Illinois gas tax pause talks remain active as a scheduled fuel tax increase approaches on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Gov. JB Pritzker has said he is open to considering a pause, but state leaders have not announced a final plan. The Illinois General Assembly faces a key deadline on Sunday, May 31, 2026, when the spring legislative session is scheduled to adjourn. That gives lawmakers limited time to act before the automatic increase takes effect. Illinois gas tax pa

EB-2 India is unavailable for fiscal year 2026 after all available visa numbers for Indian applicants were used, pausing final Green Card approvals until the next fiscal year begins on Thursday, October 1, 2026. The U.S. State Department said all available Employment-Based Second Preference immigrant visas for applicants chargeable to India have been issued for FY2026. As a result, U.S. embassies and consulates cannot issue additional EB-2 immigrant visas in these cases for the rema

A Borman Expressway shooting on I-80/94 in Hammond, Indiana, left an Indiana State Police trooper injured and a suspect dead after a traffic stop near Indianapolis Boulevard. The shooting happened just after midnight CDT on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, near the Illinois-Indiana state line, according to Indiana State Police. The incident caused major lane closures and disrupted the morning commute on one of Northwest Indiana’s busiest highway corridors.

The Padma Awards 2026 ceremony will be held today at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu will present the first set of civilian honours. Dharmendra, Mammootty, Alka Yagnik, R Madhavan, Prosenjit Chatterjee and Satish Shah are among the major entertainment names in this year’s list. Padma Awards 2026 ceremony begins at Rashtrapati Bhavan The Padma Awards 2026 ceremony is set to take place today at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New

PM Modi Arrives In Rome For Final Leg Of Tour Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rome on May 19 to conclude his five-nation tour. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed him on X with a photo captioned, “Welcome to Rome, my friend!” As part of the ceremonial welcome, PM Modi was presented with a painting depicting the ghats of Varanasi. Traditional musical performances accompanied the greeting, highlighting India’s cultural heritage in It

Indian student Navya Gadusu died after a late-night crash on Interstate 65 near Crown Point in Lake County, Indiana, a case that has drawn attention among Indian and Telugu communities in the United States. The crash happened at about 11:15 PM CDT on Saturday, May 16, 2026, on northbound I-65 near the U.S. 231 exit in Crown Point, according to Indiana State Police details cited by Chicago media. What Happened in the Navya Gadusu I

The Indian Air Force’s famous Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team thrilled thousands of spectators with a grand air show above the Somnath Temple on May 11 during the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav-2026 celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the special event, which marked 75 years since the reconstruction of the historic temple. The colourful flypast and precision aerial formations became one of the biggest highlights of the celebrations in Gujarat, drawing devotees, tourists, and aviation ent

India's military leadership is set to undergo one of the most significant top-level shake-ups in recent years, with the official announcement of key appointments in the country's armed forces. On May 9, the Indian government named Lieutenant General N S Raja Subramani (Retd.) as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as the new Chief of Naval Staff. These appointments will take effect at the end of May. Lt Gen Raja Subramani will succeed General Anil Chauhan, who held the position of CDS before retiring. Vice Admiral Swaminathan will take over from Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, who has served as the Chief of Naval Staff for the past few years. The appointments mark a significant change in the leadership structure of India’s armed forces, reflecting the government’s intent to revamp its military leadership for the coming years. The announcement comes after a period of intense speculation about who would fill these critical positions. The new leadership appointments come at a time when India is focusing on modernizing its defense forces and enhancing the capabilities of its military in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. The new CDS, Lt Gen Raja Subramani, will be tasked with overseeing the integration of the armed forces, a key goal under the leadership of the CDS role, which was created to provide greater coordination between the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Lt Gen Raja Subramani brings with him decades of experience, having held senior military roles during his service. His appointment is seen as a step towards strengthening India’s defense strategy, particularly in dealing with regional security challenges. On the other hand, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, who will take charge of the Indian Navy, is expected to further enhance naval capabilities, focusing on both maritime security and strengthening India’s naval presence in the Indian Ocean region. The appointments of Lt Gen Raja Subramani and Vice Admiral Swaminathan represent a pivotal moment for India’s military, ensuring continuity while introducing new leadership to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving defense environment. With these changes, India continues its commitment to strengthening its defense forces and enhancing its security posture on the global stage.

On May 7, India and Pakistan held parallel press conferences marking the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, with each side offering contrasting perspectives on the recent conflict. During Pakistan’s press briefing, held by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the focus was on refuting India’s actions during the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir. Pakistan claimed that India’s response to the attack, which killed 26 people, was "unpro

Rabindranath Tagore, born on May 7, 1861, in Kolkata, India, was a polymath who earned recognition as a poet, philosopher, musician, and artist. His literary genius, especially through Gitanjali, garnered global fame, while his music and art formed an integral part of Bengal’s cultural heritage. His contributions extended far beyond writing; Tagore’s impact on education, spirituality, and national identity continues to influence generations. Tagore's Literary C

Hema Malini breaks down remembering Dharmendra: ‘Don’t know how I’ll cope’ as veteran actress Hema Malini became emotional while speaking about her late husband during a tribute event in Mumbai, reflecting on his legacy, life, and deep connection with audiences across generations. The tribute was held on Thursday at the National Gallery of Modern Art during the opening of “Lens & Legacy: Bollywood in Focus,” where Hema Malini spoke about Dharmendra??

