The RBI introduced the US dollar-rupee swap facility on Monday, June 8, 2026. It applies to eligible fresh FCNR(B) deposits, including deposits renewed at maturity, with an original tenure of at least three years and no more than five years. Deposits must be mobilized between Monday, June 8, 2026, and Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Banks may use the RBI swap window through Friday, October 16, 2026. The swap

The R Madhavan Titan watch worn during his Padma Shri ceremony was more than an expensive accessory. Priced at ₹40.5 lakh, or 4.05 million rupees, the rare timepiece brought Indian miniature art, Jaipur’s architectural heritage and advanced mechanical watchmaking together on one dial. President Droupadi Murmu presented Madhavan with the Padma Shri at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. The Padma Shri is one of India’s highest civilian ho

A.R. Rahman has received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement in Washington, with filmmaker Peter Jackson presenting the honour. The recognition marks another proud global moment for the Oscar-winning Indian composer and for Indian music. AR Rahman Receives Golden Plate Award Music maestro A.R. Rahman has been honoured with the Golden Plate Award at an American Academy of Achievement

Bihar has ordered a judicial inquiry into the Bharat Tiwari police encounter after the 28-year-old died following a disputed operation in Bilauti village in Bhojpur district. The case has prompted protests, political criticism and a murder FIR naming police personnel. What Happened in the Bharat Tiwari Police Encounter Police said officers and Special Task Force personnel went to Bilauti village on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, after receiving reports that T

The UK will open a combined 1,800 annual visa places for Indian traditional chefs, classical musicians and yoga instructors when the UK–India trade agreement takes effect on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. The allocation falls under the Global Business Mobility–Service Supplier route. It is one shared cap covering all three occupations, not 1,800 places for each profession. The annual allocation is measured from January 1 through December 31.

Khaan Quest 2026 has officially begun at the Five Hills Training Area near Ulaanbaatar, marking one of the largest annual UN peacekeeping training exercises in the region. The drill brings together troops from 18 nations, with a focus on improving coordination in complex peace support environments. More than 1,000 personnel are taking part in structured field training designed to replicate real-world mission conditions under United Nations mandates. India strengthens peacekeeping engagement through participation The Indian Army has deployed a 40-member contingent for the exercise, including personnel from a battalion of the JAT Regiment along with supporting arms. Their participation reflects India’s continued operational commitment to global peacekeeping frameworks. Indian troops are actively engaged in tactical drills such as area domination, checkpoint operations, search procedures, and controlled movement scenarios that simulate volatile environments. Training designed for real-world mission readiness The exercise is structured around practical peacekeeping scenarios where multinational forces must operate under unified command conditions. Activities include convoy protection, casualty evacuation drills, and humanitarian response simulations. A strong emphasis is placed on interoperability, ensuring that forces from different countries can communicate and operate seamlessly during international deployments. Women, Peace and Security module gains importance A dedicated training segment on Women, Peace and Security is a key feature of this year’s exercise. It focuses on improving gender awareness in operational settings, strengthening civilian protection measures, and encouraging greater participation of women in peacekeeping roles. The module is designed to reflect evolving global expectations in modern conflict management. Exercise highlights growing global coordination Khaan Quest began as a bilateral initiative between Mongolia and the United States in the early 2000s and has since expanded into a multinational platform co-sponsored by US Indo-Pacific Command. Over the years, it has evolved into a key training ground for preparing forces for UN peace operations. The 2026 edition reinforces international cooperation, operational readiness, and shared security practices among participating nations. Strategic relevance of Khaan Quest 2026 The exercise serves as more than just a training event—it acts as a platform for military diplomacy and operational alignment among partner countries. By working together in simulated peace missions, participating forces strengthen trust, improve tactical compatibility, and enhance readiness for future UN deployments in conflict and post-conflict zones.

