Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

 The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, also known as National Unity Day, will be celebrated on October 31 to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, honouring his immense contribution to India’s unity and political integration. This year’s event holds special significance as the celebrations coincide with the 150th birth anniversary of the ‘Iron Man of India’. Ekta Nagar, home to the iconic 182-metre Statue of Unity, is witnessing grand preparations, featuring a cultural festival and a National Unity Parade by security forces. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the celebrations at Ekta Nagar, where contingents from across the country…

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat met with South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie on Thursday on the sidelines of the 4th G20 Culture Working Group Meeting in Zimbali, near Durban. The discussion focused on expanding cultural collaboration between India and South Africa through a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening bilateral cultural cooperation. Shekhawat highlighted on social media that both nations share historic ties rooted in Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy and remain dedicated to strengthening these connections through cultural exchange. “India and South Africa share a bond built on history and…

More than 170 influential leaders from both India and the United States gathered in Washington, D.C., for the Indian American Philanthropy Summit hosted by Indiaspora and the India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA). The event marked a milestone moment in diaspora giving, celebrating a sharp rise in Indian American donations and charting the course for deeper, more sustainable social impact. A new Dalberg report, commissioned by Indiaspora and IPA, revealed that Indian American giving has surged nearly threefold in just six years, now reaching between $4 billion and $5 billion annually. The study highlighted how the “giving gap” — once around $2.5…

When Money Singh, an Indian American entrepreneur, moved from Punjab to San Francisco at 19, he faced isolation and uncertainty. Far from home, he battled depression and financial hardship, unaware that his determination would later turn him into a self-made millionaire in the United States. Singh’s first few years were challenging — he dropped out of college after discovering his credits from India wouldn’t transfer and took up small jobs to survive. Eventually, he joined his uncle’s cab business, starting out as a dispatcher earning $6 per hour. Over the next 12 years, he built his own five-car taxi fleet,…

President Droupadi Murmu said on Tuesday that by 2050, India aims not only to meet its clean energy targets but also to become a global hub aggregating solar demand and fostering innovation, manufacturing, and knowledge exchange. Addressing the 8th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the President affirmed that India is on track to emerge as a global solar energy leader. She highlighted the country’s rapid progress in achieving renewable energy milestones ahead of schedule and urged all member nations to link solar energy initiatives with job creation, women’s leadership, rural livelihoods, and…

India is poised to remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy in 2026, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projecting a growth rate of 6.6%, according to its latest World Economic Outlook report. The country’s economic expansion continues to be powered by rising domestic consumption, strong manufacturing output, and steady gains in the services sector. Economists view the IMF’s latest figures as a strong affirmation of India’s economic resilience amid a volatile global backdrop. In comparison, China’s growth is forecast to slow to 4.8%, underscoring India’s widening lead among major economies. Dr. Manoranjan Sharma, Chief Economist at Infomerics Ratings, remarked that…

Netflix has released Part 2 of Kurukshetra: The Great War of Mahabharata, a visually striking and emotionally compelling continuation of the epic battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas. Created by Ujaan Ganguly, the series builds on Part 1, which concluded with Jayadratha’s death, and offers a deeper exploration of the human struggles, moral conflicts, and ethical questions underlying the 18-day war. The animation series reinterprets the Mahabharata for contemporary audiences, presenting legendary characters not only as divine or heroic figures but also as flawed, complex humans navigating duty, desire, and destiny. While Krishna’s guidance influences the warriors, the show underscores…

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has reaffirmed India’s commitment to a cautious and strategic approach in trade negotiations, stating that the country will not hastily enter into agreements or accept conditions that could compromise its long-term economic interests. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions with major trading partners, including the United States. Speaking at an event in Berlin, Goyal emphasized that trade deals should be built on trust and mutual growth rather than short-term objectives or immediate market access. “Trade agreements go beyond tariffs or six-month targets. They are about establishing enduring partnerships and creating sustainable frameworks for…

Indian-American security expert Paul Kapur has officially assumed the role of Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, a critical post in the Trump administration’s engagement with the region. His swearing-in was confirmed Wednesday by the Bureau, which welcomed him as the bureau’s new leader responsible for shaping US policy in South and Central Asia. Kapur succeeds Donald Lu, who held the position from September 2021 until January 2025. Prior to this appointment, Kapur served on the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff from 2020 to 2021, focusing on South and Central Asia, the broader…

In a bid to reinforce mutual growth and economic collaboration, the ‘Viksit Bharat – Invest India: India-Honduras Bilateral Trade Relations’ seminar was hosted in Tegucigalpa, showcasing the potential for trade and investment between the two nations. The event, organised by the Indian Embassy in Guatemala, which is concurrently accredited to Honduras, brought together ministers, vice ministers, officials, chamber representatives, and key business stakeholders from Honduras. During the seminar, dignitaries including the Vice Minister of Health and the Vice Minister of Energy shared insights on collaboration opportunities with India, particularly in pharmaceuticals, healthcare services, renewable energy, and sustainable development. They also…