Must Read News

Het Patel Appointed Raleigh’s New Transit Assistant Director

The City of Raleigh has officially named Het Patel as the new Assistant Director of Transit, effective June 28. This significant leadership appointment follows Patel’s six years of dedicated service in the city’s Transportation Department, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping and guiding Raleigh’s growing transit network. Patel initially joined the city as a Senior Transit Planner and quickly rose to become the Transit Planning Supervisor. Throughout this period, he was instrumental in supporting major initiatives, helping the c ..... Read More

Indonesia Joins BRICS, Ten New Partners Welcomed

In a major expansion move, the BRICS nations have formally welcomed Indonesia as a full member of the group. This announcement came during the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Alongside Indonesia, ten additional countries — Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Cuba, Vietnam, Uganda, andUzbekistan — were inducted as BRICS partner countries. The joint declaration from the summit highlighted the evolving nature of BRICS and emphasized the collective intention of its members to foster equitable global p ..... Read More

Sabyasachi Sen Appointed UC Davis Department Chair

Effective July 1, 2025, Professor Sabyasachi Sen has assumed the role of Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of California, Davis. Known for his deep commitment to cross-disciplinary research, Sen expressed his vision to strengthen the department’s collaborations within the College of Engineering. “I see this department’s interdisciplinary foundation as a unique asset,” said Sen. “In my new role, I aim to foster stronger partnerships across departments and enhance a shared, collaborative researc ..... Read More

Goyal on US Talks: India Prioritizes Interests Over Timelines

India has made it clear that trade deals will only be finalized when they fully align with the country’s strategic and economic interests, rather than by meeting arbitrary deadlines. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized that the nation is not rushing into any agreement unless it offers a mutually beneficial outcome. His statement comes as India and the United States are reportedly nearing a temporary trade agreement. Goyal reiterated that India’s stance in global trade negotiations is firm, with a clear priority on national interest ..... Read More

Arti Hirani Becomes President of Florida YLD

Arti Ajit Hirani has officially stepped into her new role as President of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division (YLD), making history as the second Indian-American to ever lead the organization. The milestone moment was celebrated during the 75th Annual Convention of The Florida Bar, with the announcement made by Meenakshi A. Hirani PA. Arti Hirani, who previously broke barriers as the first Indian-American and the youngest individual to serve as President of the Orange County Bar Association, highlighted the significance of her appoint ..... Read More

PM Modi Begins Landmark Argentina Visit After 57 Years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Friday evening for a significant two-day diplomatic mission, marking the first bilateral visit to the country by an Indian Prime Minister in 57 years. The ceremonial welcome at Ezeiza International Airport underscored the importance of this historic visit, which is part of Modi’s broader five-nation diplomatic outreach. Expressing his excitement on social media, Modi stated his eagerness to meet Argentine President Javier Milei and hold comprehensive discussions aimed at ..... Read More

From U of A to Kenvue: Dhruvi’s Inspiring Journey

For Dhruvi Bhatt, being the first in her family to pursue a graduate degree meant choosing a university was not just a decision—it was a milestone. After earning a double bachelor’s degree in English literature and language education in India, she began researching master’s programs in the U.S. with a focus on cybersecurity and information systems—fields she found both exciting and intimidating. A turning point came when a friend at Walmart’s corporate office in Bentonville suggested the University of Arkansas. Intrigued by the Walton Co ..... Read More

Astha Poonia Joins Navy Fighter Stream, Makes History

Sub-Lieutenant Astha Poonia has officially become the first woman in Indian Navy history to enter the fighter pilot stream, marking a groundbreaking step for gender representation in the armed forces. She was awarded the distinguished ‘Wings of Gold’ by Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air), during the graduation ceremony of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course held at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam. Astha’s accomplishment not only breaks barriers but also paves the way for more women in military aviation. Alongside ..... Read More

