World No.1 tennis player Aryna Sabalenka has announced her engagement to her partner, Georgios Frangulis, on March 4, 2026. Sabalenka shared a heartfelt clip on Instagram showcasing the emotional proposal, which took place in a romantic setting with flowers and candles. Frangulis, founder of the Oakberry brand, presented Sabalenka with a diamond ring, and the moment was filled with love as Sabalenka accepted the ring with joy and surprise. The announcement was warmly received by the tennis co

Pakistan’s request to reduce the 18 percent GST on condoms and other contraceptives has been rejected by the International Monetary Fund, leaving the government unable to make birth-control products cheaper in a period of rising population and financial pressure. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had asked the Federal Board of Revenue to approach the IMF for immediate approval to remove the tax, but the lender made it clear that such changes cannot be made mid-year and may only be considered du

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has approved a significant overhaul of India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, paving the way for major reforms to simplify the tax structure. The proposal is set to be discussed in the upcoming GST Council meeting in August. The finance ministry has already initiated discussions on the changes, which are expected to streamline the GST system and ease compliance for businesses and consumers alike.

Tensions are mounting in Washington, DC after DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson came under fire from the city's police union for his response to a protest that took place outside his residence over the weekend. The protest centered around Initiative 82, a controversial measure that has drawn sharp division among residents, lawmakers, and labor advocates. According to the DC Police Union, Mendelson allegedly called the police to report a group of peaceful protesters gathere

Austin is considering a new proposal to introduce a parks maintenance fee that could be added to residents' utility bills. The proposal, introduced by Council Member Paige Ellis of District 8, aims to address the city's growing park maintenance needs as the city expands. Ellis believes this fee will help Austin manage the rising demand for new park facilities, maintain older infrastructure, and fund new land acquisitions. According to the Austin Parks

As summer temperatures climb in Washington D.C., so too do concerns over a growing trend that has taken over city streets in recent years. The sound of revving engines from ATVs and dirt bikes has become a familiar and divisive feature of the warm-weather season. Across the District, residents are increasingly witnessing unsanctioned street takeovers, often involving dozens of riders speeding through intersections, ignoring red lights, and weaving through traffic in clear violation of city la

The San Jose District 3 special election is reaching its decisive moment, with voters heading to the polls Tuesday. The final financial disclosures ahead of the vote reveal a competitive and high-stakes race between Planning Commission Chair Anthony Tordillos and community leader Gabby Chavez-Lopez. Both candidates have used the final weeks of the campaign to consolidate support and push messaging, but it is Tordillos who holds the lead in fundraising. According to official filing

As the Bay Area braces for hotter temperatures and an increased risk of wildfires, fire safety has become a growing concern in the Berkeley Hills. This elevated risk has led to the introduction of the EMBER proposal—Effective Mitigations for Berkeley Ember Resilience—an initiative aimed at making homes more fire-resilient. However, the proposal has ignited strong reactions among residents, with some questioning its feasibility and fairness. George Perez Velez, a lon

A controversial proposal to build a slaughterhouse in Wonder Lake, Illinois has triggered a wave of strong opposition from local residents, who voiced their concerns during a recent McHenry County zoning board meeting. The project, proposed by Sergiy Bazlyuk, aims to process chickens and pigs on a parcel of land located within one mile of at least two residential subdivisions and less than a mile from Greenwood Elementary School. Many attendees at the meeting expressed alarm over the potentia

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

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), securing health and term insurance for themselves and their families back in India is more than just a financial obligation—it is a critical step toward safeguarding their loved ones and managing long-term security. As global citizens, NRIs often weigh the pros and cons of buying insurance in their country of residence versus opting for policies in India. What tips the scale in favor of Indian insurance are three strong reasons: affordability, extensive

The White House has dismissed multiple administration officials following a meeting between President Donald Trump and far-right activist Laura Loomer. Among those ousted were at least three National Security Council (NSC) staffers, according to sources familiar with the matter. The decision came after Loomer reportedly provided Trump with a list of officials she deemed disloyal, urging their removal. Loomer, a controversial figure known for her extreme views, has gained influence

In a noteworthy development signaling the economic progress of Andhra Pradesh, the state has recorded its highest monthly Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection in nearly a year. The GST revenue generated in the state for the month of March 2025 has reached an impressive ₹3116 crore, breaking past the ₹3000 crore milestone for the first time in the last 11 months. This also marks an 8.35 percent year-on-year growth compared to March of the previous year, indicating an upward trend in tax

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is at the center of a major political storm as it is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha today amid mounting opposition from the INDIA bloc. The bill, intended to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, is being promoted by the government as a long-overdue reform aimed at improving the administration and efficiency of waqf property management. However, critics argue that several of its provisions threaten the very autonomy of Muslim religious endowments, making it a dee

As the new financial year begins on April 1, 2025, taxpayers, investors, and banking customers in India must prepare for several important changes in financial regulations. These reforms, previously announced by the government and regulatory bodies, are aimed at improving compliance, digital security, and financial transparency. Here’s a simple breakdown of the key changes that come into effect starting April 1.   1. Higher Income Tax Exemption Limit

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his gratitude to world leaders including Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their efforts to mediate peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. In his first public remarks on the US's 30-day Ukraine ceasefire proposal, Putin acknowledged the role of key global leaders in advocating for peace. Speaking at a joint press briefing alongside Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin commended Trump, Modi, and several other lead

US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, threatening "devastating" sanctions if Moscow refuses to accept a ceasefire agreement in the ongoing Ukraine war. Speaking after a meeting with Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheal Martin at the White House, Trump revealed that US negotiators are en route to Russia for talks aimed at brokering a ceasefire. This development comes shortly after Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed

Coromandel International Ltd. has won an appeal to quash an order to recover Rs 589.2 crore, including penalty and interest, from the company. The original order, filed by the additional commissioner of central tax from the Visakhapatnam Central GST Commissionerate, was contested successfully by the company. The Office of the Commissioner (Appeals), Central Tax and Customs, Guntur, ruled in Coromandel's favor on January 20, 2025. In a related matter, the fertilizer manufacturer

The Union Budget for the upcoming financial year is expected to include provisions for promoting artificial intelligence (AI) in India. According to sources, a special policy package for AI is being formulated, with a focus on AI-skilling schemes and the establishment of AI centres. Additionally, the budget is likely to allocate funds to support these initiatives, ensuring measures are in place to safeguard employment in light of AI's rapid advancement. The Ministry of Finance h

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will chair the 55th GST Council meeting in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on Saturday, December 21. This meeting will focus on several important discussions related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. The agenda includes deliberations on taxability issues concerning food delivery platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato, and potential changes to GST rates on products like health insurance premiums, life insurance, wristwatches, shoes, and apparel. The cou