Author: Akancha Mishra

Akancha has been a journalist for about twenty years, and she has a Bachelor of Arts in English Honors and a Master's Degree in Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. She and her husband and children Supriya and Alok currently call New York City home.

In response to heightened regional tensions following a Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, major international carriers Air France and Lufthansa have suspended the use of Pakistani airspace to ensure the safety of their operations. Air France issued a statement confirming the change in flight paths, saying, “Due to recent tensions between India and Pakistan, the airline has decided to suspend overflight of Pakistan until further notice.” German carrier Lufthansa echoed the same precautionary stance, announcing that its aircraft are “avoiding Pakistani airspace until further notice.” The airline acknowledged that this decision would result…

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This Sunday, Ashfaq Syed will be officially sworn into the Naperville City Council, marking a groundbreaking moment as the first Indian American and Muslim ever to hold a seat on the city’s governing board. Syed expressed pride and gratitude for the opportunity, stating that his election is a moment of honor for both himself and the communities he represents. “My Indian and Muslim friends, families—everyone is thrilled,” he said. Originally from Hyderabad, India, Syed credits his upbringing there with shaping his values and worldview. After moving to Naperville eight years ago, he brought with him a strong professional background in…

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The United States has declared its unwavering support for India following the tragic terrorist strike in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, the majority of whom were tourists. Reinforcing the administration’s position, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated during Friday’s briefing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has the Trump administration’s full support. Tammy Bruce emphasized the US-India alliance by stating, “As President Donald Trump told Prime Minister Modi last week, the United States stands strongly with India in its fight against terrorism,” highlighting their shared commitment to countering security challenges. Bruce further noted that Washington is maintaining active communication with both…

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to hold conversations soon with the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan in an effort to ease rising tensions following a deadly militant strike in the Kashmir region controlled by India. A State Department spokesperson confirmed that Washington is actively engaging with both nations and has urged them to refrain from any actions that could worsen the situation. The US, which maintains diplomatic relationships with both countries, described its efforts as working toward a “responsible solution.” While the Biden administration expressed public solidarity with India—an emerging strategic partner in countering China—it refrained…

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Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday underscored the potential for expanded investments aimed at reinforcing the economic relationship between India and the United Kingdom. His remarks came during a roundtable meeting that brought together leading business figures and CEOs from both nations. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Goyal stated, “Addressed the India-UK Business Roundtable, bringing together prominent business leaders and CEOs from both countries. Highlighted opportunities to strengthen economic ties, drive innovation-led growth, and expand investment avenues between India and the UK.” The Commerce Minister is currently undertaking a five-day official visit encompassing London,…

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As regional tensions between India and Pakistan intensify following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, Turkey has stepped in to support Islamabad with military aid. A Turkish C-130 Hercules aircraft carrying combat gear landed in Karachi, signaling a strengthening of defense ties between the two nations. This is reportedly part of an ongoing defense collaboration, with six more Turkish aircraft arriving at a military base in Islamabad. Sources from both Turkey and Pakistan have confirmed the delivery, although details regarding the nature of the military equipment remain undisclosed. This show of support arrives at a critical time when Pakistan is bolstering…

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In a firm and emotionally charged address on Panchayati Raj Day in Bihar’s Madhubani, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed that India will leave no stone unturned in hunting down and punishing those responsible for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, and injured many more, sending shockwaves across the country. Beginning his speech with a heartfelt tribute, PM Modi asked the crowd to join him in a moment of silence for the victims. He expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the grieving families, noting that the pain…

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 The brutal terrorist attack in the scenic Baisaran Valley area of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Tuesday, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians—most of them tourists—has sparked outrage and grief across the globe. Among the strongest voices condemning the assault were prominent Indian-American political figures who mourned the victims and emphasised the need for international unity against terrorism. Vivek Ramaswamy, entrepreneur and Republican politician, was among the first to respond. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he called the incident a “horrific attack” and offered prayers for the victims and their families. Senator JD Vance…

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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman engaged with global CEOs, pension fund managers, and institutional investors during her visit to San Francisco, highlighting collaborative opportunities in sectors such as energy, sustainability, and digital innovation. Among the key topics discussed were India’s proposed Rs 1 lakh crore ($12 billion) private sector–driven research, development, and innovation corpus, and the GIFT-IFSC initiative. Accompanied by Finance Secretary Ajay Seth and India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, the Finance Minister listened to the perspectives of various stakeholders on India’s ongoing economic reforms and shared her insights on the existing policy landscape. The international investors…

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A large gathering of locals and members of the Indian diaspora gave a rousing and heartfelt welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrived at his hotel in Jeddah on Tuesday afternoon. The Prime Minister was greeted with vibrant cultural performances and chants of “Modi-Modi” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” as the atmosphere reverberated with energy and pride. Adding to the celebratory fervor, Saudi singer Hashim Abbas performed the iconic patriotic song “Ae Watan…”, drawing cheers and applause from the audience, including Prime Minister Modi himself. “I have a deep love for India, and people often told me that…

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