India, US to Seal 10-Year Defense Agreement

India and the United States are preparing to sign a renewed 10-year defense framework agreement later this year, according to US Senior Defense Spokesperson Colonel Chris Devine. This development follows a conversation between US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. The Pentagon confirmed that the two sides aim to formalize the agreement when they meet in person later in 2025. During their phone discussion, Secretary Hegseth underscored the strategic importance of India as a key defense partner in ..... Read More

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Prepares for 1.5 Crore Devotees

Varanasi, July 5 (IANS) – As the sacred month of Sawan approaches, the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is preparing to welcome a record-breaking 1.5 crore devotees, expected to visit beginning July 11 to seek blessings from Baba Vishwanath. Last year, the temple witnessed over one crore pilgrims performing Jalabhishek, and this year, the number is projected to rise significantly. To manage the spiritual influx, the temple administration and district authorities have initiated a host of measures for crowd management, safety, and comf ..... Read More

Pia Dandiya Launches Congressional Bid in Florida’s District 21

By Raj Shah Pia Dandiya, a proud resident of District 21, daughter of Indian immigrants, a former high school principal and White House fellow who led public sector initiatives at Apple is a new Democratic challenger to the Republican U.S. Representative Brian Mast  Pia Dandiya is a first-generation Indian- American who has dedicated her career to strengthening communities as a high school principal, policy leader and technology innovator. A Democrat who wants to write a new future, Pia is determined to make the American dream more acce ..... Read More

PM Modi Gifts Ram Mandir Replica, Holy Water to Trinidad PM

In a symbolic gesture underscoring India’s deep-rooted ties with Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar with sacred water from the Sangam and Saryu River, collected during the Mahakumbh, along with a replica of the Ram Mandir. The exchange took place on July 3, 2025, during PM Modi’s first official visit to the Caribbean nation. Speaking at a community gathering in Port of Spain, PM Modi referred to Kamla Persad-Bissessar as the “daughter of Bihar,” acknowledging her ancestral ro ..... Read More

India’s FY26 Growth Set to Hit 6.4–6.7%

India’s economic growth for the financial year 2025–26 is expected to be in the range of 6.4% to 6.7%, accordingto the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). CII’s newly appointed President, Rajiv Memani, shared this outlook during his inaugural press briefing, noting that a mix of monetary easing and strong domestic demand will act as primary growth engines over the next fiscal. Memani highlighted several tailwinds contributing to the forecast. A favorable monsoon prediction and a recent injection of liquidity into the financial system ..... Read More

PM Modi: India Building Full Database of Girmitiya Community

During his official visit to Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a series of transformative initiatives aimed at reinforcing India’s connection with the global Girmitiya community. Speaking to Indian-origin citizens in Port of Spain, PM Modi emphasized India’s commitment to preserving the legacy of indentured laborers, pledging to develop a comprehensive Girmitiya database. This will trace the ancestral villages of those who migrated and map where their descendants have settled worldwide. The Prime Minister also re ..... Read More

Shubhanshu Shukla Builds Brain-Computer Interface in Space

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom Space Mission-4, is working on a pioneering experiment to develop a brain-computer interface (BCI) in microgravity. The initiative, revealed by NASA on Thursday, uses near-infrared technology to record brain activity in space and enable communication between the brain and digital systems in a zero-gravity environment. Conducted in the Columbus laboratory module, the experiment titled “Thoughts over Gravity” (PhotonGrav) i ..... Read More

Dharmeshkumar Patel Named Executive Director of Coalition

  The South Asian American Coalition has officially announced Dharmeshkumar Patel as its new Executive Director, a strategic appointment made by Sridhar Chillara, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Coalition for Jack 2025—the gubernatorial campaign for New Jersey candidate Jack Ciattarelli. Patel, a well-known figure in New Jersey's community circles, brings a wealth of grassroots organizing experience to the table. His primary role will involve energizing voter mobilization and expanding community outreach, particularly ..... Read More

Jaishankar Counters Trump’s India-Pak Ceasefire Talk

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has firmly rejected claims made by US President Donald Trump regarding Washington’s alleged role in brokering the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Speaking in Washington DC on Thursday, Jaishankar clarified that the ceasefire agreement, which came after intense cross-border military escalation in May, was entirely the result of direct communication between the two countries’ Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs). Refuting Trump’s repeated assertions that US-led trade diplomacy helpe ..... Read More

