Author: Deepika chandrasekar

As uncertainty looms over India’s ties with the United States, a major Australian defense industry delegation arrived in India on October 6, signaling Canberra’s growing commitment to deepen strategic cooperation with New Delhi. The mission aims to connect defense companies from both nations specializing in command, communications, cyber defense, surveillance, and intelligence — a partnership described as “truly seismic” by Australia’s High Commissioner to India. Australia views India as an indispensable security ally, and the recent visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Canberra — the first in a decade — reaffirmed the strength of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established…

The Association of Indians in America, New York Chapter (AIA-NY), made history with its 38th Deepavali Festival, held at Overlook Beach in Babylon, Long Island. The event marked the first-ever celebration of this scale on Long Island, drawing an estimated 5,000 visitors for a day filled with dance, devotion, and dazzling performances. The festival showcased a mix of traditional and contemporary Indian culture through folk dances, classical performances, spiritual presentations, and live concerts. Attendees enjoyed authentic Indian cuisine, shopping stalls, and art exhibits, while children participated in rangoli and art competitions. AIA-NY President Beena Kothari described the event as a…

Abhishek Bachchan celebrated a major career milestone on the night of the 70th Filmfare Awards 2025, winning his first-ever Best Actor (Male) trophy for his role in I Want To Talk. Marking 25 years in the film industry, the actor was visibly emotional as he took to the stage amid a standing ovation, expressing gratitude to those who supported him, particularly his family. In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Bachchan shared how meaningful the award was, reflecting on the years of effort and dedication that led to this achievement. “This year marks 25 years in the film industry, and I’ve lost…

 A delegation-level meeting took place in New Delhi between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, aimed at bolstering bilateral relations between the two nations. During the discussions, both leaders oversaw the signing of multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focusing on humanitarian aid, restoration of Mongolian heritage sites, cooperation in immigration, geology, and mineral resources, promotion of cooperatives, and sharing digital solutions. The occasion also marked the release of commemorative stamps celebrating 70 years of India-Mongolia diplomatic ties. In a joint press conference, Prime Minister Modi announced that India will offer free e-visas to Mongolian citizens and sponsor…

Leaders from more than twenty nations have been invited to participate in the upcoming Gaza Peace Summit, which will be jointly chaired by US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The high-level conference, scheduled for Monday in Sharm El-Sheikh, aims to advance global diplomatic efforts toward lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a formal invitation from both the White House and the Egyptian authorities, India will be represented by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti V Singh, as neither Modi nor External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar could attend…

India and the United Kingdom have taken a major step forward in strengthening their defence and trade relations during Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s maiden visit to India since assuming office. On October 9, 2025, both nations signed crucial agreements advancing the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) and finalised a defence contract worth $445 million for the U.K. to supply advanced missiles to India. The new deals mark a significant boost to bilateral cooperation in strategic, economic, and technological sectors. Accompanied by a high-profile delegation of nearly 100 members, including entrepreneurs, cultural leaders, and university vice-chancellors, Prime Minister Starmer arrived in…

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday welcomed the initial agreement under US President Donald Trump’s peace plan between Israel and Hamas, describing it as a significant step toward lasting stability in the region. The Indian Prime Minister highlighted the strong leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and expressed hope that the release of hostages and increased humanitarian assistance for Gaza would provide immediate relief and pave the way for durable peace. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump’s peace plan. This is also a reflection of the…

Ayodhya is all set to host one of its most spectacular Deepotsav celebrations yet, with organizers planning to illuminate over 2.6 million diyas across the city. The festival commemorates Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh emphasized that this year’s event aims to be the “grandest ever,” incorporating modern technology to revive the spirit of Treta Yuga. Preparations have been finalized, including procurement of diyas, oil, wicks, and other essentials. Jayendra Kumar, CEO of Shree Ayodhya Jee Teerth Vikas Parishad and Municipal Commissioner, confirmed that…

The number of student visas granted by the United States witnessed a steep fall in August 2025, with total issuances slipping by nearly 20% compared to last year. According to fresh data from the U.S. International Trade Commission, about 313,000 visas were approved this August — the main admission period for American universities — representing a 19.1% year-over-year drop. The decline is largely attributed to President Donald Trump’s renewed crackdown on immigration, which introduced additional screening layers, new visa fees, and tightened vetting measures. India, which recently surpassed China as the largest source of international students in the U.S., saw…

US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that all medium- and heavy-duty trucks imported into the country will face a 25% tariff starting November 1, 2025. The move marks another escalation in his ongoing effort to shield American manufacturers from what he describes as “unfair foreign competition.” Trump emphasized that the decision aligns with his broader trade protectionist agenda, which focuses on supporting domestic production and reducing dependence on overseas imports. “These tariffs are necessary to restore fairness and protect our workers,” he said during a White House briefing. India, which has already been impacted by a series of US…