Iran's foreign influence bill has moved forward in parliament, potentially expanding criminal penalties for contacts with foreign media, universities, embassies and organisations. The proposal comes amid heightened security concerns in Tehran and could significantly affect journalists, academics and civil society. Foreign media law could expand criminal penal

US President Donald Trump has ordered a substantial reduction in US participation in joint military exercises with South Korea, citing their cost and his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Seoul, however, says the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise has begun as scheduled. US-South Korea drills face Trump-ordered reduction Trump

Four Renaissance artworks attributed to Antonello da Messina have been stolen in a daring Sicily museum theft during Ferragosto. The Antonello art heist targeted works of enormous cultural importance, including three surviving panels from the celebrated San Gregorio Polyptych. Sicily museum theft targets Renaissance treasures Thieves enter

The India-Mauritius DTAA Protocol has moved closer to implementation after Mauritius approved its ratification, offering investors greater clarity on the PPT rule and legacy investments. The move also seeks to reinforce Mauritius FDI links with India while tightening safeguards against treaty abuse. PPT rule brings greater clarity to the tax treaty Mauritius' Cabinet on July 17 approved ratific

Former West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker and senior Trinamool Congress leader Asish Banerjee was found dead at a party office near his residence in Rampurhat, Birbhum district, on Sunday. Police have begun an investigation, while a purported note recovered from the scene is also being examined. Asish Banerjee Found Dead at TMC Office Senior Trinamool Congress leader Asish Banerjee was found h

Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh is placing employment generation at the centre of the state’s development strategy, with a focus on attracting major technology companies, strengthening urban infrastructure and reducing the long-running migration of young professionals to other states. Employment Opportunities Remain a Major Challenge Creating quality jobs within Andhra Pradesh continue

A new India global opinion survey shows striking differences in how the country is viewed worldwide. Sri Lanka records the strongest favourable opinion, while the UK, Kenya and Germany also show strong goodwill. Pakistan stands at the opposite end, giving India its lowest rating among the 36 countries surveyed. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka emerged as the most India-friendly country in Pew Research Cente

India will celebrate India Independence Day 2026 on Saturday, August 15, marking the country's 80th Independence Day and 79 completed years of freedom. The national ceremony at the Red Fort in Delhi will highlight Vande Mataram, Viksit Bharat and India's freedom history while looking toward the country's future. 80th Independence Day: Why India Completes 79 Y

A new Pew Research Center survey shows the India-Pakistan threat perception remains deeply rooted. Rivalry, China’s role, Russia ties, mistrust and public opinion reveal how decades of tension continue to shape South Asia despite major changes in the global order. Rivalry India and Pakistan continue to see each other as their biggest geopolitical threat nearly eight decades after Partition. A

Nashik experienced two fresh earthquakes early Friday, August 14, extending a period of repeated seismic activity across northern Maharashtra. The Nashik earthquake August 14 sequence included magnitude 3.5 and 3.4 tremors, while authorities continue monitoring Nashik tremors, building risk and activity around Palghar. Nashik tremors continue before dawn According to reviewed data from the Nati

Tamil Nadu’s ₹67,542 crore investment announcement has triggered a political debate, with the DMK questioning how many TN investment MoUs under TVK represent fresh projects. Former Industries Minister TRB Rajaa also raised concerns over airports, jobs and the state’s investment branding strategy. The Tamil Nadu government has announced investment commitments worth ₹67,542 crore across 97 projects at the Vettri Tamil Nadu Investment

New Delhi: India has sent the first tranche of 20 metric tonnes of humanitarian assistance to earthquake-hit Colombia, supplying medicines, medical equipment, temporary shelters, hygiene materials and other essentials needed for emergency recovery. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced the India Colombia aid initiative as rescue and rehabilitation efforts continue across badly affected regions. According to the Ministry of Exter

As India marks Independence Day 2026, the freedom struggle is often remembered through marches, protests, imprisonment and political leadership. But the role of press in India freedom struggle was equally significant. Newspapers carried nationalist ideas beyond public meetings, challenged colonial policies and connected Indians living across distant regions. Nationalist Newspapers Spread the Freedom Message

Ifest 2026 Schaumburg will bring culture, creativity and community service together on Saturday, August 15, at National India Hub in Schaumburg, Illinois. The free cultural fest will feature dance, music, fashion and multilingual performances while creating opportunities for people to connect. Schaumburg event celebrates cultures together Ifest 2026: A Celebration of Culture, Unity & Commun

Google is entering a major new chapter in artificial intelligence after a Google AI leadership shake-up changed the top of DeepMind while four prominent researchers left to create Discovery Loop. Demis Hassabis is moving into a broader scientific role as Jeff Dean ends a 27-year career at Google. DeepMind leadership reset changes Hassabis role Demis Hassabis is stepping away from the day-to-day

The United States has launched Task Force Falcon Strike, a new multinational attack drone initiative designed to operate unmanned systems above, on and below the sea. CENTCOM says the force will combine US capabilities with regional partners as Washington expands drone warfare across the Middle East. Attack drone force expands across multiple domains U.S. Central Command announced Task Force Fa

The F-1 fixed admission rule scheduled for September 15, 2026, would replace open-ended duration-of-status admissions with fixed periods. Indian students may face new requirements involving I-94 dates, program extensions, OPT, transfers and graduate study. F-1 students would receive a fixed admission date A major U.S. immigration rule scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, would end th

India's Parliament Monsoon Session 2026 ended on August 13 after weeks of Parliament disruptions driven by student protests, the Ram temple row and demands for government answers. PRS Legislative Research said Lok Sabha worked for only 15% of its scheduled time and Rajya Sabha for 33%, while legislative scrutiny and Question Hour were heavily affected. Parliament disruptions dominate the session

Shiromani Akali Dal president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was injured in an attack near a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday, August 13. Police detained the alleged attacker, while Badal was taken to a hospital for treatment. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an investigation into the incident. Hospital Update After Nanded Attack

India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, with the national ceremony centred on Delhi’s Red Fort. The Prime Minister leads the Independence Day flag ceremony, while the President plays a different constitutional role. The reason comes from the events of 1947 and the traditions that developed after India became independent. Red Fort tradition The Red Fort has become th