The RBI has introduced new fixed deposit interest-rate rules for small finance banks, effective Thursday, October 1, 2026. The changes require clearer online disclosures, daily bulk-deposit rates and greater consistency across branches and customers. RBI New FD Rules Begin From October 1 Fixed deposit customers of small finance banks will see new interest-rate disclosure rules from October 1, 2026. The Reserve Bank of India issued the

Gujarat has reported 22 child deaths linked to the latest Chandipura virus outbreak, while 35 of 184 suspected cases have tested positive. The insect-borne virus can rapidly cause brain inflammation, seizures and coma, making early hospital care critical for affected children. Chandipura Virus Outbreak Raises Concern In Gujarat Gujarat is witnessing a renewed Chandipura virus outbreak during the 2026 monsoon seas

Prashant Kishor registered a major victory in the Bankipur Assembly by-election, defeating BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar by 19,324 votes. The result ended the BJP’s decades-long dominance and gave the Jan Suraaj Party its first Assembly seat in Bihar. Prashant Kishor Wins Bankipur By 19,324 Votes Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has scored a remarkable victory in the Bankipur Assembly by-election, defeating the Bharatiya Janata

  Tamil Nadu Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin was taken into police custody from his Chennai residence following an FIR over his controversial protest speech. His lawyers moved the Madras High Court for anticipatory bail as the case triggered fresh tension between the DMK and the ruling TVK.  

Ashish Jha Says COVID Lab Leak More Likely Former White House adviser Ashish Jha says a COVID lab leak now appears more likely to him than natural spillover. However, he stressed that the origin remains unproven, the virus was not deliberately released and missing information from China prevents a conclusive finding. Ashish Jha Revises His Assessment Former White Ho

Pakistan Al Jazeera Access Reports Spark Press Freedom Debate Pakistan Al Jazeera access reports have triggered fresh debate over media freedom after users said the broadcaster became inaccessible following its extensive reporting on protests and election-related unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. While Islamabad criticised the channel's coverage, it has not officially confirmed imposing a nationwide ban.

The Trump tariff lawsuit filed by 25 US states challenges new forced-labour duties on 60 trading partners. The case questions the administration’s use of Section 301 and could affect import costs, India-US trade talks and future sanctions tied to Russian energy.   25 States Sue Trump Over New Tariffs A coalition of 25 US states sued the Trump administration on Monday, August 3, seeking to block

Trump Calls Iran Deal Talks Tehran’s Last Chance The Trump Iran deal push entered a critical phase after the US president claimed negotiations were underway and called them Tehran’s last chance. Iran denied direct US talks, saying discussions with Oman concerned only the Strait of Hormuz, leaving the diplomatic process unclear. Trump Says Iran Talks Are Underway

Pakistan New Provinces Debate Exposes Political Fault Lines The Pakistan new provinces debate has intensified after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi declared that governance had collapsed and called for additional administrative units. Military remarks supporting governance reform have raised political concerns for the PML-N and PPP coalition. Naqvi Province Plan Challenges the Status Quo

Iran-Linked Foxtrot Network Accused of Recruiting Teen Killers The Iran Foxtrot network is under renewed scrutiny after reports alleged the criminal organisation recruited teenagers to carry out contract killings and attacks across Europe. Authorities in several countries continue investigating the group's activities, while Iran has rejected all claims linking the government to the network. Foxtrot Teen Rec

Trump AI Truth Social Posts Spark Online Attention Trump AI Truth Social posts featuring Elvis Presley, American historical figures, Greenland and Venezuela attracted widespread attention over the weekend. The images blended political messaging, fantasy and personal branding while reviving debate over AI-generated content in public communication. Truth Social Images Draw Attention

US Military Seeks Unconventional Iran Pressure Options US Iran military options are reportedly under review as CENTCOM seeks creative ways to pressure Tehran without launching a ground war. The strategy search comes as Trump alternates between strike threats and diplomacy over Iran’s nuclear sites and the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM Iran Strategy The US military has

Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji led 11,000 participants from 18 countries in a Texas Bhagavad Gita chant for global peace. The gathering marked its 11th uninterrupted year and emphasized memorization, daily recitation, India-U.S. goodwill and prayers for fallen soldiers.   11,000 participants from 18 countries join parayana Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji led 11,000 participants from 18

