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U.S. to change visa regulations for foreign students, journalists
Image used for representational purposes only. File | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto The U.S. Department of Homeland Security moved to amend visa regulations for foreign students and journalists on Thursday (July 16, 2026), replacing the more open-ended stays that are currently stipulated, according to a government notice. The new final rule would create a fixed…
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Minister downplays risks from ‘data breach’ at Kudankulam nuclear plant
File photo of the Kudankulam nuclear power project in Tamil Nadu. | Photo Credit: REUTERS Union Minister of State for Atomic Energy Jitendra Singh downplayed concerns regarding the data breach involving electronic files linked to the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu. “This (the breach) has nothing to do with the nuclear plant, or…
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U.K. urges FIFA to investigate Argentina over Falklands banner at World Cup
The British government on Thursday (July 16, 2026), urged FIFA to investigate Argentina’s team after players posed with a banner claiming sovereignty over the contested Falkland Islands. Argentina beat England 2-1 in a World Cup semifinal on Wednesday (July 15, 2026), in Atlanta. During post-match celebrations, Argentine players held a banner handed over by fans…
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Iran tells Houthis to close Red Sea gateway if U.S. hits power network: report
Iran has asked Yemen’s Houthi movement to stand ready to close the Red Sea oil route if the United States strikes Iranian power infrastructure, three sources told Reuters on Thursday (July 16, 2026), posing a potent new threat to global energy supplies. The idea has been discussed within the Islamic Republic’s leadership, and the message…
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Golconda Bonalu 2026 begins with gaity as thousands converge on hill-fort to make offerings to Goddess
Devotees carrying bonam as part of Bonalu celebrations at Golconda Fort in Hyderabad on Thursday (July 16, 2026). The ‘bonam’ decorated with turmeric and vermillon contains a meal-offering of rice cooked with milk, sugar, and neem leaves for Goddess. | Photo Credit: RAMAKRISHNA G The noisy rambunctious celebrations of Bonalu, the annual month-long festival of Goddesses in…
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New Zealand downgrades tsunami alert after quake
A 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit New Zealand on July 16, 2026. | Photo Credit: GFZ New Zealand authorities withdrew a tsunami warning on Thursday (July 16, 2026) following a 5.9-magnitude quake on the western coast of the South Island. “This advisory represents a downgrade from warning,” the National Emergency Management Agency said, explaining that the…