Author: Bhakti Sharma

he United States recorded a $4.1 billion goods trade deficit with India in May, according to newly released official figures. The data came as America’s overall trade deficit increased significantly during the month due to lower exports and higher imports. Figures released by the US Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis showed that the US goods and services trade deficit jumped by $23 billion, or 42.2%, reaching $77.6 billion in May compared with a revised $54.6 billion in April. The rise in the trade gap was driven by a $10.5 billion decline in exports, which fell to $317.7…

Dr. Raj Shah, Director of Koehler Instrument Company in Holtsville, New York, has been presented with the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) Achievement Award, the organization’s highest individual recognition. The honor was announced during the institute’s annual meeting in Palm Springs, California, celebrating his decades of service and lasting impact on the global lubricating grease industry. The prestigious award recognizes individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced both the institute and the field of lubricating grease technology. Dr. Shah has remained actively involved with NLGI for nearly 30 years, serving in several leadership roles while helping shape research, technical standards, and…

Indian-American comedian and screenwriter Zarna Garg has drawn attention after choosing to perform in a shirt and jeans on 4 July, marking what she described as her personal “Independence Day” from long-standing clothing expectations tied to her stage persona. Garg, who is widely recognized for her vibrant traditional Indian outfits during performances, explained that her decision was driven by both practical challenges and a desire for personal freedom. She shared on social media that maintaining custom-made traditional attire had become increasingly stressful, especially given her demanding travel and touring schedule as a stand-up comedian performing nearly every night. She described…

The Indian Naval Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini represented India at the United States International Naval Review 250 and the Sail4th 250 celebrations held in New York, marking a significant moment in maritime cooperation between India and the United States. The ship took part in the Parade of Sail on the Hudson River as part of the celebrations commemorating America’s 250th Independence anniversary. The Embassy of India in Washington highlighted the vessel’s arrival at the Port of New York and New Jersey, noting that the three-masted barque proudly displayed the Indian tricolour during the international maritime parade. The ship’s participation…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his greetings to devotees embarking on the Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026, describing the sacred pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine as a deeply privileged spiritual experience. In his message, the Prime Minister emphasized that the journey to seek the blessings of Baba Barfani holds immense religious significance and remains one of the most revered traditions for millions of Shiva devotees. In a letter addressed to pilgrims, PM Modi described the annual Yatra as a profound expression of India’s spiritual heritage and cultural unity. He noted that devotees from across the country and the world…

India’s healthcare landscape has experienced a major structural shift over the past decade, driven by large-scale government reforms aimed at improving access, affordability, and overall health security for its population. Significant investments in infrastructure development, insurance coverage expansion, digital health systems, and disease prevention initiatives have collectively reshaped the country’s medical ecosystem. At the core of this transformation is the Ayushman Bharat initiative, one of the world’s largest publicly funded healthcare programs. Through its Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) component, nearly 120 million families are now entitled to annual health coverage worth up to $5,234.51 per household. Since its…

The International Monetary Fund has stated that India’s economy continues to show resilience despite ongoing global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions. India’s GDP growth is projected to remain steady at around 6.5%, following a strong performance of approximately 7.6% in the previous year. This positions the country as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. The global economic environment remains challenging, largely due to geopolitical tensions such as conflicts in the Middle East, which have led to rising oil prices and increased inflationary pressures. These factors have resulted in slower growth projections for many emerging markets. However, India’s economic…

Indian-American defensive lineman Aditya Singh has moved a step closer to his professional football ambitions after signing with High Integrity Management, LLC as he prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft. Standing 6’0” and weighing 285 pounds, Singh has built his reputation as a tough and determined interior lineman, having played across multiple college programs including Oklahoma Baptist University, Southern Connecticut State University, and UMASS. In his most recent season, Singh showcased remarkable endurance by participating in 710 of 793 defensive snaps, an unusually high workload for a player in his position. His consistent presence on the field earned him All-Conference…

 In a significant step toward strengthening military cooperation, senior air force leaders from the United States and India held high-level discussions in Arlington, Texas. The meeting focused on enhancing operational coordination, joint training exercises, and overall defense collaboration between the two countries. US Air Force Chief General Kenneth Wilsbach hosted Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, who was received with full ceremonial honors. The discussions brought together top leadership from both sides to exchange insights on improving interoperability, advancing capabilities, and promoting shared learning across air force operations. As part of the visit, Air Chief Marshal Singh…

US Senator Steve Daines visited India from January 17 to 19 to advocate for better market access for Montana’s pulse crops and reinforce the strategic partnership between Washington and New Delhi. A member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Daines met with senior Indian officials, parliamentarians, and business leaders to discuss trade, defense cooperation, and supply chain security. During the trip, Daines held meetings with External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. “I came to India to reaffirm our shared values and strategic partnership while supporting Montana’s pulse crop farmers,” Daines said. He expressed gratitude…