Author: Bhakti Narayanan

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday presided over the Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where she conferred the Padma Awards on several distinguished individuals for their exceptional contributions across diverse fields such as art, music, sports, science, literature, public affairs, and industry. The event marked one of the most significant national honours recognizing excellence and service to the nation. The ceremony included the presentation of Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri awards. Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra was honoured posthumously with the Padma Vibhushan for his extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema. The award was received on his behalf by his…

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accompanied by his wife Jeanette Rubio, visited two of India’s most famous heritage sites on Monday — the Taj Mahal in Agra and the Amber Fort in Jaipur. The visit was part of his ongoing four-day diplomatic trip to India focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also joined the delegation during the visit. Sharing moments from the Agra tour, he praised the Taj Mahal as a remarkable example of India’s rich cultural history and architectural excellence. The monument continues to attract global attention for its artistic…

The Manhattan chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-Manhattan) officially inducted its newly elected leadership team during a special oath-taking ceremony held at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Manhattan on May 17. The gathering brought together community members, senior GOPIO officials, dignitaries, and supporters for an evening centered on leadership, community service, and strengthening ties within the Indian diaspora. The ceremony marked another milestone for GOPIO-Manhattan, which was founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic with the goal of enhancing engagement and support among Indian-origin communities across New York. Professor Rajasekhar Vangapaty formally assumed office as President…

India has called for strengthening the BRICS counter-terrorism framework by making it more resilient, future-ready, innovative and outcome-oriented amid evolving global security challenges. The appeal was made during the 11th Annual BRICS Counter Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) Meeting held in New Delhi under India’s BRICS Chairmanship for 2026. Addressing the gathering, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George emphasised the urgent need for stronger international cooperation to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He highlighted India’s continued concern over cross-border terrorism and stressed that nations must adopt a united and coordinated approach to address emerging…

Indian American physician and economist Jay Bhattacharya has taken over as the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention while continuing his leadership role at the National Institutes of Health. His appointment comes at a time when major shifts are taking place within the United States public health administration. Bhattacharya confirmed that he will simultaneously oversee both institutions, marking a significant consolidation of responsibilities within the federal health system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is one of the most important public health agencies in the United States, responsible for monitoring and controlling infectious diseases, environmental…

India and Italy have officially elevated their bilateral relationship to a “Special Strategic Partnership,” marking a significant milestone in ties between the two nations. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi following wide-ranging talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome. The two leaders unveiled the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, describing it as a practical and forward-looking framework aimed at strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors. The move reflects growing political trust, expanding economic collaboration, and increasing strategic convergence between the two countries. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that bilateral trade between India and Italy is steadily…

India’s digital payments landscape continued its strong expansion in the second half of 2025, with the Reserve Bank of India reporting that the Unified Payments Interface has firmly established itself as the leading platform for transaction activity. According to the latest Payment Systems Report, UPI accounted for 85.5% of total digital payment transaction volume, highlighting its central role in India’s rapidly growing cashless economy. The report explained that UPI’s growth has been driven by widespread smartphone usage, improved digital infrastructure, and increasingly simple and instant payment experiences. As digital adoption expands across both cities and smaller towns, UPI has become…

Indian-American investment executive Nirmal Narvekar, widely recognized for transforming Harvard University’s massive endowment fund, is expected to step down from his leadership role in 2027 after more than a decade at the institution. Reports indicate that discussions regarding succession planning have already begun within Harvard Management Company, the organization responsible for overseeing the university’s investment portfolio. According to reports, Narvekar initiated conversations earlier this year with board members about identifying a future successor. While no official retirement date has been finalized, the discussions are part of long-term planning for leadership transition at one of the world’s largest university investment funds.…

India and Oman jointly highlighted their centuries-old maritime relationship during a special event at the United Nations focused on ancient trade routes and shared oceanic heritage. The programme centered around the historic voyage of the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya, which recently completed its maiden overseas journey to Oman. The event, titled “Ancient Trade Routes: The Journey of INSV Kaundinya,” was co-organized by the Permanent Missions of India and Oman to the United Nations. Diplomats, Permanent Representatives, and members of the international community attended the gathering, reflecting strong global interest in India’s maritime history and modern ocean diplomacy efforts.…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Oslo on Monday for a landmark two-day visit to Norway, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Scandinavian nation in more than four decades. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store personally welcomed PM Modi at the airport, highlighting the importance both nations are placing on strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation. Soon after landing in Oslo, PM Modi shared his appreciation for the warm reception and emphasized his confidence that the trip would deepen ties between India and Norway. He noted that the visit would create new opportunities for collaboration while…