Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Indian industrialist Mukesh Ambani and Reliance Foundation chairperson Nita Ambani met U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday, ahead of his swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Monday. The Ambanis will have a prominent seat at the inauguration, sharing the platform with Trump’s Cabinet nominees, elected officials, and other notable guests. The couple arrived in Washington, D.C., on January 18 and has been participating in pre-inaugural events, including a reception and fireworks display held at the Trump National Golf Club in Virginia. They are also attending an exclusive candlelight dinner tonight with President-elect Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance, and Usha Vance, among other…

Priyanka Chopra has expressed profound sorrow over the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, California, and has called on people to support relief efforts for the affected victims. Taking to social media on Thursday, Priyanka shared an emotional note accompanied by images of the wildfires. “I love you, LA. My heart feels so heavy. While I’m incredibly thankful for my family’s safety and our home, many friends, colleagues, and fellow Angelenos have suffered tremendous losses. Entire communities have been destroyed, and countless families have been displaced, creating an urgent need for support and rebuilding,” she wrote. Priyanka extended her gratitude to…

India has solidified its position as a global frontrunner in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) as a core business strategy, with 80% of firms prioritizing AI, surpassing the global average of 75%, as per Boston Consulting Group’s (BCG) AI Radar global survey. This heightened focus aligns with robust investment plans, with 69% of Indian companies set to increase tech spending in 2025, and nearly one-third allocating over $25 million specifically for AI projects. These investments place India among the top AI spenders worldwide. The report, titled From Potential to Profit: Closing the AI Impact Gap, also emphasizes the critical need for…

In response to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, BAPS Charities has launched the #SOCALSTRONG Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund to assist affected families. These wildfires have destroyed communities, leaving thousands displaced without access to basic needs like food, clean water, and shelter. To support those impacted, BAPS Charities is actively delivering critical aid, including essential supplies, hygiene products, and monetary support for recovery efforts. The initiative aims to help displaced families and first responders with food, water, and essential items to ease their journey toward rebuilding. Volunteers from BAPS Charities have already distributed vital supplies at relief hubs in…

Senate Democrats have successfully stalled Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation as the director of national intelligence, requesting missing background checks and essential paperwork. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) emphasized the importance of having all required documents before proceeding with the confirmation process, particularly in the sensitive area of national security. According to Wyden, these documents are crucial, although their absence isn’t a headline-grabbing issue. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) acknowledged the delay, attributing it to an administrative issue with the Office of Government Ethics. Barrasso, who supports Gabbard’s nomination, reassured the public that the delay would likely extend to the following week, as he…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed strong optimism about the continued progress of India-US relations, highlighting the solid foundation established by previous administrations and the positive rapport between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to assume office soon. During a press conference in Madrid alongside Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, Jaishankar highlighted the dynamic growth in India-US ties. “India-US relations have seen remarkable progress across multiple dimensions. Given our track record and the close contacts between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, we are confident that this relationship will continue to thrive. I…

On January 20, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of US President-elect Donald Trump, marking the start of his tenure as the 47th President of the United States. Jaishankar’s attendance follows an invitation from the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee, as confirmed by a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) press release. During his visit, Jaishankar is expected to meet with representatives of the incoming administration, as well as other dignitaries attending the event. The official event will occur two weeks after Trump’s electoral victory was formally certified by the US Congress on January 6. On…

Tulsi Gabbard, former congresswoman from Hawaii, has been nominated by Donald Trump as the Director of National Intelligence, a move that has triggered considerable backlash. The role entails oversight of 18 spy agencies, delivering intelligence briefings to the president, and advising the White House. Mouaz Moustafa, who leads the Syrian Emergency Task Force, has expressed deep concern over her connections with former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and her controversial views on U.S. foreign policy. Moustafa recounted various interactions with Gabbard since 2014, describing her as “misinformed” and skeptical of Assad’s involvement in atrocities. He pointed to her 2017 trip to…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, emphasizing the vital role of the Indian diaspora in the nation’s progress and global presence. He highlighted India’s significant accomplishments, including lifting 250 million people out of poverty within a decade, achieving the status of the world’s fifth-largest economy, advancements in digital technology, and milestones like the Chandrayaan mission and indigenous fighter jet production. PM Modi praised the diaspora’s contributions to India’s development and urged them to strengthen the country’s global influence by promoting Indian products, heritage, and true historical narratives in their host countries. He…

On Wednesday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla praised the Indian diaspora in the UK for their invaluable contributions, attributing the increasing global trust in India to their dedication, work ethic, and excellence in various fields. He emphasized that Indians’ commitment to service and hard work has significantly shaped India’s international reputation, independent of political influence. While addressing the Indian community at India House, Birla wished them a prosperous new year and remarked on India’s cultural diversity, with festivals like Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Lohri being celebrated globally. Despite being far from home, Birla acknowledged that the heart and culture of…