Author: Bhakti Narayanan

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, along with his fellow Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission teammates, is preparing to leave the International Space Station (ISS) aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, nicknamed Grace. The departure is scheduled for 4:35 PM IST on July 14, with the spacecraft expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean near California by 3 PM IST on July 15, provided all conditions remain favorable. Before leaving the ISS, the astronauts will don their space suits and secure themselves inside Grace. After sealing the hatch connecting the capsule to the ISS, engineers will conduct thorough system checks and leak inspections to…

In a continued push for job creation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hand out more than 51,000 appointment letters to newly hired candidates across multiple central government departments on Saturday at 11 a.m., using video conferencing for the distribution ceremony. The event is part of the Rozgar Mela—a flagship employment initiative launched in October 2022 to fast-track public sector recruitment. During the virtual gathering, PM Modi will also speak to the new recruits, offering motivation and outlining the government’s vision for active youth participation in nation-building. The effort reinforces the administration’s commitment to accelerating job generation and enhancing the public…

In a strong early endorsement, the Indian American Impact Fund has thrown its support behind Dr. Tina Shah, a physician and former White House official, for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. The fund, which is dedicated to empowering South Asian and Indian American candidates across the U.S., praised Shah as “the right leader at a critical moment.” Shah, who previously served in the Obama and Biden administrations, announced her candidacy on July 1 and made headlines by raising a remarkable $260,000 on her first day in the race. Her campaign is focused on challenging Rep. Tom Kean Jr., a Republican…

In a landmark move to safeguard and promote India’s centuries-old literary treasures, the Ministry of Culture has announced the country’s first-ever global conference focused entirely on manuscript heritage. Titled ‘Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy Through Manuscript Heritage’, the event will be held from September 11 to 13, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The announcement, fittingly made on Guru Purnima, honors India’s enduring guru–śiṣya tradition and intellectual history. The event is also timed to commemorate the 132nd anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s iconic speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions on September 11, 1893—a historic moment representing India’s global contribution…

US President Donald Trump has imposed a steep 50% tariff on copper imports, adding to previously implemented duties on steel and aluminum. He also signaled a potential 200% tariff on pharmaceuticals imported into the US starting next year. Trump confirmed that the August 1 deadline for activating higher tariffs on numerous global economies would remain unchanged. This development holds critical implications for India. The US is not only India’s top market for pharmaceutical exports but also an important buyer of copper and its related products. Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump said, “We’re doing copper today. It’ll be…

Elon Musk has officially filed to launch his own political outfit — the America Party — with Indian-origin Tesla Chief Financial Officer Vaibhav Taneja appointed as the party’s treasurer, according to documents submitted to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) over the weekend. This new political chapter comes after Musk’s public rift with former President Donald Trump and the Republican Party over legislative disagreements, including the controversial ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’. The FEC paperwork lists Elon Musk as the sole candidate representing the party, with its official headquarters located at 1 Rocker Road, Hawthorne, California — Tesla’s design and development hub. Vaibhav…

Arti Ajit Hirani has officially stepped into her new role as President of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division (YLD), making history as the second Indian-American to ever lead the organization. The milestone moment was celebrated during the 75th Annual Convention of The Florida Bar, with the announcement made by Meenakshi A. Hirani PA. Arti Hirani, who previously broke barriers as the first Indian-American and the youngest individual to serve as President of the Orange County Bar Association, highlighted the significance of her appointment. “This moment is incredibly personal but also a powerful sign of progress in Florida’s legal profession,”…

US President Donald Trump announced late Thursday evening that his administration would begin sending out letters on Friday to various countries, detailing the new tariffs that they will face on imports to the United States. These letters will outline the specific tariff rates, which range from 10% to 70%, depending on the country. During a press briefing, Trump explained, “We are starting to send letters tomorrow, with about 10 or 12 going out at the beginning. Over the next few days, we expect to have them all sent out, with full coverage by the 9th.” The President emphasized that the…

As the July 9 deadline approaches, the United States and India are working intensively to finalize a bilateral trade agreement aimed at creating a fair and mutually beneficial relationship. According to US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mignon Houston, India is a key strategic ally for Washington in the Indo-Pacific, particularly within the Quad alliance. In an interview with ANI, Houston emphasized that the Trump administration’s “America First” agenda seeks trade arrangements that are balanced and reciprocal, especially with significant partners like India. “India plays an essential role in our Indo-Pacific vision, and our policies are centered around ensuring mutual benefits…