Author: Bhakti Narayanan

 Renowned sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar has once again made India proud, earning two Grammy nominations at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, adding to her already impressive list of accolades. The British-Indian artist, who has been nominated 11 times in the past, now celebrates her 12th and 13th nominations, solidifying her legacy as one of the most respected names in global music. Her soulful single “Daybreak” earned a nomination for Best Global Music Performance, while her latest album “Chapter III: We Return to Light” — created in collaboration with Alam Khan and Sarathy Korwar — received a nod for Best Global…

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced on Friday that it has finalized a $1 billion agreement with US aerospace giant General Electric (GE) to supply 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines, along with a comprehensive support package. These engines will power the 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A jets under the Indian Air Force’s modernization plan. HAL revealed the development through a post on X, confirming that the deal was signed on November 7, 2025. The company stated that engine deliveries will begin in 2027 and continue through 2032, coinciding with the phased rollout of the LCA Mk1A fleet. The original contract for the…

In a landmark moment for diversity and representation in American politics, 40-year-old Swaranjit Singh Khalsa has been elected as the first Sikh mayor of Norwich, Connecticut. Representing the Democratic Party, Khalsa’s victory marks a defining step toward inclusivity and multicultural progress in the city’s leadership landscape. Khalsa, who first entered public office as a city council member in 2021, emerged victorious in a three-way mayoral race against Republican Tracy Gould and independent candidate Marcia Wilbur. His win carries deep symbolic weight, as he becomes the first baptized Sikh to hold the mayoral office in a city with only around ten…

India marked a significant milestone in advancing marine collaboration across the Bay of Bengal by hosting the first biennial BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) Conference in Kochi. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the event, held from November 4 to 6, 2025, was aimed at deepening regional cooperation in the field of ocean research and sustainable development. The three-day conference served as a platform to strengthen partnerships among BIMSTEC countries, fostering innovation in marine science and promoting the sustainable growth of the Blue Economy. Experts and researchers from across the region discussed strategies for tackling shared marine challenges,…

Indian-origin leader Aftab Pureval has been re-elected as the Mayor of Cincinnati, defeating his Republican challenger Cory Bowman — the half-brother of US Vice President JD Vance. This victory secures Pureval, 43, a second consecutive term in office. Though the position of mayor in Cincinnati is officially non-partisan, Pureval is widely recognized for his alignment with the Democratic Party. Earlier this year, Pureval demonstrated strong public backing when he won the all-party municipal primary in May, securing over 80% of the total vote. His popularity among Cincinnati residents continues to reflect confidence in his leadership and progressive governance style. Born…

The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump maintains frequent communication with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as both countries work toward finalizing a bilateral trade agreement. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt emphasized Trump’s admiration for Modi, stating that the two leaders “speak pretty frequently” and that the administration remains deeply engaged in trade discussions with India. Leavitt added that the president holds a strong and optimistic view of India-US relations. During Diwali celebrations in the Oval Office, Trump personally spoke with Modi while surrounded by prominent Indian-American officials. She also noted the active involvement of Sergio Gor, the US…

India’s accelerating economic and technological advancement could soon make it a defining “third pole” in an increasingly multipolar world, said Harsh Vardhan Shringla, former foreign secretary and current Rajya Sabha member. Speaking at the Pune International Centre, Shringla cautioned that India must not allow its strategic influence to diminish, particularly as global power equations appear to be shifting toward a G2 model led by the United States and China. He pointed out that the idea of a G2 framework—where Washington and Beijing jointly steer major international issues—was earlier hinted at by former US President Donald Trump before his meeting with…

Republican Congressman Rich McCormick, who co-chairs the India Caucus, has called for a renewed and stronger partnership between India and the United States. Speaking at the Hudson Institute, McCormick emphasized that collaboration between the world’s largest and oldest democracies could usher in “another generation of global peace and prosperity.” Highlighting the deepening strategic ties, McCormick urged former President Donald Trump to keep India close, describing it as a vital friend in shaping a peaceful and prosperous world order. “When you combine the oldest democracy with the largest, it creates a partnership that can drive development and ensure global stability for…

Deepti Sharma delivered a once-in-a-generation performance as India claimed its first-ever 50-over Women’s World Cup title, ending decades of anticipation. The final, played on November 2, 2025, at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, will be remembered for Sharma’s brilliance with both bat and ball — a display that defined India’s triumph and secured her place in cricketing folklore. Coming in after a strong opening partnership, Sharma steadied the innings during a tense middle phase. Her composed 58 off 58 balls came at a time when India needed calm and control. With her steady presence, she rebuilt the innings and helped…

India’s digital economy reached new heights this festive season as Unified Payments Interface (UPI) emerged as the most preferred mode of payment, recording transactions worth $200 billion. The Bank of Baroda report revealed a sharp jump from last year’s $170 billion, signaling strong consumer confidence and widespread digital adoption during the Dussehra and Diwali shopping period. According to the data, UPI transaction values rose 2.6% month-on-month in September 2025, underscoring its role as the backbone of India’s cashless ecosystem. Debit card transactions also saw impressive momentum, climbing to $7.37 billion, up from $3.11 billion a year earlier — reflecting a…