Author: Deepika chandrasekar

The Consulate General of India in Toronto has launched a dedicated One Stop Center for Women, aimed at providing round-the-clock assistance to Indian women facing distressing circumstances in Canada. The facility, operating from the Indian mission premises, is designed to support women dealing with domestic violence, abuse, family disputes, abandonment, exploitation, and legal complications. According to an official statement, the center will function as a coordinated and beneficiary-focused support system, ensuring timely access to essential services. Women reaching out to the facility will receive immediate counseling and psycho-social support, along with guidance and coordination for legal assistance when required. The…

The Ministry of Ayush is significantly expanding India’s traditional medicine systems on the global stage through extensive international cooperation and partnerships. According to an official statement, the ministry has signed 25 country-to-country Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for cooperation in traditional medicine and homoeopathy. In addition, 15 MoUs have been signed with international institutions to establish Ayush Academic Chairs abroad, while 52 institute-to-institute agreements support collaborative research and academic exchange. The ministry has also facilitated the establishment of 43 Ayush Information Cells across 39 countries to promote and propagate India’s traditional healthcare systems worldwide. To strengthen international engagement, the Ayush Ministry…

Starting January 1, 2026, India will enjoy full tariff elimination on all exports to Australia, marking a significant milestone under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA). This move is set to deepen bilateral trade relations and create fresh avenues for Indian exporters, especially in labour-intensive industries. The announcement coincides with the third anniversary of the Ind-Aus ECTA. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted that the agreement has successfully turned intent into tangible results, providing consistent export growth, expanded market access, and reinforced supply-chain resilience for Indian businesses, including MSMEs, farmers, and workers. India’s exports to…

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…