Author: Deepika chandrasekar

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…

Senior US Cabinet officials have welcomed the newly announced trade agreement with India, highlighting its potential to deliver tangible gains for farmers, energy producers and the broader American economy. The agreement is being positioned as a reset in bilateral trade relations following months of friction over tariffs and energy policy. The US Agriculture Secretary said the deal would significantly expand American farm exports to India’s vast and growing consumer market, improving prices for producers and supporting rural incomes. India’s population growth and rising demand were described as key factors that make the country a critical long-term market for US agricultural…

A senior official from India’s Ministry of External Affairs held discussions with Norway’s trade ministry leadership in Oslo on Monday, focusing on expanding economic collaboration and encouraging investment in environmentally sustainable and ocean-based industries. Sibi George, Secretary (West) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, met with Ragnhild Sjoner Syrstad, State Secretary at Norway’s Ministry of Trade and Industry. According to India’s MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the two sides explored ways to deepen economic engagement following the implementation of the India-European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (India-EFTA-TEPA), while also identifying opportunities in green and blue technology sectors. The…

US-based economists and business leaders have welcomed India’s latest Union Budget, describing it as a reinforcement of the country’s strong growth trajectory and a positive signal for global trade and investment. Observers also suggested that more ambitious measures could further boost India’s manufacturing competitiveness. Steve Hanke, applied economics professor at Johns Hopkins University, noted that India’s impressive economic performance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi was expected. He referenced International Monetary Fund projections estimating India’s annual real GDP growth at approximately 6.45% between 2025 and 2030, the fastest among major economies. Hanke linked this outlook to India’s trade and growth-focused policies,…