Category: NEWS

London: The owner of the iconic Stolichnaya vodka brand, once considered a global symbol and a source of pride for the Soviet Union, has reportedly turned to European intelligence agencies to protect his life and business interests. Yuri Shefler, the 59-year-old British-Russian billionaire owner of Stoli, one of the world’s most famous vodka brands, has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin and former Latvian Prime Minister Andris Szekely of conspiring to seize his multibillion-dollar drinks empire. Shefler claims that secret preparations are underway to forcibly take control of his flagship business…

New Delhi: A heated war of words has erupted between the Indian government and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) over Saturday’s widespread protests and subsequent arrests in the national capital. India has strongly objected to the UN’s concerns regarding the mass detention of protesters, calling the remarks “completely unjustified interference” in the country’s internal affairs. India has unequivocally stated that it is the world’s largest and most vibrant democracy, where the Constitution guarantees citizens the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.…

New Delhi: The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly objected to comments made by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) regarding the recent protests in the national capital, New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs categorically stated that India is the world’s largest and most vibrant democracy, where the Constitution guarantees citizens the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The Ministry emphasised that India’s strong democratic institutions, independent judiciary, and free media are fully equipped to protect these rights.…

Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday officially inaugurated the Poonamallee–Vadapalani corridor, part of Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail Project. Following the inauguration of the new corridor, constructed at a cost of approximately ₹4,900 crore, the Prime Minister also took a metro train ride from Porur Bypass Station to Poonamallee Bypass Station to review the facilities and arrangements. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay was also present during the visit. During his visit, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stones for and inaugurated several other major development…

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved two major initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s infrastructure and supporting economic growth: the establishment of the Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority (ITLA) and a ₹10,000 crore Small and Medium Enterprises Growth Fund (SGF). Announcing the decisions, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the initiatives would strengthen the country’s transport, logistics, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sectors. The ITLA will serve as the national apex body for integrated transport and logistics planning. Its mandate will include research, planning, evaluation,…

Although the cremation issue was raised in Malta Parliament in 2017, there is still no operational crematorium in Malta, and if everything goes on schedule, optimistic estimates place it around 2029. Malta, not having a mechanism for the cremation of deceased Hindus, was forcing the community to bury their loved ones in contradiction of their long-held beliefs that burial hindered soul’s journey; distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed said in a statement in Nevada (USA) today. Although the Planning Authority approved the outline permit a few days back, a full permit…

The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) is spearheading an unprecedented national effort to address a longstanding gap in lifesaving stem cell donor availability for patients of South Asian descent. Through a coordinated campaign launched in partnership with the Deutsche Knochenmarkspenderdatei (DKMS) and National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) international stem cell registries, AAPI has transformed what were once isolated community donor drives into a unified nationwide movement aimed at increasing representation within the stem cell registry. According to Dr. Meher Medavaram, President of AAPI, the initiative targets a…

Mleiha National Park earns first Middle East’s Leading National Park title, secured against a shortlist of four other parks in the region. The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah adds regional boutique resort recognition to its established Sharjah honours. Chedi Grand Suite marks seven consecutive years as Sharjah’s Leading Hotel Suite. The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has won four titles at the World Travel Awards 2026, with Mleiha National Park and The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, earning Middle East honours alongside two further wins for the heritage property and its…

The free multi-location festival in Downtown Hackensack will celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial anniversary on October 3, 2026 through the arts and culture to drive economic revitalization. (Bergen County, New Jersey; September 12, 2026) – The Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) announces Illumination 250, a full-day regional cultural arts celebration observing America’s Semiquincentennial anniversary, will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026 in Hackensack, New Jersey. Bring the family, friends, and neighbors to the largest free public, interactive festival in North Jersey open to all ages. In the event of severe inclement…