Universal Music India has entered into an exclusive partnership with Albuquerque Records, the newly launched label by renowned artist Anirudh Ravichander. This strategic collaboration aims to release pop and hip-hop music, beginning with Anirudh's upcoming releases. The partnership also extends to emerging artists signed to Albuquerque Records, marking a significant step in Universal Music India’s expansion within these dynamic genres. The first release is scheduled for April, with much ant

Ugadi 2026, marking the Hindu New Year, will be celebrated on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Known as Yugadi in Karnataka, this important lunisolar festival symbolizes renewal, prosperity, and the beginning of a new cycle in the traditional Hindu calendar. The festival is widely observed across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka with vibrant traditions, spiritual rituals, and festive meals. The festival signifies the start of a new Samvatsara (year) and holds deep

The biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha are underway today, March 16, 2026, to fill 37 seats across 10 states. Voting began at 9 am, with the counting of votes scheduled for later in the day at 5 pm. The seats vacated by members from states such as Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will be filled during this election. Out of the 37 seats, 26 candidates have already been elected unopposed, including me

India granted docking permission to Iranian naval vessels after their participation in multinational maritime events earlier this year, even as regional tensions escalated following a United States submarine strike that sank one of the ships near Sri Lanka. The Iranian vessels IRIS Lavan, IRIS Bushehr and IRIS Dena had taken part in the Milan 2026 multilateral naval exercise and the International Fleet Review held in Visakhapatnam in February. These events, which brought together navies from

  The Indian Embassy in Tehran has relocated most Indian students from the Iranian capital to safer locations following escalating security concerns linked to the ongoing Iran crisis. In an advisory issued on March 3, the mission said the decision was taken due to a heightened risk perception in Tehran. The embassy arranged transport, food and accommodation for the students moved out of the city. A small number of students continue to remain in Tehran after declining the relocation offer. For Indian nationals still in Iran, the embassy has reiterated its advisory to stay indoors as far as possible, avoid windows and keep away from areas where protests or demonstrations may take place. Citizens have been urged to exercise caution, remain calm and maintain regular contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran while closely monitoring official updates. With an estimated 9,000 Indians, including many students, currently in Iran, concerns among families back home have grown. The Centre said it is closely monitoring developments across West Asia and coordinating with Indian missions in the Gulf to ensure the safety of stranded Indians. The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reviewed the evolving situation and directed all concerned departments to be prepared with an evacuation plan if required. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the government stands ready to facilitate the safe return of Indians from the region. Gulf flights have been severely impacted by airspace closure and regional tensions. The civil aviation ministry said IndiGo plans to operate 10 special relief flights from Jeddah to Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad, subject to approvals. Air India has extended the suspension of several Middle East services, while Air India Express will resume limited operations to and from Muscat. Etihad and other international carriers are operating restricted services as conditions permit. Several state governments, including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, have activated helplines to assist residents affected by flight disruptions. Families in Uttar Pradesh and other states have reported intermittent contact with relatives in Iran, underscoring anxiety within the NRI community. Authorities have stressed that flight schedules remain fragile and subject to sudden change, even as India continues to scale up contingency measures to safeguard its citizens abroad.

Rising tensions in West Asia have triggered concern among Indian residents and travellers in Gulf countries after a series of Iranian missile and drone strikes targeted locations in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain over the weekend. The attacks, which hit areas long considered safe for business and tourism, have led to a sudden increase in people trying to leave the region, including Indian professionals, workers, and visitors. Travel operators and security agencies repo

Sanju Samson finally delivered the performance that his talent always promised. Under immense pressure in a winner-takes-all Super Eights clash, the Indian opener struck a breathtaking unbeaten 97 to guide India into the T20 World Cup semi-finals with a five-wicket victory over West Indies in Kolkata. Chasing a challenging 196 at a packed Eden Gardens, India needed someone to absorb pressure and control the tempo. Samson did exactly that. His 50-ball knock, featuring 12 fours and fo

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), purchasing health and term insurance in India presents an attractive option due to affordable premiums and extensive coverage. Indian insurance companies offer plans that are often more economical than those available in foreign countries, making them an ideal choice for NRIs who want to protect their families back home without overburdening their finances. These policies are customized to suit the needs of Indian families, offering high coverage at a fraction

