Author: Bhakti Narayanan

Apple is preparing to push back against a new directive issued by the Indian government that would require every iPhone sold in the country to come with a government-controlled security app already installed. Reuters first reported that India’s Department of Telecommunications has ordered all smartphone manufacturers to preload Sanchar Saathi, an app developed and operated by the government. The app is designed to help users block lost or stolen phones, identify fraudulent calls, and verify the status of second-hand devices. However, Sanchar Saathi includes extensive tracking features that fall under government oversight, raising immediate concerns about user privacy and the…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Bangladesh on Monday, December 1, 2025, expressing deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating health of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Zia, who leads the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been in a critical state for nearly a week at Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital. Modi assured that India is prepared to offer “all possible support” to assist in her recovery. Earlier the same day, Bangladesh received a five-member team of Chinese doctors who arrived in Dhaka to join the specialists overseeing Zia’s treatment. Their presence reflects growing international attention surrounding the health crisis of…

Germany’s Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann, has emphasized that cooperation between New Delhi and Berlin will play a decisive role in carrying forward the commitments and outcomes agreed at COP30. Speaking at the high-level “Climate Talks” session hosted by the German Embassy, Ackermann highlighted that the long-standing partnership between the two countries is now entering a phase of deeper implementation under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership. Referencing the recent meeting between India’s Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Germany’s Environment Minister Carsten Schneider in Belem, he noted that both sides have expanded the scope of engagement across climate resilience, renewable…

India has embarked on an extensive global trade expansion initiative, engaging in discussions with nearly 50 countries and regional blocs to establish new trade agreements. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed the development during the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry’s 98th Annual General Meeting, highlighting the government’s efforts to broaden access to international markets and strengthen economic alliances. These negotiations span 14 different trade negotiation tracks and include both bilateral and multilateral partnerships. India’s strategy focuses on building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships that support the country’s economic growth and position it as a key participant…

The Supreme Court on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, affirmed the dismissal of Army officer Samuel Kamalesan, ruling that his refusal to step into his regiment’s temple for an annual ritual amounted to a serious breach of military discipline. The Bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and joined by Justice Joymalya Bagchi, said the officer had relied on his “personal interpretation” of his faith to disregard a lawful regimental requirement, thereby undermining unity within his unit. Chief Justice Kant noted that military leadership demands leading by example, not distancing oneself from long-standing traditions that soldiers see as central to their…

India and Indonesia renewed their commitment to maintaining a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific as senior defense leaders from both countries met in New Delhi on Thursday. During the third India–Indonesia Defense Ministers’ Dialogue, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin discussed expanding bilateral defense cooperation and strengthening their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. A notable highlight from the meeting was Indonesia’s acknowledgment of India’s growing expertise in submarine development, including experience with the Scorpene-class program and supply-chain systems. Jakarta noted that India’s capabilities carry significant value for Indonesia’s future defense modernization plans. The two nations also emphasized deeper…

Covered California, the state’s primary health insurance marketplace, has announced the appointment of Theivanai Palaniappan as its new Chief Data and Insights Officer. Bringing over two decades of experience in enterprise data management and analytics, Palaniappan is poised to strengthen the organization’s data strategy, governance, and analytical capabilities, supporting informed decision-making across the marketplace. In her new role, Palaniappan will oversee all aspects of data-driven operations, ensuring that Covered California can leverage analytics to improve coverage access and operational efficiency. Executive Director Jessica Altman underscored the significance of the hire, stating, “Theivanai’s extensive experience leading large-scale data teams and complex…

India’s economic performance held firm in the second quarter of FY26, with growth estimated at 7.30%, according to a Reuters poll of economists. The expansion was largely supported by a revival in rural consumption and consistent government spending, both of which helped steady the economic landscape during a period of global volatility. Household spending—representing nearly 60% of India’s economic activity—picked up pace as agricultural output improved, giving rural families more purchasing power and driving essential demand. While rural indicators strengthened, the urban economy displayed a more cautious tone. Demand in cities remained relatively tepid, and private sector investment continued to…

Dancing Their Way to Indian Culture: How Our Children Discover Their Roots One Step at a TimeIn an increasingly global world, many Indian children are reconnecting with their cultural identity through the art of dance. From classical Bharatanatyam to energetic Bollywood moves and colorful regional folk styles, young dancers are finding a meaningful link to India’s heritage with every step. A Rhythm That Feels Like Home Children’s dance classes offer more than technique — they serve as a living expression of culture. As kids learn mudras, footwork, and storytelling through movement, they begin to understand the traditions, songs, and legends…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfilled another historic promise on Tuesday as he unfurled the saffron flag atop the newly constructed Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, marking the completion of the temple and a defining moment in India’s spiritual and cultural journey. The Prime Minister, who had laid the foundation stone of the temple on August 5, 2020, hoisted the right-angled triangular flag on the 191-foot shikhar — the highest point of the shrine. The flag, measuring 10 feet in height and 20 feet in length, bears the image of a radiant Sun symbolising the brilliance, valour, and ideals of Lord Ram.…