Taapsee Pannu takes center stage in Gandhari, an ambitious thriller that combines child abduction, human trafficking, revenge and mythology. While the Netflix film has several ingredients needed for an engaging suspense drama, its crowded screenplay and uneven storytelling prevent it from becoming as emotionally powerful as its premise suggests.

Directed by Devashish Makhija and written and produced by Kanika Dhillon, Gandhari follows Bani, played by Pannu, whose five-year-old daughter, Mishty, is abducted from the fictional West Bengal town of Joypurra. As Bani and her husband Gokul, portrayed by Ishwak Singh, search desperately for their child, they become connected to a much larger trafficking operation.

The story takes another dramatic turn when an attack leaves Bani temporarily blind. Despite her physical vulnerability, she continues her search and embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue her daughter. The film also draws inspiration from the Mahabharata through its title, connecting Bani’s temporary blindness with the story of Gandhari.

However, the mythology does not always blend naturally with the thriller’s central storyline. Instead of strengthening the narrative, the film’s multiple themes occasionally compete for attention.

Gandhari attempts to balance a serious social thriller with a larger-than-life revenge drama. At times, its disturbing subject matter feels grounded and effective, while other moments lean heavily toward familiar action and confrontation sequences. This creates an inconsistent tone, leaving the movie caught somewhere between an experimental streaming thriller and a conventional commercial action film.

Joypurra is among the film’s more interesting ideas. Its mysterious atmosphere, underground passages and hidden identities create a visually distinctive setting. Yet the world-building never fully develops into an essential part of the story.

Pannu remains one of the movie’s strongest assets. She brings physical commitment and determination to the demanding role, particularly during the action scenes. Swastika Mukherjee also delivers a memorable performance, bringing an unsettling sense of mystery to the story. Mita Vashisht and Chhaya Kadam make an impact despite limited screen time.

Ishwak Singh and Jatin Sarna, however, are not given enough material to fully develop their characters, while Prashant Narayanan’s villain does not become as intimidating as the role requires.

Ultimately, Gandhari has an intriguing foundation and some effective twists, but it tries to handle too many ideas at once. The film’s greatest missed opportunity is its limited emotional connection to a mother’s desperate search for her kidnapped child.

For viewers who enjoy female-led action thrillers, Gandhari may still be worth watching. Those expecting a tightly constructed and deeply emotional mystery, however, may find its many twists and dramatic elements overwhelming.

The post Gandhari Review: Taapsee Shines in Flawed Thriller first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

India has expressed strong support for the United States’ priorities during its G20 presidency, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighting economic growth, global imbalances and financial literacy as areas where New Delhi and Washington share significant common ground.

Speaking after the G20 Finance Ministers’ meeting in Asheville, Sitharaman said India welcomed the agenda being advanced by the US presidency. According to her, economic growth remains a central concern for the G20 financial track, while global imbalances require open and meaningful discussions among major economies. She also emphasized that financial literacy has received special attention under the US leadership, an issue that holds particular importance for US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

The Finance Minister said India was aligned with the United States on these priorities and supported candid conversations about the economic pressures and challenges affecting countries around the world. She added that India had actively contributed to the discussions taking place during the G20 gathering and appreciated Washington’s decision to focus on these key financial concerns.

Sitharaman also described her bilateral meeting with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as positive and constructive, although she did not reveal specific details about the discussions. Alongside the US meeting, she held separate conversations with representatives from Poland, Qatar, South Korea and Russia.

According to Sitharaman, India’s growing economic strength has attracted considerable international interest, with several countries looking to deepen their relationships with New Delhi. Some of these discussions are expected to lead to further economic and financial engagements. India is scheduled to hold separate dialogues with South Korea and Qatar later this year as part of its expanding bilateral cooperation.

The meetings come at a time when India has reported strong economic performance despite continued uncertainty in the global economy. The country recorded growth of 7.8 percent during the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year. Manufacturing expanded by 9.2 percent, while financial and professional services grew by 12.1 percent.

Sitharaman said the latest figures reflected the resilience of the Indian economy amid global challenges. She added that the government would continue working to ensure India is well positioned to respond to emerging economic opportunities and challenges.

Her overseas trip began in Canada with discussions involving the Canadian Finance Minister, followed by meetings with funding agencies in Chicago. After the G20 gathering, Sitharaman is scheduled to travel to New York to meet investors exploring opportunities in the Indian market.

