Author: Akancha Mishra

 Renowned Indian-American radiation oncologist Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu has been conferred the Padma Bhushan for his extraordinary contributions to the field of medicine. The Ministry of Home Affairs included him in the 2026 Padma Awards list announced on Republic Day. The award recognises his decades-long efforts in advancing cancer treatment and improving patient outcomes worldwide. Dr. Nori is celebrated for his pioneering work in high-dose-rate brachytherapy, a technique that allows highly targeted radiation to cancerous tissues while minimising harm to healthy cells. His innovations in remote after-loading brachytherapy have transformed treatment for cancers of the cervix, urinary system, chest, head, and…

On January 27, 2026, India and the European Union formally concluded their historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking the end of an 18-year negotiation process. Hosted at Hyderabad House, the summit brought together Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa. The landmark deal eliminates tariffs on 96% of traded goods, unlocking a massive market of nearly 2 billion consumers and providing a significant boost to Indian manufacturing, particularly in textiles, leather, gems, and footwear. European machinery and automobile sectors also gain access to India’s market under structured phased quotas. The…

The United States extended warm greetings to India on the occasion of its 77th Republic Day, emphasizing the enduring and productive partnership between the two nations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated India, highlighting collaborative efforts in defence, energy, critical minerals, and emerging technologies. Secretary Rubio described the US-India relationship as a “historic bond” that yields tangible results for both nations. He noted that cooperation extends beyond bilateral engagement, reaching into regional security through the Quad, the strategic grouping of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, which plays a pivotal role in ensuring a stable and open Indo-Pacific.…

On January 23, 2026, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva held a 45-minute telephone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss preparations for Lula’s upcoming State Visit to India from February 19-21. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening India-Brazil strategic and economic relations while also addressing global issues and multilateral cooperation. During the call, President Lula confirmed his participation in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, scheduled from February 16-20. The summit aims to position India as a hub for global discussions on artificial intelligence, emphasizing development-oriented solutions and the perspectives of the Global South.…

Indian-inspired restaurants across the United States are gaining national acclaim, with Indibar and Nadu named semifinalists for the prestigious 2026 James Beard Awards. The announcement, made on January 21 by the James Beard Foundation in New York, underscores the growing influence and innovation of Indian cuisine in America. Indibar, located in Arizona, has been recognized in the Best New Restaurant category for its inventive take on Indian street food. Led by Chef Partner Nigel J. Lobo, who brings experience from Michelin-starred European kitchens, alongside tandoor expert Chef Ajay Singh, the restaurant offers a menu featuring elevated chaats, regional specialties, and…

Aditya Dhar’s action-thriller Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh, continues to dominate the box office, grossing over $10 million in India. Released on December 5, 2023, the film has maintained strong performance despite weekly competition from new releases. Its star-studded ensemble—including Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R. Madhavan—has helped make it one of the top-grossing Hindi films of the year. Following a successful theatrical run, attention has shifted to the film’s digital premiere. According to OTTplay, Dhurandhar will begin streaming on Netflix from January 30, 2026, offering audiences a chance to experience the espionage thriller from home. Analysts note that…

US President Donald Trump has voiced optimism about a substantial trade agreement with India during his visit to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. Speaking to Moneycontrol on the sidelines of the forum, Trump commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a “fantastic man” and a personal friend, while expressing confidence that a favorable trade deal between the two nations is forthcoming. Earlier, Trump delivered an extensive speech at WEF, emphasizing global economic cooperation. The remarks come against the backdrop of the United States imposing 50% tariffs on India, among the highest globally. These tariffs include a…

India is expected to remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy despite persistent global uncertainties, according to the Reserve Bank of India’s latest economic assessment. The central bank said current economic conditions provide strong grounds for optimism, with growth projections for 2025–26 reflecting sustained resilience driven primarily by domestic factors. The RBI noted that India has taken significant steps to diversify and strengthen its export base in order to mitigate external sector risks. Ongoing trade negotiations with 14 countries and regional groupings, covering nearly 50 nations, including the European Union, Gulf Cooperation Council members, and the United States, are expected to…

The 23rd edition of Harvard’s India Conference, a premier student-led international forum examining India’s rise across business, policy, and culture, is set for February 14–15 at Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School. This year, Olympic champion P.V. Sindhu, parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor, and fashion designer Manish Malhotra will headline the event, joining more than 70 speakers over two days. PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist and the first Indian to claim gold at the Badminton World Championships, will participate in a moderated discussion on the growth of India’s sports ecosystem. The panel will explore how elite athletic performance and strategic…

 Indian American volunteers in the Boston area turned Martin Luther King Jr. Day into an opportunity for meaningful service by organizing a free healthcare camp that benefited hundreds of local residents. The event, spearheaded by the Foundation of Indian Americans–New England in collaboration with community organizations and medical professionals, aimed to provide accessible healthcare to underserved populations. Held on January 19 at the Academy of Creative Arts in Burlington, Massachusetts, the one-day initiative offered a wide range of medical services. Over 300 participants received complimentary health checkups, dental consultations, and vision screenings. Volunteers also distributed free reading glasses to those…