In a major geopolitical development, Taliban-ruled Afghanistan has decided to restrict Pakistan’s access to cross-border river water by constructing a dam on the Kunar River. The directive came from Supreme Leader Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada, who ordered the Ministry of Water and Energy to begin construction “as fast as possible.” This move comes just weeks after deadly border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan that claimed hundreds of lives and amid heightened tensions followin

A horrific bus accident on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru route claimed 12 lives when a Volvo bus caught fire near Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh during the early hours of Friday. The Kaveri Travels bus, carrying around 40 passengers, began its journey from Hyderabad at midnight. Around 3:30 am, it collided with a two-wheeler near Ullindakonda on NH-44, leading to a spark that quickly engulfed the vehicle in flames. Within minutes, the fire spread throughout the AC bus, leaving passengers trapped as many

The Texas Education Agency has announced that it will assume control of Fort Worth Independent School District, marking one of the state’s most significant education interventions in recent years. TEA Commissioner Mike Morath confirmed Thursday that a board of managers will be appointed to replace the district’s elected school board, citing chronic academic underperformance as the driving factor behind the decision. Under state law, the appointed board will have the same powers

The redistricting process in Dublin City Schools has ignited a wave of frustration, division, and public outcry, as hundreds of parents filled auditoriums Wednesday to voice their discontent. At a series of “listening tour” sessions organized by the district, many parents expressed that they had lost faith in how officials have managed plans to redraw high school boundaries for the next academic year. The sessions, held across three venues in Dublin, drew parents carrying handma

A social media post by an Australian woman has triggered widespread outrage after she described Diwali decorations in a Sydney neighbourhood as a “threat” to Western culture. The remarks have sparked an intense online debate over cultural coexistence, diversity, and the meaning of multiculturalism in modern Australia. The controversy began when Kobie Thatcher, an Australian resident, posted a short video on X (formerly Twitter) showing several homes in Nirimba Fields, a suburb i

In a significant policy reversal, U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil producers, Rosneft and Lukoil, marking one of the most consequential economic measures against Moscow since the escalation of the war in Ukraine. The decision immediately triggered a 5% surge in global oil prices and prompted India, one of Russia’s biggest energy buyers, to reconsider its import strategy. The sanctions, announced on Wednesday, target companies

The Indian television industry has witnessed one of its most unexpected and talked-about crossovers as Microsoft co-founder and global philanthropist Bill Gates made a surprise cameo in the reboot of the iconic soap opera Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The brief appearance of one of the world’s most influential figures alongside one of India’s most beloved television characters has sparked a wave of astonishment and admiration across viewers and social media users alike.

Saudi Arabia has officially abolished the long-standing Kafala system, a major labour reform hailed as a landmark shift for millions of migrant workers across the Gulf region. The decision marks a new chapter in the kingdom’s ongoing transformation under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, an ambitious roadmap to modernize the economy, attract foreign investment, and improve the country’s global image. The Kafala system, which governed the relationship between empl

A Diwali celebration in New Jersey turned into an online controversy after a video of Indian students bursting fireworks on a public street drew criticism from social media users. The short clip, uploaded by 20-year-old Mukul Verma, showed a group of young people celebrating the festival of lights when local firefighters arrived and began spraying water on the fireworks. What was intended to be a joyful cultural celebration soon became a subject of heated online discussion over safety, legali

Global funding dynamics are shifting dramatically as artificial-intelligence (AI) startups gobble up a growing share of venture-capital (VC) investments. According to recent data, AI-related companies accounted for over half of all VC funding in early 2025, marking a major turning point in the tech investment landscape. The Numbers Tell the Story

Japan made history on Tuesday as Sanae Takaichi was appointed the country’s first woman prime minister after a decisive vote in the lower house of parliament. Her elevation marks a groundbreaking moment in a nation where political and corporate leadership remains overwhelmingly male. Takaichi, a prominent conservative and known China hawk, secured 237 votes in the 465-member House of Representatives, crossing the majority threshold in the first round itself. She is expected to formally assu

Direct flights between Shanghai and New Delhi are set to resume from November 9 after a gap of nearly five years, marking a major step toward restoring travel and economic links between India and China. The airline operating the route has confirmed that ticket sales have already begun for the much-anticipated service, which is expected to benefit both business and leisure travelers. The decision follows a recent agreement between the two governments to normalize travel and trade connections, sig

Washington — U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated on Friday that India will no longer buy oil from Russia, asserting that the South Asian nation has already begun reducing its dependence on Moscow’s energy supplies. Speaking at the White House during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump said the move reflects a broader international effort to isolate Russia economically over its invasion of Ukraine. “India will not be buying oil from Russia,” Trump

India is once again at the center of global diplomatic attention after former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to halt Russian oil imports. The Indian government swiftly denied the statement, emphasizing that its energy decisions are made independently and based solely on national interest. This move highlights New Delhi’s determination to maintain strategic autonomy amid increasing international pressure. Over the past two years

Diwali 2025 Overview Diwali, also called Deepavali, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals across India and the Indian diaspora globally. In 2025, the main Lakshmi Puja (Diwali Day) falls on: Date: Monday, October 20, 2025 Diwali is observed over five days, starting from Dhanteras (Oct 18) and ending with Bhai Dooj (Oct 22). Amavasya Tithi (New Moon)

The question of whether college is truly worth the cost has become one of the most pressing issues for students and families across the United States. Soaring tuition prices, growing student loan debt, and a challenging job market have left many young Americans reconsidering whether a college degree guarantees a secure future. For many, the decision to attend college is now less about personal growth or academic curiosity and more about financial return and long-term value. Public con

Thousands of Indian students studying in the United States are facing growing uncertainty over their post-graduation career prospects as new immigration policies and enforcement actions threaten the stability of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) and H-1B visa systems. The OPT program has long served as a bridge for international students transitioning from study to work, but recent developments suggest that this once-reliable path may soon become more complex and costly. The anx

The Supreme Court of India has allowed the use of green firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) during the Diwali season under strict regulations. The court’s decision permits their use between October 18 and 21, but only during specific time slots—between 6 am and 7 am, and from 8 pm to 10 pm on the day before Diwali and the day of the festival. The move is part of an effort to strike a balance between cultural celebrations and environmental protection amid growing co

Google has announced plans to establish its largest artificial intelligence (AI) hub outside the United States in Andhra Pradesh, marking one of the most ambitious technology investments in India to date. The project, valued at USD 15 billion, is set to unfold between 2026 and 2030, transforming the southern state into a major centre for AI research, innovation, and digital infrastructure. The initiative represents a significant step in Google’s long-term strategy to expand its global AI ca

India is on the verge of achieving another milestone in its growing sports journey, as the Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport has recommended Ahmedabad to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking the centenary edition of the event. This recommendation is not a coincidence but the result of India’s steady and strategic efforts over the past decade to become a global sporting hub. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has significantly strengthened its posi