Iran sanctions pressure has intensified after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed Tehran’s leadership is showing signs that Washington’s new economic campaign is working. Iranian officials rejected that assessment, while oil prices fell despite continuing US-Iran tensions. Bessent claim focuses on Iranian leaders Bessent said on

A Barron Trump Iran threat aired by Iranian state television has prompted scrutiny from the US Secret Service. The agency says it is aware of the broadcast and investigates anything perceived as a threat to its protectees, as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high. USSS probe follows Iran TV video The US Secret Service confirme

Raksha Bandhan 2026 will not fall on the same civil date worldwide. Local Hindu Panchang calculations place the festival on August 27 in much of North America and Europe, while India and much of Asia-Pacific observe it on August 28, with city-specific Rakhi timings. Raksha Bandhan 2026 falls on two local dates Raksha Bandhan is observed on Shravana Purnima, but its Gregorian date can change dependin

The India Open 2028 will move from New Delhi to Guwahati, with the National Centre of Excellence set to host the major badminton tournament from January 25 to 30. BAI general secretary Sanjay Mishra said the Republic Day period would create logistical difficulties for players, practice sessions and tournament operations in the capital. Guwahati to host India

Iran has sharpened its defence rhetoric as pressure from Washington intensifies, with Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps chief Ahmad Vahidi saying the country has built a “solid defensive shield” against external threats. His remarks come as President Donald Trump expands economic pressure on Tehran. Vahidi plan In a message marking National Defence Industry Day, Vahidi said Iran was confron

Varalakshmi Vratam is a Hindu observance dedicated to Goddess Varalakshmi, a form of Lakshmi associated with prosperity, auspiciousness and family well-being. Observed especially in South India, the vratam brings together Lakshmi worship, Kalasha puja, traditional offerings and prayers for the welfare of the household. Varalakshmi Vratam meaning and significa

The UAE Iran missile dispute has opened a new front in already tense Gulf relations. Abu Dhabi says two ballistic missiles launched from Iran targeted maritime navigation, while Tehran rejects the allegation. The UAE has now halted Iran trade as the Hormuz crisis continues to threaten regional shipping. UAE Iran missile claim The United Arab Emirates has accused Iran of launching two ballistic

Former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and former trustee Anil Mishra have received a clean chit from the Special Investigation Team probing alleged theft and irregularities involving donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. According to an official statement cited on August 18, the Uttar Pradesh Home Department submitted the SIT's final report and forwarded it to the temple trust for further consideration.

Iran's foreign influence bill has moved forward in parliament, potentially expanding criminal penalties for contacts with foreign media, universities, embassies and organisations. The proposal comes amid heightened security concerns in Tehran and could significantly affect journalists, academics and civil society. Foreign media law could expand criminal penal

Former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami has urged a more measured diplomatic approach as the Iran war continues to strain daily life, governance and the economy. His remarks add to a widening Iran war debate between hardliners seeking prolonged resistance and officials who see negotiations as part of an eventual exit. Khatami Iran diplomacy call focuses on cost of war Khatami warned that Iran

Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh is placing employment generation at the centre of the state’s development strategy, with a focus on attracting major technology companies, strengthening urban infrastructure and reducing the long-running migration of young professionals to other states. Employment Opportunities Remain a Major Challenge Creating quality jobs within Andhra Pradesh continue

The Andhra Pradesh government has joined hands with IIT Madras to develop a scientific and long-term solution to severe coastal erosion along the Uppada coast in Kakinada district, with a ₹323 crore protection project planned. Andhra Pradesh, IIT Madras Partner for Uppada Coast Protection The Andhra Pradesh government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IIT Madras on Wednesday, August

As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, India freedom struggle sites offer a powerful journey through the nation’s past. From the Red Fort and 1857 revolt landmarks to Gandhi sites, Jallianwala and Kala Pani, these places preserve stories of courage, resistance and sacrifice. India officially celebrates Independence Day every August 15 to mark freedom from British colonial rule. Red Fort: From Rebellion to I

For decades, US support for Israel was among the most durable features of American foreign policy. That political foundation has not disappeared, but public opinion is changing sharply. New polling shows Palestinians overtaking Israelis in American sympathies for the first time in Gallup's long-running trend, while younger voters are driving an even larger shift.

A 26-year-old Andhra engineer dies in Ohio after a head-on crash on Interstate 480 in Macedonia. Dileep Kumar Bungatavula, a Kent State graduate from Kadapa, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Indian Consulate is assisting his family as police continue investigating the crash. Ohio crash on Interstate 480 Dileep Kumar Bungatavula, a 26-year-old software engineer from Andhra Pradesh, died in

Iran military leadership reshuffle has formally installed six senior commanders across the Armed Forces, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Basij. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's appointments place Ali Abdollahi at the top of the military command while confirming Ahmad Vahidi as commander-in-chief of the IRGC. Iran commanders appointed after wartime loss

Democratic socialism in America is gaining political visibility, but describing the entire country as moving left would go beyond the evidence. Progressive electoral victories, changing attitudes among younger Democrats and dissatisfaction with economic inequality point to a stronger left wing inside the Democratic coalition, even as socialism remains unpopular with most Americans overall.

Pezeshkian met Mojtaba Khamenei to discuss Iran’s military situation, economic pressures, currency, energy and public needs. The meeting drew added attention amid continuing speculation over the Supreme Leader’s health and limited public visibility. Pezeshkian Meets Mojtaba Khamenei Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has met Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei for detailed dis

Mohsen Rezaei has taken two senior roles in Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, becoming SNSC secretary and Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s representative. The former IRGC commander replaces Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr after his resignation from the key security post. Mohsen Rezaei Named Supreme Leader’s SNSC Representative Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appointed veteran m

Iran has issued a fresh warning against any possible US ground intervention, while diplomatic communication between Tehran and Washington continues through intermediaries. The commander of Iran’s army ground forces, Brigadier General Ali Jahanshahi, warned that any foreign military intrusion would face a strong response. “If any US military personnel set foot in Iran, we will cut them off,” Jahanshahi said, according to Iranian state media. He said Iranian