Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

 India’s renewable energy sector reached a remarkable milestone in the first half of 2025, driven by record outputs from solar and wind power. According to a report by the global energy think tank Ember, solar power production surged by 17 terawatt-hours (TWh), representing a 25% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This growth raised solar’s contribution to the nation’s total electricity generation from 7.4% to 9.2%. Meanwhile, wind energy output rose by 11 TWh, a 29% increase, bringing its share to 5.1% of the total power mix. Other clean energy sources also posted gains. Nuclear generation increased by…

The California State Legislature has approved Assembly Bill 268, which would officially recognize Diwali as a state holiday. The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Ash Kalra and co-authored by Assemblymember Patel, now awaits final approval from Governor Gavin Newsom. Kalra, the first Indian American elected to the California Legislature, expressed pride in the bill’s passage, highlighting its strong bipartisan backing. “California should embrace Diwali and its diversity, not keep it hidden in darkness,” Kalra said, noting that the state is home to one of the largest Indian American populations in the U.S. He described Diwali as a time of “goodwill, peace,…

Union Minister for Power, Manohar Lal, will represent India at the G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting (ETMM) from October 7 to 10 in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Hosted under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, the summit brings together energy ministers and senior officials from leading global economies to discuss critical energy issues such as energy security, clean cooking, and sustainable industrial growth. During the meeting, Minister Lal will participate in key sessions focusing on “Energy Security, Clean Cooking, Affordable and Reliable Access” and “Sustainable Industrial Development.” These discussions aim to foster global cooperation to ensure equitable access to clean, reliable, and…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed Hamas’s partial acceptance of the US-backed Gaza peace proposal, describing it as a promising step toward lasting stability in the region. In a post on X, Modi commended former US President Donald Trump’s leadership in steering the peace process forward, saying recent developments marked “decisive progress.” Tagging Trump in his message, Modi noted that indications of hostages being released represented a meaningful stride toward restoring normalcy in Gaza. Reaffirming India’s consistent support for peace in the Middle East, Modi stated that the country would “continue to strongly support all efforts toward a durable and…

NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, will embark on a two-day official visit to India beginning October 8, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Saturday. This marks Starmer’s first official visit to India since assuming office and is expected to open a new chapter in the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, guided by the ‘Vision 2035’ roadmap. According to the MEA, both leaders will meet in Mumbai on October 9 to review progress across key pillars—trade and investment, defense and security, climate and energy, technology, education,…

TIME magazine has included three Indian Americans in its 2025 TIME100 Next list, celebrating emerging global leaders who are driving innovation and shaping the future across multiple fields, including business, technology, health, and science. The annual list highlights 100 individuals whose achievements are defining the next generation of influence and impact. Shreya Murthy earned recognition in the business, technology, and innovation category for her visionary contributions as an entrepreneur, delivering transformative solutions that are reshaping global industries. Her work reflects the growing influence of forward-thinking leadership in technology and commerce. Shantanu Agarwal was honored for his dedication to business and…

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…