Author: Akancha Mishra

The silhouette of the Taj Palace’s dome against a night sky engulfed in flames and smoke remains one of the most haunting images of November 26, 2008 — a night that redefined India’s battle against terrorism and showcased the unbreakable spirit of its citizens. Commanding a majestic view of the Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea, the Taj Palace became a theatre of brutal inhumanity as terrorists unleashed indiscriminate violence between November 26 and 28. Along with the nearby Trident Hotel, both Oberoi-owned properties were major targets, where gunmen opened fire on guests and staff in lobbies, restaurants, and…

India’s retail industry registered an 11% jump in sales during the 87-day festive window from August 1 to October 26, 2025, according to new data released by the Retailers Association of India (RAI). The rise has been largely attributed to the latest Goods and Services Tax (GST) adjustments, which encouraged consumers to spend more confidently in categories positioned in lower tax brackets. Apparel and footwear priced under $27.88, both taxed at 12%, experienced a noticeable lift in demand as shoppers gravitated toward value-driven options. Meanwhile, premium apparel priced above $27.88, now taxed at 18%, recorded softer sales as consumers exercised…

Donald Trump Jr., son of former US President Donald Trump, has arrived in India to attend what is being hailed as one of the most extravagant weddings of the year. The celebrations, hosted by billionaire Rama Raju Mantena for his daughter, are set to unfold across several iconic venues in Udaipur on November 21 and 22. The City of Lakes is preparing for days of royal festivities marked by opulence, high-profile guests, and international attention. Trump Jr. is scheduled to stay at The Leela Palace, one of Udaipur’s most prestigious hotels situated along the scenic Lake Pichola. To accommodate him…

The University of California, San Diego has announced Dr. Rohit Loomba as the inaugural holder of the John C. Martin Endowed Chair in Liver Disease, a position created through a philanthropic gift from the John C. Martin Foundation. The endowment is designed to accelerate breakthroughs in liver disease research, especially those that examine large-scale risk factors and support innovative approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Dr. Loomba currently serves as a Professor of Medicine at the UC San Diego School of Medicine. He is also Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, in addition to practicing as a hepatologist…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday highlighted that the launch of two new Indian Consulates General in Russia marks an important milestone in bilateral relations. Speaking at the inauguration ceremonies in Yekaterinburg and Kazan, he emphasized that these new missions represent the beginning of a more expansive phase of India–Russia engagement. Jaishankar noted that the establishment of these consulates has been a priority for several months, with continuous coordination ensuring both facilities could open at the earliest opportunity. He acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the Indian Embassy in Moscow and the support extended by Russian authorities throughout the process.…

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay on Sunday appealed to Hindus across Telangana to stand together as a strong and influential voting community. Speaking at the Kapu community’s Kartika Vana Bhojanalu celebration in Kukatpally, he urged Hindus to unite with renewed purpose in defense of Sanatan Dharma. Addressing the gathering, Sanjay drew a sharp comparison between religious conversion and abandoning one’s spiritual identity. He encouraged individuals who had turned to other faiths to reconsider their choices and return to Hinduism through what he described as ghar vapsi, or coming back home. According to him, returning to Hindu…

India’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri held a high-level roundtable in Tokyo on Monday with top leaders from Japan’s energy and technology sectors. The discussions centered on strengthening Indo-Japanese cooperation across the entire energy value chain, at a time when both countries are looking to deepen economic and strategic ties in the Indo-Pacific. Sharing details on X, Puri said that the dialogue focused on how energy security and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific will increasingly be shaped by India’s expanding scale—driven by massive infrastructure growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi—and Japan’s long-standing expertise in advanced energy technologies.…

Indian exports of spices, tea, cashew nuts and processed foods are set to receive a major boost after US President Donald Trump announced a rollback of tariff hikes on nearly 200 food products. The move comes as the administration faces mounting political pressure following rising consumer prices and recent electoral setbacks. The revised tariff list includes several key Indian export items — black pepper, cardamom, cloves, cumin, turmeric, ginger, various tea categories, mango-based products and nuts such as cashew. The decision aims to make these products more affordable for American consumers amid inflation concerns. India exported over $500 million worth…

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi held a wide range of high-level discussions with senior American naval leadership during his ongoing visit to the United States, strengthening the strategic depth of India–US maritime cooperation. His engagements included meetings with Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, who heads the US Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Stephen T. Koehler of the US Pacific Fleet, and Lieutenant General James F. Glynn of the US Marine Forces Pacific. According to the Indian Navy, these conversations covered the central pillars of the defense partnership between the two nations, with a strong emphasis on maritime security, boosting…

Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is on track for a historic breakthrough in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, emerging as one of the standout performers within the BJP–JD(U)-led National Democratic Alliance. As per the Election Commission’s afternoon trends, the party is leading in 20 of the 28 constituencies it contested—its strongest showing since its inception. This election marks a major turning point for Chirag Paswan, who has navigated the party through internal fractures ever since the dramatic split triggered by his uncle Pashupati Nath Paras in 2020. The LJP(RV), founded by his father Ram Vilas Paswan, negotiated aggressively…