Author: Malavika Subramanyan

India’s growing influence in global science and technology is impossible to ignore, according to Britain’s Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, Patrick Vallance. Speaking at the India Global Forum’s Future Frontiers Forum in London, Vallance stressed that the United Kingdom must build on its strong academic and scientific ties with India. The event, titled Unlocking UK–India Collaboration for a New Era of Innovation, highlighted how the two nations can accelerate collaboration through fresh policies and joint ventures. Vallance emphasized the importance of expanding skilled migration through tools like the Global Talent Visa, which is expected to foster stronger professional exchange…

Amid mounting regional tensions, the Embassy of India in Qatar has issued a public advisory, urging Indian nationals in the country to remain vigilant and indoors following Iran’s recent missile attacks on US military sites located in Qatar and Iraq. In an official statement shared via X (formerly Twitter), the embassy asked the Indian diaspora to stay calm and adhere strictly to local news updates and directions issued by Qatari authorities. “In view of the ongoing situation, the Indian community in Qatar is urged to be cautious and remain indoors. Please remain calm and follow local news, instructions, and guidance…

In a vibrant display of unity and wellness, Times Square transformed into a serene yoga arena as the Consulate General of India in New York, in collaboration with the Times Square Alliance, celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga on June 20, 2025. Known as Solstice at Times Square, the day-long event welcomed around 10,000 yoga enthusiasts, representing diverse cultures and communities. From sunrise to sunset, the heart of New York City pulsed with the rhythm of seven yoga sessions, each drawing large crowds eager to embrace the ancient Indian practice. The iconic venue, usually buzzing with traffic and screens,…

Describing Operation Sindoor as the “logical next step” after India’s 2016 surgical strike and the 2019 Balakot air strike, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh firmly cautioned Pakistan on Saturday. Speaking from the Northern Command Headquarters in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said any future terror acts targeting Indian soil will bring grave repercussions for the aggressors. While addressing soldiers on International Yoga Day, Singh emphasized that the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians lost their lives, wasn’t merely an act of terrorism — it was also an attempt to fracture India’s social and communal harmony. Operation Sindoor, India’s…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a two-day tour starting Friday, covering Bihar, Odisha, and culminating in Visakhapatnam to lead the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations. His itinerary begins in Siwan, Bihar, where he will launch the Vaishali-Deoria railway line, a $48 million project. Alongside, a new train service will be introduced to enhance connectivity in North Bihar. Modi will also flag off the Vande Bharat Express, linking Patliputra to Gorakhpur via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah, boosting high-speed rail access in the region. In a major milestone under the “Make in India, Make for the World” initiative,…

In a move aimed at improving the efficiency of digital payments, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has mandated a significant reduction in response times for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions. As per a circular issued on April 26, these changes will take effect from June 16, targeting faster processing and better reliability across all UPI operations. According to the circular, the response window for key transaction types—such as Request Pay and Response Pay—will be reduced from 30 seconds to just 15 seconds. Similarly, if a user needs to verify the status of a transaction or trigger a reversal,…

When Indian American teenager Tejasvi Manoj learned that her 85-year-old grandfather had nearly been tricked by a phishing scam, she saw it as more than just a family incident—it was a wake-up call. The 16-year-old high school student from Texas decided to take action. Drawing from her passion for coding and a desire to help, Tejasvi began building Shield Seniors, an AI-powered mobile app designed to protect older adults from online fraud. The app is currently in demo mode and features four key tools: Learn – Offers easy-to-understand content on internet safety. Ask – A chatbot that answers scam-related questions…

India’s trade landscape in May 2025 reflected notable stability and adaptability, even as international markets remained uncertain. Economic analysts and trade bodies observed a measured yet meaningful uptick in total exports, pointing to the country’s resilience under challenging global conditions. According to the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO), India’s overall exports—including both goods and services—rose to $71.12 million in May 2025, marking a 2.8% increase from $69.20 million in the same month last year. This growth was primarily propelled by robust service sector performance, particularly in software, consulting, and financial services. Merchandise exports saw a slight dip, landing at…

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has made it clear to the global community—India will not tolerate violence against its citizens. Referring to the recent anti-terror Operation Sindoor, Shah declared it a stern warning to those who shed innocent Indian blood, showcasing the country’s resolve through precise and effective strikes by its armed forces. Speaking at a major event where 60,244 new police constables were given appointment letters in Uttar Pradesh—including 12,048 women—Shah lauded the recruitment drive’s transparency and commitment to merit. He contrasted the current government’s response to terror with the…

Burt Thakur, a U.S. Navy veteran and Jeopardy champion, has now added another achievement to his inspiring journey—becoming the first Indian American elected to the Frisco City Council. His victory in Saturday’s election came as a surprise upset over an incumbent, marking a significant milestone for the growing Indian American community in the Texas city. At 42, Thakur is no stranger to impactful moments. He joined the military just before the September 11 attacks and later etched his name into television history by winning the final Jeopardy episode hosted by the legendary Alex Trebek. Thakur had emotionally shared that he…