NRIs, OCI holders, PIOs and foreign citizens can be nominated for the Padma Awards 2027, including Padma Bhushan, if their work shows distinguished service, public impact or exceptional achievement. India’s Ministry of Home Affairs said nominations for the Padma Awards 2027 opened on Sunday, March 15, 2026, and will close on Friday, July 31, 2026. The awards are expected to be

Hantavirus is a deadly virus carried primarily by rodents like mice and rats. Humans usually get infected by breathing air contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. This virus can cause two serious diseases: HFRS (Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome), which affects kidneys and may lead to internal bleeding, and HPS (Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome), which affects lungs and can become life-threatening. Understanding hantavirus, its symptoms, and prevention is essential for public safe

Early Life and Divine Incarnation Swaminarayan Bhagwan incarnated on Earth along with His divine dham to guide souls toward spiritual welfare and establish ekantik dharma. Born as Ghanshyam Pande on April 3, 1781, in Chhapaiya, India, He exhibited spiritual wisdom from a very young age. By the age of seven, He began learning Sanskrit from His father, Dharmadev, and quickly developed a profound understanding of sacred texts.

During the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in India, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held extensive discussions with Indian leaders, focusing on defence cooperation, fertiliser trade, and space collaboration. The meetings reinforced the India-Russia strategic partnership, building on previous agreements from the India-Russia summit and bilateral discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Mo

The petrol, diesel, and CNG price hike in India took effect on Friday, May 15, 2026. This was the first retail fuel price increase in four years, following the surge in global crude oil prices due to the Iran war.   Fuel Price Hike Overview in Major Cities The government raised petrol, diesel, and CNG prices following a surge in global crude oil prices triggered by the Iran war. This is the first retail fuel price hike in four years. The increase is expected to affect transportation costs, household spending, and overall inflation. City Petrol Price (Rs/Litre) Petrol Hike (Rs) Diesel Price (Rs/Litre) Diesel Hike (Rs) CNG Price (Rs/Kg) CNG Hike (Rs) Delhi 97.77 3.00 90.67 3.00 79.09 2.00 Kolkata 108.74 3.29 95.13 3.11 — — Mumbai 106.68 3.14 93.14 3.11 84.00 2.00 Chennai 103.67 2.83 95.25 2.86 — — Hyderabad 104.50 3.10 94.20 3.05 80.50 2.00 Economic Implications and Expert Insights India’s state-run oil companies, IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL, were absorbing high crude costs for months, incurring daily losses of around Rs 1,600 crore. Imported crude prices jumped from $69 per barrel in February to $113-114 per barrel after the Iran war began on February 28. Economists, including Finance Commission Chair Dr Arvind Panagariya, recommended that retail prices be adjusted to prevent further losses and sustain OMC operations. Prime Minister Modi has appealed to citizens to conserve fuel and encouraged work-from-home practices to reduce foreign outflows. The Delhi government initiated a 90-day campaign promoting fuel-saving habits and limited office days. The fuel price increase is expected to push up transportation and logistics costs, which may drive inflation in essential commodities like milk and vegetables. Household savings could shrink, and discretionary spending may reduce, potentially slowing consumption, production, and GDP growth. While consumers will feel the immediate impact, this step was unavoidable given the international crude price surge.

Wall Street Surges on Tech Strength Global stock markets climbed on Thursday, May 14, 2026, with major Wall Street indices reaching new record highs. Investor enthusiasm centered on technology shares, including Cisco Systems, which soared 13.4 percent following an upward earnings revision. Semiconductor startup Cerebras Systems made a strong Nasdaq debut, rising 68.2 percent on its first day of trading. The S&P 500 and N

WASHINGTON — Do senators get paid during government shutdowns? A new Senate rule would delay their salaries during future federal funding lapses, but the money would still be released after the shutdown ends. The U.S. Senate voted unanimously on Thursday, May 14, 2026, to withhold senators’ pay whenever a government shutdown affects one or more federal agencies. Senate Shutdown Pay Rule Explained The measure, sponsored by Sen. John Kennedy,

Bay Area gas prices eased slightly during the week ending Thursday, May 14, 2026, but drivers across Northern California were still paying some of the highest fuel costs in the United States. AAA data showed California’s average regular gasoline price at $6.147 per gallon on Thursday, compared with the national average of $4.534. California remained the most expensive state for regular gasoline in AAA’s state price data.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Bay Area schedule includes five group-stage matches and one knockout-round game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, which will be called San Francisco Bay Area Stadium during the tournament. The Bay Area will host matches from Saturday, June 13, 2026, through Wednesday, July 1, 2026, giving Northern California soccer fans six chances to watch World Cup action in person. The venue is one of 16 host stadiums ac

Families earning under $250,000 may still qualify for college financial aid, but the amount depends on the school, household finances, assets, application forms and the college’s total cost of attendance. There is no single U.S. rule that gives every family below $250,000 free tuition. Some selective private universities offer generous income-based grants, while public colleges and smaller institutions may use different formulas. The final amount often depends on the difference be

An NRI, or Non-Resident Indian, is an Indian citizen who lives outside India for work, education, business, family or long-term residence. For Indian citizens living in the United States, NRI status is important because it affects India travel, bank accounts, property ownership, tax treatment, voting rights and long-term financial planning. In simple terms, an NRI remains an Indian citizen while living abroad. This is why NRI status is closely linked to Indian passport righ

