Paul Kapur, a noted American academic and expert on South Asian security, has been appointed as the new Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia in the United States government. Known for his hardline stance against Pakistan’s military establishment, Kapur’s appointment marks a significant shift in Washington’s regional approach, especially amid renewed tensions in South Asia. His selection comes as the US seeks to redefine its engagement with both India and Pakistan whil

It has been more than two weeks since the rollout of GST 2.0 on September 22, but a nationwide consumer survey indicates that the expected benefits of lower taxes are not being fully passed on to buyers. The reform, which aimed to make a wide range of goods and services more affordable, appears to have produced uneven results across product categories, with automobiles emerging as the only sector showing substantial price reductions. According to a large-scale survey conducted acros

Elon Musk has come under criticism after sharing a post that denied British colonization of India. The post, written by Canadian commentator Stefan Molyneux, claimed that there was “no such thing as colonization.” Many critics immediately denounced the statement as an attempt to whitewash history and erase the lasting impact of centuries of exploitation. Musk’s decision to share the post, accompanied by a thinking emoji, was viewed by many as lending visibility to a deeply prob

The State Fair of Texas has officially opened its gates for the 2025 season, bringing with it a mix of exciting new attractions, traditional events, and the kind of festive atmosphere that has made it a landmark in Dallas culture for decades. The fair began its three-week run on Friday morning when Fair Park opened at 10 a.m., followed by the opening day parade at noon. To mark the start of the season, an evening ceremony took place on the steps of the Hall of State at 6:30 p.m., drawing crowds

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a strong message of economic self-reliance while inaugurating the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show in Greater Noida. Against the backdrop of a tariff war with the United States, Modi said that “India is not ready to be dependent on anyone.” He urged traders and manufacturers to embrace the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by focusing on local production and promoting swadeshi goods.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus sparked a political storm during the UN General Assembly in New York, openly stating that Dhaka’s relations with India have soured since last year’s student protests that toppled Sheikh Hasina. Yunus accused India of providing shelter to Hasina and spreading “fake news” portraying the uprising as Islamist-driven. According to him, this has deepened mistrust between the two neighbors, alrea

India’s only active volcano, Barren Island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, erupted once again this month, sending molten lava streams and thick smoke into the sky. The eruption, captured by an Indian Navy warship, showed glowing lava flows cascading down its slopes while plumes of smoke billowed from the summit. Though the eruption created spectacular visuals, scientists emphasize it is a reminder of the powerful geological forces at work beneath

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pushed back against US President Donald Trump’s claims that India is “funding Russia’s war in Ukraine.” Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Zelenskyy stated that “India is mostly with us” while acknowledging ongoing energy challenges that complicate the picture. His comments came after Trump, during a speech at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), dir

Cricket lost one of its most iconic and beloved figures as legendary umpire Dickie Bird passed away on September 23, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on April 19, 1933, in Barnsley, Yorkshire, Bird was not only an umpire but a symbol of the spirit of cricket, respected for his fairness, humanity, and ability to bring warmth to the game. The Yorkshire County Cricket Club confirmed his death with “profound sadness,” recognising him as a national treasure

Singer and viral sensation D4vd has canceled the remaining dates of his United States tour following the discovery of a decomposed body in his impounded Tesla. The 15-year-old girl, identified as Celeste Rivas, was found earlier this month, leading authorities to open a death investigation that has now overshadowed the artist’s career. The young performer, who rose to fame on TikTok with viral songs like “Romantic Homicide,” had been touring since August, with sche

Saudi Arabia’s decision to sign a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Pakistan has stirred debates across South Asia and the Middle East. The pact, which promises that an attack on one country will be treated as an attack on both, resembles a NATO-style commitment. For Pakistan, struggling with economic and diplomatic challenges, this deal is seen as a significant political win and a potential deterrence against India. Yet, beneath the surface, exper

What exactly is a hydrogen bomb, the most destructive weapon ever built? Unlike the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, which relied on the fission of heavy elements like uranium and plutonium, a hydrogen bomb unleashes its fury through a two-stage process that combines nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. Fission provides the spark, generating immense heat and pressure, under which isotopes of hydrogen such as deuterium and tritium fuse tog

At the Doha emergency summit attended by leaders from over 40 Muslim countries, the idea of an Islamic Nato gained momentum, with Pakistan aggressively pitching for an Arab-Islamic task force. The meeting followed Israel’s strike in Qatar and brought together Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and others under one forum. Pakistan, represented by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Is

The International Cricket Council has turned down the Pakistan Cricket Board’s request to remove veteran referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 after the controversial no-handshake episode in the India-Pakistan clash. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council, had alleged that Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Agha at the toss not to engage in a handshake with India’s Suryakumar Yadav, sparking outrag

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially addressed the controversy surrounding the handshake row during the Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan. Following India’s 7-wicket victory, captain Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates did not exchange handshakes with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha or the opposing team. This move sparked outrage from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which lodged a formal complaint with the Asian

India marked a golden chapter in sporting history at the 2025 Speed Skating World Championships held in Beidaihe, China. Anandkumar Velkumar, a 22-year-old sensation, captured India’s first-ever world title by storming to victory in the senior men’s 1000m sprint with a stunning time of 1:24.924. This triumph was not only a personal milestone but also a historic breakthrough for the nation in a sport long dominated by countries from Europe, Latin Am

If you are an NRI parent moving to the United States or already living there, a common question is whether your child’s Indian vaccination certificate will be accepted. The good news is that in most cases the answer is yes, but there are a few important points to keep in mind. Indian vaccination records are generally recognized in the US as long as they are complete, accurate, and clearly documented. The records should include the child’s name, date of birth, vaccine nam

The Trump administration has come under intense criticism after the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) confirmed that nearly ten million dollars’ worth of contraceptives earmarked for people in low-income nations were deliberately destroyed earlier this year. The products, which included birth control pills, intrauterine devices, and hormonal implants valued at $9.7 million, were stored in a warehouse in Belgium before being incinerated at a medical waste facilit

India issued a sharp rebuttal to Switzerland during the 60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva after the Swiss delegation expressed concerns about the treatment of minorities in India. Representing New Delhi, Kshitij Tyagi, Counsellor at India’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, described Switzerland’s comments as “surprising, shallow, and ill-informed.” He emphasized that as the current president of the UNHRC, Switzerland sho

  Immunization is one of the most important public health strategies to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Both India and the United States have their own immunization schedules to ensure children receive the necessary vaccines to protect them from various diseases. However, the vaccination schedules differ in terms of the types of vaccines, the timing of doses, and the age at which they are administered. Understanding these differences is essential for parents, caregiv