Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Netflix has released Part 2 of Kurukshetra: The Great War of Mahabharata, a visually striking and emotionally compelling continuation of the epic battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas. Created by Ujaan Ganguly, the series builds on Part 1, which concluded with Jayadratha’s death, and offers a deeper exploration of the human struggles, moral conflicts, and ethical questions underlying the 18-day war. The animation series reinterprets the Mahabharata for contemporary audiences, presenting legendary characters not only as divine or heroic figures but also as flawed, complex humans navigating duty, desire, and destiny. While Krishna’s guidance influences the warriors, the show underscores…

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has reaffirmed India’s commitment to a cautious and strategic approach in trade negotiations, stating that the country will not hastily enter into agreements or accept conditions that could compromise its long-term economic interests. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions with major trading partners, including the United States. Speaking at an event in Berlin, Goyal emphasized that trade deals should be built on trust and mutual growth rather than short-term objectives or immediate market access. “Trade agreements go beyond tariffs or six-month targets. They are about establishing enduring partnerships and creating sustainable frameworks for…

Indian-American security expert Paul Kapur has officially assumed the role of Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, a critical post in the Trump administration’s engagement with the region. His swearing-in was confirmed Wednesday by the Bureau, which welcomed him as the bureau’s new leader responsible for shaping US policy in South and Central Asia. Kapur succeeds Donald Lu, who held the position from September 2021 until January 2025. Prior to this appointment, Kapur served on the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff from 2020 to 2021, focusing on South and Central Asia, the broader…

In a bid to reinforce mutual growth and economic collaboration, the ‘Viksit Bharat – Invest India: India-Honduras Bilateral Trade Relations’ seminar was hosted in Tegucigalpa, showcasing the potential for trade and investment between the two nations. The event, organised by the Indian Embassy in Guatemala, which is concurrently accredited to Honduras, brought together ministers, vice ministers, officials, chamber representatives, and key business stakeholders from Honduras. During the seminar, dignitaries including the Vice Minister of Health and the Vice Minister of Energy shared insights on collaboration opportunities with India, particularly in pharmaceuticals, healthcare services, renewable energy, and sustainable development. They also…

 India is rapidly transforming into a global leader in services exports, with the sector recording a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.8% over the past 30 years—significantly higher than the 9.8% growth seen in goods exports, according to a report by the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Currently ranking seventh in the world for service exports, India holds a 4.3% global market share, primarily fueled by telecom, IT, and business services, which together account for nearly three-fourths of the country’s total service exports. Technology exports alone surpassed $200 billion in fiscal year 2025, underscoring the sector’s expanding global influence. The…

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended his heartfelt wishes to people celebrating Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas across Britain, highlighting the values of devotion, joy, and renewed unity that the festival represents. Recalling his visit to India earlier this month, Starmer said he lit a diya in Mumbai as a symbol of devotion and hope. “Wishing Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs across Britain a joyful and peaceful Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. Earlier this month I lit a diya in Mumbai as a symbol of devotion, joy, and renewed bonds. As we celebrate this Festival of Lights, let’s keep building a…

 Ayodhya’s Deepotsav celebrations 2025 have made headlines by creating two new Guinness World Records, showcasing the city’s devotion, cultural vibrancy, and grandeur ahead of Diwali. The festival saw over 26 lakh diyas illuminated along the ghats of the River Saryu, while thousands of devotees performed a synchronized aarti, creating a breathtaking spectacle witnessed worldwide. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the event and received certificates for the two records. The first record recognized the largest display of oil lamps, with a total of 26,17,215 diyas lit. The second record celebrated the most people simultaneously performing a ‘diya’ rotation, with…

Aditi Rai, a senior at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), has been named the 2025 recipient of the Marian Ivers Community Service Leadership Award, celebrating her empathy-driven leadership and tireless efforts to uplift others. Pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a minor in Chemistry, Rai exemplifies balance and purpose — managing a rigorous academic journey while dedicating countless hours to community service. Her volunteering journey bridges continents and causes, rooted in her belief that lasting change can arise from both grand initiatives and heartfelt, everyday gestures. Rai’s commitment to service began when she volunteered as an English-speaking…

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has firmly denied that Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Donald Trump regarding India’s purchase of Russian oil. Addressing reporters at the weekly press briefing on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that no such phone conversation took place between the two leaders, contradicting Trump’s recent claim. Trump had stated that his “friend” Prime Minister Modi had assured him India would cease buying Russian oil — a statement that quickly drew global attention. The former US president told reporters in Washington that he was “not happy” with India’s continued purchase of Russian…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday in Delhi, reaffirming India’s sustained support for Colombo. The leaders discussed strategies to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in education and capacity-building initiatives. Sharing the development on social media platform X, Jaishankar stated that the meeting focused on strengthening India-Sri Lanka collaboration in education and skill development. Prime Minister Amarasuriya arrived in India on Thursday for a two-day official visit, marking her first trip to the country since assuming office. During her stay until October 18, she is scheduled to meet senior political leaders to explore…