Author: Deepika chandrasekar

India and Russia are set to enhance parliamentary cooperation following a meeting between Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and a Russian delegation led by First Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of Russia, Vladimir Yakushev. The discussions highlighted the long-standing partnership between the two nations, built on mutual trust and shared strategic interests. Both sides noted that ongoing engagement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin has further strengthened bilateral relations, creating new avenues for collaboration. During the meeting, leaders emphasized the value of parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation on global platforms such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the BRICS…

India’s electronics manufacturing sector has made significant strides, with domestic value addition now reaching 18%-20%, reflecting a growing localisation push. This development comes as a result of consistent government initiatives aimed at building a comprehensive electronics value chain, covering everything from finished goods and components to sub-modules, base materials, and capital equipment. Over the past 11 years, production in India’s electronics sector has expanded nearly sixfold, increasing from US$ 24.74 billion in 2014-15 to approximately US$ 156.39 billion in 2024-25. Exports have surged even faster, nearly eight times, reaching US$ 43.01 billion during the same period. Mobile phone manufacturing, in…

Western Sydney University recently launched the first ‘AgriMaitri’ roundtable, an initiative designed to strengthen agribusiness ties between India and Australia. Hosted at the Australian High Commission, the inaugural meeting aimed to create a collaborative platform where stakeholders from both countries could develop practical and scalable solutions for the agricultural sector. Dr Vanita Yadav, who leads the project, described the roundtable as a key milestone in fostering cooperation across diverse groups to address agribusiness challenges. The event brought together 58 delegates, including officials from government agencies, industry leaders, AgTech companies, research institutions, academia, and trade organisations, creating opportunities for meaningful exchange…

As the U.S. Supreme Court evaluates the legality of President Donald Trump’s executive order limiting birthright citizenship, author and television host Padma Lakshmi has spoken out in support of the constitutional guarantee. Writing for the New York Times, Lakshmi emphasized that birthright citizenship provides certainty, which motivates immigrant communities to invest in society, innovate, and shape American culture. Drawing from her experiences traveling across the United States, Lakshmi highlighted how immigrant contributions have become integral to American cuisine and traditions. She cited examples such as pizzerias, Turkish coffee shops, Chinese restaurants, and taco trucks as evidence of how immigrant recipes…

In a notable shift in crew equipment practices, NASA astronauts aboard the Artemis II mission are carrying personal iPhones into deep space for the first time. The move reflects a broader effort by the US space agency to modernise how astronauts document and share their experiences during missions beyond Earth’s orbit. The four-member crew, led by Commander Reid Wiseman, along with Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, launched aboard the Orion spacecraft using the Space Launch System from the Kennedy Space Center. The mission marks a historic return of human spaceflight to the vicinity…

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited a tea garden in Dibrugarh, Assam, on Wednesday, ahead of two scheduled public rallies in the poll-bound state. Highlighting the cultural and economic significance of Assam’s tea, he described it as the “soul of Assam” and acknowledged the vital contribution of tea garden families to the state’s pride and heritage. Sharing updates on social media, PM Modi mentioned that he spent time interacting with women workers at the garden, calling the experience “very memorable.” He also shared photographs and a selfie with the women, emphasizing their hard work, dedication, and role in promoting Assam tea…

Muanpuii Saiawi, India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, presented her Letter of Credence to Cindy Kiro on Wednesday, formally assuming her diplomatic responsibilities. The Governor-General extended her best wishes to the Indian envoy for her new assignment during the ceremony held in Wellington. The presentation of credentials began with a traditional Māori welcome, reflecting New Zealand’s cultural heritage. At the invitation of the Governor-General, Saiawi also performed the Indian patriotic song “Sare Jahan Se Achha” along with the Māori waiata “Te Aroha,” symbolising cultural exchange and mutual respect. Saiawi recently assumed charge as India’s High Commissioner after serving as Joint…

Chandrikapersad Santokhi, former President of Suriname, has passed away at the age of 67, according to local media reports. The cause of his death was not immediately disclosed. Santokhi served as President from 2020 to 2025 and was also the leader of the Progressive Reform Party. Earlier in his career, he held the position of Justice Minister and was widely respected for his contributions to governance and law enforcement. Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over his demise, recalling their personal rapport and Santokhi’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Suriname. “Deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden demise…

Dhurandhar: The Revenge continues to dominate the global box office while simultaneously addressing a minor error that gained attention online. Despite the controversy, the film’s strong performance has remained unaffected, reinforcing its position as a major blockbuster generating revenue worth millions of dollars. Shortly after its release, audiences praised the film’s direction and attention to detail. However, a small mistake in a fight sequence sparked widespread discussion on social media. In a scene featuring Ranveer Singh and Udaybir Sandhu, a cameraman was briefly visible in a mirror reflection. Although the moment was fleeting, it quickly went viral and became a…

IndiGo has announced the launch of a daily non-stop flight service between Kolkata and Shanghai, further strengthening air connectivity between India and China. The new route marks a key milestone in the airline’s international expansion strategy and builds on the recent resumption of services to Guangzhou from both Kolkata and Delhi. The Kolkata–Shanghai service will be operated using the Airbus A320neo, offering enhanced efficiency and passenger comfort. With the addition of Shanghai, IndiGo aims to expand travel options for both business and leisure travellers, while supporting growing demand for trade and tourism between the two countries. Passengers from major Indian…