The Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on certain items, including cigarettes, carbonated drinks, and luxury cars, may soon see a hike, according to government sources. This change is being considered as part of a proposal to replace the existing compensation cess with a new health and green cess, aimed at promoting sustainability and addressing health concerns. Currently, items like cigarettes, carbonated drinks, an

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to make a historic communication from space with school students and scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on July 4, 2025. The interaction, which will take place via ham radio, is part of the ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) programme, designed to connect astronauts aboard the ISS with students around the world, inspiring the next generation of space explorers.

Cardiac surgeon Dr. Ramakanta Panda has raised alarms over the increasing number of heart-related deaths among young Indians, following a series of sudden heart attacks in Hassan, Karnataka. On June 30, four men, aged between 50 and 63, tragically died of cardiac events, adding to the alarming number of heart-related deaths in the district, with 22 deaths reported over the past 40 days. The youngest victim was just 19 years old, which has sent shockwaves throu

In an effort to tackle the growing issue of late-night youth gatherings and associated disturbances, city leaders have approved an emergency summer curfew targeting minors. The curfew, which took immediate effect and is set to last through the end of August, applies to anyone aged 17 or younger and restricts their presence in public spaces after 11 p.m. Aimed at reducing violent behavior and improving safety in troubled neighborhoods, the measure also empowers city officials to impose stricter c

More than 100 children facing cancer and other life-threatening conditions were treated to a magical day of fun and excitement at a major indoor entertainment mall this week, thanks to a special summer camp that is dedicated to bringing joy and relief to young patients and their families. The outing offered a rare opportunity for the children to experience carefree moments filled with laughter, games, treats, and connection with their peers—all within a safe, medically supervised environme

San Jose has taken a bold legal step to address persistent drug activity and public safety concerns in one of its most historic public spaces. Repeat drug offenders are now officially prohibited from entering or lingering near St. James Park in the downtown area, following a court-issued injunction designed to reclaim the park for broader community use. The order was granted in late April and allows authorities to arrest individuals with prior drug offenses if they are found within 100 yards of

Novak Djokovic sent a firm message to his doubters after a tough opening-round victory at Wimbledon 2025. Despite battling a stomach bug and requiring medical attention, Djokovic triumphed over Frenchman Alexandre Muller with a scoreline of 6-1, 6-7(7), 6-2, 6-2. This win marked his 20th consecutive first-round win at Wimbledon, further solidifying his dominance on the grass courts. Djokovic, who has claimed seven Wi

A devastating explosion at a firecracker factory in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, on the morning of July 1, 2025, has left four workers dead and several others injured. The incident occurred at a factory in the Chinna Kamanpatti village area, located near Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district. Witnesses reported hearing continuous bursts of firecrackers and seeing thick smoke rising from the building after the explosion. Emergency services, including fire brigades, quickl

China has acknowledged that the longstanding border dispute with India remains "complicated" and will require time to resolve. However, the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed readiness to engage in discussions on delimiting the border and maintaining peace in the border areas. This statement came in response to remarks made by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun in Qingdao on June 26, 2025,

In the spirit of patriotism and unity, volunteers in Irving, Texas, are busy planting 40,000 American flags as part of the 2025 Great Flag Caper. This annual tradition brings together hundreds of residents to decorate the streets and show their love for the country, just in time for the Fourth of July. The flags will be placed in front of homes, businesses, and places of worship, spanning almost 11 miles of MacArthur Boulevard.

Amid the growing speculation over a potential leadership change in Karnataka, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed the issue, stating that the decision lies in the hands of the party’s high command. Responding to media questions, Kharge remarked, “It is in the hands of the party high command. No one can say what is going on in the high command,” suggesting that the leadership change, rumored to see D.K. Shivakumar as the next Chief

Nearly 100,000 California state workers will have their return-to-office mandate delayed by another year, thanks to a new agreement between the state and SEIU Local 1000, California’s largest public employee union. The revised deal, announced Sunday, pauses Governor Gavin Newsom’s previously mandated office return schedule for union-represented workers, shifting the timeline from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2026. The decision marks a significant development for thousands of public em

Tragedy unfolded near Canfield Mountain in Idaho on Sunday when two firefighters were ambushed and killed while responding to a wildfire, now named the Nettleton Gulch Fire. The loss of these responders has deeply shaken the Coeur d’Alene community, which is grappling with the unthinkable event that unfolded in a place where such violence is rare. Local authorities and community members are mourning the lives of two respected professionals who had dedicated themselves to public service.

More than 1,000 athletes gathered in the heart of the South Bay this weekend to participate in the highly anticipated Special Olympics, a statewide celebration of athleticism, inclusion, and community spirit. Hosted at Santa Clara University, the event drew competitors from 35 counties across California, all converging to test their skills, share camaraderie, and represent the unifying power of sports. The vibrant atmosphere on Saturday was marked by the sights and sounds of fr

As summer rolls in and school halls fall silent, families across Illinois are seeking affordable and enriching ways to spend time together. Whether it’s a day in the park, a movie outing, or a refreshing swim, the season offers many leisure options. But for those looking to make the most of summer without stretching their budget, Illinois libraries have something unique in store. The Explore More Illinois program is quietly transforming how residents experience the state&

A growing sense of urgency is taking hold among residents living along Malcolm X Avenue in Southeast Washington, D.C., as frequent car crashes—many attributed to reckless speeding—continue to disrupt daily life and threaten public safety. With mounting property damage and emotional distress, neighbors are now calling on city leaders to implement immediate and lasting traffic safety measures before another life is lost. James Grentham, an 82-year-old who has lived on Ma

The North to Shore Festival concluded its third annual celebration with a powerful finale on Sunday night, wrapping up two lively weeks filled with music, comedy, and creative expression in Newark and Asbury Park. Celebrated as an event “only Jersey can handle,” the festival continues to grow as a cultural cornerstone, spotlighting the talent, resilience, and artistic depth of New Jersey’s communities. With stages set in both Newark and Asbury Park, the festival

  In a quirky twist on summer tradition, Olive Garden is making waves by combining two seasonal favorites: pasta and pool time. The Italian-American restaurant chain is set to launch a line of limited-edition, pasta-themed pool floats on June 30, just in time for the heart of summer. The inflatable collection brings Olive Garden's signature menu items into the sun-soaked realm of summer recreation, offering customers a fun, food-inspired way to lounge poolside.

  A recent study by Stockton University has revealed that a majority of New Jersey residents believe beach tag or badge prices are too high, and many feel that access to the state’s beaches should be free. This long-standing issue has sparked renewed debate across the Garden State as summer arrives and families make their way to the shore. The study found that 65% of residents think beaches are public resources and should be accessible to everyone without additional fees.

James E. Ryan, the president of the University of Virginia, announced his resignation on Friday following growing pressure from the Trump administration’s Justice Department over the university's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. According to individuals familiar with the matter, Ryan called a meeting with senior leadership and informed them of his decision to step down. The Justice Department had reportedly insisted on his resignation as part of an ultimatum to re