Author: Bhakti Narayanan

Chhath Puja, one of the most spiritually profound festivals in India, is devoted to honoring the Sun God, Surya, and his consort Usha. Deeply rooted in devotion and purity, the festival is especially celebrated across Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. Beyond its grand rituals and modern-day practices, Chhath Puja’s essence is anchored in ancient Hindu scriptures, tracing its heritage back to revered epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These timeless texts depict early versions of the rituals that evolved into the festival as it is observed today. According to the Ramayana, after Lord Rama…

Trinidad and Tobago is preparing to establish a Ram Mandir in its capital, aiming to highlight its growing role as a center of Hindu faith and heritage in the Western Hemisphere. The initiative has received strong backing from the government, which views it as both a cultural milestone and a spiritual landmark. During a meeting with Hindu religious representatives, Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath confirmed the government’s full support for the project. He emphasized that Trinidad and Tobago, often called “Ramayan country,” has long served as a living example of Hindu traditions thriving beyond India. “The Ram Lalla initiative is…

In a powerful display of growing maritime synergy, India and Japan conducted the Japan-India Maritime Exercise 2025 (JAIMEX-25), marking another milestone in their expanding naval cooperation. The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri, an indigenously designed Shivalik-class stealth frigate, represented India in this strategic engagement. The sea phase of the exercise, held from October 16 to 18, was followed by the harbor phase in Yokosuka on October 21. During the drills at sea, INS Sahyadri maneuvered alongside Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) vessels — Asahi, Oumi, and the submarine Jinryu — engaging in a wide range of advanced operations. These exercises…

 India and the United States are in the advanced stages of negotiating a trade agreement that could significantly reduce tariffs on Indian exports from the current 50% to approximately 15–16%, according to sources cited by Mint. Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran expressed optimism that the dispute over penal tariffs could be resolved within the next two months, potentially leading to the rollback of the extra levies imposed by the White House. Nageswaran suggested that the reciprocal 25% tariffs may also decrease to between 10% and 15%, which would be a notable development for bilateral trade. Key topics under discussion…

India and Canada are taking concrete steps toward revitalizing their economic relationship, as Indian Acting Consul General in Toronto Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh met with Canadian Minister of Economic Development Victor Fedeli to discuss enhanced trade prospects. The meeting comes in preparation for Fedeli’s upcoming trade mission to India, signaling a renewed phase of engagement between the two nations. According to a post by the Consulate General of India in Toronto, the discussion highlighted a forward-looking approach to India–Canada relations, emphasizing growth opportunities across the India–Ontario economic corridor. The dialogue served as a strategic platform to align priorities before the minister’s…

As Diwali illuminated homes across the globe, the Indian-American community in the United States came together to share messages of light, hope, and unity. Prominent leaders and public officials took to social media and community events to celebrate the Festival of Lights, marking the triumph of good over evil and honoring their deep cultural roots. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel, the first Indian-American to lead the agency, greeted people around the world with warm wishes. “Happy Diwali — celebrating the Festival of Lights across the world, as good triumphs over evil,” Patel posted on X, extending his…

 In a vibrant display of cultural appreciation, New York City Mayor Eric Adams hosted a special Diwali celebration at his official residence, Gracie Mansion. The Mayor extended warm greetings to the Indian community, acknowledging their significant contributions to the city’s cultural vibrancy and economic growth. Joining the festivities virtually, Deputy Consul General Vishal Jayeshbhai Harsh represented the Consulate General of India in New York, sharing greetings and emphasizing Diwali’s enduring themes of light, hope, and joy. The Indian Consulate General highlighted the event on social media, praising the community’s active role in New York City’s dynamic life. Meanwhile, in Florida,…

India’s private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) landscape reached a remarkable milestone in 2025, with total investments soaring to $26 billion during the first nine months of the year — the highest in three years. This figure surpassed the combined totals of 2023 and 2024, reflecting a clear resurgence in investor confidence in India’s economic trajectory. According to Equirus Capital, this upward momentum was supported by multiple macroeconomic tailwinds — including strong agricultural output, a favorable monsoon season, and an upswing in consumer spending during India’s festive months. The period from January to September 2025 saw 1,363 transactions, up…

India is preparing to take its space ambitions to unprecedented heights, with plans to send its first astronauts into space by 2027 and land citizens on the Moon by 2040. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced that the country’s maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, is progressing as scheduled, marking a historic milestone for the nation’s space program. Narayanan revealed that before the main crewed mission, three uncrewed flights will be launched, beginning with one featuring a half-humanoid robot named Vyommitra in December 2025. Two additional uncrewed tests are planned for 2026, ensuring safety and precision ahead of the 2027 mission. He…

India clarified its stance on US President Donald Trump’s recent claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him India would halt purchases of Russian oil. Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underlined that India’s energy strategy is firmly rooted in national priorities and the realities of the global market. “India is a major importer of oil and gas, and protecting consumer interests remains our consistent goal in a fluctuating energy landscape. Our import strategies are entirely guided by this objective,” Jaiswal stated. He highlighted that stable energy pricing and secure supplies are the cornerstones of India’s energy policy. To achieve these,…