Author: Deepika chandrasekar

India and Nepal’s economic partnership is poised for a new phase of growth, with bilateral trade projected to double by 2030, driven by stronger business linkages and sustained investment flows, according to Nepalese media reports. Trade between the two nations continues to reflect deep-rooted interdependence, with India accounting for over 64% of Nepal’s total trade. In fiscal year 2024–25, bilateral trade reached around USD 8.7 billion, confirming India’s position as Nepal’s largest trading partner. India’s exports to Nepal totaled nearly USD 7.4 billion, led by petroleum products, machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, food items, and construction materials that are essential for Nepal’s…

During his campaigns, President Donald Trump often described himself as “very greedy,” claiming he had always sought financial gain but promising to channel that drive toward the United States if elected. However, in office, his administration blurred lines between lobbying and potential favoritism, even as it maintained no wrongdoing occurred. A recent investigation by The New York Times revealed that six prominent Indian-American executives and the companies they lead were significant contributors to Trump’s 2025 campaign. Their donations appeared to coincide with distinct benefits, highlighting the transactional nature of political fundraising. The report noted that presidential pardons, favorable policies, and…

Shruti Tripathi Chopra, an Indian origin journalist based in the United Kingdom, has been awarded the prestigious Freedom of the City of London in recognition of her outstanding contributions to financial journalism and her continued efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the global finance industry. The honor was conferred during a ceremony held on Saturday at London’s historic Guildhall. Chopra currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of Dow Jones publications Financial News and Private Equity News, where she has played a defining role in shaping business and financial reporting. Reacting to the recognition, Chopra described the moment as deeply meaningful…

The United States and India must conclude a long-pending trade agreement to unlock deeper economic integration and strengthen business confidence, Atul Keshap, President of the US-India Business Council (USIBC), said on Tuesday. Speaking after a recent visit to India, Keshap said Indian leaders and businesses expressed hope that Washington would move forward with an ambitious trade deal. He noted that negotiations had been conducted diligently over multiple rounds. Keshap said the business community strongly supports an early agreement, describing it as essential for greater economic integration and long-term growth. He added that uncertainty around tariffs has underscored the need for…

India and Japan have discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in disaster risk reduction and disaster resilience, reinforcing bilateral collaboration in managing natural hazards. India’s Ambassador-designate to Japan, Nagma Mallick, called on Japan’s State Minister for Disaster Management Akama Jiro in Tokyo, where both sides reviewed ongoing and future cooperation in disaster preparedness and resilience-building. In a statement shared on social media, the Indian Embassy in Japan said the discussions focused on enhancing India-Japan collaboration in disaster risk reduction frameworks and improving institutional coordination. The engagement is part of a series of high-level diplomatic interactions aimed at strengthening the India-Japan Special…

As 2025 draws to a close, former US President Barack Obama has shared his annual list of favourite books, films, and music, a tradition that started during his White House years. Posting on X, he invited followers to explore new discoveries and share recommendations for him to check out. The list reflects Obama’s diverse taste across genres and cultures, prominently featuring Indian American and Indian-origin creators alongside global talents. In music, the Indian-origin singer Ganavya made the list with the track “Pasayadan,” alongside artists like Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Lady Gaga, Drake, and BLACKPINK, showcasing Obama’s interest in varied musical traditions.…

India has formally launched an ambitious Nuclear Energy Mission, aiming to achieve approximately 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, combining domestic innovation with international collaboration under the Make in India initiative. Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the roadmap, emphasizing the use of both existing and advanced technologies to meet the country’s growing energy demands while supporting a clean energy transition. According to the plan, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is expected to contribute 54 GW of capacity through a series of new nuclear power plants utilizing Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and Light Water Reactors…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Order of Oman on Thursday, the Sultanate’s distinguished civilian honor, by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in recognition of his efforts to enhance bilateral relations between India and Oman. The award was presented during PM Modi’s ongoing two-day visit to Muscat, which represents the final leg of his three-nation tour, following stops in Jordan and Ethiopia. This accolade adds to PM Modi’s growing collection of over 28 prestigious civilian awards from foreign nations, which recently include Ethiopia’s Great Honour Nishan and Kuwait’s Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, reflecting his global diplomatic engagement and contributions…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said he feels “very much at home” during his visit to Ethiopia, calling it a moment of great privilege to address the Parliament of the African nation. PM Modi received a warm welcome as he arrived to address the Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament, marking the 18th Parliament in the world that he has addressed. Speaking to lawmakers, the Prime Minister said it was wonderful to be in Ethiopia, the “land of lions,” drawing a personal connection by noting that his home state of Gujarat in India is also home to lions. “I…

The arrival of the first snowfall of the season brought a calm and almost dreamlike stillness to the Akshardham temple in New Jersey, as a soft blanket of snow settled across its expansive marble complex. The pristine white snow transformed the sprawling courtyards, walkways, and architectural details, creating a striking contrast against the temple’s intricate stonework. Photographs from the site captured the main shrine and surrounding structures coated in fresh snow. Domes, spires, and finely carved surfaces appeared dusted in white, emphasizing the craftsmanship of the temple’s design. At the heart of the complex, the central golden statue became an…