Author: Akancha Mishra

 India’s appetite for gold as an investment asset has reached new heights, with total bar and coin purchases touching an unprecedented $10 billion in the September quarter, according to data from the World Gold Council (WGC). This represents a 20% year-on-year increase, amounting to 91.6 tonnes and accounting for 40% of total gold consumption, the highest share ever recorded. The surge underscores a growing trend among Indian investors, who are increasingly viewing gold as a safe and reliable investment amid volatile global markets. “We expect investor confidence in gold to stay strong and even expand in the coming quarters,” said…

Global online marketplace Etsy, Inc. has announced the appointment of Kruti Patel Goyal as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. Currently serving as Etsy’s President and Chief Growth Officer, Goyal will also take a seat on the company’s Board of Directors. The leadership transition follows Josh Silverman’s decision to step down after steering Etsy for more than eight years. To ensure a smooth changeover, Silverman will continue as Executive Chair through the end of 2026. Fred Wilson, Etsy’s Board Chair since 2017, will relinquish his position but remain on the board. In an emotional LinkedIn post, Goyal…

Harmeet Dhillon, the Sikh-American lawyer serving as the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Justice, has spoken out strongly in defense of Sikh and Indian-origin truck drivers following a surge of online hate and misinformation — some even from within conservative circles. In a statement released on October 27, Dhillon urged Americans not to unfairly target Sikh truckers after two recent accidents involving undocumented drivers operating commercial trucks. “In the haze of anger, many are wrongly attacking law-abiding Sikhs and Indian-origin truckers simply because of their identity,” she posted on X. She emphasized that most…

The Indian-American community in New Jersey came together in a vibrant display of devotion and culture to celebrate Chhath Mahaparv, a revered Hindu festival honoring the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya. Organized by the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA), the grand event was held at Papaianni Park in Edison, transforming the venue into a scene reminiscent of the sacred ghats of Bihar and Jharkhand. The celebration saw around 40 devotees (Vratis) observing a strict fast and performing the Sandhya Arghya, the evening ritual offering to the setting sun. Over 700 community members attended, joining in prayers,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a cordial conversation with Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, on Wednesday, congratulating her on assuming office and reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening the long-standing partnership between the two nations. In a post shared on X, Modi said he had a “warm conversation” with Takaichi and congratulated her on becoming Japan’s first woman Prime Minister. The two leaders discussed advancing the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, focusing on economic security, defense collaboration, and talent mobility. Modi emphasized that stronger India-Japan ties are vital for maintaining global peace, stability, and prosperity. Modi had earlier…

 Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, has been awarded the prestigious Achievement in Building Better Communities honor at the Forum on Faith 2025 held in New York City. The global interfaith gathering recognized Mahant Swami Maharaj for his visionary leadership in mobilizing BAPS volunteers worldwide toward service initiatives that strengthen communities through health care, education, and disaster relief. The statement from BAPS emphasized that his teachings inspire compassion, unity, and commitment to selfless service. A key aspect of his leadership, the Forum highlighted, is his dedication to youth empowerment. Mahant Swami Maharaj has consistently encouraged…

In a rare show of unity, lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties have come together to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening the India–US relationship. This bipartisan support comes just months after the Trump administration rolled out policies that many believe undermined Indian interests. Over the past 10 days, at least six bipartisan letters and resolutions have been introduced, addressing various concerns ranging from visa restrictions to rising anti-Hindu sentiment. Collectively, they reflect a strong push from both sides of the aisle to defend the interests of the Indian American community and ensure accountability from the administration. One such…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed that he will not travel to Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN Summit later this month, opting instead to participate virtually. The announcement came following his cordial conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Taking to X, Modi shared, “Had a warm exchange with my friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia. Congratulated him on Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and extended best wishes for the success of the upcoming summits.” He further expressed his eagerness to join the ASEAN-India Summit virtually, emphasizing the continued strengthening of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Confirming the update, Prime…

 Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal highlighted key achievements of his ministry over the past fortnight, including the launch of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), as well as his discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and investment. The TEPA, which has officially come into force, sets a shared target of mobilizing $100 million in investments and generating one million direct jobs in India over the next 15 years. The four-nation EFTA bloc, consisting of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, has…