US State Dept: India Is Essential for Fair, Reciprocal Trade

As the July 9 deadline approaches, the United States and India are working intensively to finalize a bilateral trade agreement aimed at creating a fair and mutually beneficial relationship. According to US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mignon Houston, India is a key strategic ally for Washington in the Indo-Pacific, particularly within the Quad alliance. In an interview with ANI, Houston emphasized that the Trump administration's "America First" agenda seeks trade arrangements that are balanced and reciprocal, especially with sign ..... Read More

Gunfire Targets Krishna Temple in Utah: Hate Suspected

A revered Hindu place of worship in Utah, the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple near Spanish Fork, has become the apparent target of a disturbing series of late-night shootings, which temple leaders are calling a hate crime and possibly an act of domestic terrorism. Over multiple nights, 20 to 30 bullets were fired from outside the property, damaging key parts of the temple, including irreplaceable architectural features and a window in the main prayer room. Some bullets reportedly traveled through the worship area, lodging in opposite walls. A K ..... Read More

Jaishankar Meets FBI's Kash Patel, Praises Anti-Terror Ties

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his official visit to the United States, held high-level talks with multiple top-ranking US officials to strengthen bilateral ties. The visit comes at the invitation of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with engagements spanning security, energy, and international cooperation. In a notable meeting with FBI Director Kash Patel in Washington DC, Jaishankar emphasized the growing collaboration between the two countries in tackling organized crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism. He expressed his ..... Read More

India-France Military Drill Shakti-VIII Concludes Strong

The eighth edition of Exercise Shakti, the flagship joint military training between India and France, came to a close this Thursday at Camp Larzac in La Cavalerie, France. The Indian Army, in an official statement, confirmed the successful completion of this bilateral engagement, aimed at enhancing tactical coordination, mutual trust, and interoperability between the two forces. The Indian contingent, composed of 90 soldiers primarily from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, trained alongside the French Army’s 13th Half-Brigade of the Foreign ..... Read More

PM?Modi Receives Ghana’s Top Honour: Order of the Star

In a historic moment during his state visit to Ghana, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the nation’s prestigious civilian honor—the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana—by President John Dramani Mahama. The award was presented in recognition of Modi’s distinguished global leadership and contribution to strengthening ties with the Global South. Accepting the honor, PM Modi dedicated it to 1.4 billion Indians, especially the youth, and India’s rich cultural diversity. He emphasized that t ..... Read More

India’s Tyre Exports Grow Despite Global Challenges

India’s tyre industry has shown remarkable resilience in FY25, recording a 9% year-on-year rise in exports, reaching a value of $2.93 billion. This growth comes despite the backdrop of global trade uncertainties and disruptions in international supply chains, according to data released by the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA). With a total industry turnover estimated at $11.67 billion, the tyre sector remains one of India’s strongest manufacturing segments, boasting a significant export-to-revenue ratio. The majority of outbou ..... Read More

PM Gati Shakti Plan Cuts Logistics Costs by 5% of GDP

India’s logistics costs have significantly reduced, now accounting for only 7.8–8.9 per cent of GDP, compared to previous estimates of 13–14 per cent, according to a report released on Thursday by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER). The decline reflects the growing success of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the government’s flagship infrastructure coordination programme aimed at improving efficiency across all modes of connectivity. The report, titled Gati Se Pragati, marks a major mile ..... Read More

Trump-Backed Bill May Slap 500% Tariff on Russia Trade

  President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind a bipartisan Senate bill that could place a massive 500% tariff on goods entering the United States from countries continuing to trade with Russia. The proposal, according to Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, aims to penalize nations like India and China, which he claims arepropping up Russia’s war economy through large-scale oil purchases. Speaking in a televised interview with ABC News, Senator Graham explained the bill’s rationale, stating, “If you’re tra ..... Read More