Vijay’s Maiden Address at NITI Aayog Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is set to make his first address at the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog on Thursday, 11 June 2026, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. The meeting is chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and brings together Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors from across India. CM Vijay is expected to present Tamil Nadu’s priorities regar

President Murmu Honors Bravery In a prestigious ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu conferred seven Kirti Chakras, including two posthumously, to personnel of the armed forces for acts of exceptional bravery and selflessness. Among the awardees is Air Commodore Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, an IAF pilot and Gaganyatri, who exemplified courage and dedication in the line of duty. The Kirti

US House Approves Resolution to End Iran War The US House of Representatives on Wednesday, June 4, passed a resolution ordering the withdrawal of American troops from Iran, marking a rare bipartisan move in the Republican-controlled chamber. Four Republican members joined Democrats in backing the measure, which passed 215-208 and now moves to the Senate for debate. The resolution, part of the War Powers Resolution framework, seeks t

April 29, 2026 | Kolkata, West Bengal Election Phase 2 Voting for the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 is currently underway across 142 constituencies in the southern region of the state. The polling, which began at 7 am and will continue until 6 pm, is being closely watched due to its political significance. Key districts such as Kolkata, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly, and Purba Bardhaman are part of this

Why are North Korean troops reportedly taking their own lives? Kim Jong Un calls it battlefield honor has drawn international scrutiny after reports emerged that North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russia in the war in Ukraine may be taking their own lives to avoid capture. The claims

In a controversial development during the ongoing Nashik TCS 'conversion' case, a key witness has come forward with a shocking statement, claiming that individuals involved in the case were told to "Go marry Hindu girls." This revelation has stirred up public attention and raised concerns regarding forced religious conversions in India. The case, which is being closely monitored by authorities in Nashik, revolves around allegations of religious conversion under duress, particularly

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the early implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act, urging political parties to work together to ensure it is in place before the 2029 general elections. In a letter dated April 11 to leaders of all political parties in both Houses of Parliament, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to implement the law, officially known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, in its true spirit. A special three-day session of Parliam

A section of the ceiling collapsed at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Indonesia, at approximately 1:40 PM local time (WIB) on Monday, April 6, 2026, sending debris and a surge of water into a crowded departure lounge at Terminal 3. The incident occurred near Gate 7 during a busy boarding period, when multiple flights were preparing for departure. Passengers in the area reported that water initially began leaking from above before rapidly intensifying, eventually cau

On Saturday, April 4, 2026, Warren Buffett revealed that his longstanding friendship with Bill Gates may be nearing an end due to recent revelations involving Gates' ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The news has raised significant concerns, not only about their personal relationship but also regarding Buffett's future contributions to the Gates Foundation. In a candid interview, Buffett admitted that he has not spoken to Gates since the Epstein connection came to light. He stat

National gas prices have climbed sharply in recent days, forcing many drivers to confront unexpectedly high costs at fuel pumps just as spring break travel begins across the country. The increase follows recent geopolitical tensions linked to military developments in Iran, which have contributed to volatility in global energy markets and pushed gasoline prices higher nationwide. With millions of families preparing for road trips and vacations, the surge in fuel costs is adding press

Seven people were killed and one crew member was critically injured after a private business jet crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday evening, as a large winter storm swept across New England and much of the United States. Federal aviation authorities confirmed the fatalities and said the sole survivor was transported for emergency medical treatment with serious injuries. The aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 600, was carrying eight people when i

India will celebrate its 77th Republic Day on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, commemorating the historic adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950. Republic Day symbolizes India’s transformation into a sovereign, democratic republic and reinforces the constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. The national celebrations will feature a grand ceremonial parade, cultural showcases, military displays and citizen participation, reflecting Indi

Aspect Independence Day Republic Day

Republic Day celebrations in 2026 are set to become one of the most meaningful national events in recent years, blending patriotism, history, culture, and India’s modern progress. Organised by the Ministry of Defence, the grand parade will take place at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, 2026. This year’s celebrations will highlight 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram while also reflecting the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. According to Defence S

A powerful earthquake measuring magnitude 6.4 struck offshore near the town of Baculin in the southern Philippines on Wednesday, January 7, underscoring the persistent seismic risks faced by communities in the region. The earthquake occurred at sea, approximately 58.5 kilometers from the nearest coastline and around 27 kilometers east of the town of Santiago on the island of Mindanao. The tremor was felt across parts of eastern Mindanao, prompting heightened monitoring by authorities, though

