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Modi Appreciates Trump’s Diwali Greetings, Highlights Unity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude to US President Donald Trump early Wednesday for a phone call and his warm Diwali wishes. In his message on X, PM Modi described India and the United States as “great democracies” and highlighted the importance of staying united in combating terrorism in all its forms. He wrote, “Thank you, President Trump, for your phone call and warm Diwali greetings. On this festival of lights, may our two great democracies continue to illuminate the world with hope and stand united against terrorism in al ..... Read More

Trump Hosts White House Diwali Celebration, Honors India

US President Donald Trump marked Diwali celebrations at the White House on Tuesday, extending warm greetings to the people of India and the Indian-American community. During the event, he lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him both a “great person” and a “great friend,” while emphasizing the strong ties between India and the United States in trade and regional security. Trump recounted his recent conversation with PM Modi, noting that their discussion touched on trade and maintaining peace in South Asia. “I just spoke to your Prime ..... Read More

PM Modi Extends Birthday Wishes to Israel’s Netanyahu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm birthday greetings to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, wishing him good health, happiness, and continued success in the years ahead. The message, shared by Modi on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, also reflected the strong diplomatic relationship between India and Israel, emphasizing the shared vision for peace, stability, and progress in the region. In his post, PM Modi conveyed, “Heartiest birthday wishes to my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. May you be blessed with good heal ..... Read More

India, Canada Hold Talks to Boost Economic Cooperation

India and Canada are taking concrete steps toward revitalizing their economic relationship, as Indian Acting Consul General in Toronto Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh met with Canadian Minister of Economic Development Victor Fedeli to discuss enhanced trade prospects. The meeting comes in preparation for Fedeli’s upcoming trade mission to India, signaling a renewed phase of engagement between the two nations. According to a post by the Consulate General of India in Toronto, the discussion highlighted a forward-looking approach to India–Canada relati ..... Read More

India’s Smartphone Market Rises 3%, Apple Hits Record

India’s smartphone market recorded a modest 3 per cent year-on-year growth in the July–September quarter, with total shipments reaching 48.4 million units, according to a new report by Omdia. The growth was largely driven by festive season preparations, retail incentives, and new model launches. Apple registered its highest-ever quarterly shipments in India, securing a 10 per cent market share and marking its strongest performance yet in the country. The company’s success was supported by rising demand from smaller cities a ..... Read More

Indian-American Leaders Celebrate Diwali Across the United States

As Diwali illuminated homes across the globe, the Indian-American community in the United States came together to share messages of light, hope, and unity. Prominent leaders and public officials took to social media and community events to celebrate the Festival of Lights, marking the triumph of good over evil and honoring their deep cultural roots. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel, the first Indian-American to lead the agency, greeted people around the world with warm wishes. “Happy Diwali — celebrating the Festival ..... Read More

India Exports Plunge Amid US 50% Tariff Hike

 India’s exports to the United States experienced a steep decline in September 2025 after Washington implemented 50 per cent tariffs on the majority of Indian goods. Shipments fell to $5.5 billion, a 20.3 per cent drop from August, marking the fourth consecutive month of decline and erasing over $3.3 billion in trade since May, according to the Global Trade Research Institute (GTRI). Trade statistics indicate a continuous slide over the past months. Exports had peaked at $8.8 billion in May, the last month of growth, before declining to $8.3 ..... Read More

Trump Extends Diwali Greetings Amid US-India Tariffs

US President Donald Trump extended warm Diwali greetings to Americans on October 20, 2025, emphasizing the festival’s enduring symbolism of light overcoming darkness. In a message posted on the White House website, Trump described Diwali as a time for reflection, family bonding, and rejuvenation, underscoring its importance in promoting hope, harmony, and community spirit. “Today, I send my best wishes to every American celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights. For many, this festival serves as a timeless reminder that light al ..... Read More

Bahipujan and Diwali Celebrated at Akshardham Temple

The Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in New Delhi glowed with devotion and festivity as devotees gathered to celebrate Diwali through the traditional Bahipujan ceremony. This sacred ritual, symbolizing prosperity and gratitude, was performed to invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for success and abundance in business and life. Dr. Madhvi Gohel, a member of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, emphasized the unique cultural and spiritual depth of Indian festivals. She noted, “India is truly a land of festivals, each carrying profound meaning. Tod ..... Read More

