Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

Seventeen-year-old Indian para-swimmer Jiya Rai, who is on the autism spectrum, has made history as the first female to complete a solo swim across California’s Catalina Channel. Covering the 34-kilometer stretch in 15 hours, 1 minute, and 43 seconds, Rai began her swim just after midnight on September 25 from Catalina Island and reached the California coast near San Pedro the following day. She dedicated this remarkable accomplishment to raising awareness about autism. Daughter of Indian Navy officer Madan Rai, MC-at-Arms II, Jiya has earned international acclaim for her feats in open-water swimming. Her previous achievements include setting a world…

On Thursday, October 2, India marked the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi with nationwide celebrations as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute to the revered leader at Raj Ghat in New Delhi. Recognized as the Father of the Nation, Gandhi’s life and principles of truth, non-violence, and compassion continue to inspire generations. Prime Minister Modi emphasized Gandhi’s transformative influence on human history, noting that his courage and simplicity became powerful instruments for social change. Writing on X, Modi stated that he remains committed to following Gandhi’s ideals to build a “Viksit Bharat” — a developed and…

Even as tariff-related tensions continue to shadow India-US trade relations, the militaries of both nations remain committed to strengthening defence cooperation. Over the past two decades, joint combat exercises have become a defining feature of this strategic partnership. The latest chapter unfolded on Monday when Indian Navy’s guided-missile destroyer INS Imphal joined hands with the US Navy’s USS Gridley, an Arleigh-Burke class destroyer, for maritime drills in the Arabian Sea. According to Navy spokesperson Captain Vivek Madhwal, the exercise featured tactical manoeuvres, cross-deck flying operations, anti-piracy training (VBSS), and an exchange of operational best practices. These activities are designed to…

India successfully defended its Asia Cup title with a five-wicket victory over Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 28, 2025, but the celebrations took a politically charged turn when the team declined to accept the trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, who also chairs the Pakistan Cricket Board. The post-match ceremony was delayed by over an hour and ended abruptly without the trophy presentation. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the decision, stating that the team refused the trophy due to Naqvi’s position as a key figure in Pakistan. The Board intends to formally raise a protest at…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar actively engaged with global counterparts during the high-level session of the 2025 UN General Assembly, focusing on strengthening India’s bilateral and multilateral relations. He participated in meetings across three key platforms: BRICS, the ten-member bloc of emerging economies; IBSA, representing India, Brazil, and South Africa; and the joint conclave of India and CELAC, comprising the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States. A central theme across these discussions was the urgent need to reform multilateral institutions to better reflect the perspectives and interests of the Global South. Trade and economic cooperation were also high on…

NASA and ISRO have unveiled the first radar images from their joint Earth-observing mission, NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar), launched on July 30, 2025. The satellite, equipped with advanced L-band and S-band radar systems, is designed to deliver unprecedented insights into Earth’s surface. Initial images captured in August reveal detailed landscapes, from dense forests and wetlands to agricultural fields and urban areas, demonstrating the satellite’s potential for monitoring ecosystems, farming, and natural disasters. NISAR is the first satellite to carry dual-band radars, combining NASA’s L-band radar with ISRO’s S-band system. NASA’s L-band can penetrate dense forests, measure soil moisture, and…

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that, beginning October 1, 2025, all branded and patentedpharmaceutical products imported into the United States will face a 100% tariff. The policy exempts companies that are already constructing or planning US manufacturing plants, as clarified in Trump’s Truth Social post. The move is designed to incentivize domestic production of medicines and medical products. Alongside pharmaceuticals, the administration will impose steep tariffs on household goods. Kitchen cabinets will see a 50% tariff, while upholstered furniture will face a 30% levy, effective from the same date. These measures are expected to impact trade with major…

Texas Republican Senate candidate Alexander Duncan has come under fire for comments criticizing a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman, also called the ‘Statue of Union’, located at the Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas. Declaring the United States a Christian nation, Duncan questioned the presence of the Hindu monument, referring to it as a “false statue of a false Hindu God” in posts on X. In another message, Duncan quoted the Bible, citing Exodus 20:3-4: “You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged in a series of high-level diplomatic meetings on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this week. His discussions with several global counterparts reflected India’s growing role in shaping international cooperation and addressing shared concerns. During his meeting with Netherlands Foreign Minister David van Weel, Jaishankar noted the importance of aligning India’s approach with Europe’s evolving strategic priorities. Their conversation highlighted India’s rising engagement with European partners at a time when global security and economic realignments are under scrutiny. Bilateral relations with Sri Lanka also featured on his agenda…

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday emphasized that India represents a relationship of “critical importance” to Washington during discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The talks came amid growing strains in bilateral ties following new tariffs on Indian goods and a sharp increase in H-1B visa fees imposed by the Trump administration. According to a State Department readout, Rubio commended India’s active engagement across several sectors, including trade, defence, energy, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals. Both leaders agreed to continue collaborating to maintain a free and open…