Author: Bhakti Narayanan

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has unveiled its offline digital rupee (e₹), marking a significant milestone in India’s digital finance evolution. Announced during the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai, the e₹ is India’s central bank digital currency (CBDC), designed to function like physical cash with the full trust of a sovereign currency. The RBI issues it directly, and it can be stored in secure digital wallets provided by participating banks, allowing instant peer-to-peer and person-to-merchant payments. One of its standout features is offline functionality, enabling transactions even in areas with weak or no internet using minimal network signals…

Sriram Krishnan, a towering figure in the tech world at 6 feet 6 inches, has become one of the most influential Indian-Americans in global politics today. As the White House policy adviser on Artificial Intelligence, Krishnan stands at the forefront of America’s strategy to outpace China in what many describe as the 21st century’s AI arms race. Krishnan, 41, firmly believes that artificial intelligence will determine which nation leads the global order in the coming decades. “If the US doesn’t win the AI race with China, the consequences could be catastrophic,” he said in a recent podcast. His conviction has…

The India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) officially came into effect on October 1, 2025, marking a significant milestone in India’s global trade relations. This landmark pact represents India’s first Free Trade Agreement with four advanced European economies—Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein—and introduces binding commitments on investment and job creation, setting it apart from previous trade deals. Under the agreement, EFTA has pledged a substantial $100 billion investment over the next 15 years, expected to generate one million direct jobs in India. The TEPA framework promotes balanced trade growth by reducing barriers and providing extensive…

India has entered an exclusive group of five nations to have successfully created and prepared a homegrown 4G technology stack for global exports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made this announcement during the inauguration of the India Mobile Congress (IMC), calling it a landmark achievement in India’s pursuit of technological self-reliance. The Prime Minister emphasized that the new 4G stack will provide faster internet speeds, stable connectivity, and improved service quality, enhancing the nation’s digital strength and global competitiveness. Reflecting on India’s journey from its early 2G challenges to complete 5G coverage, Modi said that digital connectivity has now become essential…

 Victor Hugo Echeverri Jaramillo, Colombia’s Ambassador to India, emphasized on Thursday the growing potential for stronger trade and investment links between the two nations. Amid rapid geopolitical changes, he underscored the value of “trustworthy partners,” a role that both India and Colombia are fulfilling effectively. In an interview with IANS, Jaramillo described the two capitals, New Delhi and Bogota, as “reliable partners” and expressed optimism about expanding bilateral ties not only in commerce and politics but also in cultural exchanges. He highlighted that in the current era of global trade tensions and tariffs, collaboration with dependable partners is crucial. Currently,…

Sikh organizations across the United States have voiced strong opposition to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s newly announced military grooming standards that prohibit beards, long hair, and personal expressions of faith. The move, they argue, threatens the religious freedoms of Sikh service members who wear beards and turbans as part of their spiritual identity. The Sikh Coalition, a leading advocacy group representing Sikh soldiers and veterans, said it was “angered and deeply concerned” by the directive. In a statement posted on social media, the organization condemned Hegseth’s comments and urged the Department of Defense to respect the rights of religious minorities…

The scientific and global Kashmiri communities are celebrating Ipshita Zutshi, a rising star in neuroscience, who has been named a 2025 Blavatnik Award honoree. Recognized for her innovative contributions to understanding the human brain, Zutshi’s work has earned international acclaim. The Blavatnik Awards spotlight exceptional postdoctoral researchers from academic institutions in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Ipshita Zutshi has been awarded for early-career excellence in the Life Sciences category of the 2025 Blavatnik Regional Awards for Young Scientists. As part of the recognition, she will receive $10,000 in unrestricted prize funds. A nominee of New York University, Dr. Zutshi…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected on a major milestone on Tuesday — completing 25 years of public service since first taking oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat in October 2001. Sharing his thoughts on X, the Prime Minister expressed deep gratitude to the people of India for their unwavering support and trust throughout his political journey. Modi recalled that two and a half decades ago, his leadership journey began when he took over Gujarat’s top administrative role, a period that laid the foundation for his future leadership at the national level. “On this day in 2001, I took oath…

Indian Americans are reshaping the landscape of U.S. higher education through their extraordinary generosity, contributing over $3 billion since 2008, according to new research by Indiaspora. Building on the insights of the 2024 Impact Report by Indiaspora and the Boston Consulting Group, this study highlights how Indian Americans are using philanthropy to give back to the institutions that shaped their success. These contributions go beyond mere donations—they represent a legacy of gratitude and vision. Many Indian Americans attribute their professional growth to the educational opportunities they received in the U.S. and are now ensuring that future generations benefit from the…

In a highly significant demonstration that emphatically underscores the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) steadfast dedication to interfaith harmony and wide-ranging cultural inclusivity, Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, the Chairman of the Department of Community Development (DCD), made a special visit to the profoundly iconic BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi earlier this week. A distinguished delegation of senior officials from the department accompanied him throughout the visit. A Platform for Dialogue on Coexistence The notable delegation from the DCD was received with immense warmth and cordiality by Swami Brahmaviharidas, a spiritual leader and a driving force behind the Mandir. Swami Brahmaviharidas…