Author: Bhakti Narayanan

NASA is set to hold a media briefing at 1:45 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 29, at its Johnson Space Center in Houston to provide updates on the upcoming International Space Station mission of Indian American astronaut Anil Menon. The briefing will offer insights into preparations for his first journey into space and the objectives of the mission ahead. The event will be streamed live on NASA’s official YouTube channel, allowing global audiences to follow the announcement. Menon is scheduled to travel aboard the Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft, which is targeted for launch on Tuesday, July 14. He will be joined…

The sacred Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand is undergoing extensive preparations ahead of its annual reopening, with the entire shrine complex being decorated with tons of fresh flowers. One of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Hinduism and a key part of the Char Dham Yatra, the temple is being transformed into a vibrant spiritual site filled with color, devotion, and ceremonial significance. Nestled in the Himalayas, Kedarnath is witnessing a steady arrival of pilgrims as authorities intensify arrangements for the upcoming opening day. The temple premises have been beautifully decorated, mainly with marigold flowers, creating an atmosphere that reflects both…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to devotees as the doors of Kedarnath Dham opened, marking the beginning of this year’s pilgrimage season in Uttarakhand. He described the Chardham Yatra as a sacred expression of faith, unity, and India’s rich cultural traditions, emphasizing its deep spiritual importance for millions of devotees. In his message, the Prime Minister welcomed pilgrims to the holy shrine and expressed hope that their journey would be blessed and peaceful. He highlighted that the opening of Kedarnath Dham represents not just a religious occasion but also a reflection of India’s enduring spiritual heritage rooted in…

Former US National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster has highlighted the growing importance of deeper energy cooperation between the United States and India, warning that ongoing geopolitical tensions are exposing gaps in India’s long-term energy security. He noted that recent instability linked to tensions involving Iran reflects patterns seen during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, both of which disrupted global energy markets and created uncertainty for energy-dependent economies. According to McMaster, such developments reinforce the urgent need for India to strengthen its energy resilience. He pointed out that heavy reliance on external energy supplies leaves the country vulnerable to global shocks, price volatility,…

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has stated that the first phase of the proposed bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States is close to completion. He noted that ongoing discussions are focused on finalising the remaining technical details and establishing a framework that would allow India improved and preferential access to the US market compared to other competing nations. Goyal made these remarks on the sidelines of the India Korea Business Forum in New Delhi, ahead of the resumption of trade negotiations in Washington DC. He confirmed that Indian and US officials will continue discussions on the…

In a major policy move aimed at addressing New York City’s financial and housing pressures, Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul have introduced two key initiatives focused on revenue generation from luxury real estate and cost relief for affordable housing. The proposals together aim to tackle widening inequality and rising living costs in one of the world’s most expensive cities. The central fiscal measure is a proposed pied-à-terre tax designed to generate approximately US$ 500 million annually. The tax would apply to luxury secondary residences valued above US$ 5 million when owned by individuals whose primary residence is outside…

Japan’s proposed ‘New Delhi Desk’ underscores the growing recognition of India’s strategic and economic importance in the Indo-Pacific, as Tokyo looks to deepen engagement and facilitate greater investment by Japanese firms. The initiative is expected to serve as a dedicated platform to address regulatory challenges and strengthen business collaboration. According to the report, the new office will function as an information and coordination hub, helping Japanese companies navigate India’s complex regulatory landscape. It will also act as a channel to convey industry concerns directly to Indian authorities, enabling smoother business operations and improved policy responsiveness. The move reflects a broader…

India has initiated its leadership under the BRICS framework for 2026 by hosting the first Health Working Group meeting, bringing together senior health officials from nine member countries to strengthen collaboration on global health priorities. The virtual session was chaired by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava and included participation from nations across four continents, reflecting the expanded scope of the BRICS grouping. The discussions focused on a wide range of public health challenges, including tuberculosis research, digital healthcare systems, and mental wellness. India has structured its presidency around a theme centered on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, aligning with…

The United States Embassy in India shared a message from US President Donald Trump, congratulating Taranjit Singh Sandhu on his appointment as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. In his post on Truth Social, Trump acknowledged Sandhu’s extensive diplomatic experience and his role in strengthening ties between India and the United States. He also expressed optimism about Sandhu’s leadership and his ability to guide Delhi’s development while continuing to promote international engagement. Trump emphasized Sandhu’s tenure as India’s Ambassador to the United States, noting that his contributions significantly advanced bilateral relations. He described Sandhu as a dedicated diplomat who consistently worked…

India’s trade surplus with the United States saw a noticeable decline in the financial year 2025–26, largely due to slower export growth and a sharp rise in imports. The shift comes amid tariff measures introduced by US President Donald Trump, which have affected the pace of Indian exports. According to official data released by the commerce ministry, India’s exports to the United States reached $87.31 billion during the year, showing only a slight increase compared to $86.51 billion in the previous financial cycle. In contrast, imports from the US grew significantly, climbing to $52.90 billion from $45.63 billion. This imbalance…