Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

India’s transition toward renewable energy is gaining momentum, with the country’s installed solar power capacity approaching 165 gigawatts by mid-2026. The rapid expansion reflects the government’s broader push to strengthen energy security, promote sustainable development and advance its long-term vision of a developed India by 2047. According to a report by the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), India’s solar sector has undergone a remarkable transformation since 2014, when the country’s installed capacity stood at approximately 2.8 GW. Over the past decade, solar power has evolved from a largely state-driven initiative into a nationwide movement supporting economic growth and cleaner electricity…

Indian stand-up comedian Vir Das is set to bring his internationally acclaimed comedy tour, ‘I Say We Run,’ to one of New York City’s most celebrated entertainment venues, Radio City Music Hall, on January 30, 2027. The upcoming appearance represents another significant milestone in Das’ expanding international career, adding the legendary Manhattan venue to a growing list of prestigious stages where he has performed. Radio City Music Hall, known for hosting generations of renowned artists, remains an important destination for performers from around the world. The New York show will form part of Das’ continuing global tour, which began at…

India could operationalize its first coal and minerals exchanges by the next financial year as the government advances reforms aimed at improving domestic mineral supplies, standardizing prices, and reducing reliance on imports. Officials expect the proposed platforms to be finalized within the next eight to nine months, marking a significant development in the country’s mineral market infrastructure. The planned exchanges are part of a wider policy framework covering coal and major minerals. According to officials, regulations governing the proposed minerals exchange have already been completed, allowing preparations for implementation to move forward. The initiative is intended to create a…

Indian-origin business leaders are identifying new opportunities to invest and expand in New Zealand following the formal ratification of the India-New Zealand free trade agreement. The deal is expected to strengthen commercial ties between the two countries and encourage Indian companies to explore sectors ranging from healthcare and education to infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing. New Zealand and India formally completed the ratification process on September 21. The agreement is scheduled to take effect on October 20, while another round of tariff reductions is expected to begin on January 1, 2027. New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay described the agreement as…

Actress Anjali Arora is set to portray Mata Sita in the upcoming mythological film Shri Ramayan Katha, directed by Abhishek Singh. The actress has described the opportunity as a blessing and recalled how she was first approached for the role. Anjali said that she regularly visits a Hanuman temple every Tuesday and prays for what is meant for her. She connected the opportunity to play Mata Sita with those prayers, saying she felt the role may have come to her as a blessing. Recalling the initial meeting with the director, Anjali said Abhishek Singh showed her an AI-generated image depicting…

India and Ukraine have renewed discussions on peace initiatives, regional security, and bilateral cooperation as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to affect global stability and international trade. The discussions took place during a meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Sybiha revealed on September 21 that the two ministers had exchanged views on peace efforts, bilateral relations, and international developments. Jaishankar separately confirmed that their conversation examined developments from the past several weeks, highlighting ongoing diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Kyiv. The…

Hindu Women Recognized as Pillars of Yadnya in Bali Denpasar, Bali, September 15, 2026: Hindu women play a central role in the preparation and conduct of yadnya ceremonies in Bali, from creating ritual offerings to helping ensure the smooth execution of religious observances. Yadnya refers to sincere and selfless offerings made as an expression of reverence toward God, fellow human beings, ancestors and nature. According to Ni Wayan Sumetri, a Hindu religious counselor at the Gianyar Regency Ministry of Religious Affairs Agency, women’s participation is deeply connected to the religious and cultural life of Hindu families and communities. Sumetri said…

Arshdeep Kaur has been named the 2026 National American Miss Jr. Teen New York, securing a place at the organization’s national competition in Orlando, Florida. She is set to compete for the National American Miss title during Thanksgiving week, taking her state-level achievement to the national stage. The National American Miss program organizes pageants for participants across the United States, with an emphasis on developing young women through confidence, character, leadership and personal growth. Its stated philosophy centers on encouraging girls to pursue their ambitions while building a clear sense of purpose and vision for their futures. Kaur earned the…

The World Bank is putting nuclear energy back into its development strategy, with President Ajay Banga making financing for the sector a key priority, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The move represents a major change for an institution that has largely stayed away from nuclear power for several decades. Speaking before the House Financial Services Committee, Bessent said the US Treasury had emphasized the importance of nuclear energy to Banga and that the World Bank chief had subsequently adopted the issue as a priority. He argued that nuclear power could help developing nations strengthen their economies by providing…

India’s expanding global footprint requires a diplomatic approach that can evolve with changing international realities, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said Tuesday. Speaking at the opening session marking the 25th anniversary of the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) in New Delhi, he stressed that India’s growing interests and widening network of partners demand continuous reassessment of its foreign policy choices. Jaishankar pointed to the ongoing conflicts in the Gulf and Ukraine as examples of the challenges facing Indian diplomacy. With New Delhi maintaining relationships with multiple sides in both situations, he said there is no simple formula for responding…