Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

India has invited nations across the globe to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)—a platform spearheaded by India to protect seven major big cat species—during the 20th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF20) held in New York from May 5 to 9, 2025. The International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) aims to enhance international cooperation in research, conservation efforts, and capacity building among its member countries. At the UN platform, India highlighted its leadership in forest conservation and reaffirmed its commitment to the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030 through its Voluntary National Contributions (VNCs). Highlighting key…

In a significant military response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally selected the name for India’s retaliation operation, now known as ‘Operation Sindoor.’ Sources have confirmed that PM Modi played a key role in deciding the name ‘Operation Sindoor’ for the operation targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation, which was successfully carried out, aimed to dismantle terror infrastructure across the border. The name ‘Operation Sindoor’ holds deep symbolic meaning, especially among Hindu women. Sindoor (vermilion), traditionally applied to the forehead by married Hindu women, is a…

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that, as of the end of March 2025, it held a total of 879.59 metric tonnes (MT) of gold. Of this, 511.99 MT was maintained within the country, as disclosed by the central bank on Monday. The RBI further stated that 348.62 MT of the total gold reserves were stored securely with the Bank of England and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). Additionally, 18.98 MT were retained in the form of gold deposits. In terms of U.S. dollars, the value of gold as a component of the total foreign exchange reserves rose…

The much-awaited mythological epic Kannappa, directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by veteran actor Mohan Babu, is set for a global theatrical release on June 27, 2025. In light of the crucial North American market, especially the United States, Tollywood star Vishnu Manchu—who also leads the cast—will travel across major US cities this May to promote the film through a series of roadshows. These promotional stops will include special events in local cinemas, with dates confirmed for three major cities: New Jersey on May 8, Dallas on May 9, and San Francisco on May 10. Specific venues and timings…

The brutal terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam has once again laid bare the deep-rooted malaise of cross-border terrorism. It has sharpened the debate on proportionality and response. Time after time, whenever Indian soil is stained with the blood of innocents by forces operating from across the border, the nation grieves, registers diplomatic protests, strengthens security protocols—and then eventually moves on. But this cycle of grief, outrage, and resignation cannot be allowed to continue indefinitely. There must come a time when excessive restraint, rather than serving as a virtue, begins to resemble silent complicity. In the…

Indian American communities across the United States have united in strong condemnation of the recent terror strike in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 civilians dead, including several tourists. The attack on April 22 sparked widespread grief and anger throughout the diaspora, prompting multiple organizations to speak out. Among those leading the response are the Coalition of Hindu Americans in North America (CoHNA), the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), and the Kashmir Overseas Association (KOA). These groups labeled the incident as a horrific and cowardly act targeting innocent people, emphasizing the need for international acknowledgment of…

A recent US study reveals that parents are evenly divided on the appropriate age to begin discussing puberty with their children. While the majority agree that talking about puberty is essential, many remain uncertain about when and how to initiate the conversation, according to findings released on Monday. The study, conducted by the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, highlights that one of the most common challenges for parents is deciding the right age to start these conversations and whether discussions should include topics related to sex. “It’s easy to assume a child…

India’s luxury housing market continued its upward trend in Q1 2025, with a 28% year-on-year increase in sales of high-end homes priced above $464,595. In the quarter, around 1,930 units were sold across the top seven cities, up from 1,510 units in Q1 2024. Delhi-NCR led the market with a 49% share, followed by Mumbai with 23%. Bengaluru experienced the sharpest growth, with sales increasing from just 20 units in Q1 2024 to nearly 190 in Q1 2025. Although Kolkata and Chennai accounted for only 5% of total sales, Hyderabad saw a significant drop in market share, falling from 45%…

an interaction with students at CHARUSAT, Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s Minister for External Affairs, shared insights into the country’s evolving global outlook. He emphasized that India is no longer cautious or hesitant on the international stage. Instead, the country now engages with the world with assurance and an enterprising spirit. He described a clear mental shift within India—one that views the global landscape not with reluctance, but as a vast arena for opportunity. Speaking of the notion of a “global workplace,” Dr. Jaishankar explained that India not only aims to gain from the international system but also contributes meaningfully to…

Despite global economic uncertainties, India’s total exports of goods and services soared to a historic high of $820.93 billion in the financial year ending March 31, 2025, marking a 5.5% rise over the previous year’s figure of $773 billion, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal announced. Merchandise exports alone amounted to $437.4 billion. Notably, non-petroleum exports saw a robust 6% increase year-on-year, reaching $374.08 billion in FY25. However, trade data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry revealed a widening trade deficit in March. The gap rose to $21.54 billion from $14.05 billion in February. March merchandise exports showed a modest year-on-year…