The online marketplace features a wide variety of handmade products, including Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged items and products developed under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. By allowing artisans and weavers to showcase their work directly to customers, Indiahandmade helps reduce dependence on middlemen, improve product visibility, and create new income opportunities through digital commerce.

India has an estimated 6.46 million handloom and handicraft artisans, with women representing a significant share of the workforce. According to available data, women make up 71% of handloom weavers and 64% of the overall artisan community as of August 2025. Platforms like Indiahandmade are helping these skilled creators participate more actively in the digital economy while supporting women’s financial independence and rural livelihoods.

The platform offers a simplified registration process for artisans, weavers, and producer organizations. Small sellers and first-time entrepreneurs can join the marketplace using an Enrolment ID for intra-state sales even without GST registration, making digital participation easier for a wider group of traditional craft producers.

Indiahandmade features multiple product categories, including clothing, home décor, furniture, paintings, jewellery, bags, footwear, furnishings, and musical instruments. It also highlights distinctive regional crafts such as Banarasi silk, Chanderi silk, Tussar silk, Ikat, Tangail sarees, Aipan artwork, Pashmina shawls, and Dokra creations, giving these heritage products greater national exposure.

For customers, the platform provides secure payment options, purchase protection, free shipping, and access to authentic handmade products. Several artisan success stories, including Santarms, Dastkar Craft, and Villages Craft, showcase how digital platforms are helping traditional businesses expand their reach while preserving generations-old skills.

With an ambitious goal of bringing more than 6 million artisans onto the platform, Indiahandmade is expected to play an important role in strengthening India’s craft ecosystem. By combining technology with traditional craftsmanship, the initiative aims to support rural communities, encourage entrepreneurship, empower women artisans, and increase global recognition for India’s handmade products.

The post Indiahandmade Boosts Digital Access for Artisans first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jakarta on Monday for a three-day state visit to Indonesia, where he was warmly received by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the airport. The gesture highlighted the growing diplomatic closeness between the two countries and set the tone for high-level discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The visit marks Modi’s first official bilateral trip to Indonesia since the two nations elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018. It also follows President Prabowo Subianto’s recent State Visit to India, during which he served as the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in January 2025, further reinforcing mutual goodwill and strategic engagement.

In a message shared on social media platform X, PM Modi expressed appreciation for the special welcome extended by the Indonesian leadership. He noted that the partnership between India and Indonesia has already delivered meaningful benefits since its upgrade and said both sides would continue working to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

Modi also highlighted plans to visit the UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta alongside President Prabowo. The visit is expected to underscore the deep historical and cultural links shared by the two nations, reflecting centuries-old civilisational ties that continue to shape modern diplomatic relations. He added that he also looks forward to engaging with members of the Indian diaspora during his stay.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the arrival as a significant diplomatic moment, noting that the Indonesian President personally received the Indian Prime Minister at the airport, accompanied by several senior ministers. The reception, he said, reflected the strong importance both nations place on their relationship.

Ahead of his departure from India, Modi emphasized that the visit would further deepen the multifaceted partnership between the two countries. He underlined that India and Indonesia are connected not only through strategic interests but also through shared cultural and historical bonds that continue to guide their cooperation.

During the visit, Modi is scheduled to hold detailed bilateral talks with President Prabowo Subianto, focusing on expanding collaboration across key areas of mutual interest. The discussions are expected to build on existing progress while opening new pathways for economic, strategic, and people-to-people engagement between the two countries.

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New York City Mayor has announced the appointment of Siddhartha Sanchez as the new Executive Director of the , marking a key step in the administration’s efforts to expand access to affordable and nutritious food across the city.

Sanchez brings over 20 years of experience working in nonprofit leadership, public sector partnerships, and community-driven food systems. His background includes extensive work focused on food justice, environmental sustainability, and economic equity, particularly in underserved neighborhoods across New York City.

The mayor emphasized that rising grocery costs and food insecurity continue to place pressure on families, underscoring the need for stronger public action. He stated that ensuring access to healthy food is not only a policy goal but also a matter of economic fairness. He added that Sanchez’s long-standing commitment to community-based solutions makes him well-suited to lead the office at a critical time.

City officials noted that food insecurity remains one of the most urgent challenges facing New York. Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga highlighted Sanchez’s decades of service to low-income communities and described his appointment as a strong fit for advancing the city’s food equity agenda. She emphasized the importance of experienced leadership in building systems that help struggling families access affordable nutrition.

In his remarks, Sanchez expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the city where he was raised and built his career. He described food security as deeply connected to racial, environmental, and economic justice, particularly for marginalized communities. He also reaffirmed his commitment to advancing policies that ensure every resident can access healthy and affordable food.

The Mayor’s Office of Food Policy works across city agencies to strengthen food security, improve access to nutritious options, and develop a more sustainable and equitable food system. In his new role, Sanchez will also contribute to the city’s Grocery Store Task Force, which focuses on improving food availability in underserved areas.

Supporters of Sanchez’s appointment, including leaders from the , praised his long-standing dedication to community empowerment and equitable food systems. They highlighted his experience in environmental restoration work, including his leadership at the Bronx River Alliance, where he helped advance community-centered ecological and food access projects.