India Rising as Global Powerhouse in Service Exports

 India is rapidly transforming into a global leader in services exports, with the sector recording a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.8% over the past 30 years—significantly higher than the 9.8% growth seen in goods exports, according to a report by the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Currently ranking seventh in the world for service exports, India holds a 4.3% global market share, primarily fueled by telecom, IT, and business services, which together account for nearly three-fourths of the country’s total service exports. Technology ..... Read More

PM Modi Congratulates Japan’s First Woman Prime Minister

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended warm congratulations to Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, who has made history as the nation’s first female leader. In his message, Modi emphasized that the evolving partnership between India and Japan continues to play a vital role in ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote, “Heartiest congratulations, Sanae Takaichi, on your election as the Prime Minister of ..... Read More

PM Modi Outlines Vision For Developed Bharat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to the people of India on the occasion of Diwali, describing the festival as a celebration filled with energy, hope, and enthusiasm. In a letter to the nation, he noted that this year’s Deepavali is the second to be celebrated following the completion of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a landmark achievement symbolizing faith and cultural heritage. Citing lessons from the life of Lord Ram, PM Modi highlighted Operation Sindoor as a living example of upholding righteousness while confronti ..... Read More

10-Year-Old Bodhana Becomes Youngest to Beat World Champ

British chess prodigy of Indian origin, Bodhana Sivanandan, has created history by becoming one of the youngest players ever to defeat a former world champion. The 10-year-old achieved the stunning feat at the European Club Cup in Rhodes, Greece, where she beat Ukraine’s former Women’s World Champion, Grandmaster Mariya Muzychuk. Born in London in 2015 to parents from Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, Bodhana has been a rising star in the chess world. In July 2025, she became the youngest player to earn a Woman Grandmaster (WGM) norm at just 10 y ..... Read More

Mahant Swami Maharaj’s Diwali Message Inspires Inner Light

On the sacred occasion of Diwali and the Hindu New Year, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj (Swami Keshavjivandas) shared a deeply spiritual message, blessing devotees, saints, and well-wishers of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha worldwide. In his handwritten message, Mahant Swami Maharaj reminded followers that Diwali’s true essence lies beyond lamps and celebrations — it is about igniting the inner flame of the soul and living a life illuminated by faith, humility, and service. “Those who have attained Maharaj and Swami live in eternal Diwa ..... Read More

UK PM Keir Starmer Extends Diwali, Bandi Chhor Wishes

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended his heartfelt wishes to people celebrating Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas across Britain, highlighting the values of devotion, joy, and renewed unity that the festival represents. Recalling his visit to India earlier this month, Starmer said he lit a diya in Mumbai as a symbol of devotion and hope. “Wishing Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs across Britain a joyful and peaceful Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. Earlier this month I lit a diya in Mumbai as a symbol of devotion, joy, and renewed bonds. As we celebrate t ..... Read More

Sejal Foxx Honored With UNC Charlotte ACE Award

The University of North Carolina (UNC) Charlotte celebrated the remarkable achievements of Sejal Foxx ’08 Ph.D., honoring her with the 2025 ACE Milestone Award during Niner Nation Week. The recognition, presented at an appreciation luncheon on October 13 in the Popp Martin Student Union, highlights Foxx’s exceptional contributions as an alumnus and faculty member. Dr. Foxx serves as professor and chair of the Department of Counseling within the Cato College of Education and is the visionary founder and director of the Urban School Counseling ..... Read More

India’s PE-VC Deals Surge To $26 Billion 2025

Private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) activity in India has surged to a three-year peak, reaching US$ 26 billion (Rs. 2,28,852 crore) during the first nine months of 2025. This milestone surpasses total investments in both 2023 and 2024, signaling renewed global confidence in India’s economic growth. Factors driving this surge include strong agricultural output, a favourable monsoon, and rising consumer demand during the festive season, according to Equirus Capital. The number of deals also rose substantially, with 1,363 transactions ..... Read More

