Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

After much speculation, Anurag Basu’s upcoming musical film has confirmed Kartik Aaryan as the lead, with debutant Sreeleela starring opposite him. The makers unveiled a first-look video on Saturday, showcasing Kartik in a rugged, rockstar-inspired avatar, playing the guitar and performing the song “Tu Meri Zindagi Hai.” The video also highlights the passionate romance between Kartik and Sreeleela, with glimpses of them sharing tender moments, riding a bike together, and enjoying intimate conversations. Sreeleela, known for her dance number “Kissik” in Pushpa 2: The Rule, makes her Bollywood debut in the film. Kartik, who has dominated the box office with…

For the first time, India was showcased as the theme country at the Asia Pacific Cultural Center’s (APCC) 27th Annual New Year Celebration, held at Tacoma Dome in Washington State. The Consulate General of India in Seattle highlighted this milestone, marking the first time in APCC’s history that India was chosen as the central theme. The event opened with a traditional Indian prayer invocation and was attended by around fifty elected officials from Washington State, including U.S. Congress Representatives Marilyn Strickland and Emily Randall, Washington State Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, and State House Speaker Laurie Jinkins. The Consul General of…

The US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk, has ignited controversy by announcing the cancellation of US$21 million in funds originally allocated to boost voter turnout in India. This decision is part of a broader initiative by DOGE, which has revoked funds meant for global projects under the Biden administration, including US$29 million for enhancing the political landscape in Bangladesh and US$20 million for fostering fiscal federalism in Nepal. The revelation has stirred strong reactions in India, particularly among senior political advisors. Sanjeev Sanyal, a key adviser to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a member of…

India’s smartphone exports soared to an all-time high of $3.14 billion in January 2025, surpassing the entire export value recorded in FY21. This marks an impressive 140% increase from January 2024, when exports stood at $1.31 billion. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw projected that smartphone exports for FY25 could reach $25.92 billion, following the $15.6 billion recorded in FY24. Apple played a dominant role in this surge, contributing 70% of the total exports. Foxconn led the way with shipments worth $960 million, while Tata Electronics and Pegatron exported over $800 million and $500 million, respectively. The sharp rise in exports is…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump met in Washington to reinforce the growing India-US partnership across multiple sectors, including trade, defense, and energy. The talks covered a broad spectrum of strategic interests, highlighting deeper economic ties and shared global commitments. One of the primary discussions centered on nuclear energy, where both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in atomic power. The US pledged to support India’s nuclear ambitions by enabling large-scale localization of American-designed reactors. Additionally, they welcomed India’s budgetary changes aimed at amending nuclear liability laws, which would facilitate collaboration between Indian and American firms in reactor…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his three-day visit to France, describing it as both historic and productive. As a gesture of cultural appreciation, he presented handcrafted Indian gifts to French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, emphasizing India’s rich artisanal traditions. For President Macron, PM Modi gifted a striking Dokra artwork, a metal-casting masterpiece from Chhattisgarh. This traditional piece, crafted using the ancient lost-wax technique, depicts musicians in dynamic postures, reflecting the deep cultural connection between music and tribal heritage. Made from brass and copper, the artwork is further adorned with lapis lazuli and coral, enhancing its…

Tulsi Gabbard has officially been confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence under President Donald Trump. The US Senate approved her nomination with a 52-48 vote, with all Democratic senators and Republican Senator Mitch McConnell opposing her appointment. She will replace Avril Haines and oversee 17 intelligence agencies. Once met with skepticism due to her controversial political history, the 43-year-old military veteran and former Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii has gained favor among Senate Republicans. Gabbard, a vocal critic of the Biden administration’s policies on Ukraine, has often echoed views that align with Russia. She previously called for Ukraine to remain…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India, during its G20 presidency, successfully built a consensus on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly for all. He made this statement while addressing the AI Action Summit at the Grand Palais in Paris, an event he co-hosted with French President Emmanuel Macron. Highlighting India’s advancements in AI, PM Modi stated that the country leads in AI adoption and technological solutions for data privacy. He emphasized that India boasts one of the largest AI talent pools in the world. “India has developed a robust digital public infrastructure catering to over 1.4 billion people at minimal…

As Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) turns 30, Bollywood giant Yash Raj Films (YRF) has partnered with Britain’s railway system to mark the milestone alongside Railway 200, celebrating 200 years of Britain’s railways. The collaboration brings Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical, a stage adaptation of the 1995 blockbuster, to the Manchester Opera House from May 29 to June 21, 2025. Featuring an original score with 18 English songs, the musical is helmed by Vishal-Shekhar (music), Nell Benjamin (lyrics), and a creative team blending East and West. The production pays tribute to DDLJ’s iconic railway moments, including King’s…

To honor the legacy of Professor K. Mani Chandy, Simon Ramo Professor of Computer Science, Emeritus, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has established The Professor K. Mani Chandy Innovations in Education Fund. This endowed fund, supported by alumni contributions exceeding $100,000, will promote excellence in teaching within the Computing and Mathematical Sciences (CMS) department. Professor Chandy is widely respected for his unwavering support and mentorship of students. Inspired by his impact, alumni including Roman Ginis, Rajiv Gupta, Peter Hofstee, and others collaborated to create this fund as a tribute to his dedication to education. The fund will support CMS…