The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday issued a renewed travel advisory advising Indian citizens to refrain from travelling to Iran, citing the deteriorating security situation amid widespread anti-government protests across the country. The warning comes as unrest in Iran enters its third consecutive week, with the capital city of Tehran remaining one of the focal points of the demonstrations. In an official statement, the ministry said that Indian nationals are being “onc

The United States State Department is preparing to pause visa processing for applicants from approximately 75 countries beginning January 21, according to an internal departmental directive. The measure instructs consular officers to deny visa applications under existing immigration law while the department conducts a broad reassessment of screening and vetting standards. The pause is described as indefinite, with only very limited exceptions expected during the review period. The c

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said he held a constructive and wide-ranging discussion with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focusing on key areas of bilateral and strategic cooperation between the two countries. The conversation reflected the ongoing engagement between New Delhi and Washington as both sides continue to strengthen ties across multiple sectors of mutual interest. In a message shared on social media platform X, Jaishankar described the interaction as a “good conversation,” noting that the talks covered important subjects including trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence collaboration and energy security. These areas have emerged as central pillars of the evolving India-US partnership, particularly in the context of shifting global economic and geopolitical dynamics. The discussion on trade and economic engagement comes at a time when both countries are exploring ways to deepen supply chain resilience and expand market access. Cooperation on critical minerals has gained added importance amid global efforts to secure resources essential for advanced manufacturing, clean energy technologies and strategic industries. Nuclear cooperation and defence ties were also part of the agenda, underscoring the growing convergence in security interests and technological collaboration. Energy cooperation featured prominently in the talks, reflecting shared priorities related to energy security, sustainability and long-term growth. India and the United States have increasingly worked together on conventional and clean energy initiatives, including efforts to address climate challenges while meeting rising energy demands. Jaishankar said both sides agreed to remain in close touch on these and other issues, signalling continuity in diplomatic engagement and policy coordination. The exchange highlights the emphasis placed by both governments on maintaining regular dialogue to address global challenges, regional stability and economic opportunities. The conversation forms part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to reinforce the strategic partnership between India and the United States, which continues to expand across political, economic and security domains.

A tragic road accident in the eastern Kazakhstan city of Oskemen has resulted in the death of an Indian student and left two others injured, according to confirmation from the Indian Embassy in the country. The incident involved a group of Indian medical students enrolled at Semey Medical University who were returning from an excursion to the Altai Mountains, a well-known destination in the region. The accident has deeply affected the Indian student community and raised renewed concerns over stu

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

In a significant indication of easing tensions between Washington and Caracas, US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has cancelled a planned second wave of military attacks on Venezuela, citing the release of political prisoners and increased cooperation on rebuilding the country’s oil and gas sector. The decision follows recent developments that the US president described as constructive gestures by Venezuelan authorities aimed at de-escalation. Trump said the mov

The Saudi-led coalition announced on Wednesday, Jan 7, that it had conducted what it described as limited pre-emptive military strikes in Yemen, citing concerns that escalating actions by UAE-backed secessionist forces could further destabilize the fragile security situation. Coalition officials said the strikes were aimed at preventing a wider confrontation and preserving the possibility of political dialogue amid renewed tensions in the country’s south. According to the coalitio

Russian officials have sharply criticized European leaders over what they describe as inconsistent interpretations of international law, following recent statements by senior European Union figures on Venezuela’s political future. The remarks have added to growing diplomatic tensions at a time when conflicts and power struggles are reshaping global relations. Russia’s special envoy Kirill Dimitrev accused European democracies of applying selective standards when responding to in

US President Donald Trump on Saturday described a US military mission in Venezuela as a “brilliant operation” after announcing that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured and removed from the country. In brief remarks during a telephone interview, Trump credited detailed planning and the performance of US personnel for what he portrayed as a decisive and successful action. According to Trump, the operation was the result of months of preparation and coordination involvi

The United States launched coordinated military strikes on several locations across Venezuela on Saturday, December 3, according to official statements from Venezuelan authorities. The reported attacks targeted strategic defence installations in and around the capital, marking a sharp escalation in tensions b

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A meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence was meant to focus on diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Instead, public attention quickly shifted to an unexpected detail captured in photographs taken ahead of the talk

The Ohio Department of Agriculture has released the official schedule for the 2026 fair season, giving communities across the state an early look at one of Ohio’s most anticipated summer and fall traditions. The announcement confirms dates for fairs in all 88 counties, along with independent fairs, bringing the total number of events scheduled statewide to nearly 100. The calendar allows families, exhibitors, and fair organizers to begin planning months in advance for a season rooted in agr

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.

