Author: Malavika Subramanyan

Indian Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, hosted officers from India’s Armed Forces Medical Services during their visit to the United States, aimed at bolstering collaboration in military medicine. Sharing his experience on X, Kwatra noted his interaction with Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin and other officers, highlighting the importance of such exchanges in strengthening India-US defense ties. The visit facilitated discussions with counterparts from US INDOPACOM, the Defense Health Agency (DHA), and the Army, Navy, and Air Force departments, reinforcing military medical cooperation as a key pillar of bilateral security relations. Despite ongoing trade-related tensions, India and the…

The Hindi-language film Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has been officially selected as India’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards in 2026. The decision, announced by the Film Federation of India, came after careful consideration of 24 films from across different languages. The 14-member selection committee, composed of producers, directors, writers, editors, and journalists, unanimously chose Homebound for its compelling story and cinematic merit. Produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, the film features performances by Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor. Inspired by journalist Basharat Peer’s New York Times article “Taking…

Italy has expressed strong support for the early finalization of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union. During a meeting on Thursday with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani reaffirmed Rome’s commitment to fast-tracking the agreement. On X, he stated, “I confirmed Italy’s support for a rapid finalisation of the Free Trade Agreement,” underlining the strategic political and economic partnership shared by the two nations. Tajani highlighted that India remains a priority in Italy’s export plan, or “Piano Export,” with a €500 million commitment to…

 Erika Kirk, widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, delivered an emotional tribute during his funeral on Sunday, reflecting on both grief and hope. The 36-year-old, now serving as CEO of TPUSA, spoke about the profound support she received from Second Lady Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, following Charlie Kirk’s death. During the ceremony, Erika Kirk emphasized the enduring importance of Turning Point USA, asserting that the organization is vital for guiding young people toward truth and away from destructive paths. She vowed to carry forward Charlie Kirk’s vision and expand the organization’s reach. “The world…

US President Donald Trump emphasized his personal friendship with India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his two-day state visit to the United Kingdom. Speaking alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers on Thursday, Trump described his ties with Modi as “very close.” He mentioned having called the Indian leader a day earlier to wish him on his 75th birthday, praising Modi’s “beautiful” response. Despite the warmth, Trump acknowledged that his administration had imposed sanctions on New Delhi for continuing to purchase Russian crude oil. He noted that Washington had recently doubled tariffs on Indian exports to 50%, with…

At the joint inauguration of the East Asia Summit (EAS) Knowledge Exchange Workshop on Energy Efficiency Policies and Programs – Mission LiFE, and the EAS Conclave of Heads of Higher Education Institutions, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (East) P. Kumaran highlighted India’s commitment to sustainable growth. The event took place Thursday at Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar, and was organized in collaboration with RIS New Delhi, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), and the MEA. In his keynote address, Kumaran underscored the need for sustainable consumption habits and energy-saving behaviors, reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision under Mission LiFE.…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 75 on Wednesday, with greetings pouring in from political leaders across the spectrum. The milestone was marked not only by celebratory messages but also by a series of initiatives organized by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. To honor the occasion, the BJP launched a fortnight-long nationwide campaign called “Sewa Pakhwada,” featuring welfare and outreach programs running until October 2. These activities include health and nutrition camps, cleanliness drives, intellectual gatherings, and fairs highlighting indigenous products. The aim is to combine service with celebration, reflecting Modi’s emphasis on community participation. On his birthday, the Prime Minister…

Bollywood fans have reason to celebrate as Cocktail 2, one of the industry’s most awaited sequels, has officially entered production. The film brings together Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna for the first time, creating immense buzz across social media and among cinema enthusiasts. Directed by Homi Adajania and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, the movie is set to release in late 2026, reviving the signature mix of humor, charm, and romance that made the original Cocktail a success. The first Cocktail (2012), starring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Diana Penty, won audiences over with its…

IndiGo announced plans to launch India’s first Airbus A321XLR flights on the Athens route, with operations beginning in January 2026. The airline is expected to take delivery of the aircraft by the end of this year, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion strategy. According to reports, the airline will operate six non-stop weekly flights to Athens, pending regulatory approvals. The route will link the Greek capital with both Delhi and Mumbai, offering three weekly departures from each city. With this move, IndiGo becomes the only Indian carrier to provide direct connectivity between India and Greece. The A321XLR is…

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has expressed confidence that India will grow into a $30 trillion economy by the year 2047. Speaking at the annual conclave of a private media house in New Delhi, Goyal emphasized that the foundation for this growth is already being laid through policy reforms, fiscal discipline, and targeted support for businesses. Highlighting India’s progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Goyal pointed out that controlling inflation has been a key government priority since 2014. He noted that the Reserve Bank of India plays a crucial role by keeping a close watch on monetary and…