Author: Bhakti Narayanan

 India’s women’s cricket team, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, celebrated a resounding 88-run triumph over arch-rivals Pakistan in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. The victory not only placed India at the top of the standings but also reinforced the growing dominance and confidence of the squad under Harmanpreet’s inspirational leadership. Born in Moga, Punjab, Harmanpreet Kaur’s cricketing story is one of grit, ambition, and transformation. As captain across all formats, she has redefined the team’s identity, fostering a fearless and competitive spirit among players. Known for her aggressive batting and composed demeanor, she has led India to several…

 California State University-Chico (CSU-Chico) is initiating a panel series aimed at fostering meaningful conversations and discovering common ground among different religions and denominations, beginning on November 4. The series, titled “Interreligious Reflections in Northern California,” will kick off with discussions on Jewish and Hindu traditions and plans to explore additional faiths in future semesters. The inaugural event will feature distinguished speakers, including global Hindu leader Rajan Zed, Congregation Beth Israel Chico Rabbi Lisa Rappaport, CSUC Chair of Comparative Religion & Humanities Daniel Veidlinger, and CSUC Religious Studies Professor Jed Wyrick. The program aims to explore historical context, present-day perspectives, and…

Finland and India share strikingly similar perspectives on multipolarity, global governance, and the legitimacy of international institutions, reflecting the growing global consensus for multilateral reform. Finnish President Alexander Stubb, in his address to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), called for urgent reforms of global institutions, a message that strongly resonates with India’s long-standing demand for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). President Stubb underscored the principles of multilateralism, legitimacy, and a rules-based international order, critiquing the outdated structure of the UN that still mirrors the realities of 1945. India welcomed this…

US President Donald Trump’s recent tightening of H-1B visa regulations is expected to accelerate the relocation of critical operations from the United States to India’s global capability centres (GCCs), according to economists and industry insiders. GCCs, which manage a spectrum of operations from finance to research and development, are increasingly being recognized as hubs for high-value innovation beyond their initial role in tech support. India currently hosts approximately 1,700 GCCs, accounting for over half of the global total. These centres now handle sophisticated tasks including luxury car dashboard design, drug discovery, and AI-driven solutions, making them strategically important for multinational…

 India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav responded to the Asia Cup trophy controversy following the team’s five-wicket win over Pakistan in the final, saying that bringing joy to fans back home is the real prize. The row erupted when the Indian team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy during the presentation ceremony from ACC chief Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board and serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister. After a 90-minute delay, Indian players Kuldeep Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, and Tilak Varma collected their individual awards from other dignitaries. But when Naqvi took the stage, the Indian side declined to…

India and the United States have intensified efforts to finalize a mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) amid a series of trade tensions. Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal led a delegation to the US between September 22 and 24, holding discussions with US officials and business leaders to promote trade and investment while addressing ongoing tariff disputes. The delegation met with top US representatives, including Ambassador Jamieson Greer, the United States Trade Representative, and Sergio Gor, the US Ambassador-designate to India, exchanging views on the contours of the potential trade deal. Government sources confirmed that both sides…

U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 23, 2025, delivering a speech that highlighted his long-standing focus on national sovereignty, state independence, and cultural preservation. Speaking before a largely silent audience of world leaders, Trump criticized migration, climate initiatives, and the efficacy of international institutions, signaling a preference for transactional and bilateral diplomacy over multilateral cooperation. Trump described migration as a “crisis” threatening Western countries, arguing that nations should address challenges domestically rather than rely on international frameworks. He criticized UN programs for providing financial support to refugees, framing these efforts as a…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Banswara on Thursday to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for several major development projects valued at $13 billion. A central highlight of his visit will be the launch of the 2,800 MW Mahi Banswara Nuclear Power Project, which is expected to significantly enhance India’s energy capacity and long-term power security. Alongside the nuclear project, the Prime Minister will virtually flag off two new Vande Bharat Express trains from Bikaner and Jodhpur to Delhi, as well as the Udaipur-Chandigarh Express. Additionally, he will lay foundations for key projects in other states during the…

 India has solidified its position as a leading investment hub in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, ranking fourth in real estate capital inflows during the first half of 2025, according to Colliers’ Investment Insights H1 2025 report. The study revealed that overall investments across nine major APAC markets reached $71.9 billion, marking a 6% year-over-year decline, yet India stood out with robust foreign and domestic activity. Foreign institutional inflows into India’s real estate market amounted to $1.6 billion, accounting for roughly 52% of total capital. Meanwhile, domestic investments showed impressive momentum, rising 53% compared to the same period last year and…

 India actively participated in the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting (CFAMM) 2025, reaffirming its commitment to the core principles and values set forth in the Commonwealth Charter. Representing India, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary West Sibi George attended the meeting held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session on September 22, 2025. In a statement shared on X, the Ministry of External Affairs noted that George highlighted India’s dedication to upholding the fundamental tenets of the Commonwealth Charter. He also addressed the need for reform within the Commonwealth to ensure that its structures and processes…