A strong earthquake measuring magnitude 6.2 struck Japan’s Shimane Prefecture on Tuesday morning, causing noticeable shaking across parts of western Japan and prompting authorities to closely monitor the situation. The quake occurred at approximately 10:18 am local time and registered a strong 5 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale, which ranges from 1 to 7 and reflects the level of ground shaking experienced at the surface. According to official assessments, the epicentre of the initial earthquake was located in the eastern part of Shimane Prefecture. Residents in nearby areas reported sustained shaking, though no immediate reports of major damage or injuries were released in the aftermath. Emergency services and local administrations were placed on alert as standard safety checks were initiated across affected municipalities. Roughly ten minutes after the initial tremor, a second earthquake was recorded in the city of Yasugi, also within Shimane Prefecture. This subsequent quake registered a lower 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale and was estimated to have a magnitude of 5.1. The aftershock reinforced concerns among residents already unsettled by the earlier event, though officials indicated that the sequence was consistent with ongoing seismic activity in the region. The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed that no tsunami warning or advisory was issued in connection with either of the earthquakes. Authorities stated that there was no indication of abnormal sea-level changes following the tremors, allowing coastal communities to remain at normal alert levels. The agency continues to advise the public to remain cautious, as additional aftershocks can occur in the hours or days following a significant earthquake. Attention also turned to critical infrastructure in the vicinity of the seismic activity. A nuclear power facility operated by a regional utility company is located approximately 32 kilometres from the epicentral area. Officials reported that the facility remained under continuous monitoring and that no irregularities or safety concerns had been detected immediately after the earthquakes. Japan lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active regions in the world, and experiences frequent earthquakes of varying intensity. While the country’s strict building codes and preparedness measures are designed to reduce risk, authorities consistently urge residents to follow safety guidelines, secure heavy objects indoors, and stay informed through official channels. As assessments continue, disaster management teams are evaluating infrastructure, transportation networks, and public facilities across Shimane Prefecture. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available, with officials emphasizing vigilance and preparedness in the wake of the twin tremors.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board on Wednesday temporarily suspended registration for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage following an unprecedented surge of devotees during the New Year period. Officials said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure after crowd density reached critical levels at the Katra

China has set a new global benchmark in rail transportation technology after successfully accelerating a superconducting magnetic levitation train to a speed of 700 kilometres per hour in just two seconds. The achievement marks the fastest acceleration ever recorded for a maglev system and positions China as the first country to demonstrate this capability using superconducting electric maglev technology. The experiment was conducted by researchers at the National University of Defe

As Christmas approaches, shoppers and workers across the country are navigating adjusted schedules as many retailers, government offices and financial institutions modify their operating hours ahead of the holiday. With Christmas Eve falling midweek this year, the final days before the holiday are expected to be among the busiest for stores and grocery chains, while closures on Christmas Day and limited hours on surrounding days are prompting consumers to plan ahead. Several major retailers are extending hours in the days leading up to Christmas to accommodate last-minute shoppers, though most will close earlier than usual on Christmas Eve. Wholesale club Costco has confirmed that its warehouses will operate on reduced schedules, closing at 5 p.m. on Dec. 24. Walmart locations nationwide are also expected to close early, with most stores shutting their doors at 6 p.m. Target locations may vary by market, but many stores will close around 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve after offering extended hours earlier in the week. Sam’s Club members should expect a 6 p.m. closing time on Christmas Eve, while Trader Joe’s stores are planning to end operations at 5 p.m. Department and apparel retailers are following similar patterns. Macy’s and Nordstrom locations will generally close earlier than normal on Christmas Eve, with many stores ending the day by 5 p.m. Old Navy locations are expected to close around 6 p.m., while Walgreens stores will largely remain open during regular business hours, though pharmacy counters may operate on limited schedules. Grocery chains including Mariano’s, Jewel-Osco, Meijer, Sunset Foods and Heinen’s are also adjusting hours, with most closing between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., depending on the brand and location. Whole Foods stores are expected to operate with modified hours, and Starbucks customers are advised to check individual store schedules. Shopping malls across the Chicago area and surrounding suburbs are also reducing hours on Christmas Eve after extended shopping days earlier in the week. Many major malls will close between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., including Woodfield Mall, Oakbrook Center, Water Tower Place and several outlet centers. Shoppers are encouraged to verify hours directly with mall management, as opening times may differ by location. Beyond retail, several essential services are operating on altered schedules. Most banks will remain open on Christmas Eve but are expected to close earlier than usual. Mail delivery through the United States Postal Service will continue on Dec. 24 and again on Dec. 26, though post office branches will be closed on Christmas Day. Government services in Illinois, including secretary of state offices and DMVs, will be closed on both Dec. 24 and Dec. 25 before reopening on Friday. Financial markets are also observing holiday schedules. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will end trading early at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve and remain closed for Christmas Day, resuming normal operations on Dec. 26. With a mix of early closures and full-day shutdowns across sectors, consumers are advised to complete errands early and confirm local hours before heading out. The compressed holiday schedule is expected to drive heavier traffic in stores and malls during limited operating windows, making advance planning essential in the final stretch before Christmas.    

A prominent youth leader from Bangladesh, Sharif Osman Hadi, has died in Singapore after succumbing to severe injuries sustained during an assassination attempt in Dhaka earlier this month, officials confirmed on Thursday. His death has sent shockwaves through political circles in Bangladesh and has raised renewed concerns over political violence targeting emerging leaders. Sharif Osman Hadi served as the spokesperson of Inqilab Mancho, a youth-oriented political platform that has g