Author: Malavika Subramanyan

Negotiations for a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) between India and the United States are set to resume later this month, marking another step toward strengthening economic ties between the two nations. An Indian delegation is expected to visit the United States from April 20 to 22 to continue discussions aimed at finalizing key aspects of the agreement. The renewed momentum follows a recent conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on April 14. During the call, both leaders reviewed progress made in bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening the…

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has completed his first 100 days in office with a strong focus on economic relief and social welfare reforms. His early administration has combined aggressive worker protection measures with a large-scale expansion of childcare services, aiming to directly address rising living costs in the city. During this initial period, the administration secured approximately $9.3 million in restitution for workers and consumers. These funds were recovered through settlements, regulatory actions, and legal enforcement against multiple companies accused of wage violations and unfair practices. Officials highlighted that a significant portion of these recoveries came from cases…

The Indian American Public Affairs Council (IAPAC) recently organized a community-focused candidate forum, offering residents an opportunity to interact with contenders for Bellaire City Council Position 4 ahead of the upcoming May special election. The event, part of the “Conversations Over Coffee” initiative, created a platform for meaningful civic dialogue in Bellaire, a city recognized for its strong residential communities and quality living standards. Candidates Todd Thurber, Kevin Newman, and Gay Mayeux participated in the discussion, each presenting unique viewpoints shaped by their professional expertise. Shuba Grewal, another candidate known for advocating transparency and responsible growth, was unable to attend…

 India has firmly established itself as the world’s second-largest diamond jewellery market, now accounting for about 12% of global demand, according to the latest industry study. This marks a noticeable rise from its earlier 10% share in 2019, reflecting a steady upward trend in consumption patterns. The country has moved ahead of major markets such as China and Japan, each contributing nearly 5% to global demand, while the United States continues to dominate with a significant 53% share. This shift highlights a broader transformation in India’s luxury consumption landscape. Increasing disposable incomes, particularly among urban households, have played a crucial…

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, focusing on recent developments in West Asia and their broader implications for global stability. The discussion centred on the evolving situation in the region, particularly maritime security and international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The vital corridor, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, remains a key route for global oil supplies, making its security crucial for energy-importing nations. The exchange comes in the backdrop of a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, offering a window for diplomatic engagement…

The countdown is on for the release of Bhooth Bangla, the much-anticipated horror-comedy featuring Akshay Kumar and directed by Priyadarshan. The recently unveiled trailer offers a whirlwind of fun, chaos, and familiar nostalgia reminiscent of the Bhool Bhulaiyaa series. The 3-minute trailer opens with a spooky introduction to the ghost Vadhusur and a centuries-old curse, setting a thrilling tone. The narrative quickly shifts to Akshay Kumar’s character, enjoying life in a lavish palace, where humor is injected immediately through his budding romance with Wamiqa Gabbi. The trailer also highlights a strong supporting cast, including Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, and Asrani,…

7 Indian-American Politicians Shaping US PolicyIndian-Americans, who make up roughly 1.6% of the US population, have emerged as influential figures across politics, business, and technology. Their growing presence in governance reflects both the community’s integration into American society and its impact on national policy debates. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, born in California to immigrant parents, remains one of the most prominent Indian-origin politicians. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, moved from India in 1958 to study at UC Berkeley. Harris often visited her grandparents in Chennai and continues to maintain family connections in India. Serving from 2021 to 2025 under…

US President Donald Trump held discussions on India-US relations with diplomat Sergio Gor during a dinner engagement in Washington, highlighting the continued importance of the bilateral partnership. Describing the interaction as a significant and memorable exchange, Gor noted that the conversation focused on strengthening ties between the two nations and advancing shared global priorities. The meeting underscored the strategic depth of the relationship, with both sides expressing optimism about future cooperation. Earlier in the day, Gor also met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to discuss the commercial roadmap between India and the United States. The talks explored avenues to…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to To Lam on his election as President of Vietnam, expressing optimism about the continued growth of the longstanding friendship between India and Vietnam. Modi emphasized his commitment to working closely with the newly elected leader to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. “Heartiest congratulations to Mr. To Lam on his election as President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. I am confident that under his leadership, the enduring friendship between our countries will continue to strengthen. I look forward to close collaboration to advance our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership…

India’s Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, met Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal in Kathmandu on Monday to discuss ongoing cooperation and bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries. The meeting, described as a courtesy call, took place at Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and reflected continued diplomatic engagement between the two sides. During the interaction, Srivastava conveyed greetings from India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, congratulating Khanal on his recent appointment. The discussion covered various aspects of the India-Nepal relationship, with both leaders focusing on strengthening cooperation and maintaining close coordination across key areas. Khanal assumed office as Nepal’s Foreign…