Author: Bhakti Narayanan

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, a high-stakes meeting is currently underway between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Home Minister Amit Shah. The meeting, held on May 9, 2025, is part of a series of rapid developments following cross-border strikes and retaliatory military actions. Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, has arrived in Uri to meet with the families affected by the recent deadly attack in Pahalgam. His visit underscores the gravity of the situation as security efforts continue across volatile zones. Home Minister Amit Shah is also scheduled to lead a top-level security review meeting…

 In a striking development, India’s exports to the United States soared to an all-time monthly high of $11.2 billion in March 2025, marking a significant milestone in bilateral trade. This figure broke past the $10 billion threshold for the first time, reflecting nearly a 50% jump compared to the average monthly exports over the previous year. Data released by the United States Census Bureau revealed that the overall value of goods traded between the two nations for the month reached $15 billion, underscoring a remarkable increase in commercial activity. This surge in exports aligned with a 90-day tariff suspension declared…

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons after a live CNN interview in which he made baseless claims about India’s recent military operation targeting terror sites. The operation, dubbed Operation Sindoor, struck nine terror locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). During the CNN broadcast, Asif claimed that Indian jets were shot down by Pakistan during the operation. However, when host Becky Anderson pressed him for verifiable proof, he faltered. Instead of citing credible sources, Asif leaned on vague statements, saying, “It’s all over social media, on Indian social media, not just…

On Wednesday, the Indian military executed targeted missile strikes under the operation “Sindoor,” aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure associated with banned groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This military operation, launched as retaliation for the deadly Pahalgam attack, quickly garnered widespread international media attention, placing global focus on the situation. The military response significantly escalated tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, with many international outlets emphasizing India’s claim that the strikes were a measured counter-terrorism move rather than an aggressive action. In the US, major media outlets such as The New York Times highlighted…

India’s retaliatory response to the Pakistan-sponsored terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, known as ‘Operation Sindoor,’ struck nine terror locations across the border in the early hours of Wednesday, eliminating both terrorists and their hideouts. While ‘Operation Sindoor’ has resonated deeply with the families of the Pahalgam victims, a number of Army veterans have also expressed support for the operation, praising it as a fitting tribute to the widows who lost their husbands in the brutal attack. Colonel Abhay Patvardhan (Retd), speaking exclusively to IANS, explained that the codename ‘Operation Sindoor’ was perfectly chosen to honor the victims and…

India is conducting a sweeping nationwide emergency preparedness drill—Operation Abhyas—today, Wednesday, May 7. The large-scale exercise spans 244 districts and has been initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as a strategic response to rising geopolitical risks and the recent terror incident in Pahalgam. The mock drill includes a series of coordinated activities to simulate wartime conditions such as power outages, sirens warning of air strikes, evacuation procedures, and emergency response protocols. The primary aim is to bolster the nation’s civil defence readiness and ensure that both authorities and the public are equipped to handle high-risk scenarios, especially in…

Pritam Singh, a notable political figure with Indian roots, currently holds the role of Secretary-General for Singapore’s Workers’ Party. He also serves as the country’s Leader of the Opposition, a title officially introduced in 2020. His leadership marks a significant chapter in Singaporean politics, providing structured opposition within the nation’s parliamentary system. Recognized by The Times of India, Singh’s appointment reflects his influence in shaping alternative perspectives in governance and his dedication to representing diverse voices. As the head of the most prominent opposition party, Singh plays a pivotal role in enhancing parliamentary accountability and contributing to public policy debates.…

Global credit ratings agency Moody’s stated on Monday that India’s macroeconomic outlook remains stable, even in the face of rising tensions with Pakistan following the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the death of 26 civilians. In contrast, Moody’s warned that any sustained escalation of hostilities with India would have adverse consequences for Pakistan’s already fragile economy. The report emphasized that such a scenario could undermine Pakistan’s efforts toward fiscal consolidation and exacerbate the country’s ongoing financial vulnerabilities. The agency highlighted that as geopolitical tensions increase, Pakistan could face further obstacles in accessing external financing. This could intensify…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the 7th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games, praising the grit and excellence of athletes gathered from across the nation. He commended their passion and perseverance, calling them the torchbearers of India’s sporting future and wishing them well in their pursuits. The games are taking place across various cities in Bihar, including Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai, with more than 6,000 youth athletes competing. PM Modi noted that the growing popularity of sports is shaping India’s cultural identity, emphasizing how the country’s increasing soft power is tied to its sporting success. He…

Roselle Park became a beacon of environmental harmony on Saturday, April 26, 2025, as the community came together for a meaningful tree-planting event. Held under the theme “Love Our Mother Earth,” the collaborative effort by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chicago and the Chicago Indo-US Lions Club turned the park into a lively representation of unity, purposeful action, and hope. The event, spearheaded by Sunil Shah (Founder and Chairman of FIA) and Lion Hina Trivedi (Founder and President of the Indo-US Lions Club), saw enthusiastic participation from residents of all ages. A particularly heartening sight was the large group…