Author: Bhakti Narayanan

 Victor Hugo Echeverri Jaramillo, Colombia’s Ambassador to India, emphasized on Thursday the growing potential for stronger trade and investment links between the two nations. Amid rapid geopolitical changes, he underscored the value of “trustworthy partners,” a role that both India and Colombia are fulfilling effectively. In an interview with IANS, Jaramillo described the two capitals, New Delhi and Bogota, as “reliable partners” and expressed optimism about expanding bilateral ties not only in commerce and politics but also in cultural exchanges. He highlighted that in the current era of global trade tensions and tariffs, collaboration with dependable partners is crucial. Currently,…

Sikh organizations across the United States have voiced strong opposition to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s newly announced military grooming standards that prohibit beards, long hair, and personal expressions of faith. The move, they argue, threatens the religious freedoms of Sikh service members who wear beards and turbans as part of their spiritual identity. The Sikh Coalition, a leading advocacy group representing Sikh soldiers and veterans, said it was “angered and deeply concerned” by the directive. In a statement posted on social media, the organization condemned Hegseth’s comments and urged the Department of Defense to respect the rights of religious minorities…

The scientific and global Kashmiri communities are celebrating Ipshita Zutshi, a rising star in neuroscience, who has been named a 2025 Blavatnik Award honoree. Recognized for her innovative contributions to understanding the human brain, Zutshi’s work has earned international acclaim. The Blavatnik Awards spotlight exceptional postdoctoral researchers from academic institutions in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Ipshita Zutshi has been awarded for early-career excellence in the Life Sciences category of the 2025 Blavatnik Regional Awards for Young Scientists. As part of the recognition, she will receive $10,000 in unrestricted prize funds. A nominee of New York University, Dr. Zutshi…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected on a major milestone on Tuesday — completing 25 years of public service since first taking oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat in October 2001. Sharing his thoughts on X, the Prime Minister expressed deep gratitude to the people of India for their unwavering support and trust throughout his political journey. Modi recalled that two and a half decades ago, his leadership journey began when he took over Gujarat’s top administrative role, a period that laid the foundation for his future leadership at the national level. “On this day in 2001, I took oath…

Indian Americans are reshaping the landscape of U.S. higher education through their extraordinary generosity, contributing over $3 billion since 2008, according to new research by Indiaspora. Building on the insights of the 2024 Impact Report by Indiaspora and the Boston Consulting Group, this study highlights how Indian Americans are using philanthropy to give back to the institutions that shaped their success. These contributions go beyond mere donations—they represent a legacy of gratitude and vision. Many Indian Americans attribute their professional growth to the educational opportunities they received in the U.S. and are now ensuring that future generations benefit from the…

In a highly significant demonstration that emphatically underscores the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) steadfast dedication to interfaith harmony and wide-ranging cultural inclusivity, Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, the Chairman of the Department of Community Development (DCD), made a special visit to the profoundly iconic BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi earlier this week. A distinguished delegation of senior officials from the department accompanied him throughout the visit. A Platform for Dialogue on Coexistence The notable delegation from the DCD was received with immense warmth and cordiality by Swami Brahmaviharidas, a spiritual leader and a driving force behind the Mandir. Swami Brahmaviharidas…

 India’s women’s cricket team, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, celebrated a resounding 88-run triumph over arch-rivals Pakistan in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. The victory not only placed India at the top of the standings but also reinforced the growing dominance and confidence of the squad under Harmanpreet’s inspirational leadership. Born in Moga, Punjab, Harmanpreet Kaur’s cricketing story is one of grit, ambition, and transformation. As captain across all formats, she has redefined the team’s identity, fostering a fearless and competitive spirit among players. Known for her aggressive batting and composed demeanor, she has led India to several…

 California State University-Chico (CSU-Chico) is initiating a panel series aimed at fostering meaningful conversations and discovering common ground among different religions and denominations, beginning on November 4. The series, titled “Interreligious Reflections in Northern California,” will kick off with discussions on Jewish and Hindu traditions and plans to explore additional faiths in future semesters. The inaugural event will feature distinguished speakers, including global Hindu leader Rajan Zed, Congregation Beth Israel Chico Rabbi Lisa Rappaport, CSUC Chair of Comparative Religion & Humanities Daniel Veidlinger, and CSUC Religious Studies Professor Jed Wyrick. The program aims to explore historical context, present-day perspectives, and…

Finland and India share strikingly similar perspectives on multipolarity, global governance, and the legitimacy of international institutions, reflecting the growing global consensus for multilateral reform. Finnish President Alexander Stubb, in his address to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), called for urgent reforms of global institutions, a message that strongly resonates with India’s long-standing demand for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). President Stubb underscored the principles of multilateralism, legitimacy, and a rules-based international order, critiquing the outdated structure of the UN that still mirrors the realities of 1945. India welcomed this…

US President Donald Trump’s recent tightening of H-1B visa regulations is expected to accelerate the relocation of critical operations from the United States to India’s global capability centres (GCCs), according to economists and industry insiders. GCCs, which manage a spectrum of operations from finance to research and development, are increasingly being recognized as hubs for high-value innovation beyond their initial role in tech support. India currently hosts approximately 1,700 GCCs, accounting for over half of the global total. These centres now handle sophisticated tasks including luxury car dashboard design, drug discovery, and AI-driven solutions, making them strategically important for multinational…