Author: Deepika chandrasekar

The Somnath Temple continues to stand as a powerful symbol of India’s unbroken civilisational spirit and the enduring resilience of Hindu faith, spiritual leaders and saints have said, highlighting its significance in India’s cultural and religious history. The renewed focus on Somnath comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to participate in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, marking a millennium since the first recorded attack on the sacred shrine. In a recent reflection, the Prime Minister described Somnath as a living testament to India’s indomitable spirit, noting that while invaders sought to erase its existence, faith and conviction ensured its revival…

Pulkit Desai, a US Marine Corps veteran and longtime technology professional, has been sworn in as mayor of Parsippany, New Jersey, marking a historic moment as the township’s first Indian American to hold the position. His victory came after an extremely close election in which provisional and vote-by-mail ballots reversed the initial lead of Republican incumbent James Barberio. Final results confirmed Desai’s narrow win, alongside Democratic victories in two council seats, giving the party control of the township council. Following his swearing-in ceremony on Saturday, Desai outlined his priorities in his first interview as mayor. He said his administration would…

India’s economic growth continues to demonstrate resilience, supported by strong domestic demand, moderate inflation, and careful macroeconomic management, according to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Financial Stability Report released recently. The report emphasised that the nation’s financial system remains solid, bolstered by strong balance sheets, low market volatility, and accommodative financial conditions. Scheduled commercial banks in India are showing sound health, with robust capital and liquidity buffers, improving asset quality, and consistent profitability. Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) have also maintained stability, reporting strong earnings and strengthening asset profiles. Meanwhile, the insurance sector remains secure, with solvency ratios comfortably above…

 On January 2, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tributes to Mannathu Padmanabhan, the founder of the Nair Service Society, marking his birth anniversary. The Prime Minister described Padmanabhan as a transformative leader whose life and work were dedicated to uplifting society and promoting equality, dignity, and social reform. In a message shared on X, PM Modi recalled Padmanabhan’s remarkable vision, emphasizing that genuine progress in society comes from respecting human dignity and ensuring equitable opportunities for all. Padmanabhan’s contributions extended across multiple areas, including education, healthcare, and the empowerment of women, leaving a lasting impact on communities throughout…

New Delhi, Jan 1 (IANS) — The Indian economy continues to grow strongly, supported by robust domestic demand, benign inflation, and prudent macroeconomic policies, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in its latest Financial Stability Report (FSR). Despite an uncertain and challenging global economic backdrop, the RBI said the domestic financial system remains robust and resilient, backed by strong balance sheets, easy financial conditions, and low market volatility. The central bank highlighted that while the global economy has shown resilience aided by fiscal measures and strong investment trends, downside risks persist due to ongoing uncertainties, elevated public debt, and…

 Indian-origin professionals in the United States are shaping the future far beyond corporate boardrooms, extending their influence into life-saving scientific innovation. Among this growing group of changemakers is Deblina Sarkar, an Indian-born scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, whose groundbreaking research is redefining how complex brain diseases could be treated without the need for invasive surgery. Born and raised in Kolkata, West Bengal, Deblina Sarkar is an electrical engineer, inventor, and researcher who currently serves as an assistant professor at MIT. An alumnus of IIT Dhanbad, she pursued advanced studies in nanoelectronics at the University of California, where she…

India is no longer a peripheral player in the Indo-Pacific but is steadily emerging as a central force shaping regional stability and prosperity, according to a strategic report. However, the report stresses that India’s growing influence is not guaranteed and must be continuously earned through sustained investments in maritime capabilities, diplomatic engagement, and economic integration. India’s rise in the Indo-Pacific is being driven by three key factors: the need to counterbalance China’s increasingly assertive regional posture, the opportunity to position itself as a preferred partner for democratic and like-minded nations, and the economic imperative to integrate into global supply chains…

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…