Columbia’s student visa advisory recommends that international students return to New York before classes begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The guidance comes before a DHS rule establishing fixed admission periods for F and J visa holders takes effect. Columbia University has advised international students to return to New York before classes begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, ahead of a major change to U.S. admissi

TTD posting controversy has triggered questions after a report alleged that an employee who celebrated Chandrababu Naidu’s 2023 arrest received an AEE-level assignment. With no official order or response publicly verified, the claims require an impartial review. TTD Posting Controversy Over Alleged Anti-Naidu Remarks A controversy has emerged around an alleged personnel decision at Tirumala Tirupat

France is preparing to introduce a social media age ban for children under 15, aiming to improve teen safety and reduce cyberbullying. While the proposal has gained political backing, officials still face major challenges in implementing secure, privacy-friendly age verification systems. France Social Media Age Ban Nears Approval but Age Verification Remains

A China Coast Guard baton attack during a Philippine resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal has further heightened tensions in the South China Sea. Philippine military officials said a sailor suffered a serious head injury during the confrontation, adding to a series of incidents involving disputed waters claimed by both Manila and Beijing. Second Thomas Shoal confrontation The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the incident occurred near the BRP Sierra Madre, a decommissioned Philippine Navy vessel grounded at Ayungin Shoal since 1999 to maintain the country's presence in the disputed area. According to the AFP, a China Coast Guard rigid-hull inflatable boat carrying several personnel approached the outpost, circled the vessel and recorded photos and videos before the confrontation escalated. Philippine officials alleged that one China Coast Guard member struck a Philippine Navy sailor on the head with a wooden baton during the encounter. Medical personnel immediately treated the injured sailor before he was evacuated for further medical care. The reported incident took place during a routine presence-maintenance and resupply operation. China Coast Guard activities The latest confrontation adds to a growing list of maritime incidents involving Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. Philippine authorities have repeatedly accused the China Coast Guard of blocking, ramming, boarding and using water cannons against Philippine boats operating within what Manila considers its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). China maintains that its coast guard is enforcing Chinese sovereignty against what it describes as unlawful incursions by Philippine vessels. Beijing continues to assert broad claims across most of the South China Sea despite objections from neighbouring countries. South China Sea dispute Second Thomas Shoal remains one of the region's most sensitive flashpoints. The Philippines argues that the shoal lies within its EEZ under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), while China insists it has historical sovereignty over the surrounding waters. Throughout this year, both sides have reported multiple stand-offs around Second Thomas Shoal, Scarborough Shoal and Sabina Shoal. Philippine officials have also raised concerns over increased China Coast Guard patrols, maritime militia activity and research vessels operating near disputed features. Earlier this year, Manila accused Chinese fishing vessels of causing environmental damage near the shoal, while Beijing rejected those allegations. China-Philippines tensions Security concerns have continued to grow as China carried out military exercises in parts of the South China Sea and the Philippines expanded defence cooperation with the United States, Japan and several ASEAN partners through joint military drills. Diplomatic protests have also increased following disputes over floating structures, fishing access and maritime patrols. The broader dispute remains unresolved despite the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which found that China's expansive claims had no legal basis under UNCLOS. The Philippines continues to cite the ruling as the foundation of its maritime rights, while China rejects the decision and refuses to recognise its legal validity. The latest reported injury marks another serious escalation in the long-running maritime dispute. Although neither side has indicated an intention to pursue military conflict, analysts continue to warn that repeated close encounters between vessels increase the risk of miscalculation. Philippine authorities said they remain committed to protecting their personnel and maintaining their presence in the disputed waters, while Beijing continues to defend its actions as lawful enforcement of its territorial claims.

US Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance have welcomed their fourth child, a baby boy named Alec Neel Vance. The announcement, shared by Vance on X, marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first sitting US vice president in more than 150 years to welcome a child while in office. JD Vance fourth child announced on X US Vic

The National Council for Teacher Education has constituted a five-member committee to investigate alleged irregularities at four Madhya Pradesh B.Ed colleges. The inspection will verify approved locations, infrastructure, faculty strength and compliance with NCTE regulations before submitting a report within five working days. NCTE Constitutes Five-Member Committee In an order issued on July 15, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), under the Education Ministry, constituted a five-member independent fact-finding and verification committee to investigate alleged irregularities at four B.Ed colleges in Madhya Pradesh. The inquiry follows reports that some institutions were not operating from their declared addresses and lacked the infrastructure required under NCTE regulations. The committee has been directed to complete its investigation and submit a detailed report, supported by documentary evidence, photographs and videographic records, within five working days. The committee is headed by H.C.S. Rathore, former Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of South Bihar. Its members include Ashima Mangla, Joint Secretary at the University Grants Commission (UGC); Bhagwati Prasad Kalal and J.P. Singh, Directors in the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education; a nominee of the Madhya Pradesh government; and Wg Cdr Vijay Rana, Regional Director of the NCTE's Western Regional Committee. Inspection Expanded to Four Colleges The investigation was launched after media reports raised concerns about three B.Ed colleges affiliated with Barkatullah University. During the preliminary verification, officials found that another B.Ed college was operating from the same premises, increasing the total number of institutions under investigation to four. According to the NCTE, the committee reached Madhya Pradesh on July 17 and has already begun physical inspections. The regulator said the additional institution was identified during the initial study, prompting the expansion of the inquiry. Compliance With NCTE Norms Under Review The committee has been instructed to conduct on-site inspections using geotagged photographs and videos to verify whether the colleges are functioning from their approved locations. Officials will compare their findings with the institutions' recognition documents, Performance Appraisal Reports (PARs) and other official records submitted to the NCTE. The inspection will also assess whether the colleges comply with the provisions of the NCTE Act, 1993, NCTE Regulations and prescribed recognition standards. Areas under review include infrastructure, classrooms, laboratories, land availability, faculty strength and other academic and administrative requirements necessary for operating teacher education programmes. Strict Action Possible After Investigation The committee has been directed to submit its findings within five working days. Based on the report, the NCTE will conduct a comprehensive review before deciding on further action against the institutions. Describing the matter as a serious lapse, the regulator said strict punitive action would be taken against any institution found violating the NCTE Act, regulations or recognition norms after the completion of the 360-degree verification process.

