
India and Afghanistan Hold Key Meeting in Dubai to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
A significant high-level meeting took place in Dubai between senior Indian officials and the Afghan Taliban leadership. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri represented India, while Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi attended on behalf of the Taliban government. The meeting, which is vital for fostering stronger bilateral relations, aimed to improve cooperation across various sectors, including humanitarian aid, development, trade, and security. One of the
India and Afghanistan Hold Key Meeting in Dubai to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
A significant high-level meeting took place in Dubai between senior Indian officials and the Afghan Taliban leadership. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri represented India, while Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi attended on behalf of the Taliban government. The meeting, which is vital for fostering stronger bilateral relations, aimed to improve cooperation across various sectors, including humanitarian aid, development, trade, and security. One of the

5 Tax-Free Investments for Building a Strong Financial Strategy
For many young people, managing bills and budgets can leave very little room for savings, but even small investments in tax-free schemes can significantly contribute to building a secure financial future. These investments act as a foundation for a solid tax strategy, offering benefits under the old tax regime with annual investment limits. Section 80C Under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, you can invest in options like the Public Provident
5 Tax-Free Investments for Building a Strong Financial Strategy
For many young people, managing bills and budgets can leave very little room for savings, but even small investments in tax-free schemes can significantly contribute to building a secure financial future. These investments act as a foundation for a solid tax strategy, offering benefits under the old tax regime with annual investment limits. Section 80C Under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, you can invest in options like the Public Provident

New Theory Suggests Pluto 'Kissed and Captured' Charon in Cosmic Encounter
A groundbreaking new theory suggests that Pluto's moon Charon may have been captured in a "kiss and capture" scenario billions of years ago, offering a fresh perspective on the formation of planetary systems. Led by NASA postdoctoral fellow Adeene Denton at the U of A Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, this study challenges long-standing models of moon formation. Instead of the traditional collision model, the researchers propose that Pluto and Charon had a brief, icy encounter, wh
New Theory Suggests Pluto 'Kissed and Captured' Charon in Cosmic Encounter
A groundbreaking new theory suggests that Pluto's moon Charon may have been captured in a "kiss and capture" scenario billions of years ago, offering a fresh perspective on the formation of planetary systems. Led by NASA postdoctoral fellow Adeene Denton at the U of A Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, this study challenges long-standing models of moon formation. Instead of the traditional collision model, the researchers propose that Pluto and Charon had a brief, icy encounter, wh

Bangladesh Court Denies Bail to Hindu Monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Sedition Case
A Bangladesh court on Thursday rejected the bail plea of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Hindu monk and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. Das, who previously served as a leader in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was arrested on charges of sedition and other offenses. The Chattogram Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Saiful Islam denied the bail request following a 30-minute hearing, which was held with heightened security. The bail petiti
Bangladesh Court Denies Bail to Hindu Monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Sedition Case
A Bangladesh court on Thursday rejected the bail plea of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Hindu monk and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. Das, who previously served as a leader in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was arrested on charges of sedition and other offenses. The Chattogram Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Saiful Islam denied the bail request following a 30-minute hearing, which was held with heightened security. The bail petiti

US Treasury Confirms China-Backed Cyber Breach
The US Treasury Department confirmed that a China state-sponsored actor was responsible for a recent cyber breach, compromising its workstations and some unclassified documents. The incident occurred earlier this month when the actor gained access through a third-party cybersecurity provider, BeyondTrust. Once the breach was detected, Treasury swiftly contacted the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and began working with law enforcement to investigate the incident and assess
US Treasury Confirms China-Backed Cyber Breach
The US Treasury Department confirmed that a China state-sponsored actor was responsible for a recent cyber breach, compromising its workstations and some unclassified documents. The incident occurred earlier this month when the actor gained access through a third-party cybersecurity provider, BeyondTrust. Once the breach was detected, Treasury swiftly contacted the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and began working with law enforcement to investigate the incident and assess

