Author: Bhakti Narayanan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Thursday morning, wrapping up his two-nation visit to Russia and Austria. In a post on X, PM Modi expressed gratitude to Austria’s Chancellor, government, and people for their warm welcome and hospitality. He described his visit as “historic” and “immensely productive.” “My visit to Austria has been historic and highly productive, infusing new energy into the friendship between our nations. I am pleased to have participated in various programs during my time in Vienna. Thanks to Chancellor @karlnehammer, the Austrian Government, and its people for their warm hospitality and kindness,” PM…

In a spectacle of faith and tradition, the Rath Yatra festivities commenced in Odisha’s Puri as throngs of devotees pulled massive chariots from the ancient Jagannath temple to the Gundicha temple, a distance of 1.5 miles. Led by Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalanada Saraswati, accompanied by the titular king performing the ceremonial chariot sweeping, the event unfolded amidst profound spiritual rituals. President Droupadi Murmu, Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, Chief Minister, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan ceremoniously kicked off the yatra by pulling the ropes of Lord Jagannath’s chariot, Nandighosh. The ambiance resonated with the echo of Jai Jagannath chants and the…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Austria last evening, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the nation since Indira Gandhi’s trip in 1983, over four decades ago. Before arriving in Austria, PM Modi completed a significant visit to Russia. During his stay in Vienna, PM Modi is scheduled to meet Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and hold discussions with Chancellor Nehammer. Additionally, both leaders will address business leaders from India and Austria to explore ways to deepen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation on various geopolitical challenges. PM Modi is also set to interact with members of…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora in Moscow on Tuesday, July 9, during his two-day visit to Russia. Amid chants of ‘Modi-Modi,’ Modi emphasized the strength of India-Russia relations. Modi remarked on the mutual trust and respect that underpin the relationship between India and Russia. He noted that every Indian views Russia as a trusted friend and commended President Vladimir Putin for his efforts to elevate India-Russia ties. Modi’s visit included a tour of Putin’s residence outside Moscow before official talks at the Kremlin. Modi highlighted his commitment to accelerating India’s progress in his third term, vowing to…

A historic number of British Indian politicians secured seats in the House of Commons this week as the Labour Party staged a comeback after 14 years. Notably, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and several new faces from the Conservative Party managed to survive despite a tough electoral outcome. Kerala-born Sojan Joseph made headlines by becoming the first Labour candidate to win the Ashford constituency in its 139-year history. In total, 28 British Indians were elected to Parliament, with the Labour party leading the charge. Veteran MPs like Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) and Lisa Nandy (Wigan) retained their seats, while…

India’s electric vehicle (EV) sector is poised to receive significant policy support as the government plans to expedite three crucial initiatives within its initial hundred days. These include earmarking 10 GWh capacity under the PLI ACC to boost local production of advanced batteries and implementing a payment security mechanism to promote wider adoption of electric buses. Additionally, the rollout of FAME 3, backed by a budget of US$ 1.2 billion (Rs. 10,000 crore), will be accelerated. These measures are aimed at hastening India’s transition towards cleaner mobility solutions and achieving net-zero emission targets. The government has already received seven bids…

Since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, the United States has maintained ongoing dialogue with India regarding joint efforts to hold Russia accountable, as stated by U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti on July 4. In an email interview with The Hindu, Garcetti highlighted shared objectives between India and the U.S., including preventing the escalation of the conflict, fostering stability in the Middle East, and supporting the establishment of a future Palestinian state. Acknowledging India’s humanitarian aid to Ukraine, Garcetti underscored the strategic partnership’s strength in coordinating responses to global challenges. He emphasized ongoing discussions on imposing consequences on Russia for…

Within a few days of its release, the Netflix series Kota Factory has been well received by both critics and audiences. The black-and-white series portrays some new points in the third season. The teacher, Jeetu Bhaiya, who acts as a brother-like guide to his students, suffers from depression following the suicide death of his favorite student. He goes to therapy to get out of his depression. However, the coaching classes continue. This season delves deeper into the crises of both students and teachers, focusing on many of the fundamental premises of these exams and their preparation.  Jitendra Kumar’s portrayal of…

On Wednesday, Indian American politician Nikki Haley took a swipe at prominent American journalist George Stephanopoulos. He had previously questioned her assertion that President Joe Biden would not complete his first term, suggesting that a vote for him was essentially a vote for Vice President Kamala Harris. Haley made these comments during an interview with Stephanopoulos on ABC News last year while she was a Republican primary candidate. Although she has since suspended her campaign, she revisited the issue by sharing an edited clip of that interview on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, with the caption, “Believe…

Hardam Tripathi, a leader in the Indian-American community and a practicing attorney, has been selected as an alternate delegate for the forthcoming Republican National Convention in Wisconsin. Scheduled for later this month, the convention aims to officially nominate former US President Donald Trump as the Republican Party’s candidate for the upcoming presidential election. Trump, aged 78, is set to contest against the Democratic Party’s incumbent, 81-year-old President Joe Biden. The convention, organized by the Republican National Party (RNP), will take place in Milwaukee from July 14 to 18. Tripathi, a lifelong Republican and representative of Florida’s 15th Congressional District, expressed…