Telangana plans ₹10 crore NRI Bhavan in HyderTelangana plans to establish a ₹10 crore NRI Bhavan in Hyderabad as a centralized service point for overseas visitors. Announced at an ATA gathering in Baltimore, the initiative also seeks Telugu diaspora support for tourism promotion and heritage conservation. The Telangana government plans to establish an NRI Bhavan in Hyderabad with an estimated investmen

Brazil President Lula election campaign has officially begun as Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva told supporters he is in excellent shape and ready for the political battle ahead. The campaign launch signals the beginning of a closely watched Brazil election race that will determine the country's next leadership. Lula Launches Election Campaign

Iran Strait of Hormuz shipping route discussions with Oman are aimed at ensuring safe maritime navigation through one of the world's busiest waterways. Tehran says the proposed temporary corridor is designed to protect shipping while denying reports of direct negotiations with the United States. Oman Maritime Corridor Iran has confirmed that it is working with Oman to establish a temporary shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz to support safe navigation for commercial vessels. Speaking during a weekly press briefing on August 3, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the discussions with Muscat are focused exclusively on creating an interim maritime corridor that can maintain the uninterrupted movement of ships through the strategic waterway. According to Baghaei, the proposal combines the southern route passing through Omani waters with the northern route inside Iranian territorial waters into a single two-way navigation corridor. He explained that both countries are attempting to develop a practical arrangement that serves the interests of the two coastal states while protecting international shipping until a permanent framework is agreed upon. The statement was attributed to Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency. Strait of Hormuz Navigation The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most important energy transit routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Any disruption in the waterway can quickly influence global energy prices, shipping costs and international trade. Iran says the temporary corridor is intended to improve safety and reduce uncertainty for vessels operating in the region. Officials stressed that the proposal involves one integrated two-way transit system rather than multiple separate routes, making navigation simpler while addressing the operational concerns of both Iran and Oman. Iran US Relations Baghaei also dismissed reports suggesting that Tehran had resumed negotiations with the United States. He stated that Iran is not holding talks with Washington, directly contradicting comments made by US President Donald Trump, who said discussions with Iran were expected to begin and expressed optimism about reaching an understanding on both the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's denuclearisation. The Iranian spokesperson maintained that Oman is serving as a regional partner for navigation discussions rather than a channel for broader negotiations with the United States. He emphasized that Iran's current diplomatic efforts are limited to ensuring maritime safety in cooperation with Muscat. Regional Security Concerns Despite the progress in discussions with Oman, Iran cautioned that the proposed arrangement alone would not restore normal shipping conditions. Baghaei argued that broader regional tensions continue to affect maritime security and claimed the situation would remain unchanged as long as what Tehran describes as US aggression and blockade policies continue. The latest developments highlight the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global commerce. While the proposed temporary corridor could improve confidence for shipping operators in the short term, its long-term success will depend on wider regional stability and continued diplomatic engagement between the countries bordering the waterway. The statements reflect Iran's current position and have been attributed to remarks by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei during an official press briefing, as reported by Fars News Agency.

The US visitor visa bond program has become permanent, affecting selected B1/B2 visa applicants from 50 countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. Eligible travellers may need to pay a refundable bond of up to $20,000, depending on a consular officer's assessment. US Visitor Visa Bond Program Becomes Permanent The United States has

At least 30 people were killed after armed men attacked Naridon village in Kaduna State, northwestern Nigeria, residents said. The assailants reportedly arrived close to midnight, fired at civilians and burned homes, leaving families seeking safety and medical help. Naridon Residents said the attackers entered Naridon village in Kauru Local Government Area late on Sunday and began shooting with

Nepal's southern plains have experienced one of the country's most serious outbreaks of communal unrest in recent years. The Nepal Hindu Muslim violence explained through official statements shows how a local religious dispute in Sunsari district escalated into wider Nepal communal unrest, leading to multiple deaths, curfews and an urgent Nepal government response aimed at restoring peace. Nepal Communal Unrest Began in Sunsari

The Trump Iran pressure strategy has entered a new phase after reports that US Central Command asked military analysts for unconventional ideas to increase pressure on Tehran. The move comes amid continued military operations, stalled negotiations and renewed efforts to reshape US policy toward Iran. CENTCOM Email Requests New Ideas A senio