Author: Bhakti Narayanan

 In a historic move, 32-year-old attorney Navraj Rai has been sworn in as the first Sikh judge pro tempore in Kern County. The appointment marks a significant milestone for the region and underscores the county’s ongoing efforts to manage its overloaded judicial system. Judge pro tems are private attorneys selected by the court to preside over specific cases, helping to accelerate case resolutions and reduce court backlogs. Rai is among 23 attorneys serving in Kern County’s temporary judges program and is set to start his duties in traffic court. During his swearing-in ceremony last week, Rai reflected on the significance…

 The Indian Embassy in Yemen marked a significant milestone by celebrating the 77th Republic Day for the first time in more than a decade. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the Indian diaspora, reflecting the community’s enduring patriotism and cultural pride despite being abroad. Embassy officials shared updates on X, highlighting the ceremonial hoisting of the Indian flag and the joyous involvement of both embassy staff and local Indian residents in Aden. India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2026, were a grand display of military precision and cultural richness at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The parade, a…

 As India marked its 77th Republic Day on Monday, nations and diplomatic missions from across the globe extended their heartfelt greetings, recognizing the significance of the occasion. The celebrations commemorate the adoption of India’s Constitution in 1950, marking the country’s transformation into a sovereign, democratic republic guided by principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, shared his excitement at witnessing the Republic Day Parade for the first time. “Happy Republic Day, India! Honoured to attend the Parade, celebrating India’s Constitution and democratic spirit. Thrilled to see US-made aircraft soar in the Indian skies, symbolizing…

India and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic and economic cooperation, highlighting the strength of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership amid evolving global challenges. During high-level talks in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Japanese counterpart reviewed progress under the Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade. The dialogue underscored shared priorities in maintaining a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and enhancing regional stability. Both sides agreed to strengthen economic security through closer private-sector collaboration, particularly in critical areas such as semiconductors, clean energy, critical minerals, information technology, and pharmaceuticals. A new Japan-India Private-Sector Dialogue…

On January 20, the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) announced its support for a proposed submarine cable project designed to connect India with Singapore and key data hubs across Southeast Asia. The SCNX3 submarine cable aims to strengthen regional digital infrastructure and meet rising demands for reliable, secure connectivity. The planned cable route will link Chennai with Singapore, with potential additional landing points under consideration in India, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. As part of the initiative, USTDA signed an agreement with SubConnex Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. to fund a feasibility study for the project. The cable system is expected to…

Foreign direct investment inflows into India surged sharply in 2025, rising by 73 per cent to reach $47 billion, according to a latest assessment by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The strong growth places India among the world’s top-performing destinations for foreign investment during the year. UNCTAD attributed the rise primarily to large-scale investments in the services sector, particularly finance, information technology, and research and development, along with renewed momentum in manufacturing. Policy measures aimed at integrating India more deeply into global supply chains also played a significant role in boosting investor confidence. Investment activity in…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in New Delhi for delegation-level talks, culminating in several landmark agreements across strategic sectors. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in defence, space, energy, supercomputing, and food safety, signaling a significant deepening of India–UAE ties. According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the two nations formalized agreements covering a strategic defence partnership, joint initiatives in space infrastructure development, and the UAE’s involvement in the creation of a special investment region in Dholera, Gujarat. The talks also included a sales and purchase agreement between…

Indian Americans in the Boston area marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day by organising a free community healthcare camp, extending medical support to hundreds of residents in a gesture inspired by the civil rights leader’s legacy of service, equality, and compassion. The initiative was led by the Foundation of Indian Americans (FIA)–New England in collaboration with partner organisations and was held at the Academy of Creative Arts in Burlington, Massachusetts, during the MLK Day weekend. The event reflected the spirit of community service traditionally associated with the national holiday. More than 300 people benefited from the camp, which offered a…

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, arrived in India on Monday for a brief yet significant working visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussions come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerning Iran, and increasing global scrutiny over regional security. Although the visit is scheduled to last only a few hours, officials emphasized its importance in signaling the strong mutual trust between India and the UAE. The two leaders are expected to focus on several key areas, including regional security assessments, strategies to reduce tensions, and…

India and Japan have reinforced their growing strategic partnership through high-level discussions focused on economic security, artificial intelligence, and cultural cooperation, underscoring the expanding scope of bilateral engagement between the two nations. India’s Ambassador-designate to Japan, Nagma Mallick, met Japan’s Minister of Economic Security in Tokyo to review key areas of collaboration. The discussions highlighted shared priorities in strengthening economic resilience, advancing cooperation in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and enhancing cultural and people-to-people connections. The engagement builds on the broader momentum in India-Japan relations following the recent India-Japan Strategic Dialogue held in New Delhi. The dialogue reviewed progress…