NASA has announced that astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) since June, will remain in space at least until late March 2025. Originally, they were meant to spend just eight days aboard the ISS, but due to issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft's propulsion system, their mission was altered. After Starliner faced difficulties, NASA decided to send the astronauts back with the Crew-9 mission, which arrived in S

Indian cricket team spinner R. Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket after the third Test match against Australia in Brisbane on Wednesday. Ashwin, who played a pivotal role in India’s rise to the top of Test cricket, made the announcement during a joint press conference with captain Rohit Sharma, after the game ended in a draw. Ashwin, with 537 wickets in 106 Test matches, is the second-highest wicket-taker for India, following only Anil Kumble's record of

The Biden administration has introduced important modifications to the H-1B visa program, aimed at facilitating the hiring of highly-skilled foreign workers, particularly in the tech sector. These changes are expected to benefit thousands of Indian professionals seeking to work in the United States. The rule, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), expands the definition of specialty occupations and introduces provisions for nonprofits and governmental research organizations t

Vikram Ashok Deshmukh, a 31-year-old software engineer, tragically passed away from a heart attack while playing cricket at Mumbai's Azad Maidan last Sunday. Deshmukh, who worked in an IT company, was an avid cricket player and participated regularly in matches at the popular ground. On the day of the incident, he was playing in a 25-over practice match where his team was chasing a target of 159. During the match, Deshmukh complained of chest pain in the 10th over but continued pla

At Chennai Airport, an Air India cabin crew member was arrested for helping a passenger smuggle 1.7 kg of gold. The incident occurred when the flight from Dubai landed on Sunday. Customs officials intercepted the passenger and the crew member after the passenger admitted to handing over the gold during the flight. Upon searching the crew member, officials found the gold concealed in the undergarments, l

China has expanded its visa-free transit policy, allowing travelers from 54 eligible countries, including the United States, Canada, and several European and Asian nations, to stay in the country for up to 10 days (240 hours) without a visa. This move is part of China's effort to boost international tourism and revive its economy post-pandemic. Eligibility: Passport holders from 54 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Germany, France

The weakening of Asian currencies is bringing key levels into focus as traders prepare for further dollar gains, fueled by expectations surrounding Donald Trump's economic policies. The Bloomberg Asia Dollar Index is on track for its third consecutive monthly loss, with traders betting that Trump’s low-tax and high-tariff approach will increase inflation and boost the dollar. According to the latest data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, both hedge funds and asset manag

China, the world's second-largest economy, is working to recover from the effects of its three years of pandemic isolation. In a bid to attract more international visitors and boost its economy, China recently announced an expansion of its visa-free transit policy. The new policy, which is effective immediately, allows travelers from 54 countries, including the US, Canada, and several European and Asian nations, to stay in parts of China for up to 10 days. Previously, the visa-f

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently made significant remarks regarding India’s Constitution, highlighting the democratic process of its adoption and emphasizing its deep connection with India's traditions. Shah stated that the Constitution was adopted after extensive feedback from the people, marking a democratic milestone in India’s history. Some of his key quotes touched upon the ongoing debates in Parliament about the Constitution, noting that they have served

In a significant political development, the BJP has decided to send notices to MPs who were absent in the Lok Sabha during the introduction of the government’s flagship One Country One Election Bill. Sources revealed that more than 20 BJP MPs were not present during the division of the house, even though the party had issued a three-line whip instructing all members to be present. Despite the absences, the government successfully passed the bills, which aim to amend t

Konidela Naga Babu, the well-known actor and politician, is set to join the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet under the NDA government, but his appointment process is expected to take longer than initially anticipated. Discussions between Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan have confirmed that Naga Babu will be appointed to the Cabinet, but the process will involve first nominating him to the Legislative Council (MLC). The MLC elections are scheduled for March next year, and Naga

In response to growing opposition doubts over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee has dismissed the allegations and called on critics to prove how the machines can be hacked. Banerjee stated that if people have concerns, they should demonstrate their claims to the Election Commission. He emphasized that if proper procedures are followed, including EVM randomization and mock polls at polling booths, the allegations lack substance. Banerjee's

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

On Monday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu visited the Polavaram project in Eluru district to review its progress. During his inspection, he sought details from the officials overseeing the project. The officials informed him that more than Rs 1,200 crore would be needed for constructing the diaphragm wall and guide bund, crucial components of the project. Speaking to the media, CM Naidu highlighted that the government aims to finish the entire Polavaram project b

Bitcoin reached an all-time high of over $106,000, marking a significant milestone just 10 days after surpassing the $100,000 mark. The cryptocurrency’s surge is fueled by expectations that the Federal Reserve may cut interest rates during its upcoming policy meeting. Lower interest rates historically benefit Bitcoin, as they weaken the US dollar and increase the money supply, driving investor interest in digital assets. Bitcoin has risen over 77% in the last year, and its rec

A shocking revelation from the Financial Times has disclosed that ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime airlifted around $250 million to Moscow between 2018 and 2019. The cash, including nearly two tonnes of $100 bills and €500 notes, was flown to Moscow’s Vnukovo airport and deposited in Russian banks under sanctions. This move was part of Assad's efforts to bypass Western sanctions that isolated Syria from the global financial system. During this time,

Congress has criticized National Conference leader and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his changing approach to EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) allegations. This criticism came after Abdullah dismissed claims raised by Congress and other opposition parties about EVM manipulation following the Maharashtra election results. Senior Congress leader Manickam Tagore pointed out that while opposition parties like the NCP, Shiv Sena, and Samajwadi Party have questioned the integrit

Nikita Singhania, the estranged wife of techie Atul Subhash, was arrested by Bengaluru police in Gurugram after being accused of abetting his suicide. Atul Subhash, aged 34, was found dead at his Bengaluru home, leaving behind a suicide note and a video accusing Nikita and her family of cruelty and dowry harassment. Nikita, along with her mother and brother, initially evaded arrest by constantly changing locations and using WhatsApp for communication. However, a single phone call by

Prince Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III, has become embroiled in a new scandal involving an alleged Chinese spy. The businessman, identified only as "H6" for legal reasons, gained significant trust from the Duke of York, reportedly even acting on his behalf in an international financial initiative related to China. Court documents reveal that H6 had such a close relationship with Prince Andrew that he was invited to the Duke's birthday party and granted access to

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday honored the soldiers who played a pivotal role in India's victory during the 1971 war, known as Vijay Diwas. The day commemorates the surrender of Pakistani forces to the Indian Army, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. In a post shared on X, PM Modi paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of the soldiers who contributed to this historic victory. Modi emphasized the selfless dedication and determination of the Indian soldiers, notin