Raksha Bandhan is often associated with rakhis, sweets and gifts, but for Gen Z siblings, the celebration is also about the everyday moments that make their bond unique. A sarcastic roast, a random meme, a fight over snacks or a late-night conversation can express affection more naturally than a formal emotional message. Their relationships may look chaotic, but they are often built on trust, shared memories and the comfort of knowing that someone will stand by them when it matters.

Trump administration pauses visa appointments worldwide The Trump administration has paused visa appointments for applicants around the world as U.S. embassies and consulates begin a global training initiative for consular officers. A U.S. State Department spokesperson said visa-service appointments would be adjusted to accommodate the training. The department did not provide a detailed timeline or specify how long the disruptions could last at individual diploma

Tiruchy airport begins domestic cargo operations Domestic cargo operations have commenced at the passenger terminal of Tiruchy International Airport, opening a new air-freight option for businesses and traders in the region. The service began on Tuesday after the airport received final security vetting approval from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, or BCAS. The approval allows domestic cargo handling to start before a dedicated cargo terminal is developed a

Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi observed with prayer and reflection Muslims in many parts of India are observing Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Milad-un-Nabi, with prayers, religious gatherings, processions, charity initiatives and family celebrations. The occasion commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad, regarded in Islam as the final prophet and messenger of God. It falls in the Islamic month of Rabi’ al-Awwal and provides an opportunity for those who observe it t

Modi extends Onam and Milad-un-Nabi greetings Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended greetings to people across India on the occasions of Onam and Milad-un-Nabi, highlighting the values of happiness, prosperity, togetherness and social harmony. In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister described Onam as a vibrant festival celebrated with enthusiasm in India and around the world. He expressed hope that the harvest festival would further strengthen t

US sanctions target India-based firms and individuals The United States has imposed sanctions on four India-based companies and three Indian nationals over allegations linked to Iranian-origin oil and petrochemical trade. The measures are part of Washington’s wider campaign to restrict Iran’s access to overseas revenue and financial networks. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, the action covers transactions involving an estimated $119 million in Irani

Neville D’Souza ground faces proposed land-use change Mumbai’s football community is rallying to protect the Neville D’Souza Football Ground at Bandra Reclamation after a proposal sought to change the plot’s reservation from a playground to a convention and exhibition centre. The 8,450-square-metre venue is one of the city’s better-known football facilities, with FIFA-standard artificial turf, stands and dressing rooms. It is used by local clubs, youth

Early screen time linked to later learning concerns Children with higher screen exposure during infancy and the early school years may be more likely to have weaker working memory and lower academic performance later, according to a new study involving children in Singapore. The research, conducted by scientists from Inserm and the National University of Singapore, examined screen exposure at different stages of childhood instead of looking only at total screen h

Jagan sets strict target for local body polls YSR Congress Party president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has reportedly issued a clear message to party leaders ahead of Andhra Pradesh’s local body elections: the party must field candidates in every Corporation, Parishad and Sarpanch election seat. At a high-level meeting with party functionaries, Jagan is said to have placed the responsibility squarely on the working leadership at the local level. The meeting focused

Polavaram highway upgrade gets ₹840.41 crore approval The Union government has approved ₹840.41 crore for a major road upgrade in Andhra Pradesh aimed at strengthening access to the Polavaram Irrigation Project, farming centres and key Godavari-region destinations. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced the approval for the development of the Buttaigudem–LND Peta and Pattiseema–Kovvur sections of National Highway 365BB. The

Legendary country music singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist Dolly Parton died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80 in Nashville, ending an extraordinary six-decade career that transformed country music and American popular culture. Dolly Parton Dies at 80 in Nashville Dolly Parton, one of the most influential figures in country music history, died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the

Heavy rain caused widespread waterlogging across Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region on Monday morning, slowing traffic on key roads and disrupting travel to Indira Gandhi International Airport. At the time of the report, flight-tracking data showed 18 cancellations and 166 delays at Delhi airport. The figures may change as airlines update their operating schedules. Delhi Heavy Rain Waterlogging Disrupts Major Roads A fresh spell of mo

Sugar prices have risen sharply ahead of the festive season, prompting concerns over supplies and retail costs. Agricultural economist Ashok Gulati has linked the pressure to lower output, depleted stocks, ethanol diversion and what he described as delayed corrective action. The government has announced measures including dealer stock limits, bulk-consumer restrictions and duty-free raw sugar imports. Gulati argues that earlier imports and broader policy changes could have reduced t

The civil aviation ministry has proposed leasing 11 Airports Authority of India airports to private concessionaires under a public-private partnership model. The airports, including Varanasi and Tirupati, would be grouped into five bundles and offered for 50-year concession periods. The proposal has received in-principle approval from the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee. The estimated investment by selected concessionaires is pegged at Rs 8,622 crore.

Nandamuri Basava Rama Tarakam NTR Charitable Trust and The Embryos-Ankuran extended humanitarian support to flood-affected families in Assam’s Sivasagar district by distributing food, clothing, sanitary supplies and other essential items. Relief Support Reaches Flood-Hit Sivasagar The Hyderabad-based Nandamuri Basava Rama Tarakam NTR Charitable Trust, in association with t