The debate over changing West Bengal’s official name has returned to the spotlight after state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said the state could be renamed “Paschim Banga”. According to Bhattacharya, a bill dealing with the name change is expected to be introduced in the Assembly, with the proposed name intended to reflect the state’s historical identity. Bhattacharya reiterated that “Paschim Banga” would be the preferred name instead of alterna

The Russia travel warning remains at Level 4 as the US Embassy issues an Irkutsk alert over a suspected plague case. While the WHO update says the wider plague risk is very low, Americans are still urged to avoid Russia because of security and wrongful-detention concerns. US keeps Level 4 Russia warning as Irkutsk case draws attention The United States has reiterated its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning for Russia while issuing a new

US visa revocations have surpassed 250,000 since President Donald Trump returned to office, according to the State Department. The total includes cases involving criminal conduct, visa violations, fraud and about 2,300 revocations connected to birth tourism. The U.S. State Department says it has revoked more than 250,000 visas since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025, marking a major increase in immigration screening and post-issuance enforcem

President Donald Trump used the Trump Xi state dinner at the White House on September 24 to emphasize his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping and a desire for more stable US-China ties. Their state visit also focused on trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan and wider security issues. US-China ties take center stage During his state dinner remarks, Trump said the United States and Ch

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s handling of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Washington visit, arguing that the ceremonial welcome showed excessive deference to the Chinese leader. Schumer also pressed the administration to maintain restrictions on advanced US artificial intelligence technology headed to China. Xi welcome draws Schumer criticism

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington on September 23, 2026, beginning a three-day state visit to the United States with an unusually high-profile airport welcome from President Donald Trump. The visit places trade, technology, Taiwan and wider global security issues at the center of another closely watched US-China summit. Xi’s aircraft landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greeted Xi and his wife,

A Michigan ID printing error affected about 8,200 enhanced driver’s licenses and state IDs produced on August 26, 2026. The cards showed a stock photo and generic birth date. Corrected replacements are being mailed automatically, with temporary IDs available. Michigan ID printing error affects one batch About 8,200 Michigan residents who applied for or renewed an enhanced driver’s license o

Tamil Nadu reportedly shortlisted Manellore and Cheyyur on Sunday, September 6, 2026, as possible locations for a new airport serving Greater Chennai. The development was reported from Chennai at 10:53 AM IST, days after Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s government abandoned the Parandur proposal. The Tamil Nadu government has reportedly shortlisted Manellore and Cheyyur as potential locations for a new airport serving the Chennai Metropolitan Area after aband

The U.S. visa interview for minors in India generally requires children to appear in person, including newborns and teenagers. The U.S. Embassy in India reiterated the rule as State Department interview-waiver standards remain narrower than in earlier years. The U.S. Embassy in India has reminded parents that minor applicants generally must appear in person for a U.S. visa interview, including newborns and teenagers approaching age 18. Sending only a parent or guar

Former West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker and senior Trinamool Congress leader Asish Banerjee was found dead at a party office near his residence in Rampurhat, Birbhum district, on Sunday. Police have begun an investigation, while a purported note recovered from the scene is also being examined. Asish Banerjee Found Dead at TMC Office Senior Trinamool Congress leader Asish Banerjee was found h

Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh is placing employment generation at the centre of the state’s development strategy, with a focus on attracting major technology companies, strengthening urban infrastructure and reducing the long-running migration of young professionals to other states. Employment Opportunities Remain a Major Challenge Creating quality jobs within Andhra Pradesh continue

The Andhra Pradesh government has joined hands with IIT Madras to develop a scientific and long-term solution to severe coastal erosion along the Uppada coast in Kakinada district, with a ₹323 crore protection project planned. Andhra Pradesh, IIT Madras Partner for Uppada Coast Protection The Andhra Pradesh government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IIT Madras on Wednesday, August

The Trump administration is reportedly considering an expansion of US visa social media vetting that could affect foreign journalists and other applicants. The proposed changes may require covered applicants to make their social media accounts public so US officials can review their online activity during visa screening. The reported plan would extend an immigration screening practice already applied to several cat

The US visa bond program became permanent on August 3, 2026, allowing consular officers to require $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 bonds from certain B1/B2 applicants. The rule covers 50 countries, targets overstays and does not currently include Indian nationals. The U.S. State Department made its visa bond program permanent on Monday, August 3, 2026, allowing consular officers to require certain B-1, B-2 or combined B-1/B-2

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday, August 1, 2026. During the visit, he will also launch infrastructure, energy, road and semiconductor projects worth more than ₹17,900 crore.   Bhogapuram, August 1, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inspect the passenger terminal at around 11 a.m. before formally inaugurati

At least nine people were killed after a portion of a four-storey residential building collapsed in Bhiwandi in Maharashtra’s Thane district late Thursday night. Rescue teams continued searching the debris on Friday as officials feared that more people could still be trapped beneath the concrete slabs. The building, comprising 48 rooms with 12 on each floor, reportedly collapsed at around 11:30 PM. Civic authorities had previously classified

YSRCP held statewide protests demanding Nara Lokesh’s resignation and a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities in Mega DSC-2025. YSRCP Intensifies Mega DSC Campaign Against Nara Lokesh The YSR Congress Party has intensified its campaign against Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh by organising statewide demonstrations over alleged irregularities in the Mega DSC-2025 teacher recruitment process. YSRCP leaders an

Illinois tax holiday savings depend on how much a family spends on qualifying products from August 7-16, 2026. The state rate falls by five percentage points, producing savings of $5 per $100. Clothing and footwear must cost under $125 per item, while eligible school supplies have no price cap. Families save $5 for every $100 For the full schedule, reduced tax rate and shopping rules, read our

Indian-origin Ohio State student Sarosh Sheth, 21, was killed near the Columbus campus after a Mustang allegedly ran a red light and struck pedestrians. The driver faces an OVI charge while police await toxicology results.   Crash near Ohio State campus COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State University neuroscience student Sarosh Sheth, 21, was killed after a Ford Mustang

California wildfire home hardening can help limit damage from wind-driven embers that enter vents, collect in gutters or ignite nearby debris. CAL FIRE recommends a five-foot ember-resistant zone, regular maintenance and fire-resistant upgrades statewide. Wind-driven embers can ignite homes far from flames   California homeowners are being urged to strengthen properties ag