The Internal Revenue Service has announced that the 2026 tax filing season will officially begin on Monday, Jan. 26, giving taxpayers the green light to submit their 2025 individual income tax returns. The agency expects to process approximately 164 million returns during the upcoming season, with the vast majority filed electronically. Officials say new tax law provisions could lower tax liabilities for some filers and potentially increase refund amounts, while operational changes may alter

President Donald Trump’s recently announced agreements with pharmaceutical companies are expected to have a limited effect on what most Americans pay for prescription drugs, according to health policy experts who say the scope and structure of the deals leave many patients unaffected. Since Sept. 30, the Trump administration has reached agreements with 14 drugmakers in exchange for relie

India has ushered in a new phase of insurance regulation with Parliament clearing the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025, a move that comes at a time when trust between insurers and policyholders is increasingly strained. For millions of Indians, insurance is ultimately judged not by policy documents or premium receipts but by the ease and fairness of claim settlement. Delays, repeated document requests, late-stage exclusions, and opaque rejections have long plag

The Union government has sought additional information from social media platform X regarding the steps taken to address obscene and sexually explicit content linked to its artificial intelligence tool, Grok, and the measures planned to prevent similar incidents in the future, according to sources familiar with the matter. The request follows a detailed response submitted by the platform, which officials have assessed as insufficient in addressing key regulatory concerns. Sources in

Property owners in central Ohio will see notable changes to property tax payment schedules beginning in 2026, as officials in Franklin County revise due dates and Delaware County advances the start of its billing cycle. County leaders emphasized that the adjustments are designed to improve administrative efficiency and provide taxpayers with more time to prepare payments, without altering the total amounts owed or disrupting existing payment plans.

Chicago’s newly approved budget is now in effect, introducing a series of tax changes that will be rolled out in stages throughout the year. While some measures began immediately on Jan. 1, others are scheduled to take effect in the coming weeks and months, gradually reshaping costs for consumers and businesses across the city. Among the changes that began with the start of the new year is an increase in the checkout bag tax. Shoppers now pay 15 cents per grocery bag, up from the

Illinois is set to enter 2026 with sweeping changes to state policy as more than 200 new laws take effect at the start of the year, touching nearly every aspect of daily life. The legislation approved by lawmakers spans healthcare access, workplace protections, public safety, education standards, insurance coverage and the growing role of artificial intelligence, marking one of the most expansive legislative updates in recent years. Several of the most consequential measures focus o

Thousands of demonstrators across the United States took to the streets on Saturday for the “No Kings” protests, a series of nationwide rallies denouncing President Donald Trump’s leadership and the ongoing government shutdown. The events brought a mix of political activism and festive energy to city squares, parks, and the nation’s capital, as participants called for accountability, the protection of democratic institutions, and an end to what they described as authoritarian tendenci

Thousands of Americans gathered across the country on Saturday as part of the expanding “No Kings” protests, a growing grassroots movement challenging the leadership and policies of President Donald Trump. From major metropolitan centers to smaller towns, citizens voiced their concerns over what they describe as an erosion of democratic principles, rising authoritarianism, and government overreach. The movement’s slogan, “No Kings,” symbolizes a call to uphold the constitutional bal

Amid the continuing federal government shutdown, $2.1 billion in funding designated for Chicago’s infrastructure projects has been withheld. The announcement has cast doubt on the future of several major transit improvements that were expected to reshape the city’s transportation network and provide long-term benefits to residents. This freeze on financial support will have direct consequences for projects such as the planned extension of the Red Line, which was designed to reach fur

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) living in the USA, finding the right government job in 2025 is an exciting yet challenging prospect. The opportunities range from roles in the federal and state governments to public-sector undertakings. While the job market continues to evolve, 2025 promises to be a year filled with new openings for NRIs looking for stable, rewarding, and high-paying positions. This article highlights some of the best government job options for NRIs i

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics are no longer just futuristic concepts—they are fast becoming a part of everyday life. For Indian teens passionate about building machines, coding, and exploring AI, several authentic opportunities exist to support their growth in this dynamic field. In 2025, the Indian government and leading tech organizations continue to encourage young innovators through contests, learning platforms, and financial support. If you're a student with an interest in

Meta Platforms has announced Arun Srinivas as its new India Head, a move expected to strengthen the company’s position in one of its fastest-growing markets. The decision comes amid the surge in digital advertising in India and Meta’s expanding user base across its platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. With a strong background in FMCG, tech, and private equity, Srinivas brings a blend of strategic vision and operational expertise to the

In a historic spiritual transition, the ancient Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, one of India’s most revered Hindu religious institutions, anointed its 71st Acharya on Wednesday. A 25-year-old Rig Vedic scholar from Andhra Pradesh, Duddu Satya Venkata Surya Subramanya Ganesha Sharma Dravid, was formally initiated into monastic life and given the monastic name Satya Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi. The solemn and sacred ceremony took place in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, where the Peetham is headquart

The United States government has updated global visa appointment wait time estimates effective April 25, 2025. This update offers clarity for visa applicants by sharing both the average interview wait times from the previous month and the projected timeline for the next available appointment. These changes aim to help travelers and applicants better plan their schedules when applying for non-immigrant visas. In India, demand for U.S. visas remains high, particularly for tourism, b

The City of Houston spent $180 million from its general fund on purchasing goods and services during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, according to newly released public financial records. Overseeing that massive flow of public funds was the Strategic Procurement Division of the Finance Department, which itself cost about $9.5 million to operate last year. City officials emphasize that purchasing within a government body like Houston is far different from everyday consumer spending. Unlik

After months out of the spotlight, former President Joe Biden returned to the national stage with a blistering critique of the current administration’s handling of Social Security and the deepening divide in American politics. Addressing a crowd of policy advocates and community leaders, Biden warned of sweeping staff reductions at the Social Security Administration (SSA) and accused the White House of undermining a foundational institution that millions of Americans rely on. Biden&rs

The City of Dallas has revealed that a miscalculation in commercial remodel permit fees has resulted in a significant financial shortfall, costing the city approximately $8.6 million. The error was disclosed during a recent Economic Development Committee meeting and has prompted urgent calls for reform to prevent further losses. The issue stems from an internal mistake following the adoption of a new permit fee structure introduced in spring 2024. According to the Planning and Development Dep

Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh — The Central Government has disbursed over ₹4,200 crore to Andhra Pradesh for the development of its capital, Amaravati. This follows the release of USD 205 million (approx. ₹1,705 crore) by the World Bank under a major international funding initiative aimed at completing the first phase of the state’s capital development project. A senior government official confirmed that the ₹4,285 crore, transferred on April 1, is part of a comprehensive ₹15,