Tamil Nadu have been trying to convince the party high command in Delhi to explore an understanding with Vijay, leveraging his growing popularity not only in Tamil Nadu but also in Kerala and Puducherry. The DMK, which

New Jersey’s annual bear hunt is now underway, and early figures from the first phase of the 2025 season indicate that 249 bears have been harvested across the state’s designated hunting zones. The figures, released following the completion of the initial segment, highlight regional variations in bear activity and hunting success, reflecting ongoing efforts to manage the state’s growing black bear population. The fall hunting season is divided into two separate segments. The f

Diwali 2025 Overview Diwali, also called Deepavali, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals across India and the Indian diaspora globally. In 2025, the main Lakshmi Puja (Diwali Day) falls on: Date: Monday, October 20, 2025 Diwali is observed over five days, starting from Dhanteras (Oct 18) and ending with Bhai Dooj (Oct 22). Amavasya Tithi (New Moon)

The District of Columbia is facing a budget crisis after the collapse of a continuing resolution in Congress, which many hoped would restore $1.1 billion in local tax revenue. With the fiscal year deadline approaching, city leaders are working under mounting pressure to close funding gaps and prepare for the possibility that the blocked money may never be released. The issue began in March when Congress approved a resolution to keep the federal government funded. Buried in the mea

The Federal Aviation Administration has successfully reached its air traffic controller hiring goals for 2025, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The announcement comes at a time when airports around the country, including Newark Liberty International Airport, have faced multiple operational challenges linked to staffing shortages. Since April, Newark has experienced several ground stops due to a lack of available air traffic controllers, raising questions about

Dublin, CA is getting ready to open Forest Park at 2150 Central Parkway in the Jordan Ranch development, with a projected debut in late fall 2025 or early winter 2026. Designed as a family-friendly green hub, the new park will feature a multi-use sports court, a pollinator garden, a nature-themed playground, shaded picnic areas, and—true to its name—plenty of trees. To help the landscape take root, the City of Dublin has launched “Forest for

Global music sensation Jackson Wang is set to take the world by storm with his highly anticipated Magic Man 2 World Tour. The tour kicked off with a bang in Bangkok, where two consecutive nights of concerts on October 3-4, 2025, sold out within hours of ticket release. This marks the beginning of a massive tour that promises to showcase his latest album, Magic Man 2, which dropped in July 2025 and debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard 200—