Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to the people of India on the occasion of Diwali, describing the festival as a celebration filled with energy, hope, and enthusiasm. In a letter to the nation, he noted that this year’s Deepavali is the second to be celebrated following the completion of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a landmark achievement symbolizing faith and cultural heritage. Citing lessons from the life of Lord Ram, PM Modi highlighted Operation Sindoor as a living example of upholding righteousness while confronting injustice. He emphasized that the operation showcased India’s commitment to justice and the…

Ayodhya witnessed a dazzling spectacle this Diwali as the holy city set two Guinness World Records during its grand Deepotsav celebration, combining faith, culture, and politics in a striking display. The Saryu River ghats glowed with 26.17 lakh earthen lamps, while 2,128 devotees performed a synchronised aarti, creating a breathtaking scene of devotion and unity. Officials from Guinness World Records confirmed both feats, cementing Ayodhya’s place on the global cultural map. Cabinet Minister Anil Rajbhar hailed the achievement as a “proud moment for India’s spiritual heritage,” noting that Deepotsav had grown into a festival representing national unity. “The entire nation…

Private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) activity in India has surged to a three-year peak, reaching US$ 26 billion (Rs. 2,28,852 crore) during the first nine months of 2025. This milestone surpasses total investments in both 2023 and 2024, signaling renewed global confidence in India’s economic growth. Factors driving this surge include strong agricultural output, a favourable monsoon, and rising consumer demand during the festive season, according to Equirus Capital. The number of deals also rose substantially, with 1,363 transactions recorded between January and September 2025, up from 1,170 deals in the entire year of 2024. Average deal values…

 India has the potential to acquire an extra $15 billion in oil from the United States, a senior official from the commerce ministry confirmed on Wednesday. The announcement underscores New Delhi’s intent to accelerate trade discussions and finalize a deal promptly. Recent data highlights a rising trend in energy imports from the US. Trade Secretary Rajesh Agrawal stated that India’s purchases averaged $12-$13 billion in FY25, but with the current refinery setup, there is room to increase this by another $14-$15 billion. The initiative aims to help bridge India’s $42.7 billion trade surplus with the US and address concerns from…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the sacred Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Varla Devasthanam in Srisailam, Nandyal district, on Thursday, where he offered prayers and took part in traditional rituals. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu accompanied him during the visit. Earlier in the day, CM Naidu officially welcomed the Prime Minister to the state, expressing gratitude and enthusiasm on behalf of the people of Andhra Pradesh. In a post shared on X, Naidu wrote, “On behalf of my people of Andhra Pradesh, I warmly welcome our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, to our state.” Following the temple…

India’s recent GST exemption on health and term insurance premiums has triggered a remarkable surge in demand, industry data shows. According to Policybazaar, term insurance purchases have jumped 2.5 times, while health insurance demand has increased 2.2 times since the government announced the move in early September 2025. This spike exceeds even the peaks observed during the pandemic, with consumer interest remaining elevated weeks later. Experts attribute the surge to cost reductions, as the previous 18% GST on insurance premiums often deterred cost-conscious buyers. Sarbvir Singh, Executive Director and Joint Group CEO of PB Fintech, noted that the policy change…

India’s efforts to strengthen trade relations with the United States are making notable strides, as a negotiating team from India is currently in the US, aiming to craft a mutually beneficial deal. Sources from the government confirmed on October 15 that discussions are ongoing and focused on identifying a “win-win solution” for both nations. The ambassador-designate was recently in India, holding consultations with key stakeholders, which were reportedly productive. Meanwhile, the Indian negotiating team in the US continues to engage with their American counterparts, assessing pathways to boost trade while addressing existing challenges, including tariffs. Officials emphasized that roughly 45…

As economic friction with China intensifies, the United States seems to be shifting its trade focus toward closer cooperation with India. In an interview this week, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused Chinese President Xi Jinping’s administration of engaging in “provocative economic behavior” following Beijing’s decision to tighten export controls on rare earth minerals — essential components used in electronics, defense systems, and electric vehicles. Bessent revealed that Washington has begun rallying its allies, including India, European nations, and other Asian democracies, to respond collectively. “This has turned into China versus the rest of the world,” he told Fox Business.…

 The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is set to host elaborate Diwali celebrations from October 18 to 26, welcoming devotees and visitors from across the UAE. The festival will feature daily pujas, cultural performances, and grand Annakut offerings, with the temple remaining open even on its usual Monday closure to accommodate Diwali worshippers. To manage the expected surge, visitors must register online in advance and present a QR code along with identification for entry. The temple, which has attracted over 2 million visitors since its inauguration in February 2024, routinely hosts tens of thousands daily during major events. This…

The Middle East stands at a pivotal turning point as Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank brace for a transformative 24 hours that could redefine the region’s stability. The long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has entered its most crucial stage, with the final group of 20 living hostages expected to return home after enduring over two years of captivity in Gaza. According to official reports, the hostages—captured during the violent October 2023 Hamas attacks—will be released together on Monday. The International Committee of the Red Cross will oversee their handover to the Israeli military, which will then escort them…