The post India Backs US G20 Focus on Growth and Finance first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has reached an agreement with the US over drug pricing, securing a two-year reprieve from tariffs while making additional commitments regarding the prices of its medicines. The arrangement is expected to provide the Indian pharmaceutical major with greater certainty as it expands its presence in the US market.

The agreement represents a trade-off for Sun Pharma. While the company receives temporary protection from tariffs, it has agreed to extend its pricing commitments to Medicaid and apply the arrangement to medicines that it launches in the future. The move reflects the growing pressure on pharmaceutical companies to balance pricing expectations with the financial impact of US trade policies.

For Sun Pharma, greater predictability in the American market could be particularly valuable as the US remains an important destination for Indian pharmaceutical companies. A defined tariff period can help businesses plan manufacturing, supply chains, investments, and product launches with greater confidence.

The agreement also comes amid broader efforts by the US administration to address the cost of prescription medicines. Drug pricing has become an increasingly important policy issue, with Washington seeking measures that can reduce costs for patients and public healthcare programs while encouraging pharmaceutical companies to maintain supplies in the American market.

By agreeing to broader pricing terms, Sun Pharma appears to be prioritizing long-term access and stability in the US over maintaining complete flexibility on pricing. Extending the commitments to Medicaid could have wider implications because the government-backed program serves millions of Americans and represents a significant part of the country’s healthcare system.

The inclusion of future product launches is another important element of the arrangement. Rather than limiting the agreement to medicines already available, the terms could influence how the company approaches pricing for products introduced into the US market during the agreement period.

The two-year tariff relief also gives Sun Pharma a window to navigate changing trade and pharmaceutical policies. Tariffs can increase the cost of imported medicines and ingredients, potentially affecting manufacturers, distributors, and consumers. Temporary relief therefore offers the company an opportunity to adjust its operations while maintaining its competitive position.

The agreement highlights the increasingly complex relationship between international trade policy and the pharmaceutical industry. Indian drugmakers have established a major presence in the US, supplying medicines across a range of therapeutic categories. As policymakers in Washington continue to focus on drug affordability and domestic supply, companies such as Sun Pharma are being pushed to adapt to an evolving business environment.

For Sun Pharma, the deal provides near-term tariff certainty while expanding its pricing commitments, making it a significant development for the company’s US operations and its broader international strategy.

The post Sun Pharma Wins Two-Year US Tariff Relief Deal first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat has called on members of the Bharatiya diaspora in the United States to remain committed and loyal to the country they live in while continuing to uphold the values inherited from Bharat.

Speaking at the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York, Bhagwat described Bharat as the janma bhumi, or land of birth, of the diaspora, while referring to their country of residence as their karma bhumi, where they have responsibilities and duties to fulfill.

Addressing members of the Indian diaspora, Bhagwat said that those living, working and earning in the United States should consider themselves true Americans and act responsibly toward the country. He emphasized that loyalty to one’s country of residence should come first and that the diaspora must fulfill its obligations toward its karma bhumi.

At the same time, Bhagwat said that an emotional connection with Bharat remains natural because of its status as the janma bhumi. He explained that members of the diaspora may contribute to their country of origin if they wish, but only after meeting their responsibilities toward the nation where they live. Such contributions, he added, should be viewed as voluntary rather than mandatory.

According to Bhagwat, the most important expectation Bharat has from its global diaspora is the preservation and practice of the values it has imparted. He highlighted the principle of oneness, describing it as a belief that human beings are connected with one another and with nature.

Bhagwat also spoke extensively about the idea of “unity in diversity,” which he said is deeply embedded in Bharat’s identity. While pluralism is often associated with the United States, he said Bharat has long represented the ability of diverse cultures, beliefs and traditions to coexist while maintaining a sense of collective unity.

He argued that nations should not be understood merely as geographical territories. Instead, Bhagwat said every nation has a broader purpose and responsibility in the world. Referring to Swami Vivekananda’s thoughts on the role of nations, he said each country has a message, mission and destiny to fulfill.

Bhagwat said Bharat’s particular role is to demonstrate that diversity does not weaken unity but can instead enrich it. He encouraged people to celebrate, respect and accept differences while continuing to recognize a deeper sense of human connection.

The RSS chief also referred to ancient Indian sages, saying they envisioned a society guided by principles intended for the welfare of the wider world.