K Vijayanand to Take Charge as Andhra Pradesh's New Chief Secretary
Andhra Pradesh is set to welcome its new Chief Secretary, K Vijayanand, who will assume the role on December 31. Vijayanand, an IAS officer from the 1992 batch, will replace Neerabh Kumar Prasad, who is retiring after reaching the age of superannuation. Neerabh Kumar Prasad had been serving as Chief Secretary since shortly after the Andhra Pradesh elections in June 2024. His retirement has led to the swift appointment of K Vijayanand, a highly respected and experienced IAS officer.
K Vijayanand to Take Charge as Andhra Pradesh's New Chief Secretary
Andhra Pradesh is set to welcome its new Chief Secretary, K Vijayanand, who will assume the role on December 31. Vijayanand, an IAS officer from the 1992 batch, will replace Neerabh Kumar Prasad, who is retiring after reaching the age of superannuation. Neerabh Kumar Prasad had been serving as Chief Secretary since shortly after the Andhra Pradesh elections in June 2024. His retirement has led to the swift appointment of K Vijayanand, a highly respected and experienced IAS officer.

India's Key Infrastructure Projects of 2024 and Upcoming Plans
India has made substantial progress in its infrastructure development in 2024, with multiple major projects completed and new ones lined up for the coming years. The government’s commitment of Rs 11 lakh crore in capital expenditure this fiscal year, alongside strategic initiatives like the National Infrastructure Pipeline and PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, has fueled this growth. Key Infrastructure Projects in 2024:
India's Key Infrastructure Projects of 2024 and Upcoming Plans
India has made substantial progress in its infrastructure development in 2024, with multiple major projects completed and new ones lined up for the coming years. The government’s commitment of Rs 11 lakh crore in capital expenditure this fiscal year, alongside strategic initiatives like the National Infrastructure Pipeline and PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, has fueled this growth. Key Infrastructure Projects in 2024:

India's Fiscal Policy Flexibility Ahead of 2025-26 Budget Amid Global Uncertainty
As India prepares for the Union Budget of 2025-26, the finance ministry has highlighted the need for flexibility in fiscal policy, given the ongoing global economic and geopolitical challenges. While the fiscal deficit for FY26 is expected to be below 4.5% of GDP, there are concerns over the ability to accurately project receipts and expenditures in the current uncertain environment. The global situation has worsened, with escalating conflicts, further complicating fiscal planning.
India's Fiscal Policy Flexibility Ahead of 2025-26 Budget Amid Global Uncertainty
As India prepares for the Union Budget of 2025-26, the finance ministry has highlighted the need for flexibility in fiscal policy, given the ongoing global economic and geopolitical challenges. While the fiscal deficit for FY26 is expected to be below 4.5% of GDP, there are concerns over the ability to accurately project receipts and expenditures in the current uncertain environment. The global situation has worsened, with escalating conflicts, further complicating fiscal planning.

Man in Chhattisgarh Fraudulently Claims Benefits Using Sunny Leone's Name
A shocking case of fraud has come to light in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, where a man, Virendra Joshi, allegedly opened a bank account in the name of actress Sunny Leone and has been receiving Rs 1,000 every month under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, a government scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to married women. The fraud was discovered in Talur village, raising serious concerns about the verification process and the accountability of officials handling the scheme.
Man in Chhattisgarh Fraudulently Claims Benefits Using Sunny Leone's Name
A shocking case of fraud has come to light in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, where a man, Virendra Joshi, allegedly opened a bank account in the name of actress Sunny Leone and has been receiving Rs 1,000 every month under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, a government scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to married women. The fraud was discovered in Talur village, raising serious concerns about the verification process and the accountability of officials handling the scheme.

US Government Faces Shutdown Ahead of Christmas Holiday
The US government is facing a potential shutdown as the Friday night deadline for passing a spending bill approaches. The shutdown, driven by political deadlock, could furlough around 875,000 federal workers while 1.4 million essential workers would continue without pay during the holiday season. Although essential services like air traffic control and law enforcement would remain operational, employees will not be paid immediately, though they typically receive retroactive compensation once
US Government Faces Shutdown Ahead of Christmas Holiday
The US government is facing a potential shutdown as the Friday night deadline for passing a spending bill approaches. The shutdown, driven by political deadlock, could furlough around 875,000 federal workers while 1.4 million essential workers would continue without pay during the holiday season. Although essential services like air traffic control and law enforcement would remain operational, employees will not be paid immediately, though they typically receive retroactive compensation once

