Author: Bhakti Narayanan

September 11 holds a unique place in the legacy of Swami Vivekananda, marking the day in 1893 when the Indian monk delivered his landmark address at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago. More than a century later, his message of religious acceptance, mutual respect and universal brotherhood continues to resonate in discussions about faith and social harmony. Vivekananda was only 30 when he appeared before the gathering in Chicago. Although he was not among the convention’s formally credentialed delegates and initially faced uncertainty about his participation, his brief opening address quickly transformed his standing at the event. His greeting…

India and Brazil are looking to strengthen their partnership across multiple strategic sectors as New Delhi prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira on Friday in New Delhi, with discussions covering bilateral relations as well as broader multilateral cooperation. The meeting came at the start of India’s 2026 BRICS chairship and focused on areas where the two countries see opportunities for deeper engagement. Jaishankar said the talks included trade and investment, defense, energy, agriculture and space, highlighting the increasingly broad nature of cooperation between the two emerging economies. The…

Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller is helping lead a new statewide effort aimed at making roads safer and eliminating roadway fatalities by 2030. Miller and Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson recently brought together government leaders for the first meeting of the Safer Maryland Coalition. The new coalition includes 15 state and local government officials who will work together to coordinate transportation safety efforts across Maryland. Rather than relying on a single statewide approach, members are expected to identify specific actions they can take within their own communities and areas of responsibility. The initiative comes as Maryland continues its…

India’s growing influence in the global financial technology sector is taking center stage at the seventh edition of the Global Fintech Fest (GFF), being held in Mumbai from September 8 to 11. This year’s event focuses on three technologies expected to shape the next phase of financial services: Agentic AI, tokenization and quantum computing. Organized by the Payments Council of India, the National Payments Corporation of India and the Fintech Convergence Council, the event brings together the country’s expanding digital finance ecosystem. Major financial regulators, including the Reserve Bank of India, Securities and Exchange Board of India, International Financial Services…

Works & Process is bringing Minnesota Opera’s The Many Deaths of Laila Starr to New York as part of a special presentation highlighting the creative journey behind the new opera. The event is scheduled for October 12, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Peter B. Lewis Theater on Fifth Avenue, with tickets starting at $15. The production transforms the acclaimed BOOM! Studios graphic novel by Ram V. and Filipe Andrade into an operatic work created by composer Kamala Sankaram and librettist Minita Gandhi. Developed through Minnesota Opera’s New Works Initiative, the production blends mythology, fantasy and contemporary music to explore…

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his upcoming visit to India for the BRICS summit, according to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. Speaking at a briefing on Tuesday, Dujarric said Guterres’ visit had not yet been formally announced but confirmed that the UN chief would attend the BRICS gathering. He also indicated that a meeting between Guterres and Modi was likely during the summit. The visit would mark Guterres’ second trip to India this year and his fifth since becoming UN secretary-general. His previous visit came in February, when he attended the India-AI…

India is increasingly turning to advanced aquaculture technologies to strengthen its fisheries sector, improve resource efficiency, and support the country’s growing Blue Economy. Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems, known as RAS, and Biofloc technology are emerging as important tools in this transformation, helping fish farmers increase production while using resources more efficiently. The fisheries and aquaculture industry has become an important contributor to India’s economic development and supports the livelihoods of nearly 30 million fishers and fish farmers. India is now the world’s second-largest producer of fish, contributing around 8% of global production, while also holding a leading position in shrimp production…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasized the importance of India’s longstanding relationships with the Gulf and the wider West Asia and North Africa region as the ongoing conflict continues to create economic and security challenges. He discussed the country’s regional priorities during a Consultative Committee meeting held in New Delhi on September 7. Jaishankar highlighted the broad nature of India’s engagement with countries across the region, pointing to established partnerships covering commerce, investment, energy, maritime cooperation, and connections between people. These relationships have become particularly significant as instability in West Asia raises concerns over energy supplies, trade routes, and…

Anil Kapoor is celebrating a significant milestone in his film career as his political drama Nayak completes 25 years. Marking the occasion, the actor revisited memories from the film and shared a scene featuring his character, Shivaji Rao, alongside the late legendary actor Amrish Puri, who portrayed the powerful antagonist Balraj Chauhan. Looking back at the film, Kapoor reflected on why Shivaji Rao continues to connect with audiences decades after Nayak first reached theaters. For the actor, the character’s appeal was not simply about an ordinary individual suddenly rising to one of the country’s most powerful political positions. Kapoor explained…

Adobe has announced a major leadership transition, naming Anil Chakravarthy as its next president and chief executive officer. He will succeed longtime CEO Shantanu Narayen and assume his new position on December 1, 2026. Chakravarthy will also join Adobe’s Board of Directors as part of the leadership change. Narayen, who has led the software company through a period of significant transformation and growth, will move into the role of executive chair. In his new position, he is expected to work closely with Chakravarthy during the transition while continuing to support Adobe’s long-term strategy and business transformation. Announcing the decision, Narayen…