Author: Deepika chandrasekar

In a meaningful spiritual gathering on November 10, 2025, Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami and Sannyasin Yoginathaswami of Kauai Aadhenam traveled from Hawaii to San Ramon, located near San Francisco, to participate in the Maha Kumbhabhishekam, the formal consecration ceremony of the Sri Karpaga Ganapathi Temple. Their presence added a significant spiritual dimension to the event, which marked a new chapter for the temple and its surrounding community. The consecration ceremony followed four days of preparatory rituals, including traditional pujas, homas, and prayers meant to sanctify the temple grounds and invoke divine blessings. These days of worship brought together devotees, priests, and…

Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal stated on Tuesday that discussions between India and the United States on a new trade agreement are moving steadily in the right direction. Addressing members of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) during the 22nd Indo-US Economic Summit, he emphasized that both sides are working toward an arrangement that is “fair, equitable, and balanced,” adding that positive news will follow once this alignment is achieved. Goyal dismissed concerns over any strain in bilateral relations, explaining that the partnership remains strategic and deeply valuable for both nations. He noted that a week earlier, US President Donald…

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan drew widespread attention on Wednesday after she honored Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a traditional gesture at the birth centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh. The actor, who has long been a devoted follower of the spiritual leader, greeted the Prime Minister by touching his feet as he arrived for the commemorative event. PM Modi responded warmly by blessing her, and the gesture quickly began circulating across social media platforms, sparking conversations nationwide. Aishwarya, attending the ceremony alongside several senior ministers and dignitaries, later delivered a thoughtful and spiritually charged speech centered…

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a firm message on combating global terrorism during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting held in Moscow on Tuesday. Emphasizing an uncompromising stance, he reiterated that the world must refuse to justify, overlook, or sanitize any form of terrorism. Jaishankar reminded member nations that the SCO was originally created to confront the challenges of terrorism, separatism, and extremism—issues that, he noted, have grown more dangerous over time. Stressing India’s position, he affirmed that New Delhi will always defend its citizens against terrorist threats and expects collective global responsibility…

India’s negotiations with the United States on the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) have picked up pace, with the i nitial chapter of the deal—focused on reciprocal tariffs—moving steadily toward finalization. While sharing India’s October trade data, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the opening phase of the agreement is “near closure,” reflecting meaningful progress after months of virtual engagements between both sides. Agrawal outlined that the BTA has been divided into two broad sections. One component involves more intricate and long-term policy discussions, likely requiring extended dialogue. The other segment, which centers on tariff-related decisions, is being fast-tracked by both…

India has taken a major step toward becoming a global defence exporter with the delivery of its BrahMos missile system to the Philippines — marking the country’s first major export of advanced missile technology, according to a report on Saturday. The development reflects New Delhi’s strategic push in the Indo-Pacific region, deepening defence cooperation with ASEAN nations and contributing to a multipolar security framework aimed at countering China’s growing assertiveness. According to The National Interest, “India appears to have been happy to supply the Philippines with its advanced missiles, at least in part because the likely target of those missiles…

India’s dealmaking landscape delivered a powerful performance in October 2025, recording a dramatic surge in value even as the number of transactions dipped. According to Grant Thornton Bharat’s latest Dealtracker report, overall deal value climbed sharply to $16.8 million, marking a 134% jump compared to the previous month. While deal volumes slipped by 13% to 189 transactions, a series of high-value mergers, acquisitions, and public offerings kept momentum strong. The standout driver of this surge was the presence of three billion-dollar mergers and acquisitions, which collectively contributed $5.9 million. Alongside these, 11 additional deals valued above $100 million significantly influenced…

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya will temporarily close its doors to devotees from the evening of November 24 to make arrangements for a grand flag hoisting ceremony. The event, scheduled for November 25, will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, and other high-profile dignitaries. According to Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the closure is a necessary step to ensure smooth preparations and security ahead of the significant ceremony. Darshan for devotees will reopen at 7 AM on November 26 once the event concludes. The ceremony holds…

At the opening of COP30 in Belem, Brazil, COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago commended India and China for their transformative roles in the global clean energy revolution. He said both nations have embraced climate action decisively, helping to make renewable technologies more accessible and affordable around the world. Highlighting China’s contribution, do Lago noted that the country’s combination of technological prowess, large-scale production, and cost efficiency has significantly advanced global progress toward clean energy systems. “China’s leadership in manufacturing electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries has reshaped the global market. Their scale has dramatically reduced the price…

President Droupadi Murmu held comprehensive bilateral discussions with President João Lourenço of Angola in Luanda today, marking a significant step in strengthening ties between the two nations. The meeting resulted in the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focused on enhancing cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture, marine resources, and consular affairs, underscoring both countries’ commitment to expanding their partnership. President Murmu also welcomed Angola’s decision to join two major international initiatives spearheaded by India — the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) — both aimed at advancing global sustainability and environmental conservation. Reaffirming India’s commitment to…