Author: Malavika Subramanyan

According to a press statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a busy two-day tour of Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Rajasthan from July 7 to 8. During this visit, he will unveil significant infrastructure projects in the highway, railway, and power sectors, with a total value of $7.4 billion (equivalent to Rs 50,000 million) as per the press statement. The press statement specified that PM Modi will first visit Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh on July 7, followed by Telangana and Rajasthan on July 8. In Raipur, the Prime Minister will participate…

Following Iran’s recent inclusion in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) under India’s presidency, President Ebrahim Raisi held a meeting with his top ministers to discuss the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) development plans. During the meeting in Tehran, Raisi emphasized the significance of the Chabahar Port in connecting Central Asia to international waters, referencing statements made by leaders at the SCO Heads of State Summit hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi highlighted the importance of robust connectivity for regional progress while respecting the sovereignty and regional integrity of member states. PM Modi also expressed…

Mary Kom, an esteemed sporting legend and the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in boxing, was honored with the Global Indian Icon of the Year award at the annual UK-India Awards held in Windsor, Berkshire. Additionally, acclaimed Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, known for directing the Oscar-nominated film ‘Elizabeth: The Golden Age,’ received the Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of his contributions to cinema in both nations. The Nehru Centre in London, representing the cultural wing of the Indian High Commission, was also presented with the prestigious UK-India Award for its significant role in fostering UK-India relations. Selected…

Kartik Aaryan’s performance in the recently released film “Satyaprem Ki Katha” (SPKK) has garnered immense praise. His portrayal of Sattu stands out as one of his finest performances, displaying his versatility as an actor by flawlessly transitioning between comedy and drama. Critics and audiences alike have applauded the remarkable character arc of Kartik’s role in the movie. What makes SPKK unique is its focus on empowering the female character, and Kartik Aaryan plays a pivotal role in this aspect. His character supports and encourages the leading lady, Katha, to be a heroine in her own right rather than just being…

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak celebrated the strong bilateral relationship between the UK and India during the India Global Forum’s UK-India Week reception at 10 Downing Street on June 29. In his speech, he emphasized the close bond between the two nations, stating that they are “closer than ever.” Sunak eagerly expressed his anticipation for the upcoming G20 summit in New Delhi, hoping for meaningful discussions and positive outcomes. In a light-hearted manner, he also shared his excitement about indulging in traditional Indian sweets or “mithai” during his visit to India. Recognizing the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora, Sunak…

Russian President Vladimir Putin commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, acknowledging its significant impact on the Indian economy, as reported by RT, a Russian state-controlled international news television network. Putin referred to India as an example to promote domestic products and brands within Russia. Moreover, the Russian Ambassador to New Delhi, Denis Alipov, highlighted the strength of the “special Russia-India strategic partnership,” emphasizing its continuous growth and resilience. During a state reception dedicated to the National Day of the Russian Federation, Alipov expressed concerns about ongoing attempts to tarnish Russia-India relations through spreading lies on a global…

Ken Mathew, a native of Krishnapuram in Kayamkulam, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Malayalee and Indian to be elected as the Mayor of Stafford City in the United States. This historic event marks a momentous occasion in the city’s 67-year history. Mathew secured his victory by obtaining more than 50% of the votes cast in the city, defeating the incumbent Mayor, Cecil Willis. It is noteworthy that Mathew’s win also signifies his status as the first minority Mayor of Stafford, a city located southwest of Houston. Scheduled to be inaugurated on Tuesday, Mathew will assume the…

The University of Pennsylvania’s prominent a cappella group, Penn Masala, performed a captivating rendition of popular Bollywood songs at the White House ahead of the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The group, consisting of South Asian students, entertained a large crowd of approximately 2000 to 3000 people who gathered on the South Lawns to witness the ceremonial welcome for PM Modi. Penn Masala began their performance with “Chaiyya Chaiyya” from the 1998 movie Dil Se.., starring Shah Rukh Khan, and followed it up with “Jashn e Bahaaraa” from the 2008 historical drama Jodha Akbar, featuring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya…

The Higher Education Council (HEC) of Pakistan has issued a ban on the celebration of Holi and other Hindu holidays in universities across the country, citing the need to preserve the “Islamic character and reputation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.” This decision comes shortly after students at Quaid-i-Azam University celebrated Holi on campus, and the event garnered widespread attention through viral footage. According to the HEC’s notification, while cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity are important for fostering an inclusive and tolerant society, they should be embraced in a balanced manner without exceeding certain boundaries. The notification emphasizes the importance…

On June 24, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya clarified that foreign-made vaccines were not procured during the Covid pandemic due to the demand for indemnity by the foreign firms. He highlighted that Indian vaccine manufacturers were not provided with the same indemnity, emphasizing that the same rule applied to all. Mandaviya further addressed the misconception that India prevented foreign vaccines, such as those made by Moderna and Pfizer, from entering the country. He stated that India granted emergency use approvals to foreign companies when they submitted the required data, similar to the approvals given to Indian companies. In his statement,…