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

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

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

The proposed auto drivers strike has been withdrawn after talks between the Telangana government and Auto Workers JAC leaders. Hyderabad Auto Strike Called Off After Government Talks Hyderabad commuters received major relief on Sunday night after the Telangana auto drivers’ strike, which was set to begin from midnight, was called off at the last minute. The decision came after the state government

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai has offered his clearest explanation yet for leaving the Bharatiya Janata Party, blaming what he described as Delhi-centric decision-making and limited autonomy for state leaders. He said his differences with the national leadership had developed over several months. Annamalai Exit Puts BJP’s Tamil Nadu Strategy Under Focus Annamalai said he had indicated in October-November 2025 that he wanted to leave the BJP, but was

Marco Rubio says over 600 visas were revoked in a month amid a US crackdown on birth tourism, while his “citizenship is not for sale” remark triggered debate over Trump’s Gold Card. Rubio Says US Citizenship Is Not For Sale Amid Visa Crackdown US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said American citizenship is “not for sale” while announcing an intensified crackdown on birth tourism networks. According to Rubio, more than 600 visa

Trial runs of the proposed Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express have begun on the Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road ghat section, a crucial safety test before commercial operations can be considered. Vande Bharat Trial Begins on Sakleshpur Ghat Section The trial programme began on August 11, 2026, on the nearly 55-km Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road stretch of the Mangaluru–Hassan–Bengaluru rout

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister N Marie Wilson said the TVK government has included 125 of its 436 election promises in the state budget, defending the administration amid opposition criticism over announcements and the state’s finances. 125 TVK Poll Promises Included in Budget Speaking in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Monday, August 10, 2026, Finance Minister N Marie Wilson sa

The long-delayed Varthur elevated corridor on Bengaluru’s SH-35 has received a fresh December 2026 completion deadline, with KRDCL directing the contractor to accelerate pending work after years of missed timelines. Varthur Elevated Corridor Gets New Deadline Karnataka Road Development Corporation Ltd (KRDCL) has set December 2026 as the latest target for completing the

Pawan Kalyan marked World Lion Day by praising India’s efforts to protect the Asiatic lion and describing its roar as a symbol of Bharat’s wild heritage. He highlighted the rise in the Asiatic lion population from 411 in 2010 to 891 in 2025 and credited governments, conservationists and local communities. Pawan Kalyan Hails Asiatic Lion Conservation on World Lion Day Andhra Pradesh Deputy Ch

Tamil Nadu’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department will ban mobile phones inside major temples from September 1, 2026, with secure deposit counters to be created for devotees before entry. Mobile Phone Ban From September 1 The Tamil Nadu government has announced that mobile phones will not be permitted inside major temples across the State from

Two women from Tamil Nadu, P. Pechiyammal and Govindhammal, received the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection 2026 in Chennai for their grassroots work in marine conservation, sustainable agriculture and community empowerment. Two Women Honoured for Environmental Leadership P. Pechiyammal, leader of the Neithal Self Help Group in Vedhalai, Ramanathapuram d

Kerala has announced a major relief package after intense monsoon rain, flooding and landslides killed 15 people, left seven missing and forced more than 11,000 residents into relief camps. ₹8 Lakh Compensation for Bereaved Families Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said the government would provide ₹8 lakh to the family of every person who died in rain-related incidents.

Kerala’s rain crisis deepened on August 4, 2026, as the death toll reached 25, thousands entered relief camps and high-level weather alerts remained in force. Kerala Rains 2026 Death Toll Reaches 25 Heavy rain across Kerala since August 1 has claimed 25 lives, while four people remain missing and 10 have been injured. Floods, landslides, overflowing rivers and severe wat