The holiday season took on a deeper meaning at a restaurant in Naples, Florida, where a routine staff meeting turned into a moment of collective generosity that has since captured widespread attention online. What began as an announcement about the cancellation of a holiday party quickly became an emotional surprise centered on compassion, teamwork, and support for family. During the gathering, general manager Brandon Newton informed employees that the restaurant would not be holdin

A tragic aviation accident in Turkey has claimed the lives of Libya’s top military commander and seven others after a private jet crashed shortly after taking off from the capital city, Ankara. The incident occurred soon after the aircraft departed Esenboga Airport, bringing a sudden and devastating end to a diplomatic visit aimed at strengthening defence cooperation between Libya and Turkey. Libyan officials confirmed that the deceased included Gen. Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad,

An appellate court in Romania has sentenced American rapper Wiz Khalifa to nine months in prison for drug possession, bringing a legal case tied to a 2024 music festival appearance to a close more than a year after the incident occurred. The ruling was delivered on Thursday by the Constanta Court of Appeal and represents a final decision under Romanian law. The case stems from events at the Beach, Please! Festival, held in July 2024 in Costinesti, a popular coastal resort in Constanta County along the Black Sea. Romanian authorities stopped the artist after he allegedly consumed cannabis while performing on stage during the festival. Prosecutors later stated that Khalifa was found in possession of more than 18 grams of cannabis and that part of the substance had been used publicly during his performance. Court documents identified the artist by his legal name, Cameron Jibril Thomaz, and confirmed that he was convicted of possession of dangerous drugs without legal authorization for personal use. Under Romania’s criminal code, cannabis remains classified as an illegal substance, and possession for personal consumption is treated as a criminal offense rather than a civil violation. The appellate ruling followed an earlier decision by a lower court in Constanta County, which in April imposed a criminal fine of 3,600 lei, equivalent to approximately $830. Prosecutors challenged that outcome, arguing that the penalty did not reflect the seriousness of the offense or the circumstances under which it occurred. The appeal sought a custodial sentence, which the higher court ultimately approved. Romania is known for maintaining some of the stricter drug laws in Europe. Even small quantities of cannabis intended for personal use can lead to criminal prosecution, with penalties ranging from fines to prison terms of up to two years. Legal experts note that public consumption, particularly in a high-profile setting, can be viewed as an aggravating factor under Romanian law. It remains unclear whether Romanian authorities will pursue extradition, as Khalifa is a U.S. citizen and does not reside in Romania. Officials have not publicly confirmed whether further legal steps will be taken to enforce the sentence outside the country’s borders. Wiz Khalifa, 38, rose to international fame with his breakout mixtape “Kush + Orange Juice” and later achieved mainstream success with chart-topping singles and collaborations. During his performance at the Romanian festival last summer, he was seen smoking a large hand-rolled cigarette while performing his hit song “Young, Wild & Free,” a moment that later became central to the criminal investigation. The case has drawn attention to the legal risks artists face when performing abroad, particularly in countries with stringent drug policies. Legal analysts say the ruling underscores the importance of understanding local laws, as actions that may be tolerated or legal in one jurisdiction can carry serious consequences in another.

The United States has paused a multi-billion-pound investment programme in British technology, dealing a significant setback to relations between Washington and London amid ongoing trade disagreements. The decision places the £31bn tech prosperity deal on hold, halting a package that had been presented by the UK government as a cornerstone of its economic and diplomatic strategy with the US. The agreement, unveiled during Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK, was described by Pri

Tensions between Washington and Kyiv escalated again after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly expressed disappointment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of not yet reviewing a U.S.-supported peace proposal. Trump told reporters late Sunday that he believed Ukrainian officials were receptive to the plan, but insisted that their president had not personally examined it. His remarks added renewed pressure on Kyiv at a sensitive moment in negotiations intended to chart

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Wednesday that radical Islamic movements represent a growing and consequential threat not only to the United States but to global security as a whole. Describing these organisations as revolutionary in nature, Rubio said their objectives extend far beyond holding limited territory, and instead involve expanding their influence across regions and cultures. He noted that the ideological framework guiding these groups envisions a broad reach