‘Blue Boy’ writer Rakesh Satyal and producer Nik Dodani and ‘Nice Indian Boy’ director Roshan Sethi, actor Karan Soni, and discussion moderator Warren Etheredge. Photo by Beena Sarwar

Amplifying South Asian narratives, empowering region's filmmakers

The power of storytelling shone through at the Tasveer Film Festival, a key player and pivotal stakeholder in the global South Asian film market. Since its inception in 2002, the festival has consistently amplified South Asian narratives and boosted their visibility on the world stage.

Hostile protests in London symptomatic of a larger problem plaguing Pakistan

When small groups of individuals abroad resort to violent or disruptive protests, it tarnishes the collective image of the Pakistani community. These actions reinforce negative stereotypes about Pakistanis being politically volatile, emotionally charged, or prone to extremist behavior.

Of cultural unifiers and peacemongers: Bridging the subcontinental divide

There was a consensus on the importance of allowing people to meet across borders, revive dialogue and sporting ties -- including cricket -- as well as SAARC, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, and cooperate on all matters, especially the environment.

Caribbean Hindus face calls to unite in face of challenges

The celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, has gained much national and international prominence in Trinidad, where the annual Divali Nagar at Chaguanas sees over 100,000 people thronging the nine-nights carnival spread over a 27-acre site from all over the Caribbean, the United States and beyond.

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US stresses renewed commitment to Indo-Pacific, defence partnership in 2+2 ministerial with India

The two parallel announcements - from the Pentagon and State Department - did not make any mention of the Ukraine situation, which is the pre-occupation of the US and a point of difference with India, which has stayed neutral frustrating Washington

US hopes for 'policy alignment' with India on Russia: Test of 'alignment' on Thursday at UNGA

There’s an element of misinformed obsession reflective of what can be described as the racially differentiated approach of the US mainstream media to sanctions and India

US issues Level-3 advisory for Sri Lanka, asks them to 'reconsider' travel plans, citing unrest

The US travel advisory mentioned the ongoing nationwide protests amid economic hardships and long-scheduled and unscheduled power cuts. It, however, maintained the protests have largely remained peaceful

Russia ties will be high on agenda of India-US 2+2 ministerial

The US has offered to help India with its energy needs and also in diversifying its defence needs to lessen the dependence on Russia

President Biden standing by nominee for ambassador to India; envoy to Pakistan cleared by Senate

Garcetti's nomination was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee which held a hearing in December on his nomination and heard his testimony and questioned him

Seven Pakistanis killed in mine accident in Oman; four still missing

Over 1.7 million Pakistani workers are employed in the Gulf countries in sectors like construction, mining, and agriculture

US enhances India funding to support 'role as regional leader', combat growing authoritarianism

"The funding increase for India supports India's role as a regional leader by increasing clean energy and other climate programming. Funds will also advance investments in the digital economy," said the State Department's portion of the budget

Indian-American Puneet Talwar appointed US Ambassador to Morocco

Yet another Indian American has been named as ambassador by US President Joe Biden

Biden appoints India-born health expert as top official for Covid response; four Indian Americans now at helm of US healthcare system

A Bihar, India-born global health expert has been appointed by President Joe Biden to the White House position of overseeing the nation's response to the Covid pandemic

Despite neutral stance at UN, Indian judge votes against Russia in World Court

The UN's top court on Wednesday ordered Russia to suspend its invasion of Ukraine, saying it was "profoundly concerned" by Moscow's use of force

London Underground station gets Bengali signage to acknowledge large Bangladeshi diaspora 

The Whitechapel Underground Station in London's East End will now have Bengali signage in a nod to its large Bangladeshi diaspora. This is the first time that the name of a Tube station in London has been displayed in Bengali. 

Indian embassy moves out of Ukraine to neighbouring Poland

After helping to evacuate over 20,000 Indians, mostly medical students studying in Ukrainian universities, the Indian embassy in war-hit Ukraine has been temporarily relocated to neighbouring Poland amid what the Indian government said was the "deteriorating security situation" in the eastern European country facing Russian invasion

International cadre of Indian-origin volunteers helping refugees fleeing Ukraine

The Indian-origin team, wearing their yellow vests with a sketch of the Akshardham Temple in Gujarat, moved on to help refugees of all nationalities at three border points in Poland

Biden nominates Indian American Shefali Razdan Duggal as US envoy to the Netherlands

Continuing the trend of appointing Indian Americans to important positions in his administration, US President Joe Biden is nominating Indian American political activist Shefali Razdan Duggal as his envoy to the Netherlands

US lawmaker seeks terror designation for Pakistan, inquiry against Pakistani envoy’s alleged terror link

A US lawmaker has moved a bill seeking the state sponsor of terrorism designation for Pakistan and also sought inquiry against the Pakistani Ambassador to the US, Masood Khan, for his alleged terror links