Two young women from Telangana’s Mahabubabad district lost their lives in a tragic road accident in the United States after the car they were travelling in plunged into a gorge along a mountainous stretch of road in California. The incident occurred at a sharp curve on Alabama Hills Road, a scenic but challenging route known for its winding terrain. The deaths have sent shockwaves through their hometowns in Telangana, where families and residents are struggling to come to terms with the sud

Fresh signs of internal tension have emerged within the Congress after Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy appeared to counter senior party leader Digvijaya Singh through a social media post praising the leadership of

As the New Year’s Eve ball descends in Times Square, New York City will mark more than the arrival of 2026. The iconic moment will also serve as the opening signal for a nationwide commemoration of the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary, blending tradition with a forward-looking tribute to the country’s founding ideals. Organizers say this year’s celebration will feature a distinctly patriotic theme, with the ball illuminated in red, white and blue and an additional confetti re

Waymo, the self-driving technology company owned by Alphabet, may soon introduce a new digital co-passenger inside its robotaxis. The company is reportedly experimenting with integrating Google’s Gemini AI chatbot into its autonomous vehicles, allowing riders to converse with an onboard assistant that ca

A light-hearted White House Christmas tradition took an unexpectedly awkward turn after US President Donald Trump was gently cut short by First Lady Melania Trump during a live holiday call, creating a moment that quickly went viral across social media platforms. The exchange occurred during the annual Chr

Several new state laws aimed at improving worker pay, expanding health care protections, and strengthening consumer safeguards are set to take effect across Virginia on Jan. 1, marking one of the most wide-ranging policy updates in recent years. The measures touch on issues ranging from minimum wage increases to medical billing practices and digital protections for children, reflecting priorities lawmakers say are rooted in everyday concerns of residents. Political analyst Leslie Ca

US President Donald Trump stirred fresh controversy during a campaign-style rally in North Carolina after revisiting the FBI’s August 2022 search of his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. While recounting the episode to a cheering crowd, Trump unexpectedly shifted attention to First Lady Melania Trump

Former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has said that the Narendra Modi government is dismantling the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act to make way for the newly approved G RAM G law. She argues that the transition marks a major shift from a rights-based employment guarantee to a discretionary programme that could weaken rural incomes and job security. According to her, the change may affect millions who rely on the scheme for seasonal work, wages and protection against distre

Police in Arlington, Virginia, are investigating a suspicious vehicle reported near the Pentagon on Friday morning, prompting heightened security measures and road closures in the surrounding area. The incident has led to traffic disruptions as law enforcement agencies continue to assess the situation and ensure public safety near one of the nation’s most secure federal facilities. According to the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, the vehicle arrived at one of the Pentagon’s security checkpoints at approximately 7:45 a.m. The nature of the vehicle and the reason it was deemed suspicious have not been disclosed, and officials have so far released limited information while the investigation remains active. Authorities emphasized that precautionary steps were taken immediately after the vehicle was identified, in keeping with established security protocols. As part of the response, several nearby roads were closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. North Rotary Road and Fern Street were confirmed closed as of 10:19 a.m., creating delays for commuters traveling through Arlington during the morning hours. Law enforcement officials urged drivers to avoid the area if possible, use alternate routes, and comply with all police instructions while the investigation continues. Multiple police units were observed in the area as officers worked to secure the perimeter and evaluate any potential risks. Officials stressed that these measures are standard procedure during security incidents involving federal facilities, and they are intended to protect Pentagon personnel, nearby workers, and the general public. No injuries or evacuations were reported during the initial response period. Authorities have not indicated how long the road closures will remain in effect, nor whether the incident poses an ongoing threat. The Pentagon Force Protection Agency stated that updates would be provided as more information becomes available. Until then, residents and commuters in Arlington are advised to remain alert, monitor traffic conditions, and follow official guidance. The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement officials continue to work to determine the circumstances surrounding the vehicle’s presence at the checkpoint. Further details are expected to be released once the situation is fully assessed and it is deemed appropriate to share additional information with the public.

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.

California regulators have warned Tesla that its license to sell electric vehicles in the state could be temporarily suspended early next year unless the automaker revises how it markets its self-driving technology. The warning follows a legal decision concluding that Tesla misled consumers for years by overstating the capabilities of its driver assistance systems, particularly through the use of the terms Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. In a decision released late Tuesday, an admi

The Union government has asked Congress leader Sonia Gandhi to return a large collection of letters and papers belonging to India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, asserting that the documents are part of the nation’s documentary heritage and cannot be treated as private family property. The clarification was issued by the Ministry of Culture amid a political row over claims that Nehru-related papers were missing from the Prime Ministers Museum and Library in New Delhi. A

US President Donald Trump issued a controversial response on Monday following reports of the deaths of veteran filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, as authorities in California continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The comments, posted on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, quickly drew attention for their political tone and for linking the tragedy to long-standing ideological disputes. In his statement, Trump referred