In a significant legal development, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia have been discharged from the controversial Delhi excise policy case. A Delhi court ruled that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had failed to present substantial evidence to support the serious charges against the two leaders, effectively clearing them of the allegations. The court's decision highlighted the absence of material evidence to support the claim that Kejriwal played a central role in the alleged corruption surrounding the excise policy. The judge emphasized that such serious accusations, especially involving a prominent figure like the Chief Minister, required solid, verifiable evidence. Without this, the prosecution's claims could not be sustained. The court further noted that accepting unproven allegations could erode public trust in the office of the Chief Minister and in the political process as a whole. Manish Sisodia was also discharged by the court, which found that the prosecution's case did not hold up under judicial scrutiny. There was no evidence suggesting criminal intent on his part. The documents and statements related to the formulation of the excise policy were primarily administrative in nature and did not point to corruption or wrongdoing, weakening the prosecution's narrative. The prosecution’s conspiracy theory, which alleged an overarching plot involving both Kejriwal and Sisodia, was found to be lacking. The court identified internal contradictions within the claims and concluded that the policy formulation process had involved consultations at various government levels and institutional deliberations, none of which indicated illicit activity. This breakdown further undermined the prosecution's case. The court's ruling marks a major setback for the prosecution, underscoring the challenges in proving political and administrative corruption cases when key allegations lack corroborated evidence. The acquittals of Kejriwal and Sisodia raise questions about the strength of charges against political figures and the use of public office in such investigations. For Arvind Kejriwal, the discharge clears his name in this high-profile case, which has attracted significant attention from both political observers and the public. Kejriwal has long argued that the case against him was politically motivated, aimed at damaging the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) image ahead of elections. This ruling could prove to be a pivotal moment in his political career, potentially strengthening his position as a leader who has been unjustly targeted.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently imposed stricter regulations on offshore gifting, particularly for affluent Indian families sending substantial financial gifts to their children living abroad. These gifts are often used to support various needs, such as education, property purchases, or immigration investments, such as the U.S. EB-5 visa program. While the practice of offshore gifting has grown in popularity, the RBI has increased scrutiny, especially when these transactions invo

Young Indian-Americans, particularly second-generation NRIs, are spearheading a cultural revolution in the United States. Born or raised in the U.S., these youth are reinterpreting Indian culture through a fusion of traditional and contemporary influences. While their parents often maintained strong ties to Indian traditions, younger NRIs are creating a unique identity that blends Indian values with modern societal norms. This transformation is especially visible in the way they celebrate Indian festivals, such as Diwali and Holi, with modern twists that incorporate technology, fusion dance, and bilingual emceeing, making these celebrations more inclusive for people from diverse backgrounds. Culinary innovation is another domain where these youth are making a significant impact. Traditional Indian recipes are being adapted to modern tastes and dietary preferences. Vegan butter chicken, quinoa upma, and air-fried samosas are just a few examples of how young Indian-Americans are staying connected to their roots while promoting sustainability and healthy eating. Cooking has become a way to tell stories and pass down traditions, albeit in a contemporary context, as second-generation NRIs experiment with ingredients and cooking methods that resonate with their modern lifestyles. Language plays a crucial role in the ongoing cultural evolution. Though many second-generation NRIs might not be fluent in their parents' native languages, they still embrace key cultural phrases and expressions. Some are actively learning their ancestral languages through digital tools or community programs, ensuring that the connection to their linguistic heritage remains strong. This linguistic blend of old and new is reinforced by films, storytelling, and social media, which serve as essential tools for maintaining cultural ties in a fast-paced, interconnected world. Perhaps the most profound shift lies in how second-generation NRIs are challenging long-held cultural taboos. Issues like gender equality, mental health and interfaith relationships are now being addressed more openly and inclusively. While the previous generation might have shied away from these conversations due to cultural and social constraints, today's youth are breaking barriers and engaging in these discussions with a fresh perspective. Their willingness to confront such topics reflects a broader, more inclusive view of identity that blends both Indian cultural values and Western ideals of self-expression, freedom, and equality. This transformation is shaping the way they define themselves and their relationships, emphasizing the importance of personal choice, respect for diversity, and social justice. Through this evolving dialogue, second-generation NRIs are not only redefining their cultural identity but also influencing how future generations will approach these critical issues within both their communities and the broader global context.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has achieved a significant milestone in the digital space, becoming the first world leader to cross 100 million followers on Instagram. The achievement highlights his strong presence on social media and reflects his influence in the global political landscape. Since joining Instagram in 2014, Modi’s account has steadily expanded in reach. What began as a platform to share official engagements, foreign visits, and personal moments gradually evolved into

On March 3, 2026, a Total Lunar Eclipse will occur, often referred to as a Blood Moon due to the deep red color the Moon will turn during totality. This happens when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow completely over the Moon. Why Is It Called a Blood Moon? During the total lunar eclipse, Earth completely blocks direct sunlight from reaching the Moon. However, some sunlight filters t

Indian cricket star Rohit Sharma has expressed his immense gratitude after being conferred with the Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian awards in India. In a heartfelt message, he referred to the award as "a very special moment" not only for him but also for his family. Sharma also emphasized his continued commitment to winning matches for India, saying that he would keep striving to bring home more trophies. In a video shared by Doordarshan Sports, Rohit stated, “Receiving th

Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) made a strong statement on Day 1 of the Ranji Trophy final against Karnataka, with Shubham Pundir and Yawer Hassan leading the charge. Pundir, the 27-year-old left-handed batter, played a brilliant knock, remaining unbeaten on 117, while the young and talented Hassan contributed a steady 88 runs. By the close of play, J&K had posted a solid 284/2, with Abdul Samad (52*) joining Pundir in an unbroken partnership. The day saw a masterful partnership o