Starting August 1, 2025, the U.S. will no longer allow third-party passport collection. Applicants must collect their passports in person, with parental collection required for those under 18 with a consent letter. Alternatively, applicants can opt for home delivery at a cost of Rs 1,200 per applicant, ensuring enhanced security.
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Following the Pahalgam terror massacre, the Indian Army retaliated heavily against Pakistan's ceasefire violations, firing thousands of artillery shells and small arms rounds across the Line of Control. The IAF conducted precision strikes on terror hubs and military infrastructure within Pakistan, compelling them to seek a ceasefire after significant damage.
Pranav Venkatesh triumphed in the Superstars section of the Fujairah Global Chess 2025, held in UAE. He secured victory with an aggressive final-round win, finishing with 7.0/9 points. Prior to this, the 2025 World Junior Champion earned a spot in the FIDE Grand Swiss by winning the "Asian Wildcard Match"Z against GM Kazybek Nogerbek.
The 56th GST Council meeting, presided over by Nirmala Sitharaman, is set to introduce significant changes to India's indirect taxation framework. The council is considering consolidating GST rates, potentially eliminating the 12% and 28% categories, and shifting items to 5% or 18% brackets.
YouTube's pursuit of Jason Kelce for its exclusive Chargers-Chiefs broadcast in Brazil was thwarted by ESPN. Kelce, now an ESPN analyst, is restricted from appearing on competitor platforms like YouTube due to a new company policy. This decision marks a shift from last season, as ESPN tightens control over its on-air talent amid the rise of streaming in live sports.
The iconic Amul Girl, a beloved mascot for decades, is at the center of a social media buzz after a viral video suggested she was inspired by Shobha Tharoor. However, Amul's marketers have clarified that the Amul Girl was created in 1966 by Sylvester daCunha and illustrator Eustace Fernandes, following the slogan 'Utterly Butterly Delicious'.
MrBeast's new YouTube video playfully envisions owning the NFL, setting the stage for a historic event. YouTube will stream a live NFL game between the Chargers and Chiefs from São Paulo, Brazil, on September 5, 2025. This marks YouTube's first exclusive NFL broadcast, featuring creator involvement and interactive elements, blending sports and digital entertainment.
Larry Ellison lauded Bill Gates' relentless drive, comparing him to John D. Rockefeller. Despite acknowledging others might be smarter, Ellison emphasized Gates' unmatched focus and endurance. He highlighted Gates' pivotal role in Microsoft's success, noting his 'utterly relentless' nature. The Oracle founder's remarks underscore Gates' reputation as a powerhouse, capable of dominating through execution.
Following Amit Shah's criticism of Justice Sudershan Reddy's Salwa Judum judgment, 56 retired judges, including former CJIs Sathasivam and Gogoi, issued a counter-statement disagreeing with the initial group of judges who defended Reddy. They urged their colleagues to avoid politically motivated statements, emphasizing that the judiciary should remain distinct from political entanglements.
Kota continues to dominate IIT-JEE coaching in 2025, with one in four IIT entrants preparing in the Rajasthan hub, and half of the top-100 ranks linked to its institutes. An IIT Kanpur report highlights Delhi zone’s best IIT admission conversion rate at 36.78%, while Hyderabad leads in total admissions. The findings underscore Kota’s unmatched role in shaping India’s engineering toppers.
Manchester United suffered a humiliating League Cup exit to Grimsby Town, losing 12-11 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. The League Two side prevailed after a marathon shootout, increasing pressure on United's manager, Ruben Amorim, following a poor start to the season. Grimsby celebrated a historic victory, eliminating one of United's few chances for silverware.