Author: Bhakti Narayanan

In a remarkable display of dedication to Sanskrit, more than 1,400 children and teenagers from the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) recently recited verses from the Satsang Diksha and Siddhant Karika scriptures in the Australian city. Gathered in large numbers, these young participants showcased their commitment by memorising and reciting 315 verses from the Satsang Diksha and 565 verses from the Siddhant Karika. Their sincere efforts in mastering the Sanskrit language captured the attention of many, highlighting the growing global interest in the ancient tongue. The BAPS Sanstha has long been a strong advocate for the study and preservation…

India’s auto component industry has the potential to achieve $100 billion in exports, as global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) rethink their supply chains and manufacturing strategies, creating a significant opportunity for India to position itself as a leading global supplier, according to a report released on Tuesday. The report highlights a major transformation in India’s auto component export landscape, which reached $21.2 billion in FY24, marking a remarkable shift from a $2.5 billion trade deficit in FY19 to a $300 million trade surplus in the latest fiscal year. India’s Roadmap to Boost Auto Component Exports According to the Automotive Component…

India is set to witness a footballing spectacle like never before as legends from Real Madrid and FC Barcelona reignite their historic rivalry on April 6, 2025, at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Titled Legends Faceoff, this iconic showdown will bring football royalty to Indian soil for the first time. Football greats Luis Figo, Fernando Morientes, and Rivaldo are among the first confirmed names, with more legendary players set to be announced soon. Organized by The Sports Front, this event aims to celebrate the magic of football while positioning India as a hub for global sporting events. John Zaidi, CEO…

India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth accelerated to 6.2 per cent in the third quarter (October-December) of the financial year 2024-25, marking an increase from the revised figure of 5.6 per cent recorded in the second quarter. The acceleration in growth has been attributed to stronger rural consumption, supported by a favorable monsoon, as well as increased government expenditure on infrastructure projects, according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics on Friday. The report further states that the GDP growth rate for the financial year 2024-25 is now projected to be 6.5 per cent. Meanwhile, the economic growth rate…

The grand spectacle of Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj has entered its final phase, drawing a multitude of celebrities and film personalities from Bollywood. Several well-known figures from the film industry, including Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, and Sonali Bendre, arrived in the sacred city on Monday to immerse themselves in the spiritual splendor of the event and express their deep-rooted faith in the traditions of Sanatan Dharma. Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, known for his strong belief in Indian culture and traditions, took a holy dip at the revered Triveni Sangam. After completing the sacred ritual, he praised the Uttar Pradesh government,…

The Kumbh Mela is not a religious event alone; it represents a journey of faith, unity, and spiritual discovery that has become a global phenomenon. Held once every four years, this great fair brings together millions of devotees across India and the world into a common belief — attaining salvation, purifying the soul, and being part of something much greater than oneself. The history of the event is as deep as its spiritual significance, which dates back to ancient traditions that have survived for centuries. Every Kumbh Mela is a demonstration of human endurance, devotion, and unity beyond the barriers…

On Thursday, the Indian government was honored with the Prince Michael Decade of Action Road Safety Award, the most prestigious recognition in the sector, for its strides in improving vehicle safety over the last ten years. Key initiatives that contributed to this achievement include the introduction of a new vehicle safety assessment system and the mandatory integration of ABS (anti-lock braking system) in all newly manufactured two-wheelers. The Kingdom of Morocco was also recognized with the same award. The accolades were presented at the 4th Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Marrakech, where global leaders convened to strategize ways to…

Nita Ambani, the Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, has been conferred with the prestigious Governor’s Citation by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, recognizing her visionary leadership and significant contributions across education, healthcare, sports, arts, culture, and women’s empowerment. The citation highlights Nita Ambani’s transformative impact, benefiting millions both in India and internationally. Reliance Foundation shared the news on social media, calling Nita Ambani a visionary leader and compassionate philanthropist. During the ceremony, she celebrated the honor by wearing a stunning handwoven Shikargah Banarasi saree, showcasing traditional Indian craftsmanship, including Kadwa weaving and Konya design, a symbol of her commitment to…

South Asian security expert S. Paul Kapur has been nominated by former President Donald Trump as the Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs. This role oversees U.S. diplomatic relations with India and the region. If confirmed, Kapur will succeed Donald Lu and become the second Indian-American to hold this position, following Nisha Desai Biswal, who served during the Obama administration from 2013 to 2017. Kapur serves as a professor at the Naval Postgraduate School, focusing on South Asian politics, regional security, and international affairs. He has previously worked with the State Department’s policy planning staff, focusing on South…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s annual student interaction program, Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC), is set to return in 2025 with a refreshed format and an expanded lineup of notable personalities. The initiative, designed to help students handle exam pressure, will now include insights from figures like Deepika Padukone, Mary Kom, Avani Lekhara, Vikrant Massey, Bhumi Pednekar, Rujuta Diwekar, Technical Guruji, Radhika Gupta, Sonali Sabharwal, and FoodPharmer. The event will take place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi in a town hall-style format. Launched in 2018, PPC has grown into a national movement, with its eighth edition in 2025 receiving 35.6 million…