Earlier in his career, Sanchez contributed to policy development and philanthropic initiatives focused on food access, housing, and community development. He has also advised organizations on food systems strategy and cross-sector collaboration, strengthening ties between government, nonprofits, and local communities.

Born and raised in Washington Heights, Sanchez has built a career grounded in community service and advocacy. He is a graduate of and has long been recognized for his work at the intersection of food systems, sustainability, and social equity. His appointment signals a continued push by the city to strengthen food access programs and build a more resilient urban food network.

The post Mayor Mamdani names Siddhartha Sanchez as food policy chief first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

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India has formally taken its first step towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which includes Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and the Kyrgyz Republic. On August 20, 2025, both parties signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) to initiate negotiations, according to an official statement from the Indian government.

The signing ceremony featured Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary in India’s Department of Commerce, and Mikhail Cherekaev, Deputy Director of the Trade Policy Department at the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC). This development comes at a time when India faces mounting pressure from the United States, which has imposed additional tariffs on Indian imports while urging New Delhi to scale back economic cooperation with Moscow.

Despite these external challenges, trade between India and the EAEU has been steadily expanding. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $69 billion, reflecting a 7% increase compared to the previous year. The growth underscores the deepening economic relationship between India and the bloc, driven primarily by energy supplies, manufactured goods, and emerging sectors.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry emphasized that the combined GDP of the EAEU stands at nearly $6.5 trillion, making the proposed FTA highly significant. Officials expect the agreement to open wider market access for Indian exporters, foster diversification into new sectors, and strengthen competitiveness against non-market economies. The initiative is also anticipated to deliver meaningful benefits to India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), providing them with new opportunities in Eurasian markets.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to concluding the FTA at the earliest and establishing a robust institutional framework for long-term trade cooperation. If successful, the agreement could mark a pivotal shift in India’s trade strategy, balancing Western pressure with stronger ties to Eurasian economies.

The post India, EAEU Begin Talks on Free Trade Pact first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

India’s renewable energy landscape has seen a monumental transformation in June 2025, with a 420% year-over-year increase in capacity additions. According to Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Mr. Pralhad Joshi, the nation’s clean energy installations surged from 1.4 gigawatts (GW) in June 2024 to 7.3 GW this year. Speaking at the IVCA Renewable Energy Summit in Mumbai, he emphasized this achievement as a milestone in India’s journey toward green energy leadership.

A standout success in this transition is India’s solar power sector, which expanded an extraordinary 4,000% since its early days. Solar capacity has skyrocketed from just 2.82 GW to a massive 117 GW in 2025. Wind energy is also seeing significant momentum, growing 140% to reach 51.7 GW compared to 21 GW a few years ago.

One of the most notable shifts is in solar pricing. Over the last decade, solar tariffs have dropped dramatically by 80%. In 2010-11, solar energy cost $0.13 per unit, but by 2025, this figure has fallen to just $0.025 per unit. With solar combined with battery storage now cheaper than thermal power, renewable energy has officially become the most economical option for electricity generation in India.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in clean energy is fueling this rapid growth. In 2023 alone, India secured $4.88 billion in renewable energy investments, contributing to a total of $18.60 billion since 2020. The first quarter of 2025 witnessed an even steeper climb, with green energy investments reaching $9.8 billion—a 7.7 times increase compared to the same period last year.

Mr. Joshi also highlighted India’s largest waste-to-energy plant in Ahmedabad as a beacon of sustainable development. This facility processes 1,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, converting it into electricity—a model of how environmental initiatives can drive urban transformation.

With 83% of 2024’s power sector investments focused on renewable projects, the minister called on global investors to continue backing India’s clean energy revolution. He stressed that this sector not only benefits the environment but also provides growth opportunities for farmers, communities, and urban areas alike, making it a win-win for both the planet and the economy.

The post India’s Clean Energy Growth Breaks New Records first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit China next month to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, according to a report by the

The SCO summit will take place in Tianjin on August 31 and September 1. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi confirmed that the gathering will include leaders from over 20 countries and representatives of 10 international organizations. Russian President Vladimir Putin and other heads of SCO member states are also expected to attend the summit.

A possible meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping is being closely watched. Their last face-to-face interaction took place during the BRICS summit in Russia in October 2024. Although there is no official confirmation of Modi’s visit yet, diplomatic sources suggest that efforts are underway to prepare for high-level talks.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent visit to China is seen as a key step in setting the stage for Modi’s anticipated trip. On July 16, Jaishankar, along with other SCO foreign ministers, met President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Jaishankar conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, while updating Xi on recent developments in India-China relations.

During his Beijing visit, Jaishankar also held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a forward-looking approach to bilateral ties and recommended reducing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Jaishankar highlighted the progress made in normalizing ties over the past nine months but stressed the need to avoid trade restrictions and border escalations.

The 2020 Galwan Valley incident was the worst India-China border clash in over four decades, leading to soldier casualties on both sides. Since then, both countries have been working to mend ties, including reviving the Special Representatives dialogue and resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after nearly five years.

