Author: Bhakti Narayanan

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…

India recorded its highest-ever monthly Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue in April 2025, signaling strong economic recovery and robust tax compliance. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attributed this landmark achievement to the resilience of the Indian economy and the power of cooperative federalism. According to data shared by the finance ministry, the total GST revenue collected in April amounted to approximately $28.3 billion, marking a 12.6% increase from the $25.2 billion collected during the same month last year. Net GST revenue for the month stood at $25 billion, up 9.1% from April 2024’s $23 million. In a post on…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the much-anticipated WAVES 2025 on Thursday, marking a transformative moment for India’s media and entertainment sector. Held in Mumbai, this four-day international event—India’s first World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit—sets the stage for global collaboration across creative industries. Modi described WAVES not just as an acronym, but as a movement—one that carries the energy of global culture, connection, and creativity. With delegates from over 100 countries, including artists, entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders, the summit serves as a launchpad for an interconnected creative economy that transcends borders. During his opening remarks, the Prime Minister extended greetings…

Stephen Knapp, an American author and researcher, has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri in the field of Literature by President Droupadi Murmu. This recognition acknowledges his lifelong dedication to promoting Indian spirituality and culture across the globe. Known for his extensive work in making Indian spiritual teachings accessible to the world, Knapp has authored 55 books and hundreds of articles on Vedic traditions, Indian history, and spirituality. Knapp’s notable works include The Secret Teachings of the Vedas, Proof of Vedic Culture’s Global Existence, and The Heart of Hinduism. Through his writings and lectures, he has acted as a…