Author: Deepika chandrasekar

The United States views India as its most vital global partner, US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor said while addressing an audience at the US Embassy in New Delhi. Gor, who also serves as Washington’s special envoy to South and Central Asia, underlined that no other nation holds the same strategic importance for the United States as India. He also revealed that the next round of India–US trade negotiations is scheduled to resume immediately, signaling renewed momentum in economic engagement. During his remarks, Gor emphasized the personal relationship between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing it as authentic…

Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw participated in a high-level finance ministerial meeting in Washington focused on strengthening and diversifying global critical minerals supply chains, particularly rare-earth elements essential for advanced manufacturing and electronics. The meeting was hosted by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and brought together finance ministers and senior economic leaders from major global economies, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, the United Kingdom and representatives of the European Union. The discussions reflected growing international concern over the concentration and vulnerability of critical mineral supply chains.…

Chile’s Ambassador to India, Juan Angulo, has underscored India’s growing importance on the global stage, stating that the country’s relative weight in international affairs continues to rise and plays a crucial role in shaping global agendas. In an interaction in New Delhi, Ambassador Angulo highlighted India’s leadership during its G20 presidency, describing it as substantial and impactful. He noted that India’s initiatives aimed at strengthening the voice of the Global South have been significant, with Chile participating at the highest levels in meetings convened by New Delhi. The envoy stressed that countries like India are essential intermediaries in addressing complex…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday jointly inaugurated the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront, turning a traditional celebration into a moment of cultural diplomacy. The event highlighted the growing warmth between India and Germany while showcasing Gujarat’s vibrant heritage. Upon their arrival, both leaders were warmly received and honored with traditional Gujarati scarves. The riverfront transformed into a lively cultural arena, with folk artists from different parts of Gujarat performing traditional music and dance. The performances offered an immersive glimpse into the state’s cultural richness, creating a festive atmosphere that resonated with both…

Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas has revealed her first look from her upcoming film The Bluff, offering audiences a glimpse into a powerful and action-driven role unlike any she has portrayed before. The newly released images showcase Chopra in a gritty pirate avatar, sharing the screen with actor Karl Urban in what appears to be a high-stakes and emotionally charged narrative. The visuals highlight intense confrontations, fast-paced action sequences, and dramatic moments that hint at the film’s raw tone. Chopra is seen performing physically demanding scenes, blending combat-driven action with emotional depth. Introducing her character on social media, she described the…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a roundtable with twelve Indian AI start-ups at his residence in New Delhi, ahead of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 scheduled for next month. The meeting brought together participants of the AI for ALL: Global Impact Challenge, who presented their innovations and research to the Prime Minister. The start-ups represented a wide array of AI applications, including Indian language foundation models, multilingual large language models (LLMs), speech-to-text, text-to-audio and video technologies, generative AI for 3D content in e-commerce and marketing, engineering simulations, material research, advanced analytics, and healthcare diagnostics. The founders praised India’s strong…

Indian-origin technology professional and community advocate Sujit Singh has announced his bid for the Democratic nomination for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, placing human services, inclusion, and grassroots engagement at the centre of his campaign. Singh said his decision to enter the race was shaped by years of involvement in nonprofit human services, an area he believes remains underrepresented in local and state-level policymaking. He emphasised the need to strengthen support systems for low-income families, immigrant communities, seniors, and young people across the district. The four-county congressional district is among New Jersey’s most diverse, with large Asian, Hispanic, Black, and…

Indian American physician Dr Tina Shah has officially stepped into the Democratic primary race for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, one of the most closely contested seats in the state. Entering a crowded field, Shah is positioning herself as a policy-driven candidate focused heavily on healthcare reform, affordability, and patient rights. She is currently the only Indian American running in the race, a factor that adds historic significance to her bid. Since launching her campaign in July 2025, Shah has demonstrated notable financial strength. By early January 2026, her campaign had brought in approximately $1.017 million, reflecting rapid donor support.…

Suby Valluri, an Indian American student set to graduate from Cornell Tech’s Master of Laws (LLM) in Law, Technology, and Entrepreneurship program this year, has been named the first recipient of the Michael Mills Memorial LegalTech Scholarship. Established by a network of over 50 donors, the scholarship honors the legacy of Michael Mills, a pioneer in legal technology, and aims to support students pursuing careers at the intersection of law and technology. Valluri, who holds a PhD in quantitative economics and an MA in law, is also the co-founder and CEO of FinMont, a travel payments startup that integrates law,…

India has expressed concern over the rapidly evolving political situation in Venezuela and called on all parties involved to pursue dialogue in the interest of peace, stability, and the well-being of the Venezuelan people. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India is closely monitoring developments and remains focused on the humanitarian impact of the crisis. Speaking at an event in Luxembourg, Jaishankar emphasised that India’s priority is the safety and welfare of the Venezuelan population. He urged stakeholders to resolve differences through dialogue and arrive at an outcome that serves the interests of the people. Highlighting India’s longstanding ties with…