Author: Deepika chandrasekar

Ahead of the United States’ 250th Independence anniversary, nonprofit organization Indiaspora has launched “The Indiaspora 250 at 250: The Indian American Story,” a comprehensive timeline highlighting 250 milestones that trace the evolution of the Indian American community over more than two centuries. The initiative illustrates how Indian Americans have contributed to nearly every aspect of American society, from politics and business to science, medicine, culture, and cuisine. The project begins with what is believed to be the first recorded non-coerced arrival of an Indian in the United States in 1790. Historical records describe an unidentified “Man from Madras” who traveled…

Actor Ranveer Singh has begun preparations for his upcoming film ‘Pralay’, a high-concept zombie thriller that is expected to bring a fresh take on the apocalypse genre in Bollywood. The film, directed by Jay Mehta, is scheduled to begin production in Australia during the second half of the year. According to reports, Ranveer has already started intensive physical and emotional training for the demanding role. The project is expected to feature large-scale action sequences and requires extensive preparation to meet the film’s ambitious vision. Filming is slated to commence in Australia in September, with pre-production work already underway. The production…

The administration of New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani has introduced a new collection of housing resources designed to increase residential development while safeguarding the city’s historic neighborhoods. Announced alongside Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) Chair Lisa Kersavage, the initiative aims to simplify the process for homeowners seeking to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and help owners of landmark-designated properties benefit from Landmark Transferable Development Rights (TDRs). The newly launched resources include an interactive online map that allows residents to identify properties within historic districts where ADUs are permitted. Homeowners will also have access to a detailed fact sheet explaining…

India has moved a step closer to becoming a major player in the global semiconductor industry after the Expenditure Finance Committee approved the proposal for the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0. Backed by an allocation of US$13.21 billion, the initiative now awaits final approval from the Union Cabinet and is expected to significantly expand the country’s semiconductor capabilities. The funding marks a substantial increase from the US$8.03 billion allocated under the first phase of the mission. Introduced as part of the Union Budget 2026-27, ISM 2.0 is designed to build a complete semiconductor ecosystem by supporting chip manufacturing, semiconductor equipment,…

Trade discussions between India and the United States are continuing to gain traction, with industry leaders expressing growing optimism about the prospects of a bilateral trade agreement. The positive outlook emerged during the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum’s (USISPF) IX Annual Leadership Summit in Washington, where senior executives met privately with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer to review the progress of ongoing negotiations. The meeting came shortly after Ambassador Greer concluded his visit to India, where he held discussions with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. Those talks centered on creating a balanced bilateral trade agreement while also exploring the…

India’s electric passenger vehicle market is on track to achieve a major milestone in 2026, with annual sales expected to cross 300,000 units for the first time, according to a report by Frost & Sullivan. The surge is being supported by increasing consumer interest in electric mobility, a broader range of vehicle options, and continued improvements in charging infrastructure across the country. Industry estimates suggest that electric passenger vehicle sales were slightly below 200,000 units in 2025, but momentum has strengthened significantly in 2026. In the first six months of the year alone, registrations have already reached nearly 150,000 units,…

India and Seychelles continue to deepen their economic relationship by expanding cooperation across trade, investment, transportation, renewable energy, and sustainable development. The growing partnership reflects both countries’ commitment to strengthening commercial ties while creating new opportunities for long-term collaboration in strategic sectors. Bilateral trade posted strong growth during the 2023-24 financial year, reaching approximately $84.88 million, representing an increase of nearly 15% compared to the previous year. India remained the dominant exporter, shipping goods valued at roughly $76.19 million, while imports from Seychelles totaled about $8.69 million. The steady rise in trade highlights the expanding commercial relationship and increasing demand…

US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed that the trade agreement between India and the United States will continue without any changes despite the recent US Supreme Court ruling concerning his administration’s tariff policies. Speaking at a White House news conference, Trump stressed that the bilateral trade arrangement with India remains firmly in place and continues to reflect the strong relationship between the two countries. Addressing questions following the court’s decision, the president stated that the ruling would not affect ongoing trade cooperation with India. He emphasized that the partnership remains a priority and described relations with India as excellent, noting…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held detailed discussions with Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, focusing on India’s growing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and its impact on transforming financial access. The meeting centered on how India’s digital-first governance model is reshaping financial services, making them more affordable, widely available, and easier to access for millions of people. During the talks, PM Modi highlighted that India’s DPI framework has played a major role in expanding financial inclusion across the country. The system has helped reduce barriers to banking, payments, and financial services, especially for individuals in underserved and remote regions. He emphasized that…

The United States commemorated the 250th anniversary of its independence with a special celebration in Hyderabad, where US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor highlighted the strength of the growing partnership between India and the United States. The event brought together business leaders, innovators, diplomats, and artists from both countries to mark a milestone in American history while reinforcing bilateral ties. Sharing his thoughts on social media, Gor described the gathering as a memorable occasion that showcased the spirit of innovation, achievement, and collaboration that has defined the United States over the past two and a half centuries. He emphasized that…