Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to return to the launch pad in September, ending an extended operational pause with the planned deployment of the GISAT-1A Earth-observation satellite. The mission is expected to mark an important step for India’s space program after a challenging period that included multiple launch setbacks. GISAT-1A, also known as EOS-05, is currently scheduled for launch during the first week of September aboard India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). If the schedule holds, it will be ISRO’s first launch since the PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission ended unsuccessfully on January 12. The upcoming flight carries particular significance…

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor visited Srinagar and met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, marking his first official trip to the Union Territory since assuming office. The visit is being viewed as a significant development in India-US engagement concerning the region. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Gor described Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India and praised its natural beauty. He expressed enthusiasm about visiting the region and highlighted the positive impressions gained during his stay. The US envoy also indicated that Washington would review its travel advisory related to Jammu and Kashmir. His…

India hosted the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, bringing together environment ministers, senior officials, policymakers and experts from member countries to discuss shared environmental priorities. The gathering provided an opportunity to exchange ideas, build consensus and identify avenues for deeper cooperation on sustainability and climate-related challenges. Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav chaired the meeting as India continues its BRICS leadership in 2026. The country’s chairship is centered on the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” reflecting an emphasis on practical solutions to environmental and developmental challenges. Addressing the…

US Ambassador Sergio Gor and General Atomics executive Vivek Lall discussed opportunities to expand cooperation between Washington and New Delhi in aerospace, defense and energy during a meeting in New Delhi on August 17. Gor said the talks covered collaboration in advanced technologies and nuclear energy, alongside broader engagement in strategic sectors. The meeting took place as India moved ahead with a new arrangement involving General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, underscoring the company’s growing role in strengthening India’s maritime security capabilities. Earlier that day, India’s Ministry of Defense announced a contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to lease two MQ-9B SeaGuardian…

More than 1,000 devotees gathered at Old Bridge High School in New Jersey for the annual Guru Purnima Satsang hosted by Shree Santram Bhakta Samaj, USA. The event brought together families and followers from communities across the country for an evening centered on prayer, devotion, music, fellowship and service. The celebration drew inspiration from the teachings of Shree Santram Mandir in Nadiad, India, particularly the principle of “Janseva,” or service to humanity. The gathering reflected the organization’s efforts to maintain spiritual traditions while creating opportunities for devotees to connect with one another in the United States. Shree Santram Bhakta Samaj…

India and Vietnam are continuing to deepen their longstanding relationship, with Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Tshering W. Sherpa describing the two nations as forward-looking partners capable of turning challenges into opportunities. In an article published in Vietnam News, Sherpa emphasized that mutual trust, respect, goodwill, and strong people-to-people connections remain central to the partnership. As India prepares to celebrate its 80th Independence Day, the ambassador highlighted the historical and cultural foundations that have brought the two countries closer. He pointed to their shared experiences, civilizational connections, Buddhist links, and cultural exchanges as important elements in the development of bilateral relations.…

Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is proposing tighter rules for new data centers, arguing that these facilities should deliver measurable economic and environmental benefits to the communities where they operate. Ramaswamy has stopped short of supporting a complete ban on data center construction. Instead, his proposal would temporarily halt approvals for new facilities until state lawmakers establish a framework outlining specific requirements for developers and operators. The issue has become a major topic in Ohio’s gubernatorial race. All three leading candidates — Republican, Democrat and Libertarian — have proposed some form of restriction or pause on new data centers,…

India is maintaining strong momentum in international trade, with exports rising by about 15% during the first four months of fiscal year 2027. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the country is now aiming to reach $1 trillion in total exports during the year, reflecting the government’s broader push to strengthen India’s position in global markets. Speaking at the Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav 2026, Goyal emphasized the importance of expanding the scale and competitiveness of Indian businesses. The latest export performance comes despite a challenging global environment marked by economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. India achieved record exports of…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met a parliamentary delegation from Liberia in New Delhi on Tuesday, emphasizing India’s commitment to expanding cooperation with countries across the Global South. The Liberian lawmakers are in India as part of a peer-learning program focused on sharing development experiences and policy practices. The delegation includes members of Liberia’s Senate and House of Representatives, along with representatives from the country’s Women’s Legislative Caucus. It is being led by Ellen-Attoh Wreh, with officials from UN Women also participating in the visit. During the meeting, Jaishankar discussed several Indian government programs that have been developed to improve…

New York and New Jersey have officially recognized August 15, 2026, as “India Independence Day,” highlighting India’s independence journey and the significant role played by Indian Americans in the social, economic and cultural life of the two states. New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statewide proclamation designating August 15 as India Independence Day. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced a similar recognition for her state, according to the Consulate General of India in New York. The proclamations come ahead of India’s 80th Independence Day and reflect the longstanding connections between the United States and India. They also recognize shared…