The Santa Cruz Wharf is set to fully reopen this spring, more than a year after a powerful winter storm caused significant damage to the historic structure. The repairs mark an important milestone for the coastal city, which relies heavily on tourism and visitor activity along its waterfront. The wharf, originally built more than a century ago, remains one of the most recognized landmarks on the California coast and a major attraction for both residents and travelers. City officials confirme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign on February 28, aimed at preventing cervical cancer in India. The campaign will provide free vaccinations to 14-year-old girls at government health centres, a significant step towards reducing the burden of cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India. The launch event will take place at 11:30 AM from Ajmer, with the participation of Chief Ministers, admini

India has made two significant changes to their squad ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe. With a place in the semi-finals up for grabs, the Men in Blue have included Sanju Samson and Axar Patel in the playing XI, replacing Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar. Samson will take on wicketkeeping duties for India, while Axar Patel will bring his all-round capabilities to the side. India’s entry into the Super 8 was marred by a defeat to South Africa on Sunday

India's T20 World Cup 2026 journey has hit a rough patch after a heavy 76-run loss to South Africa in their Super 8 opener. While the team’s future in the tournament remains uncertain, their coach, Gautam Gambhir, is now under intense scrutiny for his handling of key decisions. Critics, including 1983 World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth, have raised concerns about Gambhir's strategies, particularly his team selection choices. Srikkanth expressed doubts over Gambhir’s role,

Team India’s path to the T20 World Cup semifinals is now entirely dependent on their ability to turn around their Net Run Rate (NRR) following a crushing defeat to South Africa in their Super 8 opener. With India sitting in third place in Group 1 and a dismal NRR of -3.800, the equation for qualification has become clear: India must beat Zimbabwe by 100 runs or more when the two teams meet in Chennai on February 26. After a strong start to the tournament, including an impressive v

India's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign has hit a major roadblock after West Indies secured a dominating 107-run win against Zimbabwe in their Super 8 clash in Mumbai. The victory not only boosted West Indies' chances of advancing but also dealt a heavy blow to India's semifinal aspirations. India, who are grouped alongside West Indies and Zimbabwe, must now win both of their remaining Super 8 matches by substantial margins to keep their Net Run Rate (NRR) competitive. With the pressure mounting

A powerful blizzard swept across the eastern United States on Monday, bringing air travel to a near standstill at major airports serving New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and surrounding regions. The severe winter weather forced airlines to cancel thousands of flights, with disruptions expected to continue through at least Tuesday, placing renewed pressure on carriers during the busy tail end of the winter travel season. Large portions of the East Coast, stretching from Maryland to Maine,

New York City officials have imposed sweeping emergency measures as a powerful winter storm approaches the northeastern United States, prompting widespread travel restrictions, school closures, and transit disruptions. Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday ordered the shutdown of the city’s traffic network for all but emergency travel and formally declared a state of emergency, warning residents to prepare for dangerous conditions. Under the directive, public schools across the city will

India has issued a fresh advisory for its citizens residing in or travelling to Mexico following reports of ongoing clashes and heightened security operations in several regions of the country. The Indian Embassy in Mexico City released the alert on Sunday, urging Indian nationals to exercise extreme caution and limit their movement until the situation stabilizes. According to the advisory shared by the embassy, individuals currently in Jalisco state, including Puerto Vallarta, Chap

A developing Nor'easter is expected to track just off the East Coast late Sunday into Monday, bringing the potential for accumulating snow, gusty winds, and hazardous travel conditions across the tri-state region. Forecasters warn that the combination of snowfall and strengthening coastal winds could create significant impacts, particularly in shoreline communities, as the system intensifies overnight. Current projections indicate a moderate snow event for much of the region, with widespread

Hundreds of Lufthansa flights were cancelled across Germany on Thursday after pilots and flight attendants launched coordinated strike action, disrupting travel plans for tens of thousands of passengers and straining operations at the country’s busiest airports. Aircraft operated by Germany’s largest carrier remained grounded at major hubs including Frankfurt and Munich as employees walked out in a dispute centered on pay, benefits and long-term employment conditions. The airlin

Russia has dismissed recent U.S. threats of tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, while stating it is exploring ways to assist the Caribbean nation amid a deepening fuel shortage. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the government seeks “constructive dialogue” with the United States regarding Cuba’s critical energy needs but stressed that public disputes over the matter are being avoided. He highlighted that Russia’s current trade with Cuba is limited, reducing the likelihood o

The large-scale immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota is set to conclude, according to border czar Tom Homan. Speaking at a press briefing, Homan confirmed that he had proposed ending the intensified operation and that the decision had been approved. A significant drawdown of federal personnel has already begun and is expected to continue over the next week, signaling the gradual end of the enhanced enforcement effort in the state. While the surge operation is ending in Minnesota

Flight operations at El Paso International Airport were briefly suspended on Wednesday after several drones believed to be linked to a Mexican drug cartel entered United States airspace near the Texas border, prompting swift action from federal authorities and defense officials. According to a senior administration official familiar with the matter, the unmanned aircraft crossed into restricted airspace during the early hours of the morning. Security forces quickly intervened and to

Russia has warned that it will respond with military countermeasures if Western nations expand their security presence in Greenland, escalating tensions around the strategically important Arctic territory and widening strains between Moscow, Washington and European capitals. Speaking to Russian lawmakers on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said any move to militarise Greenland or establish military capabilities that could threaten Russia would prompt trigger a proportional

Many taxpayers are facing a frustrating wait for their tax refunds as nearly 24 lakh income tax returns (ITRs) for the Assessment Year 2025–26 have been pending for more than 90 days. According to the Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, as of February 4, 2026, out of 8.79 crore ITRs filed, approximately 24.64 lakh were yet to be processed, leaving millions of individuals waiting for their refunds. The large backlog has triggered concerns, especially for senior citizen

The Indian government has issued a new directive requiring the six-stanza version of Vande Mataram to be sung or played at all official ceremonies and state functions. The rendition, lasting approximately three minutes and ten seconds, will now be mandatory during significant events, including the unfurling of the Tricolour, the arrival of the President at formal gatherings, and before and after their speeches. The government’s decision aims to ensure uniformity and consi

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has directed the officials of APSRTC to introduce a fleet of 1,000 electric buses in a bid to transform the state’s public transport system into a more environmentally friendly and sustainable one. This directive is part of the government’s larger vision to encourage green energy solutions and reduce carbon emissions in the state. During a review meeting held at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister emphasized the growing need for cl

Major US technology companies are increasingly turning to the H-1B visa programme to recruit skilled foreign professionals as they accelerate investments in artificial intelligence and related digital infrastructure. New data show that a large share of visa petitions filed by leading firms are tied directly to AI-driven roles, underscoring how access to global talent has become central to their long-term strategy. An analysis of labour condition applications indicates that more than