Search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 to Resume After 10 Years
The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in 2014, with 239 people on board, remains one of the greatest mysteries in aviation history. The Boeing 777, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, vanished after its last transmission at 40 minutes into the flight. Military radar showed it veering off course and flying back over Malaysia before heading south into the Indian Ocean. Despite extensive searches, no wreckage was found, and the mystery of its final location persists. A
Search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 to Resume After 10 Years
The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in 2014, with 239 people on board, remains one of the greatest mysteries in aviation history. The Boeing 777, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, vanished after its last transmission at 40 minutes into the flight. Military radar showed it veering off course and flying back over Malaysia before heading south into the Indian Ocean. Despite extensive searches, no wreckage was found, and the mystery of its final location persists. A

Nitish Kumar Launches App to Report Road Issues in Bihar
On Thursday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched a new mobile application, Hamara Bihar Hamari Sadak, aimed at enabling citizens to report poor road conditions in even the remotest areas of the state. The app was introduced at the Chief Minister's official residence, with Minister for Rural Works Ashok Choudhary and Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena also present for the occasion. The initiative is intended to utilize state-of-the-art technology for better maintenan
Nitish Kumar Launches App to Report Road Issues in Bihar
On Thursday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched a new mobile application, Hamara Bihar Hamari Sadak, aimed at enabling citizens to report poor road conditions in even the remotest areas of the state. The app was introduced at the Chief Minister's official residence, with Minister for Rural Works Ashok Choudhary and Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena also present for the occasion. The initiative is intended to utilize state-of-the-art technology for better maintenan

Bangladesh Accuses Adani Power of Breaching Deal Over Tax Benefits and Payments
Bangladesh's interim government has accused Adani Power of breaching a multi-billion-dollar agreement related to the supply of electricity from its coal-fired plant in India. The dispute centers on Adani Power withholding tax benefits that the power plant was entitled to under the agreement. The Indian company signed a deal with Bangladesh in 2017 to supply power from the Godda plant, but Dhaka claims that Adani Power failed to pass on the tax exemptions it received from the Indian govern
Bangladesh Accuses Adani Power of Breaching Deal Over Tax Benefits and Payments
Bangladesh's interim government has accused Adani Power of breaching a multi-billion-dollar agreement related to the supply of electricity from its coal-fired plant in India. The dispute centers on Adani Power withholding tax benefits that the power plant was entitled to under the agreement. The Indian company signed a deal with Bangladesh in 2017 to supply power from the Godda plant, but Dhaka claims that Adani Power failed to pass on the tax exemptions it received from the Indian govern

Passenger Aircraft Crashes Near Honolulu Airport, Two Dead
A Cessna 208 passenger aircraft, operated by Kamala Air, lost control and crashed near Honolulu Airport in Hawaii on a training flight. The crash occurred in an industrial area when the plane lost altitude rapidly, made a sharp left turn, and collided with a vacant building. The incident tragically claimed the lives of passenger Preston Kaluhiwa and 22-year-old trainee pilot Hiram deFries. Following the crash, the aircraft caught fire, and a large plume of smoke rose from the
Passenger Aircraft Crashes Near Honolulu Airport, Two Dead
A Cessna 208 passenger aircraft, operated by Kamala Air, lost control and crashed near Honolulu Airport in Hawaii on a training flight. The crash occurred in an industrial area when the plane lost altitude rapidly, made a sharp left turn, and collided with a vacant building. The incident tragically claimed the lives of passenger Preston Kaluhiwa and 22-year-old trainee pilot Hiram deFries. Following the crash, the aircraft caught fire, and a large plume of smoke rose from the

Telangana Assembly Adjourned After BRS MLAs Protest Over Tourism Policy
The Telangana Assembly was adjourned on Monday after BRS MLAs raised slogans and disrupted the debate on the Telangana State Tourism Policy. The debate, which resumed after a tea break, was halted when opposition members continued to protest against the Congress government. In response to the disruption, Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu criticized the BRS legislators for not adhering to the rules and traditions of the House. Speaker G. Prasad Kumar intervened, directing
Telangana Assembly Adjourned After BRS MLAs Protest Over Tourism Policy
The Telangana Assembly was adjourned on Monday after BRS MLAs raised slogans and disrupted the debate on the Telangana State Tourism Policy. The debate, which resumed after a tea break, was halted when opposition members continued to protest against the Congress government. In response to the disruption, Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu criticized the BRS legislators for not adhering to the rules and traditions of the House. Speaker G. Prasad Kumar intervened, directing