In addition to China, Prime Minister Modi is also expected to travel to Japan in late August to meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This would be his first Japan visit since attending the G7 summit in Hiroshima in May 2023.

The post PM Modi Likely To Attend SCO China Summit first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

In a major development offering hope to international students, a federal court in Georgia has issued a temporary order restoring SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records for 133 students, most of whom are Indian nationals. This came after their records were unexpectedly revoked and their student visas invalidated by the US Department of State and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

These students pursued legal action, challenging the Trump administration’s crackdown, which they argue unjustly stripped them of legal status by deleting them from the SEVIS database—a system that allows educational institutions to report foreign student data to the government. As per CNN, the legal team acknowledged that while a few students had past interactions with law enforcement, none had criminal convictions.

On April 18, the court issued a temporary restraining order directing that the students’ status be reinstated by April 22. Attorney Charles Kuck confirmed that all impacted students can now resume their studies or join the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program to gain work experience in the U.S.

The Trump administration has faced criticism for targeting thousands of international students, particularly those from India, under seemingly minor infractions. According to the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), around 4,736 international students have had their SEVIS records revoked by ICE since January 20, 2025. This includes students from China, Nepal, South Korea, and Bangladesh, though the majority are Indian.

Out of 327 individual cases reviewed by AILA, it was revealed that most Indian students were F-1 visa holders currently engaged in OPT—typically in STEM-related fields. The Trump administration reportedly used reasons such as minor traffic violations and technical breaches of university rules to justify these actions.

As the court proceedings continue, the next hearing is expected shortly, with the focus now on ensuring due process and protecting the rights of international students navigating complex immigration rules.

The post US Court Reinstates VISAS for 133 Students first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

Preserving the grandeur of centuries-old structures while resolving modern structural issues remains a tough balancing act—especially when the monument in question is the revered Srikalahastheeswara Swamy Devasthanam in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati district. The temple, dating back to the 11th century and associated with the Chola dynasty, has long struggled with water leakage from its expansive roof despite repeated concrete repairs.

The vast stone-and-brick roof, covering approximately 64,000 sq. ft. including sanctums of key deities, was originally constructed using traditional surkhi mortar—a mix of burnt clay and lime. Over time, rainwater began seeping through gaps in the stone joints and pillars. A 2009 chemical treatment failed to stop the damage, highlighting the need for a more thoughtful approach.

Turning to innovation with respect for tradition, the temple administration partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati (IIT-T). Led by director K.N. Satyanarayana, a team of engineers from IIT-T and IIT-Madras inspected the site and collected core samples from the structure. Lab analysis at IIT-Madras revealed multiple layers of brick and lime mortar beneath the surface. Incompatibility between the ancient lime-based materials and modern concrete overlays, especially with rusted mesh embedded in the top layer, had caused cracks and increased water seepage.

Focusing on a sustainable solution, the team piloted a restoration over the shrine of Goddess Gnana Prasunambika Devi. They removed the deteriorated concrete and proposed restoring the original brick jelly lime concrete (BJLC) using a traditional mix. This mixture—crafted from natural ingredients like jaggery, Kadukkai extract, Arabic tree gum, lady’s finger, urad dal, and jute—was chosen for its compatibility with the original materials and its proven durability.

By combining age-old knowledge with modern research, the project aims not just to stop the leaks, but to set a precedent for heritage restoration that respects the soul of ancient architecture.

The post Ancient Srikalahasti Temple Gets Leak-Proof Upgrade with Traditional Mix first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

 Gold prices in India soared to unprecedented levels on Tuesday, with 24-carat gold breaching the $1,200 per 10-gram mark for the very first time. According to the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA), the price surged by nearly $40 in just 24 hours, jumping from roughly $1,160 to $1,200 per 10 grams.

Other purities of gold followed the same trend. Rates for 22-carat gold reached $1,170, 20-carat climbed to $1,065, and 18-carat gold touched $970 per 10 grams. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), October futures even surpassed $1,205 before closing slightly lower, marking a sharp 2% rise in a single trading session.

Analysts point to a global wave of investor sentiment shifting toward gold as a reliable hedge against volatility. Colin Shah, Managing Director at Kama Jewellery, linked the surge to growing friction between former President Trump and US Fed Chair Jerome Powell over monetary policy decisions, particularly rate cuts.

The weakening US dollar, combined with recent tariff escalations on Chinese imports and speculation around Fed actions, has heightened market uncertainty. As interest rates drop, gold becomes a more attractive store of value due to its non-yielding nature.

Furthermore, central banks globally—especially in India and China—are aggressively expanding their gold reserves. This move, part of a broader ‘de-dollarisation’ effort, is designed to reduce dependency on the US dollar amid financial instability.

Shah also noted that seasonal demand around Indian festivals like Akshaya Tritiya typically drives domestic prices upward. However, the global factors at play currently have a more profound influence, keeping gold prices elevated.

With multiple macroeconomic pressures still unfolding, experts believe gold may remain at premium levels in the near term as investors seek safer investment avenues.

The post Gold Prices Hit $1,200 per 10 Grams for First Time first appeared on Global Indian News Network.