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)

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

Hours after United States President Donald Trump asserted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally assured him that New Delhi would soon halt the purchase of oil from Russia, the Indian government issued a carefully worded statement reiterating its independent energy policy. The clarification underscored India’s commitment to protecting its national interests and consumers amid global price volatility, without directly confirming or denying Trump’s remarks. In a s

Nuclear energy stocks rallied sharply on Wednesday following the U.S. Army’s announcement of a new initiative to deploy small nuclear reactors across military installations. The move has sparked renewed investor optimism in advanced reactor technologies, signaling growing government support for next-generation energy systems designed to meet future power demands. Shares of several nuclear-related companies surged in response to the news. NuScale Power, a pioneer in small modular r

At least 20 people lost their lives and several others were injured after a private bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire on Tuesday afternoon in Rajasthan. The tragic incident occurred on the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur highway when the vehicle, carrying 57 passengers, was engulfed in flames shortly after smoke was seen emerging from its rear section. According to local authorities, the bus had departed Jaisalmer around 3 p.m. and was en route to Jodhpur when the driver noti

Four people were killed and 12 others injured in a mass shooting that erupted in the early hours of Saturday morning in Leland, Mississippi, according to local officials. Authorities confirmed that the violence occurred on Main Street, an area that had been unusually crowded following Leland High School’s homecoming football game. Mayor John Lee said the tragic incident unfolded while residents were still gathered to celebrate after the game, which had drawn a larger-than-usual crowd to the

India has announced the reopening of its diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, marking a significant step in restoring engagement with the Taliban-led government. The decision, revealed during a bilateral meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi on October 10, represents the first high-level diplomatic dialogue between the two nations since the Taliban took power in August 2021. India had shut

  More than 250 flights were delayed Thursday across Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway International Airports as the ongoing federal government shutdown continued to affect staffing levels nationwide. According to data from the Chicago Department of Aviation’s flight-tracking portal, FlyChicago, delays began mounting early in the morning and grew steadily through the day, causing widespread frustration among passengers and airlines. As of 11:30 a.m., O’Hare Internat

Paul Kapur, a noted American academic and expert on South Asian security, has been appointed as the new Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia in the United States government. Known for his hardline stance against Pakistan’s military establishment, Kapur’s appointment marks a significant shift in Washington’s regional approach, especially amid renewed tensions in South Asia. His selection comes as the US seeks to redefine its engagement with both India and Pakistan whil

It has been more than two weeks since the rollout of GST 2.0 on September 22, but a nationwide consumer survey indicates that the expected benefits of lower taxes are not being fully passed on to buyers. The reform, which aimed to make a wide range of goods and services more affordable, appears to have produced uneven results across product categories, with automobiles emerging as the only sector showing substantial price reductions. According to a large-scale survey conducted acros

Elon Musk has come under criticism after sharing a post that denied British colonization of India. The post, written by Canadian commentator Stefan Molyneux, claimed that there was “no such thing as colonization.” Many critics immediately denounced the statement as an attempt to whitewash history and erase the lasting impact of centuries of exploitation. Musk’s decision to share the post, accompanied by a thinking emoji, was viewed by many as lending visibility to a deeply prob

The State Fair of Texas has officially opened its gates for the 2025 season, bringing with it a mix of exciting new attractions, traditional events, and the kind of festive atmosphere that has made it a landmark in Dallas culture for decades. The fair began its three-week run on Friday morning when Fair Park opened at 10 a.m., followed by the opening day parade at noon. To mark the start of the season, an evening ceremony took place on the steps of the Hall of State at 6:30 p.m., drawing crowds

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a strong message of economic self-reliance while inaugurating the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show in Greater Noida. Against the backdrop of a tariff war with the United States, Modi said that “India is not ready to be dependent on anyone.” He urged traders and manufacturers to embrace the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by focusing on local production and promoting swadeshi goods.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus sparked a political storm during the UN General Assembly in New York, openly stating that Dhaka’s relations with India have soured since last year’s student protests that toppled Sheikh Hasina. Yunus accused India of providing shelter to Hasina and spreading “fake news” portraying the uprising as Islamist-driven. According to him, this has deepened mistrust between the two neighbors, alrea

India’s only active volcano, Barren Island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, erupted once again this month, sending molten lava streams and thick smoke into the sky. The eruption, captured by an Indian Navy warship, showed glowing lava flows cascading down its slopes while plumes of smoke billowed from the summit. Though the eruption created spectacular visuals, scientists emphasize it is a reminder of the powerful geological forces at work beneath

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pushed back against US President Donald Trump’s claims that India is “funding Russia’s war in Ukraine.” Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Zelenskyy stated that “India is mostly with us” while acknowledging ongoing energy challenges that complicate the picture. His comments came after Trump, during a speech at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), dir

Cricket lost one of its most iconic and beloved figures as legendary umpire Dickie Bird passed away on September 23, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on April 19, 1933, in Barnsley, Yorkshire, Bird was not only an umpire but a symbol of the spirit of cricket, respected for his fairness, humanity, and ability to bring warmth to the game. The Yorkshire County Cricket Club confirmed his death with “profound sadness,” recognising him as a national treasure

Singer and viral sensation D4vd has canceled the remaining dates of his United States tour following the discovery of a decomposed body in his impounded Tesla. The 15-year-old girl, identified as Celeste Rivas, was found earlier this month, leading authorities to open a death investigation that has now overshadowed the artist’s career. The young performer, who rose to fame on TikTok with viral songs like “Romantic Homicide,” had been touring since August, with sche

Saudi Arabia’s decision to sign a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Pakistan has stirred debates across South Asia and the Middle East. The pact, which promises that an attack on one country will be treated as an attack on both, resembles a NATO-style commitment. For Pakistan, struggling with economic and diplomatic challenges, this deal is seen as a significant political win and a potential deterrence against India. Yet, beneath the surface, exper