Author: Akancha Mishra

The proposed trade agreement between European Union and India is being seen as a significant step forward amid growing global economic uncertainty, according to a Member of the European Parliament. Anna Sturgith highlighted that the past year has challenged long-standing assumptions around trade liberalisation and international cooperation. In this evolving landscape, she noted, the India-EU trade pact offers a stable and forward-looking framework for both economies. For India, the agreement is expected to provide deeper access to one of the world’s largest markets, while for the EU, it strengthens ties with a fast-growing and influential partner. The deal also reaffirms…

ndia and Cambodia have taken steps to further strengthen their bilateral relationship through discussions focused on trade, investment, and long-term development cooperation. The meeting took place in New Delhi, where senior officials from both countries explored opportunities to expand collaboration across multiple sectors. Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, P Kumaran, met a Cambodian delegation led by Secretary of State KHY Sovanratana. During the interaction, both sides reviewed India’s ongoing capacity-building initiatives for Cambodia, including training programs for Cambodian diplomats at India’s foreign service institute. These initiatives reflect India’s broader commitment to supporting institutional development and skill-building in…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday, focusing on the escalating situation in West Asia and the urgent need to reduce tensions in the region. Both leaders stressed the importance of returning to dialogue and diplomatic engagement as the primary path to resolving ongoing conflicts. During the discussion, Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in West Asia and emphasized the need for continued coordination with France to support global efforts aimed at preventing further escalation. The leaders agreed that sustained communication between like-minded nations is essential in…

The United States has issued a heightened security alert over increasing global nuclear risks, with top intelligence officials identifying Russia, China, North Korea, and Pakistan as key strategic concerns for American defense planning. The warning reflects growing unease within the US intelligence community about rapid changes in global military capabilities and alliances. According to the Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, the scale of missile development worldwide is expected to expand dramatically in the coming years. She informed lawmakers that the number of missiles capable of reaching US territory could rise sharply to more than 16,000 by 2035, a significant…

In commemoration of the centennial birth year of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Radio Zindagi, one of North America’s leading South Asian radio networks, will introduce a new weekly spiritual segment titled “Voice of Sai.” Beginning March 19, 2026, this one-hour program will air every Thursday from 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM local time across the U.S. and Canada, and worldwide via Radio Zindagi’s digital platforms including iOS, Android, and livestreaming at www.RadioZindagi.com, potentially reaching millions of listeners. The program will feature a rich blend of spiritual content, including Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s divine discourses, devotional bhajans, chants, and music, alongside…

As tensions escalate in West Asia with renewed missile exchanges between Israel and Iran, India has intensified diplomatic efforts to safeguard its interests, particularly focusing on the safe evacuation of Indian-flagged vessels and delivery of humanitarian aid to affected civilians. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that high-level talks with Tehran are ongoing, even as the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global oil and shipping corridor—remains a hotspot of concern. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We are in active discussions with Iran and other countries. Numerous Indian ships remain in the Strait of Hormuz, and our primary objective is to…

The University of Texas at Austin has appointed Dr. Kavita Radhakrishnan, a Mumbai-born engineer turned nurse scientist, as the Interim Dean of its School of Nursing, effective March 11, 2026. This appointment marks a significant achievement for the Indian American academic community within one of the nation’s leading nursing institutions. Dr. Radhakrishnan’s career exemplifies interdisciplinary excellence. She earned her degree in electronics engineering from the University of Mumbai before moving to the United States to complete a Master’s in electrical engineering. A volunteer experience at a hospital in Boston inspired a career shift, prompting her to pursue a PhD in…

India’s basmati rice exports are expected to remain stable in FY26 and FY27 despite the ongoing Middle East conflict, according to a report by Crisil Ratings. The report estimates export volumes could grow by up to 2 per cent from last year’s 6.06 million tonnes, supported by stronger demand from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. While exports to Iran — which accounted for about 14 per cent of India’s basmati shipments last year — may decline due to logistical disruptions, increased demand from other Middle Eastern markets is expected to offset the impact.…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed gratitude to the government and people of Armenia for assisting in the safe evacuation of more than 550 Indian citizens from Iran. Sharing his appreciation on X, he highlighted Armenia’s crucial support during these challenging times. The evacuation occurs amid rising tensions in West Asia following US-Israeli strikes in Iran on February 28, which resulted in the deaths of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top military officials. Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks on US and Israeli targets, regional capitals, and allied forces, heightening the conflict. On Sunday, the Jammu…

In March 2026, six legislative bodies in Arizona—including the City/Town Councils of Peoria, Payson, Youngtown, Parker, Huachuca, and the Gila County Board of Supervisors in Globe—will begin their meetings with Hindu prayers. Distinguished Hindu leader Rajan Zed will deliver invocations drawn from ancient Sanskrit scriptures, considered the world’s oldest continuous written tradition. Zed, President of the Universal Society of Hinduism, will recite verses from the Rig-Veda, Upanishads, and Bhagavad-Gita. He will begin and conclude his prayers with “Om,” the mystical syllable symbolizing the universe, which traditionally opens and closes Hindu rituals. After reciting the Sanskrit verses, Zed will provide English…