Author: Bhakti Narayanan

India’s seafood sector received a significant boost after the European Union (EU) cleared 102 additional fishery establishments for exports, raising the number of EU-approved Indian units to 604. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) announced the approvals on September 11, 2025, noting that the move will enhance India’s competitiveness in the European seafood market while offsetting trade challenges posed by US tariffs. This achievement is the result of continued discussions between Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, senior ministry officials, and their EU counterparts. Agencies including MPEDA and the Export Inspection Council (EIC) have worked extensively to upgrade…

Indian-American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has strongly condemned a series of attacks targeting Hindu temples across the United States, describing them as “hateful” crimes that mirror a growing wave of violence against religious institutions. Speaking on the floor of the US House of Representatives, Subramanyam stressed that such assaults threaten the very fabric of American communities. “Hate has no place in our neighborhoods,” he declared, adding that these incidents are not isolated but part of a troubling national trend. Among the temples affected are the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Indiana and the Shri Shri Radha Krishna Temple in Utah, both…

In a rare and significant diplomatic statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly condemned Israel’s attack on Qatar, describing it as a violation of the country’s sovereignty. Modi’s remarks came during a phone call with Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, as tensions in the region escalated following the strike in Doha. The Prime Minister expressed India’s deep concern over the incident and emphasized that disputes must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. Stressing the importance of avoiding further escalation, Modi declared that India stands firmly for peace and regional stability, while rejecting terrorism in every form. Posting on X,…

Suchitra Kamath has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who, a recognition reserved for individuals who have made lasting contributions in their professional and civic fields. Known for her ability to bridge business expertise with community leadership, Ms. Kamath has built an accomplished career that spans corporate banking, entrepreneurship, consulting, and civic service. She currently serves as president of Business Karma, where she specializes in franchise consulting. Through this role, she connects individuals and investors with franchise opportunities that align with their goals, lifestyle, and financial plans. She has worked closely with both businesses and nonprofit organizations to foster…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday met Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds in New Delhi to discuss ways to strengthen India-US economic cooperation. In a post on X, the minister wrote, “Met Governor Iowa Kim Reynolds in New Delhi today. Discussed India-US economic ties and its potential.” This meeting came shortly after Jaishankar’s remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to US President Donald Trump’s recent comments on bilateral relations. The minister emphasized that PM Modi places great importance on the India-US partnership and maintains a warm personal rapport with President Trump. “PM Modi attaches enormous importance to our partnership…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday emphasized that BRICS nations must evaluate trade flows within the grouping to address imbalances and set an example for sustainable global trade. He made the remarks while representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a virtual BRICS leaders’ meeting, stressing the urgent need for a stable and predictable environment for global commerce and investment. “Trade patterns and market access dominate today’s economic discussions. The world requires cooperative approaches, not restrictive barriers or the linking of trade with unrelated issues,” Jaishankar stated. He highlighted India’s own trade deficits with some BRICS partners, urging the bloc…

China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, has urged New Delhi and Beijing to work together in rejecting tariff measures and trade wars imposed by the United States. Speaking at an event on Monday, Xu emphasized that both India and China, as two leading Asian economies, must safeguard the multilateral trading system and defend the collective interests of developing nations. He criticized Washington’s recent move to impose a steep 50% tariff on Indian goods, calling it “unfair and unreasonable.” Xu argued that the US, which has historically benefited from free trade, is now exploiting tariffs as a weapon to demand exorbitant…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a BJP workshop held at the GMC Balayogi Auditorium inside the Parliament complex on Sunday, where he made an unusual gesture by sitting quietly in the last row alongside other lawmakers. His presence, not as the head of government but as an ordinary parliamentarian, drew attention for its humility and symbolism. During the session, BJP parliamentarians unanimously passed a resolution endorsing the government’s recently announced Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms. These changes, approved by the GST Council on September 3, are being described as one of the most ambitious revamps of India’s indirect taxation…

India’s latest tax overhaul, dubbed GST 2.0, is expected to unlock a wave of domestic consumption and provide a cushion against tariff headwinds emerging from the United States, according to industry leaders. The GST Council’s approval of sweeping changes on Wednesday reduces the rate slabs to 5% and 18%, with the new structure taking effect on September 22, coinciding with the start of Navratri. Ashok P. Hinduja, Chairman of Hinduja Group of Companies, called the move a timely catalyst for spurring demand across sectors. He said the rate rationalization would not only stabilize India’s macroeconomic environment but also help counter…

In a landmark move, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, during its 56th meeting that stretched over 10 hours, approved sweeping reforms to India’s indirect tax system. The Council endorsed a simplified two-rate structure of 5% and 18%, while reserving a 40% levy solely for luxury, sin, and demerit goods such as cigarettes and pan masala. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who chaired the meeting with ministers from 31 states and Union Territories, announced that most changes will be effective from September 22, coinciding with the start of Navratri. The reforms aim to reduce the tax burden on households,…