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

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

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.

The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed an additional $103,265 fee for each H-1B cap-subject petition. If finalised, the charge would be paid in addition to existing filing and statutory fees, significantly increasing employer sponsorship costs. The proposal does not target any one nationality. However, Indian professionals could be disproportionately affected because they form a major share of H-1B beneficiaries, particularly in technology and other specialised occupati

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan is giving renewed attention to drinking-water infrastructure in Pulivendula and nearby parts of YSR Kadapa district, with the long-pending mega water grid project emerging as a key focus. The initiative is being pursued under the Jal Jeevan Mission-Amravaani Watershed programme, with the stated aim of accelerating works meant to offer a lasting solution to water-supply concerns in the region. Pawan Kalyan Pulivendul

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has strongly criticised the Modi-led central government after his planned US visit was cut short following the reported denial of political clearance for that leg of his overseas tour. The Chief Minister, who returned to India after completing his UK visit, addressed the issue at a press conference in Hyderabad. He alleged that the Centre had unfairly intervened in his proposed US programme, which was intended to promote Telangana and its in

Amravati Hospital, Maharashtra — Three newborns died after a fire reportedly followed a ventilator explosion at the District Women’s Hospital’s Special Newborn Care Unit. Amravati Hospital Fire Kills Three Newborns Three newborn babies died after a fire broke out at Amravati District Women’s Hospital in Maharashtra in the early hours of Monday. The blaze reportedly began around 3:30 AM on the hospital’s third floor, where the Spe

Hyderabad, Telangana — IMD has forecast thunderstorms, gusty winds and heavy rainfall in several Telangana districts, with a yellow alert issued for parts of the state. Telangana Heavy Rain Alert: IMD Forecasts Thunderstorms Telangana is likely to see a wet spell, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting thunderstorms, gusty winds and heavy rainfall in several districts. A yellow alert

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly expected to visit Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan for the SCO Summit, but the itinerary is not yet official. PM Modi May Visit Uzbekistan And Kyrgyzstan For SCO Summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan later this month, with a possible visit to Bishkek for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, according to repo