Author: Bhakti Narayanan

Women Are Now Key Drivers of Progress in India: FM Sitharaman Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has stated that over the past 11 years, women have become central to India’s development journey. Speaking on the theme of “11 Years of Sashakt Nari,” she credited various government schemes under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for empowering women across social and economic spheres. Jan Dhan Yojana: Financial Inclusion Led by WomenThe Finance Minister noted that 55.7% of all Jan Dhan accounts—under the world’s largest financial inclusion initiative—are held by women. These accounts have played a pivotal role in bringing rural and underserved women into…

The headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), located in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, has been marked as “Permanently Closed” on Google Maps following India’s high-precision strikes under Operation Sindoor. The site, operating under the name Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah, was one of the nine terror camps targeted by Indian forces in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Located just around 62 miles from the Indian border, the Bahawalpur facility served as a major hub for training JeM operatives. Post-strike satellite imagery revealed extensive damage to the compound, confirming the scale and accuracy of the airstrike. The reason for…

On the evening of June 1, 2025, the American Indian Association (AIA), New York Chapter, hosted its Annual Benefit Gala at the elegant Pearl Banquet Hall. Over 350 esteemed guests gathered, including top dignitaries, the Consul General of India in New York, elected officials, and community professionals from medicine, healthcare, and civic leadership. The gala celebrated five influential individuals for their remarkable service and accomplishments across various fields. Each honoree, referred to as the ‘Five Ratnas,’ reflected the brilliance and diversity of the Indian-American community. Among them was Dr. Karthik Gujja, a pioneer in cardiovascular and endovascular medicine. Dr. Gujja…

How Kangana Ranaut Strengthened PM Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Initiative on World Environment Day On World Environment Day, actress and newly-elected BJP MP Kangana Ranaut joined the nationwide movement ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, a campaign encouraging citizens to plant a tree in honor of their mothers. Kangana marked the occasion by planting a sapling at her residence in Delhi, dedicating the gesture to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She also used the moment to express gratitude toward environmentalists and grassroots workers who contribute daily to protecting natural ecosystems. In a message shared on social media, Kangana highlighted the…

Following Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed his full Council of Ministers, highlighting the increasing significance and success of India’s indigenously developed defense technologies. The meeting, the first since the high-stakes military operation, focused heavily on the evolving nature of warfare and India’s strategic shift toward indigenous armament production. According to sources present, Modi expressed pride in how locally manufactured weapons had delivered strong results during the operation. He urged ministries to align more deeply with the “Make in India” initiative, especially in the defense sector. Touching on public perception, the Prime Minister remarked with a smile that citizens…

 A heartfelt tribute unfolded in Amritsar as a street was named after the late Chaman Lal Bhalla, commemorating his enduring legacy of philanthropy. The inauguration ceremony united dignitaries, family members, and friends from both India and the United States, celebrating Bhalla’s lifelong dedication to helping the underprivileged, especially children at the Amritsar Institute for the Blind. Prominent figures, including U.S. Congressman Tom Suozzi, New York Senator Jack Martins, and Assemblyman Charles Lavine, sent video messages praising Bhalla’s humanitarian contributions. The event witnessed a large turnout with hundreds of attendees traveling from across India and the U.S. Former Punjab Deputy Chief…

A major trade agreement between India and the United States could soon be on the horizon, according to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, Lutnick voiced “strong optimism” that the two nations are nearing a deal that serves their respective interests. “We’re in a very, very good place,” said Lutnick, suggesting that an agreement could be reached in the near future. He commended India’s swift pace in negotiations, which contrasts with the typical multi-year timeline for international trade deals. “India’s moving quickly, and I appreciate that,” he added. “We’re trying to wrap this up…

In a significant diplomatic development, Brazil has expressed strong support for India’s counter-terrorism initiative, Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. This endorsement came during a visit by an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, including BJP MP Tejasvi Surya and former Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu.  The delegation engaged in high-level discussions with Brazilian officials, including the Acting Foreign Minister, the President of the Brazilian Parliament, and members of the India-Brazil Friendship Group.  Brazilian leaders unequivocally condemned Pakistan’s cross-border terrorism and affirmed Brazil’s stance as an “all-weather ally and friend”…

Tesla Has to Manufacture in India, PM Modi and Elon Will Work It Out Soon: Errol Musk Errol Musk, father of Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, has expressed strong confidence that Tesla will eventually set up a manufacturing plant in India. He believes that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Elon Musk will find a way to make it happen in a manner that benefits both India and Tesla. During his ongoing visit to India, the 79-year-old South African businessman said there has to be a Tesla manufacturing plant in India and described India as one of the most important…

At the Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan, a significant women’s empowerment conclave, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich tribute to Ahilyabai Holkar on the occasion of her 300th birth anniversary. The event also served as a platform for the PM to highlight the pivotal role women have played in Operation Sindoor, India’s latest counter-terrorism initiative. Addressing a vibrant gathering, many of whom were dressed in striking shades of vermillion, the Prime Minister remarked that the Pahalgam terror attack was not just an assault on Indian territory—it was an affront to the nation’s cultural ethos and a direct challenge to…