Author: Deepika chandrasekar

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has made public a set of declassified intelligence findings that shed new light on the scope of U.S.-supported biological research facilities operating around the world. The information, released on June 12, 2026, indicates that the United States has provided funding for more than 120 laboratories located across over 30 countries, prompting renewed debate about oversight, transparency, and the risks associated with advanced pathogen research. Announcing the release on social media, Gabbard said the disclosure supports President Donald Trump’s policy aimed at ending federal funding for potentially dangerous gain-of-function research. She emphasized that increasing public…

Indian-American philanthropists Brij Agrawal and Sunita Agrawal have made a landmark contribution to healthcare in Texas with a donation of $5.5 million to St. Luke’s Health-Sugar Land Hospital, marking the largest philanthropic gift in the institution’s history. The contribution is expected to significantly expand healthcare services in Sugar Land, a rapidly growing suburb of Houston, while also supporting the creation of a new Primary Care Community Clinic designed to improve access to medical care for local residents. Hospital officials described the donation as a transformative investment that will strengthen healthcare infrastructure and benefit communities for generations to come. The gift…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held comprehensive bilateral talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava, marking a historic moment in India-Slovakia relations during the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Central European nation since its independence in 1993. The high-level discussions focused on strengthening cooperation across a range of sectors, including trade, investment, manufacturing, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges. The visit is being viewed as a significant step in expanding India’s engagement with Central Europe and deepening strategic ties with Slovakia. Prime Minister Fico welcomed Prime Minister Modi in Bratislava, where the Indian leader was accorded a…

The Association of Indians in America – New York Chapter (AIA-NY), one of the oldest Indian diaspora organizations in the United States, hosted its Annual Benefit Gala 2026 at Terrace on the Park in Flushing, New York. The event brought together more than 300 guests, including diplomats, elected officials, business leaders, healthcare professionals and community representatives, to celebrate achievements within the Indian-American community. The evening highlighted excellence, leadership and service, with seven distinguished individuals honored as “Ratnas,” meaning jewels of the community. These honorees were recognized for their outstanding contributions across diverse fields such as medicine, law, entrepreneurship, scientific research,…

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday formally congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister, surpassing the record of 4,398 consecutive days held by Jawaharlal Nehru between 1952 and 1964. The milestone marks a significant moment in India’s political history, reflecting continuity in leadership and sustained electoral support. At a media briefing, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the achievement symbolized India’s democratic maturity, public trust, and active citizen participation. He said the milestone reflected the confidence placed by the people in a leadership guided by the principle of “nation first.” The Cabinet adopted a resolution acknowledging…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s achievement of becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister has sparked widespread appreciation from influential voices in the United States. American lawmakers, corporate leaders, and notable members of the Indian diaspora commended his leadership, emphasizing its role in elevating India’s international standing and reinforcing ties between New Delhi and Washington. Among those extending congratulations was US Senator John Cornyn, who acknowledged Modi’s completion of 4,399 days in office. In a message shared on social media, Cornyn noted that the milestone reflected the confidence placed in Modi by approximately 1.4 billion citizens through three consecutive democratic mandates. He…

India has reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to supporting peace, stability, and development in Afghanistan, emphasizing the deep historical and cultural ties that connect the two neighboring nations. During a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted India’s continued engagement with Afghanistan through humanitarian aid, development initiatives, and educational programs. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal referred to India’s position presented during a recent United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) briefing in New York. He noted that India and Afghanistan share centuries-old civilizational connections and stressed that regional peace remains essential for ensuring prosperity and long-term…

Air Commodore Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, one of the astronauts selected for India’s landmark Gaganyaan mission, has been honored with the Kirti Chakra, the nation’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award. President Droupadi Murmu presented the prestigious recognition during a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, acknowledging Nair’s distinguished service and dedication to the country. The Kirti Chakra is awarded to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary courage, unwavering commitment to duty, and exceptional service during peacetime. Nair received the honor partly in recognition of his involvement in the Axiom-4 mission, where he served as a backup astronaut as India expanded its participation in missions connected…

India has expressed strong confidence that ongoing trade negotiations with the United States will culminate in a mutually beneficial bilateral agreement, even as New Delhi keeps a close watch on potential tariff measures emerging from Washington’s latest trade investigations. Speaking at a business awards event in Mumbai, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said discussions between the two countries are progressing steadily. He revealed that US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is expected to travel to India within the coming weeks, providing another opportunity for negotiators to advance talks on the proposed trade pact. Goyal downplayed concerns surrounding the United States’…

A prominent Indian-American entrepreneur couple has made a significant philanthropic contribution of $5.5 million to expand healthcare services in the Greater Houston area in the United States. The donation is aimed at strengthening medical infrastructure and improving access to primary healthcare in a region where demand for services continues to rise. The contribution from Brij Agarwal and his wife Sunita Agarwal will support clinical programs at St Luke’s Health Sugar Land Hospital. A key part of the initiative includes the establishment of a new Primary Care Community Clinic in a nearby area, designed to improve healthcare access for residents in…