Author: Deepika chandrasekar

US President Donald Trump has described the newly concluded trade agreement with India as a “historic deal” that will substantially increase American coal exports. Speaking at a press briefing, Trump highlighted the United States’ position as the world’s leading energy producer and emphasised the country’s growing role as a major energy exporter. “America is now the number one energy producer in the world,” Trump said, adding that recent trade deals with countries including Japan, Korea, and India would dramatically expand US coal exports. He also noted that American coal is considered among the highest quality globally. The announcement followed the…

The recently concluded India–European Union free trade agreement is being viewed as a significant marker of an emerging multipolar global order, reflecting shifting geopolitical and economic alignments beyond traditional US-led frameworks. Described as one of the most ambitious trade undertakings in recent years, the agreement brings together nearly two billion consumers and accounts for roughly a quarter of global GDP. The scale of the partnership underscores deepening economic integration between India and the European bloc at a time of global uncertainty. Analysts suggest the evolving India–EU partnership signals greater convergence in support of multilateral institutions, strategic autonomy and expanded cooperation…

New Delhi witnessed the launch of India’s priorities for its 2026 BRICS chairship, under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability,” during the first meeting of BRICS Sherpas and Sous Sherpas on February 9-10. The event, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), was chaired by MEA Secretary for Economic Relations and India’s BRICS Sherpa, Sudhakar Dalela, along with Joint Secretary Shambhu L. Hakki, the BRICS Sous Sherpa. Senior officials and Sherpas from BRICS nations and partner countries, including Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and UAE, participated actively. During the meeting,…

Indian American civic leader Ashok Baddi has formally declared his intention to run for the Michigan House of Representatives, positioning himself as a candidate who prioritizes pragmatic governance, community engagement, and inclusive decision-making in a rapidly diversifying suburban district north of Detroit. His campaign centers on practical solutions that reflect the needs of everyday residents rather than partisan politics. Speaking in an interview, Baddi confirmed his candidacy for Michigan’s 56th District, emphasizing that his long-standing connection to the area motivated his decision. Having lived in Troy for many years, he said his deep involvement in local initiatives and community service…

US Ambassador Sergio Gor expressed optimism about cricket’s growth in the United States after attending the India vs USA ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Saturday. He thanked the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its chairman Jay Shah for hosting an “incredible evening of cricket” and noted that the sport has a promising future in the US, including prospects for the 2028 Olympics. On social media, Ambassador Gor highlighted the rapid expansion of cricket in the United States, emphasizing the contributions of world-class infrastructure, emerging star talent, and passionate fans. During the match, he met…

Pratham USA has announced a leadership change at the helm of its National Board of Directors, with Raj Shah set to take over as Chair starting April 1, 2026. The transition follows the conclusion of the three-year term of outgoing Board Chair Dhiren Shethia, who will continue contributing as a National Board member beyond March 2026. The leadership shift is part of a planned succession strategy aimed at maintaining continuity and advancing the organization’s mission. Shah, who has served as Vice Chair of the National Board, has been actively involved with Pratham USA for several years, demonstrating a deep commitment…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold his annual interaction with students, parents, and teachers on February 6, as part of the Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) initiative. This year’s edition has witnessed unprecedented participation, with more than 45 million individuals registering for the event, making it one of the largest student engagement programs in the country. The initiative aims to address exam-related anxiety while encouraging confidence, motivation, and balanced learning among students. Ahead of the official session, PM Modi engaged with students in multiple cities, including Devmogra, Coimbatore, Raipur, and Guwahati, along with an interaction at 7, Lok Kalyan…

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar concluded a productive visit to the United States from February 2 to 4, underscoring the “strong momentum” in India-US relations amid the historic trade deal nearing finalisation. During the visit, he participated in the Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and held high-level discussions on strategic and economic cooperation. Posting on X, Jaishankar expressed gratitude to Secretary Rubio for his hospitality and noted that the trade agreement, aimed at lowering barriers and expanding market access, would usher in a new phase in bilateral ties. The discussions emphasized cooperation in…

During the grand celebration of Mahant Swami Maharaj’s birthday on February 2, 2026, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha achieved a remarkable feat by setting a Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous Hindu text recital by children. The event, held in Vadodara, attracted over 200,000 devotees from across the globe. The record was established when 12,723 children recited the Satsang Diksha, a sacred Sanskrit scripture composed by Mahant Swami Maharaj. This achievement, verified by Guinness World Records officials from England, represents the highest number of children simultaneously reciting Sanskrit verses ever recorded. A formal Certificate of Recognition was presented to Mahant Swami…

Political risk expert Ian Bremmer has highlighted that India’s economic strength gives it rare strategic freedom in international affairs, particularly in dealings with the United States. Speaking to NDTV, Bremmer placed India on what he calls the “TACO” spectrum—Trump Always Chickens Out— a category for nations capable of pushing back against Washington without facing severe consequences. In contrast, countries on the “FAFO” (Fool Around And Find Out) side, such as Venezuela and Ukraine, are vulnerable when challenging more powerful states. Bremmer grouped India alongside China and Russia as countries operating on their own strategic terms. Bremmer noted that India’s robust…