The IC 814 hijacking remains one of India’s most serious aviation crises, and the role of Ajit Doval in managing the situation from behind the scenes highlights the complexity of decisions taken under extreme pressure. The hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC-814 on December 24, 1999, forced India into a difficult choice between saving hostages and long-term security concerns. The flig

Raghu Rai’s photography stands as a timeless tribute to Bengal’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage, capturing a remarkable spectrum of personalities and moments that shaped the region’s identity. Widely regarded as one of India’s most influential photographers, Raghu Rai used his lens to document not just events, but the deeper emotions and stories behind them. His iconic black and white portraits of legends such as Satyajit Ray and Mother Teresa remain some of the most powerful visual records of their lives and work. Through subtle expressions, light, and composition, Rai was able to reveal the humanity, depth, and quiet strength of his subjects, turning simple photographs into lasting narratives. Kolkata, often considered the cultural capital of India, played a central role in Rai’s photographic journey. The city’s streets, intellectual circles, and artistic traditions frequently appeared in his work, giving audiences a glimpse into its vibrant soul. His images went beyond famous figures to include everyday life, traditions, and social realities, creating a layered and authentic portrayal of Bengal. Over the years, his work has not only preserved history but also inspired generations of photographers and art lovers. As tributes continue to pour in, his legacy endures through images that still speak with emotional clarity and cultural significance, ensuring that the spirit of Bengal’s icons and people lives on through his extraordinary vision.

Popular actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has recently undergone a surgical procedure, triggering widespread discussion and concern among fans and the film industry. The news surfaced quickly and spread across media platforms, leading to speculation about the reason behind the surgery and his current health condition. According to initial reports, the procedure was planned and conducted under medical supervision, suggesting that it was not an emergency situation. Sources close to the development indicate that the surgery was successful, and doctors are closely monitoring his recovery. However, no official statement has been released detailing the exact nature of the medical condition or the treatment involved. The development has generated significant attention, particularly because of Kalyan’s dual role as a leading figure in both politics and the entertainment industry. His active public presence and strong connection with supporters have intensified public interest in his health status. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of support and wishes for a speedy recovery, reflecting the deep admiration and concern of his followers. Recovery Updates and Public Response Despite the ongoing speculation, individuals close to Pawan Kalyan have reassured that his condition remains stable and is steadily improving. Industry colleagues and political associates have also expressed optimism, urging the public not to jump to conclusions in the absence of confirmed information. Early indications suggest that he is responding well to post-surgery care and is expected to recover gradually. While the timeline for his return to public duties and film commitments remains unclear, it will largely depend on medical advice and recovery progress. Experts note that such procedures are often routine or preventive, and not necessarily linked to serious health concerns. This incident also highlights the importance of prioritizing health, even for public figures with demanding schedules. Regular medical check-ups and timely treatment are essential for long-term well-being. As fans await official confirmation, the overwhelming support pouring in from across the country underscores the strong bond between Pawan Kalyan and his audience.

Baahubali: The Eternal War has taken a major step forward in global animation, earning an official selection for the Work-in-Progress showcase at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Festival. Directed by Ishan Shukla, the amb

​A key provision in President Donald Trump’s recent tax legislation introduced significant federal deductions on tips and overtime pay, but the changes do not fully eliminate taxation for millions of American workers. As taxpayers finalize their 2025 returns ahead of the federal filing deadline on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, state governments are emphasizing that these earnings may still be subject

Filmmaker Vignesh Shivan has opened up about his strained relationship with actor Dhanush, calling the loss of their friendship his “biggest regret.” In a recent interview, Vignesh shared that he still holds Dhanush in high r

A 19th-century painting by renowned Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma has set a new benchmark in the global art market, selling for 1.67 billion rupees ($17.9 million) at an auction in New Delhi on Wednesday, April 2, 2026. The sale marks the highest price ever achieved for an Indian artwork, surpassing the previous record held by a work from modernist painter MF Husain. The painting, titled Yashoda and Krishna, is an oil-on-canvas masterpiece created in the 1890s, during the peak of Va

Renowned Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee tragically passed away following a boating accident at Talsari beach in Odisha. The 42-year-old actor was reportedly in the region for a film shoot when the incident occurred, sending shockwaves across the Bengali film industry and his fan base. Acco

In a tragic incident, two Indian Air Force pilots were killed after their Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet crashed in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam. The aircraft, which was on a routine training mission, went missing shortly after taking off from the Jorhat airbase, located about 60 km away from the crash site. The missing jet was reported to have lost contact with the control tower at approximately 7:42 pm, and it was later discovered to have crashed in a remote, hilly region. Residents of