The event brought together spiritual and religious leaders along with members of the Indian diaspora to promote dialogue around harmony, peaceful coexistence and universal values. Bhagwat’s visit to New York is part of a broader three-country outreach tour covering the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom during the RSS centenary year.

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Two Indian-American aerospace researchers are set to take part in an unprecedented space research effort in 2027, with a mission focused on understanding how menstruation and menstrual products behave in microgravity. The project aims to address a long-standing gap in human spaceflight research and could provide valuable information for future missions.

Manju Bangalore, 28, and Priya Abiram, 22, are expected to lead Operation Period-01, a suborbital research flight being developed by the nonprofit Operation Period through its Redshift Lab. The mission is planned to fly with Virgin Galactic and could make the researchers some of the youngest South Asian women to reach space.

Unlike an orbital mission, a suborbital flight briefly enters space without completing an orbit around Earth. During OP-01, researchers intend to conduct controlled experiments using a fluid designed to replicate key characteristics of menstrual blood. They will examine how the fluid behaves in microgravity and how different menstrual products respond under those conditions.

The initiative addresses an unusual scientific blind spot. Although more than 100 women have traveled to space, researchers have had limited direct measurements of menstruation in microgravity. Much of the existing understanding has instead come from astronaut experiences and observational accounts rather than controlled experiments.

The team hopes the research will contribute to better planning for future long-duration missions. As human exploration expands toward destinations such as the Moon and Mars, understanding reproductive health and menstrual management could become increasingly important. The findings may also contribute to research on Earth, including the development and evaluation of menstrual products.

Bangalore brings extensive experience to the project. Raised in Oregon by Indian immigrant parents, she has academic backgrounds in physics, mathematics and astronautical engineering. Her professional experience includes work at NASA’s Marshall and Johnson Space Centers involving propulsion and spacecraft systems. She has also participated in microgravity research during parabolic flights.

Bangalore established Operation Period in 2015 to address menstrual inequity before expanding its work into scientific research. Abiram, an aerospace engineer, pilot and astronaut-in-training, serves as the Redshift Lab’s research director. Her career has included work related to life-support and spacecraft systems at NASA and several private aerospace companies.

The mission also highlights how women’s health has historically received limited attention in space exploration. Researchers involved with OP-01 argue that obtaining reliable data could give astronauts more informed options while helping mission planners prepare appropriate medical supplies and resources.

The flight is currently targeted for 2027, though an exact launch date has not been announced. Further information about the research payload, partners and schedule is expected to be released as preparations continue.

The post Indian-American Women to Lead Historic Space Study first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

India’s private space sector has reached a significant milestone, with Skyroot Aerospace becoming the first Indian private company to place payloads into orbit using a domestically developed launch vehicle, according to a recent report.

The achievement marks a major development in India’s growing commercial space industry and places the country among an expanding group of nations competing in the global private launch market.

Skyroot Aerospace successfully deployed multiple payloads into low Earth orbit using its Vikram-1 rocket. The development has drawn attention in Europe, where several private launcher projects are yet to provide operational orbital launch services.

A report by The European Conservative highlighted the significance of India’s achievement despite the relatively modest size of the launch vehicle compared with systems operated by major space powers such as the United States, China and Russia.

The report suggested that India could provide additional launch capacity and create new opportunities for the European space industry. European operators could potentially collaborate with Indian companies for commercial, university and scientific payloads, helping diversify the international launch market.

Europe has expanded its launch capabilities with systems such as Ariane 6 and Vega-C, but its overall launch activity remains significantly smaller than that of the United States and China. The European Space Agency could also face capacity challenges for strategic programmes such as Galileo and Copernicus in the coming decades.

India’s space sector was dominated by the state for more than five decades, with ISRO leading the development of indigenous launch vehicles and major missions, including the Mars Orbiter Mission and Chandrayaan-3.

The government opened the space sector to private participation in 2020 and established IN-SPACe to facilitate private companies’ access to public infrastructure, testing facilities and launch sites. The 2023 space policy further strengthened the framework for a growing private space ecosystem.

India now has more than 400 space startups, reflecting the rapid expansion of the industry. The country is also targeting substantial growth in the value of its space economy, with ambitions to increase it from around $8.4 billion in 2022 to $44 billion by 2053, including a significant expansion in space-related exports.