The recent clarification that an Indian passport is not legally considered conclusive proof of citizenship has sparked widespread discussion and confusion among citizens. For decades, passports, Aadhaar cards and voter ID cards have been widely accepted as the primary documents that establish a person's identity and nationality. However, under India's legal framework, these documents may not always serve as final proof of citizenship in certain legal or administrative si

Thiruvananthapuram, June 24: Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, Pinarayi Vijayan, on Wednesday wrote to Chief Minister V D Satheesan, urging immediate steps to bring back the mortal remains of Arjun, a Keralite worker who died in an explosion at an industrial facility in Qatar. Arjun, a native of Kozhikode district, was working at the Barzan gas facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City when the incident occurre

The Cornell Tata Scholarship provides need-based financial aid to eligible undergraduate students who attended secondary school in India. Applicants must gain admission to Cornell University, demonstrate financial need and complete the university’s required financial-aid process. Created through a $25 million endowment from the Tata Education and Development Trust, the program supports about 20 scholars at any one time and awards assistance annually.

An Indian couple says $850,000 in debt accumulated through mortgages, a home renovation loan and credit card balances after years of lifestyle upgrades in the United States. The couple, who said they moved to the United States at age 22, has now announced a 1,200-day plan to become debt-free. They are documenting the effort through their Instagram account, @moneyharmony123. How the Indian Couple’s $850,000 Debt Accumulated According to figure

Jaipur Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II carried thousands of litres of Ganga water to London in 1902, turning a royal journey to King Edward VII’s coronation into an extraordinary expression of religious faith. The water travelled in enormous silver vessels known as Gangajalis, which are now preserved at Jaipur’s City Palace and remain among its most recognizable historical objects.

Assembly Heated Over Personal Remarks A political storm erupted in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly after personal references linked to Chief Minister Vijay were raised during a debate involving opposition leader Udhayanidhi

R Madhavan received the Padma Shri at the Padma Awards 2026 ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on June 23. The actor was honoured by President Droupadi Murmu, while his respectful greeting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi became one of the most noticed moments from the event. R Madhavan Padma Shri Honour At Padma Awards 2026 Actor R Madhavan was conferred with the Padma Shri during the second Civil

A Lake Michigan search for a missing boy at Washington Park Beach was suspended after dangerous waves and currents injured four rescue divers near Michigan City, Indiana. Police said officers responded at about 5:43 p.m. after witnesses reported that a child wearing red shorts entered the water east of the catwalk, just south of the lighthouse, and did not resurface. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources said a group of teenagers had been swimming when one of them disappeared

High-intensity Assembly session in Tamil Nadu The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly witnessed a politically charged session on Tuesday as Chief Minister Vijay delivered a forceful address during the proceedings. The session saw heightened exchanges between the ruling party and the opposition DMK, with disruptions and sharp remarks marking the atmosphere inside the House. According to proceedings, the Chief Minist

DMK protest triggers walkout in Assembly The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly witnessed high political drama on Tuesday after DMK MLAs staged a walkout during Chief Minister Vijay’s address. The disruption came amid heated exchanges over allegations of horse trading and political realignment involving post-poll alliances. According to proceedings, DMK members raised slogans inside the House, leading to repeated interruptions during the Chief Minister’s speech.

LDF protests inside Kerala Assembly The opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) created a ruckus in the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Tuesday after the Speaker denied permission for an adjournment motion related to the government’s decision to reduce tax on low-alcohol-content beverages. The protest escalated into slogans and a walkout after opposition members expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling. According to proceedings, LDF MLAs entered the wel

Alleged internal revolt in TMC triggers political buzz A major political development has been reported within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, with claims of an internal revolt challenging the leadership of party supremo Mamata Banerjee and MP Abhishek Banerjee. According to reports, the development unfolded shortly after the state’s first BJP-led government presented its budget in the Assembly, adding to the political tension in the state.

Temple fund projects cancelled A fresh political and religious debate has erupted in Tamil Nadu after the Vijay-led TVK government cancelled administrative approvals for 46 Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department projects worth nearly Rs 246 crore. The projects were reportedly planned using surplus funds generated by temples and included infrastructure works such as marriage halls, commercial complexes and related facilities. The government?

Indian Army sniffer dogs joined their handlers for International Yoga Day activities on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the Siachen Glacier, where troops operate at elevations above 18,000 feet. Indian Army Sniffer Dogs Join Yoga Day at Siachen Known as the “Siachen Sniffers,” the specially trained dogs stood alongside personnel from the Fire & Fury Corps as yoga sessions were held amid deep snow, icy winds and thin air on the world’s highest battlef