Maryland’s latest budget cycle has ended, but its financial aftershocks are just beginning to ripple through the state's residents and businesses. One of the most significant changes coming into effect is a new 3% tax on information technology and data services, a move intended to help fill a substantial budget deficit left behind by mounting fiscal obligations. Set to begin in July, this new levy is expected to have wide-ranging impacts on both service providers a

A major redevelopment is underway in Naperville as a familiar shopping center from the 1990s prepares to be transformed into a modern destination for dining, leisure, and entertainment. Announced through an official release, the $53 million project will reimagine the aging Heritage Square and Westridge Court shopping centers into a vibrant new district named Block 59, bringing new life to a corner that has long been part of the city's suburban landscape. Situated at the int

In the midst of a pivotal phase in U.S.-India trade negotiations, the American presidential administration is pushing for significant changes in India’s e-commerce regulations. Central to Washington’s agenda is a demand that India allow major U.S. e-commerce firms, particularly Amazon and Walmart, more direct access to its growing online retail market. This request has emerged as a critical condition for concluding a broader bilateral trade agreement and potentially averting the i

When drivers enter a new state in the U.S., they’re often met with a cheerful "Welcome to…" sign, a longstanding gesture symbolizing hospitality and openness. However, for undocumented immigrants carrying certain types of out-of-state driver's licenses, the message is becoming increasingly unwelcoming. A growing number of Republican-led states are now invalidating driver’s licenses issued to undocumented immigrants by other states, reflecting a widening divide

As gold prices hit historic highs in India, Zoho founder and CEO Sridhar Vembu took to social media to praise India’s traditional trust in gold while delivering a scathing critique of modern financial systems, central banks, and even Bitcoin. With retail gold prices crossing ₹1 lakh per 10 grams, driven by global economic uncertainties and demand for safe-haven assets, Vembu reinforced the sentiment that gold has long been at the core of India’s economic and cultural stability.

National pharmacy chain Walgreens has agreed to pay up to $350 million as part of a major settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) following allegations that it illegally filled millions of opioid prescriptions over more than a decade. The settlement, announced Monday, resolves a federal lawsuit accusing Walgreens of violating the Controlled Substances Act and False Claims Act by dispensing controlled substances without proper oversight and seeking reimbursement through federal he

A shootout erupted Monday afternoon in downtown Houston near a family courthouse, injuring a veteran deputy and a male suspect, both of whom are now in stable condition, according to authorities. The incident began around 12:20 p.m. when deputies received a report of a man brandishing a weapon while walking from the Harris County Civil Courthouse toward the nearby Family Law Center, said Carl Shaw, Assistant Chief Deputy of the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office, during a press

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has embarked on a significant 11-day official tour to the United States and Peru to deepen India's role in global economic policy, strengthen bilateral relationships, and lead India’s presence at key multilateral forums. Her visit, taking place during a time of growing international economic uncertainty, aims to project India’s strategic interests in trade, finance, and development partnerships. Beginning in San Francisco, Sithar

US Vice President JD Vance began his four-day visit to India on Monday, launching a strategic mission to deepen trade, defense, and energy partnerships with the South Asian nation. Arriving in New Delhi with his wife Usha and their children, Vance is engaging in high-level meetings and cultural visits, underscoring the personal and diplomatic importance of the trip. At the center of this visit is a scheduled meeting between Vance and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders are expected to

The Covid-19 pandemic brought unexpected changes to the lives of millions across the United States. With more people spending time at home, a new trend emerged — the rise of do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement. From painting rooms to full kitchen remodels, Americans began tackling long-postponed projects, causing a surge in demand for tools, supplies, and renovation advice. Leading home improvement retailers Lowe’s and Home Depot experienced record-breaking growth du

The Andhra Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has proposed an ambitious plan to honour the legacy of legendary actor and former CM of united Andhra Pradesh, Nandamuri Taraka Ramarao (NTR), by erecting India’s tallest statue in the state capital, Amaravati. This monumental project is expected to surpass the current tallest statue in the country — the Statue of Unity in Gujarat — which stands at 597 feet and is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

A growing number of international students across the United States have joined a federal lawsuit accusing the Trump administration of unlawfully revoking their student visas and abruptly terminating their records from the government’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database. According to court filings, more than 130 students are now plaintiffs in the legal action, which alleges serious breaches of immigration protocol and due process. The original lawsuit was f

In a speech that is expected to provoke strong responses from India, Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir reiterated the long-standing claim that Kashmir is Pakistan's “jugular vein” and reaffirmed his support for the two-nation theory, which served as the foundation for the 1947 Partition of India. Addressing a gathering of Pakistanis abroad, General Munir delivered a message that blended national pride, historical justification, and a clear stance on the country&rs

AUSTIN, Texas – The Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) is bracing for a major blow after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) slashed funding for critical food assistance programs. These cuts, tied to over $1 billion in federal reductions, will impact the availability of nutritious food for thousands of families in the region and reduce support for the local farming community. Beth Corbett, Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy at CTFB, said the cuts stem from chan

Global mining giant Rio Tinto has taken a significant step toward expanding its presence in the sustainable metals sector by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with India-based AMG Metals & Materials (AMG M&M). The collaboration will focus on evaluating the feasibility of a large-scale, low-carbon aluminium and alumina production facility in India powered by renewable energy sources. The proposed development, still in the assessment phase, could result in a facility capable o

In a move reminiscent of the landmark decision that brought Microsoft to Hyderabad in 1998, Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister has announced a major step toward turning Visakhapatnam (Vizag) into the next big IT destination. With the recent allocation of land to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for a sprawling new campus, the state government is laying the groundwork for a transformation that could parallel the tech revolution that once took off in Hyderabad. Back in 1998, it was a revoluti

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a series of weather advisories for mid-April 2025, highlighting severe heatwave conditions in parts of North and West India, while forecasting heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in several Eastern and Northeastern states. In Delhi, the minimum temperature on Wednesday settled at 23.4°C, which is 1.8 degrees above the seasonal average. The maximum temperature is expected to reach 37°C, with humidity levels recorded at 50% at 8:30 am. The

  India's organic food exports have witnessed a significant surge, registering a 35% increase to reach $665.96 million (approximately ₹5,700 crore) in the financial year ending March 31, 2025. This growth underscores the rising global demand for Indian organic products and the country's expanding footprint in the organic food sector. In terms of volume, exports grew by 41%, totaling 0.37 million tonnes in 2024-25, up from 0.26 million tonnes in the previous fiscal year. The

India and the United States are preparing to open formal discussions this week on a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement, taking advantage of a 90-day pause in escalating tariffs. The two nations, long-standing economic and strategic partners, are moving to resolve trade tensions and explore deeper commercial engagement at a time when global trade is under pressure from protectionist trends and economic uncertainty. The initial discussions will be conducted virtually, with officials from both

India’s annual retail inflation rate eased to 3.34% in March 2025, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. This marks the fifth consecutive month of decline and falls below the 3.61% recorded in February, offering significant relief to policymakers and consumers alike. The main factor contributing to this moderation is the continued softening of food prices, which make up a large portion of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Food inflation dr