Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

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…

A recent diplomatic gesture between Washington and New Delhi has stirred cautious optimism for a thaw in the frosty India–US relationship. During his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on October 11, Sergio Gor — the US Ambassador-designate — presented Modi with a framed photograph capturing his February meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington, DC. The photo bore Trump’s handwritten message, “Mr Prime Minister, you are great,” signed personally, symbolizing goodwill amid ongoing trade disputes. Gor, a close aide to President Trump and former White House official, was nominated as the next American envoy to India…

Vivek Ramaswamy, the Indian-American politician and Republican candidate running for governor of Ohio, has once again drawn national attention for his strong defense of his Hindu faith. During an event hosted by Charlie Kirk at Montana’s Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, Ramaswamy confidently addressed questions about his religious beliefs, turning a potentially tense exchange into a powerful moment on faith and identity. When an attendee asked him about his religion, Ramaswamy invited the man to read Article 6 of the U.S. Constitution, which clearly states that no religious test shall ever be required for holding public office. He emphasized that while he…

 India and Australia continue to deepen their defence and strategic partnership, transforming a long-standing friendship into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership grounded in shared democratic values, mutual trust, and collaboration across diverse sectors. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted this evolution at the India-Australia Defence Industry Round Table in Sydney, co-chaired with Australia’s Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil. Singh noted that the bilateral relationship has grown substantially in recent years through sustained high-level engagements, including the India-Australia Summit in November 2024, the 2+2 Dialogue in October 2024, and reciprocal ministerial visits. These interactions have strengthened strategic alignment and broadened cooperation in…

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday in Mumbai during Starmer’s first official visit to India. The leaders exchanged pleasantries and shook hands, signaling continued close ties between the two nations. During his two-day visit, Starmer engaged with business leaders in Mumbai, emphasizing the strategic importance of the India-UK trade partnership. Speaking to industry representatives, he highlighted that this delegation represents the largest trade mission the United Kingdom has ever undertaken in India. Starmer also described his visit as the “return leg” following PM Modi’s official trip to the UK earlier this year. Central…