As AI chatbots grow more advanced, a small but growing number of people around the world are forming deep emotional bonds — and even proposing marriage — to their digital companions. From virtual partners offering emotional support to AI “spouses” providing companionship, these relationships are challenging traditional definitions of love and partnership. But one U.S. lawmaker wants to stop it before it goes too far. In Ohio, Representative Thaddeus Claggett has introd

The Trump administration announced that it is withholding approximately $18 billion in federal funds meant to support two of New York’s most ambitious infrastructure projects: a new rail tunnel beneath the Hudson River and the expansion of the Second Avenue subway. The decision, revealed on Wednesday, comes against the backdrop of the federal government shutdown and adds another layer of political tension to already strained negotiations in Washington. According to the adminis

United States companies are increasingly exploring India’s global capability centres as rising costs and restrictions tied to H-1B visas reshape talent strategies. India, already home to more than 1,700 global capability centres, has become an important destination for offshore operations, offering businesses a way to maintain innovation and critical work in-house at a time of regulatory uncertainty. With over half the world’s GCCs located in India, the country has moved far beyond its ea

Chubby Cattle BBQ has officially brought its unique dining experience to Pleasanton, opening its first Bay Area location at Pacific Pearl Pleasanton on Stoneridge Drive. Known for blending Japanese barbecue traditions with modern, high-tech dining, the restaurant offers an immersive all-you-can-eat format that has quickly gained popularity in other U.S. cities. Guests can expect more than just steakhouse dining—th

At a recent event attended by Supreme Hero Sai Durga Tej, Minister Seethakka, Young Indians Co-Chairman Bhavin Pandya, National Chairman Tarang Khurana, CII Telangana Chairman Siva Prasad Reddy, and Jyotsna Singh, the actor gave an emotional and impactful speech on child safety and the challenges posed by social media. Speaking at the gathering, Sai Durga Tej expressed his deep concern over the rising trend of abusiv

It’s a festive day in Washington as the Smithsonian’s National Zoo prepares to celebrate the fourth birthday of Qing Bao, one of its newest and most beloved giant pandas. Festivities are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Friday, marking her first birthday since arriving in the nation’s capital last fall. Visitors will be able to join in on the fun, and those unable to make it to the zoo can still tune in from home through the zoo’s live Giant Panda Cam. Qing Bao,

For many NRI families, international travel is a regular part of life. Whether it’s visiting relatives in India, exploring new destinations, or moving between countries for work, travel brings both opportunities and responsibilities. One area that often raises questions is vaccination, especially when it comes to vaccines that are not part of the standard childhood immunization schedule. Yellow fever and a few other rare vaccines fall into this category, and understanding when they are

Bravazo, the highly rated Peruvian spot named after a slang word for “excellent,” has opened a new home at 428 Main Street in downtown Pleasanton. The move follows a popular run inside Passion Pastry on Bernal Avenue, and early diners say the Main Street space lives up to the name with friendly service and crowd-pleasing plates. Founded by Lucho Blanco, Bravazo draws on family recipes and the flavors he g

A conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, caught on a hot mic during a military parade in Beijing, has sparked global intrigue. The leaders were walking alongside North Korean leader Kim Jong Un when the conversation, which seemed to touch on the future of biotechnology and the possibility of humans living to 150 years old, was accidentally broadcast live by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

At the East Coast Maritime & Logistics Summit, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu outlined an ambitious plan to turn the state’s coastline into a vibrant logistics and trade hub. The summit, held to strategize the development of the state’s coastal infrastructure, highlighted key initiatives that would enhance Andhra Pradesh’s position as a major player in global trade, shipping, and logistics.

A Dallas church’s mission to support families in need faced a painful setback after vandals destroyed a van that had been donated to help fund the operations of its food pantry. The van, which could have generated thousands of dollars in support for food distribution, was demolished by two teenagers in a shocking act of vandalism that has left the Pleasant Grove community both saddened and concerned. The Inspire

The Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in Japan and one of the most iconic landmarks of the country, was illuminated in the colours of the Indian national flag to mark the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tokyo on Friday, August 29. The tricolour lighting served as a symbolic gesture reflecting the warmth of the relationship between India and Japan. Modi is in Japan for a two-day visit to participate in the 15th Annual India-Japan Summit, which was hosted

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun his two-day Japan visit with a packed agenda that includes strengthening economic ties, advancing technology partnerships, and reinforcing India’s role in the Quad grouping. The visit comes at a time of rising trade tensions with the United States following President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods. Against this backdrop, Tokyo is positioning itself as a stronger ally for New

Former United States President Barack Obama has issued a strong warning regarding the direction of the country under Donald Trump’s leadership, particularly focusing on the growing use of military and federal force within US borders. In a statement shared publicly, Obama criticized what he described as the dangerous erosion of fundamental democratic principles, citing both the increasing federalization of law enforcement and the militarization of local po

A Washington D.C. resident has admitted to defrauding the federal government of pandemic relief funds by misusing a large disaster loan meant to support struggling businesses. Jennifer May, 43, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud after investigators found that she fraudulently obtained $1,500,000 in Economic Injury Disaster Loans, funds that were provided during the COVID-19 pandemic to help small businesses meet critical expenses. Her guilty plea has set

Kyoto, a city that beautifully blends history with modernity, has just unveiled one of its most unique attractions the Future Train Restaurant. Built on an abandoned elevated railway line in the Umekoji district, this vibrant dining spot transforms three upcycled train carriages into a creative hub of food, art, and nostalgia. Designed by Sebastian Masuda, a celebrated Japanese artist known for his colorful “kawaii” world, the project is being haile

Rishi Panchami in 2025 will be observed on Thursday, 28 August. Falling on the Panchami tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the Bhadrapada month, the vrat is observed right after Ganesh Chaturthi and Hartalika Teej. Considered a day of repentance, purification, and gratitude towards the Saptarishis, the festival is significant in many Hindu households where ancient traditions continue to be honored through fasting and puja. The Panchami tithi begins at 7:02 AM on 28

Australia and Japan have become the latest countries to suspend some parcel shipments to the United States after Washington ended its de minimis exemption that allowed packages valued under $800 to enter duty-free. The rule change, set to take effect Friday, has disrupted global postal services already struggling with rising tariffs and complex customs procedures. On Tuesday, Australia Post announced a temporary

Chick-fil-A has revealed a major expansion plan for Ohio, announcing on Monday that it intends to open between 25 and 30 new restaurants across the state by the end of 2027. The expansion will not only increase the presence of the popular fast-food chain but will also bring with it an estimated 3,000 new full-time and part-time jobs for Ohio residents. Company leaders emphasized that Ohio’s growing communities and its history of hard work and hospitality h

Illinois residents are rushing to secure rooftop solar installations before a major federal incentive expires at the end of the year. The 30 percent federal tax credit for clean energy systems, which was introduced under a legislative package signed earlier this year, will come to an end on December 31. For many homeowners and businesses, this looming deadline has created a sense of urgency, with installers reporting an overwhelming demand that has stretched th