Author: Bhakti Narayanan

The 2026 US midterm elections have delivered a major political setback to President Donald Trump and the Republican Party, with Democrats securing control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The scale of the Republican losses has raised questions about Trump’s influence over the electorate and his ability to shape the direction of his party during the remaining two years of his presidency. According to projections cited by NBC News, Democrats could secure as many as 256 seats in the 435-member House of Representatives, giving them an estimated majority of 81 seats. In the Senate, the party was…

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced the Telecommunication Interconnection (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2026, aimed at improving network connectivity, enhancing service reliability and modernising India’s telecommunications infrastructure. The new regulations will come into effect on January 1, 2027. The amendment introduces changes to the technical and commercial arrangements through which telecom networks connect and exchange traffic, enabling seamless communication between subscribers of different service providers. One of the key provisions allows telecom operators to mutually decide locations for handing over network traffic. It also facilitates the transition from Long Distance Charging Area (LDCA) and Short Distance Charging Area…

Indian-American candidates recorded several significant victories in the November 3 US midterm elections, winning congressional and state-level contests across the country. However, some closely watched races remained undecided as vote counting continued, while prominent Republicans Vivek Ramaswamy and Saritha Komatireddy suffered defeats. Among the projected winners was Pia Dandiya, who defeated Republican Casey Askar in Florida’s 22nd Congressional District. The former school principal, whose parents immigrated from India, received approximately 52% of the vote against Askar’s 48%. In Virginia, Democratic Congressman Suhas Subramanyam won re-election in the 10th District, defeating Republican Dave Beckwith. Democratic Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller also secured…

The fifth edition of the India-US bilateral tri-service exercise Tiger Triumph 2026 commenced at the Maritime Warfare Centre in Visakhapatnam on Monday, bringing together military personnel from both countries to strengthen cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The exercise is being conducted as a tabletop exercise this year, focusing on improving coordination, joint planning and operational interoperability between the armed forces of India and the United States during large-scale disaster relief missions. The opening ceremony was presided over by Rear Admiral Vishal Bishnoi, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, and Rear Admiral Joaquin J. Martinez de Pinillos, Vice Commander…

Fourteen-year-old Indian-American student Sharvi Mahajan from San Diego, California, has earned national recognition by securing third place in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge. A student at Westview High School, she developed NeuroDrive Alert, an artificial intelligence-powered wearable system designed to identify early signs of driver fatigue and help prevent accidents caused by falling asleep behind the wheel. Organized by 3M and Discovery Education, the nationwide competition recognized Sharvi with a $1,000 award. She was among 10 finalists selected for their scientific understanding, creativity and ability to communicate innovative ideas. The achievement was also celebrated at the New York Stock…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a two-day visit to Gujarat on Friday, October 30, 2026, with the inauguration of the Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre (BBBRC) in Bhildi, Banaskantha district. The ₹325-crore facility is aimed at improving indigenous cattle breeds, strengthening scientific livestock breeding and enhancing milk production. The centre has been established across 127 acres and is designed to support advancements in bovine breeding and animal husbandry. Its work is expected to contribute to improving cattle quality and productivity, supporting dairy farmers and strengthening the livestock sector. The facility is also focused on promoting scientific breeding methods and…

North Dakota has marked a significant cultural milestone with the installation of its first life-size statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The monument was unveiled on Thursday at Peace Park in downtown Bismarck, bringing the Indian leader’s philosophy of peace, unity and non-violence to the American state’s public landscape. The initiative was supported by the Consulate General of India in Seattle, the North Dakota Trade Office and members of the local Indian-American community. A plaque accompanying the statue describes it as a gift from the people of India to the people of North Dakota. It also features Gandhi’s message about embracing friendship…

India will not compromise the interests of farmers or other stakeholders in its proposed trade agreement with the United States, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said, as concerns grow among agricultural groups over the potential impact of increased American imports. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Goyal expressed confidence that the agreement would benefit India and said its final terms would protect sensitive domestic interests. His remarks come as the two countries work to finalize the first phase of a broader trade agreement. The proposed deal has faced criticism from Indian farm organizations, which fear that greater…

India and Mexico have officially begun negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), opening a new chapter in their economic relationship. The process follows the signing of the Terms of Reference, which outlines the negotiations’ framework, scope, procedures, and roadmap. According to India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the proposed agreement aims to increase bilateral trade, encourage investment, generate commercial opportunities, and develop more diversified and resilient supply chains. The initiative builds on an understanding reached between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum during their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada in…

Indian-American Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal is seeking a sixth term representing Washington’s 7th Congressional District in the 2026 US midterm elections. She will face Republican nominee Nirav Sheth in a contest between two Indian-born candidates. Jayapal secured 84.7 per cent of the vote in Washington’s August primary. Her campaign focuses on immigration reform, healthcare access, affordable housing and workers’ rights. She was the first Indian-American woman elected to the US House of Representatives and previously chaired the Congressional Progressive Caucus. She currently serves on the House Judiciary, Foreign Affairs and Budget committees. Born in Chennai on September 21, 1965, Jayapal…