Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

Priya Jain has officially assumed office as the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation, becoming the 21st leader of the agency. Her appointment was unanimously approved by the New Jersey State Senate, following her nomination earlier in the year. She had already been serving in an acting role since January, overseeing key operations within the department. As Commissioner, Jain will manage New Jersey’s extensive transportation network and also serve as Chair of major entities, including New Jersey Transit, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, and the South Jersey Transportation Authority. Her leadership will focus on delivering a transportation system…

India took significant steps to enhance its trade and investment relations with Africa during the 14th World Trade Organisation ministerial conference (WTO MC14) in Cameroon. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met ministers and ambassadors from African nations to discuss opportunities for expanding India’s investments across the continent. The discussions emphasized India’s long-standing civilizational and historical ties with Africa while exploring avenues to strengthen trade flows and bilateral economic cooperation. On the sidelines of the WTO conference, Goyal also engaged with European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic. Their talks focused on key priorities under the MC14 agenda…

Infosys has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Stratus, a U.S.-based technology solutions provider specializing in the property and casualty (P&C) insurance sector. The strategic move is aimed at accelerating AI-powered digital transformations for global insurers by combining Stratus’s domain expertise with the expansive technology ecosystem of Infosys. Headquartered in New Jersey, Stratus employs over 450 specialists and is recognized as a leading partner of Guidewire Software. Its services cover the full insurance lifecycle, including policy management, billing, claims processing, and advanced data analytics, alongside complex cloud migrations. Stratus operates across the U.S., Canada, and India, helping insurers modernize legacy…

The first poster of Valmiki Ramayana has been unveiled, offering a glimpse into a cinematic adaptation that aims to capture the spiritual depth and timeless essence of one of India’s most revered epics. Directed by Bhavna Talwar, the film is being envisioned as a theatrical experience rooted in faith, simplicity, and authenticity. The makers have emphasised a storytelling approach that remains true to the spirit of the original text while delivering emotional resonance. The screenplay has been written by Anand Neelakantan, drawing directly from the original Valmiki Ramayana. The project brings together a strong creative team, including renowned production designer…

India has emerged as a key partner in United States-led efforts to curb the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals, underscoring growing cooperation between India and the United States in addressing transnational security threats. The development was highlighted during the presentation of the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. James H. Adams III noted that collaborative efforts involving India and China to restrict the supply of precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl have shown measurable progress, although further action remains necessary. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has become a major concern for US authorities…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to citizens on the occasion of Gudi Padwa, describing the festival as a symbol of renewed hope and the promise of new beginnings. In his message, the Prime Minister emphasised that Gudi Padwa reflects values that continue to guide the nation, especially as India progresses on the path of development and self-reliance. He noted that in a rapidly changing world, traditional festivals serve as an anchor, reminding people of their roots and shared cultural identity. Highlighting the deeper meaning of the festival, he said that Gudi Padwa signifies victory, prosperity, and optimism. The…

As Ramzan continues to be observed globally, communities across New York City are coming together for Iftar meals with family and friends. This year, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani marked the occasion with a special visit to celebrity chef Vikas Khanna at his acclaimed Bungalow restaurant. During the evening, Khanna personally prepared the Mayor’s Iftar, creating a meaningful culinary experience that went beyond food. The visit also rekindled memories dating back more than two decades. Sharing the moment on Instagram, Khanna posted a photograph of Mamdani alongside himself and the restaurant staff, captioning it, “Welcoming the Mayor of New York City…

The 19th edition of the Gangaur Festival was celebrated with devotion and cultural vibrancy at the Bharatiya Temple in Pennsylvania, drawing more than 500 members of the Indian diaspora and Rajasthani community from across the northeastern United States. The festival honored the sacred tradition of Isar–Gauri Mata, blending religious ceremonies with cultural performances and social engagement. The event was organized under the leadership of Shri Nand Todi, founder of the Bharatiya Temple, and Dr. Ravi Murarka, President of the Philadelphia Rajasthani Mandal (PARAM). Chief Guest Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, highlighted the importance of…

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, urged Indian businesses to seize the opportunities presented by the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), describing it as a landmark in India’s economic engagement with Europe. Speaking at an event commemorating two years of the agreement, he highlighted that the four EFTA countries—Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland—have made a legally binding investment commitment of US$100 billion. The agreement is expected to generate around 1 million jobs in India and represents a unique model in global trade negotiations, combining a free trade framework with legally enforceable investment guarantees. It offers comprehensive…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated a series of projects valued at over USD 550 million in Assam’s Kokrajhar district on Friday, just ahead of the state assembly elections. Modi conducted the ceremony via video conference from Guwahati after his visit to Kokrajhar was canceled due to heavy rainfall. Highlighting the improved peace and security in the Northeast, Modi noted that the region has moved past the days of bombs and gunfire. He credited the BJP with ensuring long-term stability, contrasting it with the Congress, which he said pursued agreements for “selfish interests” and jeopardized national security by compromising local…