NRI vs OCI Difference: What Indian-Origin Americans Should Know The main difference between NRI and OCI is citizenship. An NRI is an Indian citizen living outside India, while an OCI cardholder is a foreign citizen of Indian origin who gets special India-related benefits but not Indian citizenship. For Indian-origin Americans, this difference matters because it affects passport use, India travel, voting rights, property ownership, banking access and long

Trump's Historic Visit to Beijing During his address from Beijing, US President Donald Trump praised the enduring strength of the relationship between the United States and China, emphasizing the mutual respect that exists between the citizens of both nations. Trump expressed his gratitude for the "magnificent welcome" he received upon his arrival, acknowledging the warmth and hospitality extended to him during his historic visit. Trump and Xi Jinping As part

Nokia was once the king of mobile phones, dominating the market with its pioneering mobile innovations. Introduced in 1992, Nokia’s first GSM mobile phone marked the beginning of the company’s rise as a leader in mobile technology. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, Nokia had captured over 40% of the global market share, securing its position as the world’s largest mobile phone manufacturer.   Iconic models and global expansion Nokia’s su

Kalvakuntla Kavitha, a prominent figure in Telangana politics, has been working to solidify her political identity, recently launching the Telangana Rakshana Sena. However, her recent response to a sensitive issue involving Bandi Bhageerath, who has been named in a POCSO case and is reportedly absconding, has sparked controversy. When asked to comment on the matter, Kavitha's reaction was unexpected. She smiled and laughed at the question, suggesting that more focus should be placed

Mount Rushmore, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is one of the most recognized landmarks in the United States. This monumental granite sculpture features the 60-foot faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. These iconic figures were chosen for their pivotal roles in the birth, expansion, and preservation of the United States. The Vision of Doane Robinson The idea for Mount Rus

Donald Gibb, the actor fans knew as Ogre in Revenge of the Nerds and Ray Jackson in Bloodsport, died Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at his home in Texas. He was 71. His son, Travis Gibb, said the actor died after health complications following ongoing health issues. No detailed medical cause was publicly released. Why Revenge of the Nerds Fans Remember Ogre Gibb became a 1980s cult-film favorite as Frederick Aloysius “Ogre” Palowa

Iraq and Pakistan Secure Oil and Gas Transport Deals Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Iraq and Pakistan have reached separate agreements with Iran to allow the transport of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) through the critical Strait of Hormuz. According to multiple sources, these agreements reflect Iran’s growing control over one of the world’s most important energy corridors, a situation that has intensified due to the ongoing

Hannah Harper is the Missouri singer who became one of the most talked-about names of American Idol 2026, thanks to her emotional voice, country-gospel roots and deeply personal story. Beyond the finale spotlight, Harper’s rise connected with viewers because her music reflected motherhood, faith, family and real-life struggle. Readers who want the full finale result can read our earlier report: Hannah Harper Wins American Idol Season 24 After Viral Rise.   Missouri Roots and Gospel Beginnings Harper’s connection to music began long before national television. She grew up singing in church and performed bluegrass gospel songs during her childhood years. She also sang with her family group, the Harper Family, traveling for performances and often relying on church love offerings. That background helped shape her humble stage presence and faith-based musical identity. Why “String Cheese” Became Her Breakout Moment One of Harper’s most defining moments came with “String Cheese,” an original song inspired by motherhood and postpartum depression. The song stood out because it was not just a performance. It gave audiences a personal look at Harper’s life as a young mother and artist, making her story more relatable to viewers across the United States. Family, Marriage and Motherhood Harper has been married to Devon Mendenhall since April 2018, and the couple have three sons. Her journey as a mother became a central part of how audiences understood her music. When she auditioned for American Idol in late 2025, her youngest son was one year old, adding emotional weight to her story of balancing family life and a national music competition. Musical Style and Influences Harper’s style blends country, gospel and emotional storytelling. She has spoken about connecting with artists such as Dolly Parton, Shania Twain and Jo Dee Messina. Her sound carries a traditional country warmth, but her personal lyrics and faith-centered background give her a distinct identity among recent American Idol contestants. Why Fans Connected With Hannah Harper Harper’s appeal comes from more than her voice. Fans responded to her honesty, small-town background and willingness to turn personal experiences into music. For many viewers, Hannah Harper represents a modern country-gospel artist whose story is rooted in family, faith and emotional resilience.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is scheduled to undergo a medical and dental examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday, May 26, as part of his annual preventive health evaluation, the White House said. The checkup comes as questions surrounding presidential age, fitness and medical transparency continue drawing national attention ahead of the 2026 political season. Trump, who turns 80 next month, remains the oldest person elected president in US history. Medical Exam Comes Before Beijing Summit The White House said the evaluation will take place roughly 10 days after Trump returns from a planned summit in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Officials described the appointment as a routine annual physical and dental review. Trump has repeatedly said he feels healthy and energetic despite ongoing public discussion about aging presidents in Washington. Speaking during an Oval Office appearance on Monday, Trump said he feels “literally the same” as he did decades ago and joked about exercising “about one minute a day.” Previous Health Reports Drew Public Attention Trump’s last major physical examination was conducted in April 2025, when White House physician Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella stated the president was “fully fit” to serve as commander in chief. The report also noted Trump had lost nearly 20 pounds compared to his 2020 medical evaluation. Later in 2025, White House officials disclosed that Trump underwent testing for mild swelling in his lower legs. Doctors diagnosed chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition affecting blood flow in older adults. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt also addressed visible bruising seen on Trump’s hands, saying it was linked to frequent handshaking and aspirin use. Trump reportedly takes aspirin to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. The president also received a flu shot and COVID-19 booster during a previous medical visit that included preventive heart and abdominal screening tests, according to White House officials.