The rise of private launch companies such as Skyroot Aerospace signals a broader transformation in India’s space programme, with domestic entrepreneurs increasingly contributing to the country’s ambitions in the global commercial space market.

The post India’s Private Space Sector Reaches Orbit Ahead of Europe first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

National India Hub in Schaumburg became the center of a major Indian American community celebration as more than 100 organizations gathered for INDIA FEST 2026 on August 15. The event brought together community leaders, volunteers, elected officials, cultural figures and families for a day focused on Indian heritage, unity and service.

The celebration featured several prominent guests, including Indian dance and film icon Prabhu Deva, journalist Chitra Tripathi and Lt. Gen. K.J.S. Dhillon. Sixteen elected officials also participated, underscoring the growing civic and community presence of the Indian American population in Illinois.

A major highlight came when Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam, joined by six fellow state legislators, presented a Senate proclamation designating August 15 as “National India Hub Day.” The recognition honored the organization’s expanding role in bringing people and community groups together while promoting volunteerism and service.

National India Hub operates on a collaborative model that connects more than 150 organizations under one roof. Rather than requiring groups to give up their individual identities, the center allows each organization to maintain its own purpose while sharing facilities, volunteers, expertise, contacts and other resources.

Founder Harish Kolasani said the organization’s most important achievement is the network of trust created among its participating groups and volunteers. The philosophy emphasizes cooperation over competition, allowing organizations to combine their capabilities and reach more seniors, students, families and community members.

That collaborative approach became especially visible when heavy rain forced organizers to move the outdoor INDIA FEST program indoors. Nearly 50 vendors, entertainment programs, stage activities and competitions had to be relocated. Volunteers quickly reorganized the event, allowing the festivities to continue despite the weather.

Prabhu Deva attended the festival in the morning and returned for the evening program. Tripathi and Dhillon also had an opportunity to see the center’s community-driven work firsthand.

During the celebration, Kolasani announced plans for a second National India Hub in Naperville, signaling ambitions to expand the organization’s reach across the region.

He credited COO Sireesha Tipparaju, the volunteer team, DesiJunction and the organization’s founding trustees for helping make INDIA FEST and the broader National India Hub vision possible. The event ultimately highlighted how collaboration, volunteerism and shared resources can strengthen the Indian American community.

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Vivek Ramaswamy received a significant endorsement for his campaign to become Ohio’s next governor when Vice President JD Vance publicly backed the Republican candidate during an appearance in Middletown on August 21. Vance praised Ramaswamy as a strong candidate and said he believed his fellow Republican would become the state’s next chief executive.

The endorsement came during an event at a Cleveland-Cliffs steel facility, where the company announced a $1 billion investment in its operations. Vance used the occasion to connect Ramaswamy’s campaign with themes central to the Trump administration, including domestic manufacturing, American workers and economic nationalism.

Vance, who spent part of his childhood in Middletown, also reflected on his family’s connection to the steel industry. He said his grandfather had worked as a welder at the facility for nearly four decades when it operated under the Armco Steel name.

Much of Vance’s remarks focused on rebuilding American manufacturing and encouraging companies to invest in domestic workers. He criticized previous approaches that allowed production to move overseas and argued that businesses should prioritize training and employing American workers.

Ramaswamy, who was born in Cincinnati, has become a prominent Indian American figure within Republican politics. The son of immigrants from Kerala, he first gained national attention during his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. After ending that campaign, he became an ally of President Donald Trump and continued promoting the administration’s America First political platform.

Before entering politics, Ramaswamy developed a career in biotechnology and finance. He studied at Harvard University and later earned a law degree from Yale Law School. His current gubernatorial campaign places an Indian American candidate at the center of a closely watched Republican contest in a state strongly associated with both Vance and Trump.

While discussing immigration and the American workforce, Vance did not announce a new immigration policy or specifically address the H-1B visa program. Instead, he emphasized the need for businesses to develop domestic talent and expand opportunities for American workers.

Vance also shared a humorous story involving Ramaswamy’s six-year-old son, who has the same first name as the candidate. He recalled taking his son to a polling location during Ohio’s primary elections, where the child participated in a mock ballot designed for children.

The story later became the subject of an online misunderstanding after someone claimed Vance had taken Ramaswamy himself to vote. According to Vance, an AI-generated image was also circulated depicting the two walking toward a polling location.

The endorsement adds momentum to Ramaswamy’s Ohio campaign and further strengthens his connection with influential Republican leaders as he seeks the governor’s office.

