A high-stakes contest is unfolding in Santa Clara County as candidates scramble to replace longtime Assessor Larry Stone in a special election scheduled for November 4. With the nomination period closing on Friday, a growing roster of hopefuls has already raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive race. The victor will temporarily fill Stone’s seat until December 2026, with a formal reelection campaign required in 2025 for a full term.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have emerged as some of the most innovative and rapidly expanding fields in technology today. These technologies are transforming industries ranging from gaming and entertainment to healthcare, education, and real estate. As global demand for AR/VR solutions grows, so do career opportunities in these fields, especially for skilled professionals. For Indians looking to dive into the future of tech, exploring care

Santa Clara County officials are preparing to propose a sales tax increase to voters in an effort to safeguard the county’s public hospital system from severe federal revenue losses. The Board of Supervisors is expected to convene a special meeting around August 7 to decide whether to place the measure on the November 4 ballot. The proposed five-eighths cent sales tax would raise the current rate from 9.125% and is seen as a crucial step to help offset billions in anticipated funding cu

Texas shoppers will soon enjoy a break on sales tax during one of the state’s most anticipated retail events of the year—the annual tax-free weekend. From Friday, August 8, through midnight on Sunday, August 10, 2025, qualifying purchases of certain items will be exempt from state and local sales tax. This initiative, created to help families during the back-to-school season, provides relief on a range of essentials, including clothing, footwear, backpacks, and school supplies, provi

Planning a trip across India can be exciting but also overwhelming, especially when juggling family needs, cultural destinations, transportation, and food preferences. Fortunately, free AI tools are changing the way Indians and NRIs plan their travel — making it faster, smarter, and more personalized. Whether you're planning a temple tour in Tamil Nadu, a family vacation to Himachal, or a food trail in Hyderabad, these tools can help you craft detailed itineraries with just a few cl

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) juggling financial commitments in both India and the United States, tax filing often becomes a yearly stress point. Each country has distinct regulations, reporting formats, and deadlines. The slightest oversight can lead to penalties or double taxation. That’s where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is proving to be a game-changer. Today, AI-powered tax tools are helping NRIs simplify,

Teenagers in India are not just using Artificial Intelligence — they are creating with it. From building AI-powered apps to solving social challenges through machine learning, Indian school students are standing out in global and national competitions. These contests are helping them build confidence, gain real-world experience, and get noticed by universities and tech companies. 1. AI For Youth (CBSE + Intel Initiative) This program trains students from Grad

India marked a major milestone in space collaboration today with the successful launch of the NISAR mission, a joint project between ISRO and NASA. Lifted into orbit aboard the GSLV-F16 from Sriharikota, NISAR is set to become the world’s most advanced Earth observation satellite. With a unique dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar that combines NASA’s L-band and ISRO’s S-band systems, the satellite can penetrate clouds, forests, and even d

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

A Columbus resident has spent the last eight years mowing and caring for a vacant lot next to his home, unaware that the property did not belong to him. The man, an 80-year-old U.S. Army veteran, believed the lot was part of his rental home in the Hilltop neighborhood. He paid $1,300 a month in rent and assumed the adjoining land was included in the space he was responsible for. Over the years, he took full responsibility for keeping the property in shape, cutting down weeds, trim

  India is on the brink of a technological revolution. With rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics, Indian innovators are stepping into a future filled with opportunity, disruption, and global recognition. From smart agriculture to intelligent healthcare systems and cutting-edge automation, Indian minds are reshaping industries with AI-driven innovations. India boasts one of the world’s largest and youngest tech-savvy populations. Startu

In a significant legal ruling, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has dismissed the Congress party's appeal against an income tax demand of Rs 199 crore for the financial year 2018-19. The tax demand relates to party funds and stems from allegations of late filing of income tax returns and violations of cash donation limits. The ITAT ruled that the Congress party's return filed on February 2, 2019, was

The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), launched under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative in January 2015, is one of India's most popular government-backed savings schemes for daughters. The scheme is designed to provide parents with an excellent way to save for their daughter's higher education and marriage, ensuring a secure financial future. By making regular contributions, parents can accumulate a significant amount by th

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has issued a clear and stern warning to countries maintaining economic relations with Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. During recent meetings with U.S. senators, Rutte emphasized that countries like India, China, and Brazil risk facing severe secondary sanctions, including 100 percent tariffs, if they continue their commercial engagements with Russia. His message, delivered just a day after President Donald Trump revealed a new arms package for Uk

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.

Many errors occur when taxpayers fail to complete all parts of the Excel utility properly. According to Mihir Tanna, Associate Director at S.K Patodia LLP, a common mistake is forgetting to fill in the last row of the Capital Gains schedule row F. It’s essential to enter the quarter-wise details and click the ‘Validate’ button at the top of the sheet. Without this step, your tax details, including capital gains and taxes, may not show up cor

A recent rath yatra procession held in Toronto has sparked diplomatic concern after a video surfaced online allegedly showing eggs thrown at the religious gathering. The incident, which occurred during the annual chariot procession dedicated to Lord Jagannath, has prompted India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to issue a formal response, describing the act as “regrettable” and urging Canadian authorities to take appropriate action against those involved.

A newly opened cafe in Surrey, British Columbia, owned by comedian Kapil Sharma and his wife Ginni Chatrath, was vandalised in what Canadian authorities are treating as a targeted attack. The restaurant, known as Kaps Caffe and celebrated for its pink-and-white decor, floral accents, and artisan menu, had just completed a soft opening before being hit by late-night vandalism. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the incident caused significant property damage. Investigators believe the

Paying income tax every year can be burdensome for many, but did you know that, under the new tax rules, you may qualify to pay zero tax? The latest updates in India’s tax policies provide an opportunity for taxpayers to reduce their tax liabilities, potentially to zero, with proper planning. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s 2025 Budget announcement revealed a significant change in the tax system that could benefit many taxpayers. Here’s

If you’re wondering whether filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) early will help you get your tax refund faster, the answer is generally yes as long as your return is correct, complete, and verified on time. Filing early ensures that your return is processed smoothly, especially during the less congested period before the September 15, 2025 deadline. Why Early Filing Increases Your Chances of a Quicker R