A 16-year-old student in Rajasthan’s Dholpur district reportedly died by suicide after an alleged skin colour taunt by a classmate on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The case has raised concerns about school bullying, colour-based discrimination and student mental health. Rajasthan Teen Suicide Case A 16-year-old student identified as Rahul reportedly died by suicide in Rajasth

Last Updated: July 18, 2026 Most Indian students studying in the United States have some form of insurance, but the type and coverage vary. This guide explains university health insurance, private insurance, travel insurance, accidental death benefits, repatriation coverage and the protection studen

Last Updated: July 18, 2026 Student insurance may help cover the repatriation of remains to India, but coverage depends on the policy. This guide explains international student insurance, accidental death benefits, transportation costs, consular assistance and the documents families may need after a death in the United States. When

Last Updated: July 20, 2026 Family compensation after a U.S. student crash may be available when another driver or responsible party caused the death. This guide explains liability insurance, wrongful-death claims, uninsured motorist coverage, funeral costs and the steps an Indian family may need to take. When an Indian student dies in a U.S. car crash without causing the collisio

This guide explains NRE, NRO and FCNR accounts in plain English, compares tax and repatriation rules, shows where overseas and Indian income should go, and gives realistic account combinations for salaried NRIs, landlords, investors and families. Last reviewed: July 18, 2026 The first banking question most new NRIs ask sounds simple: “Which Indian account should I use now?”

Last reviewed: July 18, 2026 Moving abroad changes more than your address. Your Indian bank accounts, tax status, investments, insurance, property records, nominees and digital access may all need attention. These issues may not feel urgent when you leave, but a failed transaction, expired mobile number, tax notice or missing document can later create stress. This practical checklist explains what to update in India during the

Skyroot Aerospace is preparing Vikram-1 for its maiden orbital mission from Sriharikota. Scheduled for July 18, 2026, the launch could mark India’s first privately developed orbital rocket flight and strengthen the country’s commercial small-satellite launch sector. The Vikram-1 first orbital launch is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. IST on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Through Missio

Sonam Wangchuk removed from Jantar Mantar after Delhi Police carried out an early-morning operation in New Delhi at around 6:30 a.m. IST on Saturday, July 18, 2026. He was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on the 21st day of his hunger strike after police said doctors had advised urgent medical care under Delhi High Court directions. Sonam Wangchuk Removed From Jantar Mantar According to police sources cited in the rep

Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval reviewed India-Myanmar security cooperation with his Myanmar counterpart, U Tin Aung San, during bilateral talks held around the fifth BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs’ Meeting in New Delhi. The engagement came as conflict inside Myanmar continues to create security, humanitarian and economic challenges along India’s northeastern frontier. Myanmar Risk to India’s Northeast

More than 500 Rohingya refugees are feared dead after two overcrowded boats reportedly capsized off Myanmar’s coast. UNHCR and IOM said the incident remains unconfirmed and called for urgent search operations, regional cooperation and safer refugee protection routes. Myanmar Boat Tragedy Remains Unconfirmed Initial information indicates that one vessel carrying approximately 250 people lost contact soon after leav

Sonam Wangchuk’s protest at Jantar Mantar is gaining national attention as his indefinite hunger strike continues over alleged examination irregularities. Political visits, health concerns and a planned Parliament march have increased pressure for a government response. Sonam Wangchuk Protest Draws Wider Attention Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar has begun attracting wider public,

AP local body elections are emerging as a major test for the TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance. As YSRCP-linked narratives question Jana Sena’s expected seat share, the party leadership is asking workers to strengthen its grassroots organisation and maintain coordination with NDA partners. AP Local Polls Bring Alliance Questions Into Focus The approaching local body elections in Andhra Pradesh are beginning to generate political debate over sea

Trump weighs strike on Iran Pickaxe Mountain as reports say the White House is reviewing military options against Tehran's underground nuclear facility near Natanz. The site is believed to play a future role in Iran's nuclear programme, while international inspectors continue seeking access.   Trump Weighs Strike on Iran Pickaxe Mountain

Iran continues US talks despite military pressure, according to the White House, which says Tehran remains interested in reaching an agreement with Washington. Officials also stressed that the Trump administration will continue protecting international shipping while pursuing diplomacy alongside military deterrence. Iran Continues US Talks Despite Military Pre