The post JD Vance Endorses Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio Governor first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

India is positioning itself as a major technology hub by building on its strengths in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, electronics, and renewable energy. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the country’s biggest advantage in AI is its applications layer, where India’s established information technology industry and experience in solving enterprise challenges provide a strong foundation for innovation.

The country’s startup ecosystem is increasingly embracing artificial intelligence. Nearly 80% of startups emerging in India are reportedly working on AI-driven solutions, reflecting the growing role of the technology across industries. The focus on practical applications could allow Indian companies to develop solutions tailored to business requirements while expanding the country’s presence in the global technology market.

Data centers are another area expected to experience significant growth as demand for computing power increases. India’s large renewable energy base could provide an important advantage for supporting these energy-intensive facilities. Around 250 gigawatts of the country’s power generation capacity currently comes from renewable sources, creating opportunities to connect digital infrastructure with cleaner energy resources.

India is also expanding its capabilities across the electronics and semiconductor value chain. The country has developed expertise in finished electronic products as well as modules, sub-modules, and components. Its semiconductor design ecosystem has gained global significance, with Indian professionals accounting for approximately 20% of the world’s semiconductor design workforce.

To strengthen future chip-design capabilities, advanced design tools have also been made available to 318 universities. This effort could help expand technical skills and prepare more students for opportunities in the semiconductor industry as India seeks to increase its role in global electronics manufacturing and design.

Meanwhile, the country’s digital connectivity continues to expand. Approximately 90% of India now has access to 5G services, making it the world’s second-largest 5G ecosystem. Digital public infrastructure is also giving startups a platform to create new products and services while helping broaden access to technology.

Physical infrastructure is advancing alongside these digital developments. India’s railway system has seen freight volumes rise from about 1 billion tonnes a decade ago to 1.67 billion tonnes today. More efficient railway operations are helping improve logistics and support industrial competitiveness.

Together, these developments reflect India’s broader growth strategy, which combines digital transformation with infrastructure development, manufacturing, innovation, and inclusive economic expansion. The combination of AI talent, renewable energy, connectivity, and physical infrastructure could further strengthen India’s position in the global technology economy.

The post India Builds AI Strength on Digital Infrastructure first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has indicated that Washington could reconsider its travel guidance for Jammu and Kashmir following his first visit to the region since taking up his diplomatic post. His comments came during a two-day trip covering Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, signaling potentially closer U.S. engagement with the Union Territory.

The current U.S. State Department advisory places Jammu and Kashmir under its highest-risk travel category, warning American citizens against visiting most of the region because of concerns related to terrorism and civil unrest. The guidance makes an exception for eastern Ladakh and Leh.

Gor arrived in Srinagar on August 19, becoming the first U.S. ambassador to visit Jammu and Kashmir since the Indian government revoked the region’s special constitutional status under Article 370 in 2019. During his visit, he met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for discussions covering economic cooperation and opportunities that could benefit both India and the United States.

Following the meeting, Gor said the United States would reassess its travel advisory for the region. He also described Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India, a statement carrying considerable political significance given the territory’s long-standing sensitivity.

The ambassador spoke positively about Srinagar, calling it an exceptionally beautiful destination and expressing satisfaction with his first visit. He said his discussion with Abdullah was productive and that several matters raised during the meeting would be taken forward through conversations in both Washington and New Delhi.

The potential advisory review is notable because Srinagar and other popular locations in the Kashmir Valley are currently identified in the U.S. guidance as areas where violence can occur. Any change in Washington’s assessment could therefore have implications beyond diplomacy.

Abdullah said the discussions focused on India-U.S. relations and ways Washington could contribute to Jammu and Kashmir’s development. He indicated that some longstanding concerns would require continued engagement and that issues concerning the relationship between the Union Territory and the Indian government would need to be addressed in New Delhi.

The chief minister also expressed hope that American engagement with Jammu and Kashmir would increase in the future. Further discussions are expected to involve officials in Washington, New Delhi and the Jammu and Kashmir administration.

Gor’s visit is expected to provide the U.S. administration with a closer understanding of the region’s development, economic opportunities and challenges. A possible easing of the travel advisory could also benefit tourism and business by encouraging greater international interest in Jammu and Kashmir.

The development comes as India and the United States seek to broaden their overall partnership, giving Gor’s visit added diplomatic and economic significance.

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