Author: Akancha Mishra

The United States and India, alongside Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, concluded a 20-day anti-submarine warfare exercise, Sea Dragon 2026, at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam on March 28. The intensive drills focused on enhancing capabilities to detect and neutralize undersea threats in complex operational environments, officials reported. Hosted by Commander, Task Force 72, the exercise featured the US Navy’s P-8A Poseidon aircraft alongside planes from the Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Air Force, and Royal New Zealand Air Force. Sea Dragon 2026 emphasized interoperability among the five nations, improving their ability to conduct coordinated operations…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed BJP workers across India via a video message on the party’s Foundation Day, extending greetings and reflecting on the organisation’s ideological journey rooted in sacrifice, discipline, and national service. Modi described the BJP as more than a political party, calling it a “mother” for its workers and acknowledging the emotional significance of the day for those who have dedicated themselves to public service through the organisation. During his address, Modi paid homage to the party’s founding leaders and key ideological figures, including Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Deendayal Upadhyaya, Nanaji Deshmukh, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani,…

Indian Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, has arrived in the United States to enhance defence cooperation and further strengthen the strategic military partnership between India and the US. Upon his arrival, Singh was warmly received by India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, who highlighted the significance of the visit for sustaining growing ties between the two air forces. The visit follows the earlier trip by Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, who toured India from February 14 to 19 to deepen collaboration on shared security interests. During his visit, Admiral…

The Global Organization for People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) officially inaugurated its Dallas Chapter at Bhartiya Nivas, Texas, in a ceremony that brought together a diverse assembly of the Indian diaspora, diplomatic representatives, and community leaders. The event marked a major step in enhancing advocacy, cultural preservation, and civic engagement for Indian-origin residents across North Texas. The program featured a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony led by Consul General of India in Houston, D.C. Manjunath, GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, and GOPIO International President Prakash Shah, along with local leadership including Chapter President Muthu Mudaliar, Executive Vice President Vinoth Mani, and…

The United States recorded a goods trade deficit of $54.91 billion with India over the past 12 months, placing the South Asian nation among Washington’s key deficit partners. The data comes amid a broader increase in the US trade gap, which rose to $57.35 billion in February, up $2.67 billion from January, though still 11 percent below the 12-month average. The monthly rise in the deficit was largely driven by faster-growing imports compared to exports. In February, total US exports reached $314.8 billion, while imports climbed to $372.1 billion. Focusing on goods trade, the US ran a deficit of $84.60…

As the United States Supreme Court hears arguments over President Donald Trump’s attempt to restrict birthright citizenship, Indian-American lawyer Smita Ghosh has emerged as a key figure in defending constitutional rights. Ghosh, Senior Appellate Counsel at the Constitutional Accountability Centre (CAC), is challenging Executive Order 14160, signed on January 20, 2025, which seeks to limit citizenship for children born on US soil to parents who are undocumented or temporarily present. The order directs federal agencies to deny citizenship to children born after February 19, 2025, if the mother lacks legal status and the father is neither a US citizen nor…

Hanuman Jayanti is being observed on April 2, 2026, commemorating the birth of Lord Hanuman, a central figure known for his unmatched strength, devotion, and loyalty. Celebrated on the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Purnima, the festival holds immense importance among Hindu communities worldwide. According to traditional timings, the Purnima tithi began at 7:06 AM on April 1, 2026, and concluded at 7:41 AM on April 2, 2026, making this period especially significant for prayers and rituals. Devotees mark the occasion by visiting temples, applying sindoor, observing fasts, and chanting sacred verses such as the Hanuman Chalisa. These practices are believed…

Denis Alipov, Russia’s Ambassador to India, has said that Moscow firmly rejects what it described as US “pressure” on India’s oil market, emphasising that New Delhi continues to follow an independent foreign policy. In an interview, Alipov stated that attempts by the United States to create obstacles for Russia in the Indian market are not an appropriate way to conduct global business or manage international relations. “We firmly reject any pressure in international politics. This is not the right way to conduct business,” he said, while declining to comment directly on US-India trade dynamics. The envoy noted that there are…

New York City is set to introduce a free child care facility for municipal employees as part of a pilot initiative aimed at easing the burden on working parents. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that the center will operate from the David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building and will cater to children between six weeks and three years old. The service will be available to employees working in the building as well as staff from the Department of Citywide Administrative Services. The center is being developed as part of a renovation project valued at $10 million. Spread across 4,000 square feet,…

Usha Vance has offered a rare personal glimpse into life inside the Vice President’s residence, speaking candidly about family, public life, and her evolving role in an interview with NBC News. In the wide-ranging conversation, Vance described her transition from a legal career to public life as “disorienting,” following the election of her husband, JD Vance. “It was really disorienting at first… your whole day changes,” she said, referring to stepping away from her professional work. However, she also framed the shift as an opportunity to focus on issues she cares about, particularly education and family life. Emphasising her role,…