Author: Bhakti Narayanan

 India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav responded to the Asia Cup trophy controversy following the team’s five-wicket win over Pakistan in the final, saying that bringing joy to fans back home is the real prize. The row erupted when the Indian team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy during the presentation ceremony from ACC chief Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board and serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister. After a 90-minute delay, Indian players Kuldeep Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, and Tilak Varma collected their individual awards from other dignitaries. But when Naqvi took the stage, the Indian side declined to…

India and the United States have intensified efforts to finalize a mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) amid a series of trade tensions. Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal led a delegation to the US between September 22 and 24, holding discussions with US officials and business leaders to promote trade and investment while addressing ongoing tariff disputes. The delegation met with top US representatives, including Ambassador Jamieson Greer, the United States Trade Representative, and Sergio Gor, the US Ambassador-designate to India, exchanging views on the contours of the potential trade deal. Government sources confirmed that both sides…

U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 23, 2025, delivering a speech that highlighted his long-standing focus on national sovereignty, state independence, and cultural preservation. Speaking before a largely silent audience of world leaders, Trump criticized migration, climate initiatives, and the efficacy of international institutions, signaling a preference for transactional and bilateral diplomacy over multilateral cooperation. Trump described migration as a “crisis” threatening Western countries, arguing that nations should address challenges domestically rather than rely on international frameworks. He criticized UN programs for providing financial support to refugees, framing these efforts as a…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Banswara on Thursday to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for several major development projects valued at $13 billion. A central highlight of his visit will be the launch of the 2,800 MW Mahi Banswara Nuclear Power Project, which is expected to significantly enhance India’s energy capacity and long-term power security. Alongside the nuclear project, the Prime Minister will virtually flag off two new Vande Bharat Express trains from Bikaner and Jodhpur to Delhi, as well as the Udaipur-Chandigarh Express. Additionally, he will lay foundations for key projects in other states during the…

 India has solidified its position as a leading investment hub in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, ranking fourth in real estate capital inflows during the first half of 2025, according to Colliers’ Investment Insights H1 2025 report. The study revealed that overall investments across nine major APAC markets reached $71.9 billion, marking a 6% year-over-year decline, yet India stood out with robust foreign and domestic activity. Foreign institutional inflows into India’s real estate market amounted to $1.6 billion, accounting for roughly 52% of total capital. Meanwhile, domestic investments showed impressive momentum, rising 53% compared to the same period last year and…

 India actively participated in the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting (CFAMM) 2025, reaffirming its commitment to the core principles and values set forth in the Commonwealth Charter. Representing India, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary West Sibi George attended the meeting held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session on September 22, 2025. In a statement shared on X, the Ministry of External Affairs noted that George highlighted India’s dedication to upholding the fundamental tenets of the Commonwealth Charter. He also addressed the need for reform within the Commonwealth to ensure that its structures and processes…

India has strongly criticized the United States after President Donald Trump introduced a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applicants, a move that could significantly disrupt the flow of skilled workers to America. Officials in New Delhi described the measure as one with serious humanitarian consequences, as it would impact not just professionals but also their families who depend on these work permits. The H-1B visa, widely used by American companies to hire foreign talent in fields such as IT, engineering, and healthcare, has long been a pathway for Indian professionals. In 2024, India accounted for nearly 71% of all approved…

Director General of Police (DGP) Jitender on Thursday called on students to draw inspiration from the global achievements of Indian Americans, pointing out that although they represent just 2% of the United States population, they contribute nearly 8% to the American GDP. He stressed that such milestones are a reflection of discipline, resilience, and values—qualities that Indian students must also nurture. He delivered the message during the annual Inspirational Lecture hosted by Nalanda Educational Institutions in Vengalrao Nagar. The program, designed to connect young learners with accomplished leaders and thinkers, aims to instill wisdom, courage, and vision in future generations.…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked his 75th birthday on Friday by planting a Kadamb sapling at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. The sapling was a personal gift from King Charles III of the United Kingdom and formed part of PM Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, which promotes environmental awareness and tree plantation. A video shared of the occasion showed the Prime Minister personally planting and watering the young tree. The British High Commission in New Delhi had earlier announced the gift on social media, highlighting that King Charles III’s gesture was inspired by PM Modi’s environmental…

Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms have significantly strengthened the nation’s economy by injecting $22.77 billion in additional liquidity. Addressing the Outreach and Interaction Programme on Next Generation GST Reforms in Visakhapatnam, she explained that the reforms will save citizens an equivalent amount, easing their financial burden while giving the economy a much-needed boost. Sitharaman pointed out that the sweeping changes to the tax structure were designed to help the middle class and curb poverty. Nearly all products that once fell under the 12% GST category—about 99%—are now taxed…