Ayodhya Deepotsav Sets Two Guinness World Records

 Ayodhya’s Deepotsav celebrations 2025 have made headlines by creating two new Guinness World Records, showcasing the city’s devotion, cultural vibrancy, and grandeur ahead of Diwali. The festival saw over 26 lakh diyas illuminated along the ghats of the River Saryu, while thousands of devotees performed a synchronized aarti, creating a breathtaking spectacle witnessed worldwide. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the event and received certificates for the two records. The first record recognized the larg ..... Read More

PM Modi Celebrates Diwali With Armed Forces Personnel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali 2025 in the company of security personnel onboard India’s aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. Addressing the Navy personnel, he described the festival as special, remarking that spending it among the armed forces was a unique and memorable experience. He praised the formidable reputation of INS Vikrant, noting that its very name had recently struck fear across Pakistan, emphasizing the power and prestige of India’s naval capabilities. Observing the fleet’s advanced military equipment, PM Modi highlig ..... Read More

Diwali 2025: Auspicious Timings and Celebration Guide

 Diwali, also known as Deepavali or Deepawali, is among the most revered Hindu festivals, celebrated with variations across Indian religions including Jainism and Sikhism. The festival signifies the triumph of Dharma over Adharma, light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Falling in the lunisolar months of Ashvin and Kartika, Diwali spans five days, beginning on Dhantrayodashi and concluding with Bhaiya Dooj. As Diwali 2025 arrives, devotees observe precise puja timings to ensure an auspicious celebration. The Lakshm ..... Read More

Global Leaders Extend Diwali Wishes to Indians Worldwide

 As homes across India and the world illuminate with lamps and festive lights, several global leaders and foreign diplomats have extended warm Diwali greetings to Indian communities worldwide. From Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of the UAE to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, leaders celebrated the festival’s message of hope, light, and renewal. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized Diwali’s universal significance, urging communities to embrace the festival as a time of optimism and new beginnings. He express ..... Read More

NYC Mayor Hosts Diwali, Hails Indian Community’s Impact

 In a vibrant display of cultural appreciation, New York City Mayor Eric Adams hosted a special Diwali celebration at his official residence, Gracie Mansion. The Mayor extended warm greetings to the Indian community, acknowledging their significant contributions to the city’s cultural vibrancy and economic growth. Joining the festivities virtually, Deputy Consul General Vishal Jayeshbhai Harsh represented the Consulate General of India in New York, sharing greetings and emphasizing Diwali’s enduring themes of light, hope, and joy. The Indian Co ..... Read More

UNO’s Aditi Rai Wins 2025 Marian Ivers Leadership Award

Aditi Rai, a senior at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), has been named the 2025 recipient of the Marian Ivers Community Service Leadership Award, celebrating her empathy-driven leadership and tireless efforts to uplift others. Pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a minor in Chemistry, Rai exemplifies balance and purpose — managing a rigorous academic journey while dedicating countless hours to community service. Her volunteering journey bridges continents and causes, rooted in her belief that lasting change can arise from bot ..... Read More

India and Australia Deepen Partnership in a Changing World

As uncertainty looms over India’s ties with the United States, a major Australian defense industry delegation arrived in India on October 6, signaling Canberra’s growing commitment to deepen strategic cooperation with New Delhi. The mission aims to connect defense companies from both nations specializing in command, communications, cyber defense, surveillance, and intelligence — a partnership described as “truly seismic” by Australia’s High Commissioner to India. Australia views India as an indispensable security ally, and the recent visit o ..... Read More

India’s PE-VC Investments Hit $26 Billion Milestone in 2025

India’s private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) landscape reached a remarkable milestone in 2025, with total investments soaring to $26 billion during the first nine months of the year — the highest in three years. This figure surpassed the combined totals of 2023 and 2024, reflecting a clear resurgence in investor confidence in India’s economic trajectory. According to Equirus Capital, this upward momentum was supported by multiple macroeconomic tailwinds — including strong agricultural output, a favorable monsoon season, and an upswin ..... Read More