Spain has formally joined India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, marking a significant diplomatic development that strengthens India’s expanding leadership role in the Indo-Pacific region and deepens cooperation with European partners. Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares handed over Spain’s Declaration of Accession to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi earlier this week, officially confirming Spain’s entry into the India-led framework launched in 2019. The m

Ratha Saptami, also known as Surya Jayanti, is a highly auspicious festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya, the Sun God. Celebrated on the seventh day (Saptami) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Magha month, this festival is observed with great devotion by millions of Hindus worldwide. In 2026, Ratha Saptami will be observed on January 25th. The day honors Lord Surya for his life-giving energy, seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Th

The 2026 Solar Eclipse will occur on February 17, and it is set to be a remarkable celestial event. This eclipse will be an annular solar eclipse, often referred to as the Ring of Fire eclipse. Here's everything you need to know about this rare event: Eclipse Type: The eclipse will be an annular solar eclipse. In this type of eclipse, the Moon will cover about 96% of the Sun, but due to the Moon being farther from Earth, it will appear slightly smaller than the Sun. As a

The Internal Revenue Service has announced that the 2026 tax filing season will officially begin on Monday, Jan. 26, giving taxpayers the green light to submit their 2025 individual income tax returns. The agency expects to process approximately 164 million returns during the upcoming season, with the vast majority filed electronically. Officials say new tax law provisions could lower tax liabilities for some filers and potentially increase refund amounts, while operational changes may alter

Two young women from Telangana’s Mahabubabad district lost their lives in a tragic road accident in the United States after the car they were travelling in plunged into a gorge along a mountainous stretch of road in California. The incident occurred at a sharp curve on Alabama Hills Road, a scenic but challenging route known for its winding terrain. The deaths have sent shockwaves through their hometowns in Telangana, where families and residents are struggling to come to terms with the sud

Tensions in Bangladesh have escalated sharply following the killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, triggering widespread protests and renewed anti-India sentiment across the country. A radical student outfit linked to Hadi, Inqilab Moncho, has issued a strong ultimatum to the interim Yunus administration, demanding sweeping action within strict deadlines, including the suspension of work permits issued to Indian nationals. The group announced its demands during a protest gathe

India on Monday strongly rejected Pakistan’s allegations of mistreatment of religious minorities, asserting that Islamabad lacks the moral authority to comment on such matters given its own record. Responding to remarks from Pakistan’s Foreign Office, New Delhi said attempts to highlight alleged incidents in India cannot mask Pakistan’s well-documented history of systemic discrimination and persecution of minorities. The response came after Pakistani Foreign Affairs spokespers

Former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi has issued a public apology after facing widespread criticism over a viral video showing him celebrating with fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya in London. The video, which quickly spread across social media platforms, showed the two men referring to themselv

The United States has carried out a series of airstrikes in Nigeria targeting Islamic State terrorists, following what US President Donald Trump described as escalating attacks against Christians in the region. The strikes, which Trump said were conducted on his direct orders, were aimed at extremist groups operating in northwest Nigeria and were described as both numerous and deadly.

China has strongly criticised a recent Pentagon report, calling it irresponsible, misleading, and an attempt to create divisions between Beijing and New Delhi while exaggerating the so-called China threat narrative. Responding sharply, Chinese officials accused the United States of distorting China’s defence policy and interfering in its internal affairs to justify Washington’s continued military dominance. Speaking at a media briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokes

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced a major financial support initiative for pastors across the state, declaring that Rs 50 crore will be credited directly into their bank accounts on December 24. The announcement was made during the Semi Christmas celebrations organised by the Andhra Pradesh State Government in Vijayawada, marking a significant pre-Christmas gesture tow

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has publicly criticised the recently concluded India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, describing it as a low-quality deal that undermines New Zealand’s economic and labour interests. His remarks come just days after India and New Zealand announced the successful conclusion of FTA negotiations, which both governments claim could significantly boost bil

Christmas 2025 arrives on December 25, celebrated worldwide as a season of joy, warmth and togetherness. Rooted in the birth of Jesus Christ, the festival has evolved into a global cultural occasion that blends faith, tradition, food, music and family gatherings. While Christmas began as a religious commemoration, it now speaks to people of many backgrounds, offering a sense of connection and celebration as the year comes to an end. Today, streets light up with decorations, homes fill with fe

India’s workplaces are undergoing a silent cultural shift as Gen Z employees withdraw emotionally from their jobs without formally resigning. Unlike trends in the West, where burnout and dissatisfaction have led to open resignations, young workers in India are staying employed but disengaged, creating a new pattern described by experts as silent resignation or resenteeism. A recent survey by Youngstown State University found that 46 percent of Gen Z workers in the United States pl

President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, marking a landmark moment for the country’s atomic energy sector. The legislation opens India’s civil nuclear domain to private companies for the first time, signaling a major shift in national energy policy. The SHANTI Bill was approved during the Winter Session of Parliament and formally notified by the government, clearing the way for private i

The Mahayuti alliance recorded a sweeping victory in the Maharashtra local body elections, winning 207 municipal president posts across the state and establishing strong control over urban local governance. Results from the State Election Commission showed the Bharatiya Janata Party leading the tally with 117 seats, making it the single-largest party in the polls. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena followed with 53 posts, while the Nationalist Congress Party secured 37, giving the ruling allianc

The US Justice Department restored a photograph featuring President Donald Trump in the Jeffrey Epstein investigative files after briefly removing it, triggering strong political reactions. Officials explained that the temporary removal was made to ensure no Epstein victims were identifiable in the image, not to protect the president. The photograph, which showed a desk drawer holding a picture of Trump with several women, was first taken down during a review process but reinstated within 24

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, denounced the lynching of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das, who was beaten to death in Mymensingh after being accused of making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad. The government said there is no place for violence in a New Bangladesh and assured that those responsible for the killing will face strict legal action. The attack took place on Thursday night in Dubalia Para, where residents allegedly confronted Dipu before fata

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been awarded the Order of Oman, the Sultanate’s highest civilian honour, by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in recognition of his contribution to strengthening India-Oman relations. The award was presented during PM Modi’s ongoing visit to Muscat, the final stop of his three-nation tour that included Jordan and Ethiopia. This recognition adds to his record of over 28 prestigious civilian honours from nations around the world, including recent distinctions such as