Bangladesh’s Yunus Announces Elections Likely in Late 2025 or Early 2026
Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has confirmed that general elections will likely take place by the end of 2025 or in the first half of 2026. Yunus, who was appointed the country’s "chief adviser" after a student-led uprising in August toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is overseeing a temporary administration that is focused on restoring democratic institutions in the country. Yunus, 84, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning microfinance pioneer, h
Bangladesh’s Yunus Announces Elections Likely in Late 2025 or Early 2026
Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has confirmed that general elections will likely take place by the end of 2025 or in the first half of 2026. Yunus, who was appointed the country’s "chief adviser" after a student-led uprising in August toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is overseeing a temporary administration that is focused on restoring democratic institutions in the country. Yunus, 84, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning microfinance pioneer, h

Supreme Court Reprimands Delhi Officials Over Unpaid Dues to Workers
The Supreme Court of India has reprimanded senior bureaucrats in Delhi, including the Chief Secretary, for the delayed payment of dues to construction workers impacted by the city's construction ban aimed at reducing pollution. The court had ordered that workers should be compensated during the ban, which was imposed on November 18, but only partial payment had been made. The government had promised ₹8,000 to over 90,000 workers, but many had only received ₹2,000 as an immediate relie
Supreme Court Reprimands Delhi Officials Over Unpaid Dues to Workers
The Supreme Court of India has reprimanded senior bureaucrats in Delhi, including the Chief Secretary, for the delayed payment of dues to construction workers impacted by the city's construction ban aimed at reducing pollution. The court had ordered that workers should be compensated during the ban, which was imposed on November 18, but only partial payment had been made. The government had promised ₹8,000 to over 90,000 workers, but many had only received ₹2,000 as an immediate relie

Devendra Fadnavis to Take Oath as Maharashtra CM for Third Term
Devendra Fadnavis is poised to begin his third term as Maharashtra's Chief Minister, with an oath-taking ceremony scheduled for tomorrow at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. This follows a period of suspense over the leadership of the newly-formed BJP-led Mahayuti government, which secured a sweeping victory in the recent state elections. Today, the BJP core committee officially finalized Fadnavis as its choice for Chief Minister, bringing an end to the uncertainty surrounding the post. Hi
Devendra Fadnavis to Take Oath as Maharashtra CM for Third Term
Devendra Fadnavis is poised to begin his third term as Maharashtra's Chief Minister, with an oath-taking ceremony scheduled for tomorrow at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. This follows a period of suspense over the leadership of the newly-formed BJP-led Mahayuti government, which secured a sweeping victory in the recent state elections. Today, the BJP core committee officially finalized Fadnavis as its choice for Chief Minister, bringing an end to the uncertainty surrounding the post. Hi

Lokesh Proposes to Revive Mid-Day Meal Scheme in Junior Colleges
In its ongoing efforts to reform public policies, the NDA government has now turned its focus on the education sector. Following changes in policies related to sand and liquor, the government is now preparing to revive an initiative aimed at reducing student dropouts in government junior colleges. IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh has announced plans to reinstate a government-funded mid-day meal scheme, initially introduced by the TDP in 2018. The program was designed to encoura
Lokesh Proposes to Revive Mid-Day Meal Scheme in Junior Colleges
In its ongoing efforts to reform public policies, the NDA government has now turned its focus on the education sector. Following changes in policies related to sand and liquor, the government is now preparing to revive an initiative aimed at reducing student dropouts in government junior colleges. IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh has announced plans to reinstate a government-funded mid-day meal scheme, initially introduced by the TDP in 2018. The program was designed to encoura

Do I Need a Will If My Husband and I Have Few Assets?
In this scenario, a wife from Arizona is questioning whether her husband's decision to not have a will is truly without consequence, given that their assets are limited to bank and brokerage accounts with transfer-on-death (TOD) beneficiaries and that they do not have children or significant real estate holdings. While it is true that accounts with designated TOD beneficiaries pass directly to the surviving spouse without going through probate, the wife is concerned about potential issues
Do I Need a Will If My Husband and I Have Few Assets?
In this scenario, a wife from Arizona is questioning whether her husband's decision to not have a will is truly without consequence, given that their assets are limited to bank and brokerage accounts with transfer-on-death (TOD) beneficiaries and that they do not have children or significant real estate holdings. While it is true that accounts with designated TOD beneficiaries pass directly to the surviving spouse without going through probate, the wife is concerned about potential issues