Coastal communities across the Bay Area are being urged to prepare for hazardous surf conditions through Friday as forecasters warn of powerful waves and persistent marine risks. According to the National Weather Service, breaking waves between 12 and 16 feet are expected along northwest- and west-facing beaches from Sonoma County down to Monterey Bay, creating an elevated threat for anyone entering or approaching the water. A Beach Hazards Statement remains active for the North Bay, San Francis

A new data-driven study has offered one of the clearest pictures yet of how artificial intelligence is actually being used around the world in 2025. The analysis, conducted by OpenRouter, examined more than 100 trillion tokens of metadata from billions of interactions with a wide range of large language models. The results challenge widely held assumptions about how AI is contributing to productivity and reveal emerging behaviours that could shape the next era of the technology. Ope

San Jose officials are intensifying their response to a rapid rise in copper wire thefts that have disrupted streetlights, traffic systems and transit infrastructure across the city. The growing criminal activity has led to widespread outages, costly repairs and mounting concerns from residents, businesses and transportation agencies. The issue was the central focus of a panel discussion on November 12 that brought together leaders from broadband, business, transportation and law enforcement

The Cupertino City Council voted unanimously to appoint Tina Kapoor as the city’s next city manager, formally removing the word “interim” from her title and signaling a shift toward stability after years of leadership turnover. The decision places Kapoor at the head of the municipal administration during a period of ongoing debate over housing, development, and long-term economic planning in the Bay Area. Her appointment follows a series of frequent leadership changes that have shaped t

Questions continue to emerge at the California Capitol as Attorney General Rob Bonta faces heightened scrutiny over his use of campaign funds for legal services during his recent reelection effort. The issue gained traction after disclosures showed that Bonta’s campaign spent more than $468,000 on legal assistance connected to a federal inquiry that intersected with his 2022 campaign. Although Bonta has not been accused of wrongdoing, his reliance on campaign money to cover significant lega

A day after a Louisiana court rejected his application for asylum, Indian gangster Anmol Bishnoi is being deported from the United States and is expected to arrive in New Delhi around 10am on Wednesday, according to officials familiar with the matter. Bishnoi, who is wanted in multiple high-profile criminal cases across India, has been identified as the key conspirator in the killing of politician Baba Siddique in October last year. He is the younger brother of incarcerated gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi, whose syndicate has been active across several northern states. Sources stated that Anmol is being brought back to India on a chartered aircraft along with two fugitives wanted in separate Punjab-related investigations. A senior officer said that once his asylum plea was dismissed on Monday, US authorities initiated deportation procedures and notified Indian agencies of his travel schedule. The officer added that detailed coordination began immediately for securing his arrival. Indian security officials said arrangements have been made for multiple teams of Delhi Police to be deployed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport to assist central agencies. Preliminary discussions indicate that the National Investigation Agency will present Bishnoi before a court to seek custody in connection with ongoing terror and organised crime cases. Investigators are prioritising his alleged involvement in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in May 2022, the killing of Baba Siddique in 2024, and a firing incident outside the residence of actor Salman Khan. Baba Siddique’s son, Zeeshan Siddique, confirmed that he received an email from US authorities informing him that Bishnoi had been “removed” from the country. He said the communication was sent because his contact information was registered as part of the victim’s family details, and such updates were routinely provided. However, he added that he had no clarity on Bishnoi’s exact travel status or location after removal. Baba Siddique was shot dead outside his Bandra office on October 12, 2024. Following the attack, Mumbai Police arrested 26 individuals and invoked sections of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act. Anmol was listed as the mastermind in the chargesheet, and police claimed that audio clips recovered from the accused matched his voice, allegedly giving instructions for the execution of the murder plot. Indian authorities had sought Bishnoi’s extradition in January last year. In response, the US Department of State had requested additional information in March, specifically asking for detailed proof of his direct role in various crimes and supporting technical evidence. Bishnoi was arrested by US immigration officials in November 2024 for travelling with forged documents but was later released on bail after a period of detention. Investigators said Anmol fled to the United States in May 2022 using a fake passport issued under the name “Bhanu.” His cover began to unravel when US immigration authorities flagged discrepancies in reference letters submitted with his travel documents. A Red Corner Notice was issued against him in December 2022, and the NIA announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to his capture. Officials noted that Bishnoi faces 31 criminal cases, including 22 in Rajasthan alone, and has nine pending arrest warrants. The Lawrence Bishnoi syndicate, which he is believed to have helped manage from abroad, spans Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi, and is suspected of carrying out extortion, targeted killings and coordinated operations using overseas handlers. With his deportation underway, agencies expect a significant breakthrough in investigations linked to the network’s recent activities.

The investigation into the Red Fort blast has taken a darker turn as the NIA uncovered evidence showing the accused had initially planned large-scale rocket bomb strikes across Delhi before turning to a car bomb. According to sources, the group was actively attempting to develop a Hamas-style drone system capable of launching rocket-based explosives into crowded and high-security zones. Investigators revealed that the module was modifying commercially available drones to carry and launch leth