Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Bharat Parv 2026 at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, bringing together India’s diverse cultural traditions, artistic heritage and indigenous craftsmanship on a common platform. The festival was inaugurated at the Statue of Unity complex ahead of the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Organised around the themes of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ and ‘Shakti of Bharat’, the festival aims to showcase India’s cultural richness while promoting national unity and the country’s traditional arts and crafts. During his visit, the Prime Minister toured several state pavilions displaying the cultural heritage, handicrafts and traditional products of different…

India and Liechtenstein are looking to broaden their diplomatic and economic partnership, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar meeting Hereditary Prince Alois on Tuesday during his state visit to India. Their discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring opportunities emerging from the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). Sharing details of the meeting on X, Jaishankar highlighted the growing engagement between the two countries across several sectors. He also expressed anticipation for Prince Alois’ meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss further cooperation. Earlier, the visiting royal received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati…

The Indian American population in the United States rose to approximately 5.41 million in 2025, up from 5.09 million a year earlier, according to new estimates released by the US Census Bureau. The figures are based on the bureau’s 2025 American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year estimates and its detailed Asian-group data. The number of people identifying as Indian American alone increased by more than 315,000 between 2024 and 2025. The 2025 estimate carries a margin of error of approximately 77,000, reflecting the statistical uncertainty associated with the survey. India also remained the second-largest country of birth among immigrants living in…

Indian American entrepreneur and philanthropist Monte Ahuja and his family have donated $10 million to Cleveland State University (CSU) to strengthen business education, expand student financial assistance and enhance training in artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship. The contribution will support a comprehensive effort to modernize undergraduate and graduate business programs, develop technology-focused learning environments and expand partnerships with corporate organizations. The university aims to provide its approximately 2,200 business students with greater opportunities for hands-on experience and prepare them for an increasingly technology-driven job market. As part of the initiative, CSU’s Board of Trustees will consider a proposal to rename the…

The United States Justice Department has acknowledged India’s cooperation in combating technology-support fraud and scams involving criminals posing as government officials. Richard Goldberg, director of the department’s Cyber-Enabled Scam Initiative, discussed these joint efforts during a Washington Foreign Press Center briefing on Wednesday. However, he did not announce a new operation in India or disclose specific arrests, dates, case details, or financial recoveries. Goldberg said American authorities had worked with Indian law enforcement to dismantle such fraudulent schemes across India. He also outlined international investigations targeting cryptocurrency investment scams in Southeast Asia, romance and business-email fraud in West Africa, lottery…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India is moving beyond adopting technologies developed overseas to creating innovations for domestic and global markets. Addressing the second edition of the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2026) in New Delhi, he urged scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs and startup founders to innovate boldly and take a leading role in developing future technologies. Inaugurating the three-day conclave at Bharat Mandapam, Modi said India’s approach to science and technology was changing, driven by growing confidence among researchers and young entrepreneurs. He noted that the decades following Independence were largely characterized by adopting technologies developed abroad…

India and Russia recorded bilateral trade worth $47.7 billion during the first seven months of 2026, marking a 24.3% increase compared with the same period last year. Data from India’s Commerce Ministry, cited by Russian lender Sberbank, highlighted the growing commercial relationship between the two countries. Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin called for reducing trade barriers and creating more opportunities for joint business ventures. The discussions took place in New Delhi during a meeting between Volodin and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla ahead of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, held on October 26–27, 2026. Both sides discussed expanding cooperation…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Reserve Bank of India’s newly established Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, highlighting the importance of digital infrastructure, financial inclusion and cybersecurity in India’s economic development. Invoking the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, the Prime Minister congratulated the RBI and all those involved in establishing the two facilities, describing them as significant additions to the state’s development and the country’s financial infrastructure. Modi said the inauguration reflected India’s changing governance priorities, with greater emphasis on accelerating development, expanding access to public services and ensuring that benefits reach citizens across regions. He highlighted…

Indian and Australian Army personnel are participating in intensive joint military drills in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, as part of Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026. The training focuses on operations across jungle, island, and coastal environments, with the broader objective of improving combat preparedness, coordination, and cooperation between the two countries. According to the Indian Army, the exercise includes counterinsurgency and counterterrorism scenarios, combat swimming, and drone operations. These activities are designed to help troops develop compatible tactics and procedures while building mutual confidence and strengthening the two nations’ longstanding defense relationship. The fifth edition of the bilateral exercise began on October 19 at…

Indian-origin chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan has become the youngest female International Master (IM) at the age of 11, breaking a record held by Hungarian chess legend Judit Polgar for 38 years. The young English player achieved the milestone following an impressive performance at the European Women’s Chess Club Cup 2026. Hailing from Harrow in north London, Sivanandan has rapidly emerged as one of the most promising young talents in international chess. Her latest achievement also places her among the 10 youngest International Masters in chess history, highlighting her growing stature in the sport. The European Chess Union congratulated Sivanandan on…