INDIAN CULTURE
The new trends reshaping India's art market
Art Mumbai is back, showcasing a wider array of international exhibitors while highlighting the evolution of art collections. With community initiatives and social media playing pivotal roles, art accessibility and engagement are being transformed in India.
KL Rahul invests in PlayBlue, joins as brand ambassador ahead of flagship store launch
KL Rahul will invest in PlayBlue, a multi-brand sports retail venture launching its flagship store on November 14. The flagship store in Bengaluru will feature over 75 brands, including apparel and sporting equipment. PlayBlue aims to create an integrated platform that offers expert guidance and experiential retail for consumers. It plans to expand its presence to more than 100 stores across India over the next five years.
West Bengal all set to host first ever Pravasi Bhartiya Divas scheduled next January
West Bengal is preparing to host the inaugural Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention in January 2027. The event will take place in Kolkata from January 7 to January 9. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the convention, while President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the closing session. The convention aims to strengthen ties between the Indian diaspora and their roots in India.
Army transformation goes beyond modern equipment and restructuring: General Dhiraj Seth
The COAS delivered an address on "Vision for Future Warfighting in the Indian Subcontinent" at the Mechanised Forces Symposium 2026, held at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. The two-day symposium, organised by the Cavalry Officers' Association in collaboration with the Directorate General of Mechanised Forces, brings together senior serving officers, veterans, defence scientists, industry representatives and strategic thinkers to deliberate on the changing character of warfare.
Indian diaspora a "living bridge between India and world": EAM Jaishankar at 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas website launch
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the role of the Indian diaspora at the launch of the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2027. The event will take place in Kolkata from January 7 to 9, 2027, in cooperation with the West Bengal government. This year’s theme focuses on reconnecting the diaspora with their roots and heritage.
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Ramayana becomes a box-office phenomenon in Thailand, the USA, and Indonesia. Ranbir Kapoor-starrer is now the 6th highest-grossing Bollywood film in North America
Despite receiving mixed reviews, Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi’s ambitious epic Ramayana continues to enjoy a strong run at the box office. The film has maintained its momentum since hitting theatres, setting new benchmarks with its impressive earnings. According to a report by Sacnilk.com, the magnum opus has collected a whopping Rs 549 crore across India within just seven days of its release.
How can senior HR leaders prepare themselves to drive enterprise transformation through people?
ISB Executive Education’s 43-week Chief Human Resources Officer Programme equips senior HR leaders with the strategic judgement, business acumen and leadership capabilities to translate human capital into sustained enterprise value.
Pakistan's Punjab govt questions Hafiz Saeed-linked party's participation in NA by-poll
Pakistan's Punjab government expressed concerns about the involvement of Hafiz Saeed's political party in elections. The PML-N government criticized the PMML for contesting elections despite being declared a banned group. While the election saw PML-N's candidate secure a significant victory, PMML alleged rigging and violations. Additionally, members of the Punjab government previously associated with PMML have raised eyebrows. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between political entities and the state.
India signs Haj 2027 agreement with Saudi Arabia, secures quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims
India has secured a Haj quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for 2027 after signing a bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on November 9. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju signed the agreement following discussions with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah. The two sides reviewed preparations for the next pilgrimage season and discussed logistical support, coordination and pilgrim welfare.
US lawmakers introduce bill to make Diwali a federal holiday, 19 representatives back proposal
US lawmakers have reintroduced the Diwali Day Act in the House of Representatives, seeking to designate the festival as a federal holiday. Spearheaded by Congresswoman Grace Meng, the bill has secured the backing of 19 lawmakers, including five Indian-origin representatives. Its passage would make Diwali the 12th federally recognised US holiday.
We had got things so wrong on pollution
Firecrackers are continuously burst during Diwali, contributing to significant air pollution in India. This practice leads to toxic air conditions that affect public health. Recent evaluations showed that 99 out of the world's 100 most polluted cities are in India. The cultural significance of these practices has overshadowed the health implications associated with them. Ultimately, the trend reveals a collective indifference toward pollution and its harmful effects.
India gets quota of 1.75 lakh pilgrims under Saudi Arabia's Haj 2027 agreement
India and Saudi Arabia signed the Haj agreement for 2027, permitting 1,75,025 Indian pilgrims to participate. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met with Saudi Minister Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah to establish the agreement. Discussions also included enhancing cooperation for pilgrims' welfare and logistical support in the upcoming pilgrimage. The Haj quota for India has gradually increased, reflecting the growing number of pilgrims.
MasterChef Vikas Khanna gives a glimpse inside his New York apartment, featuring stunning skyline views. emotional connection with Chrysler Building and minimalist interiors
Chef Vikas Khanna recently shared a tour of his minimalist apartment in New York City. The apartment features stunning views of iconic landmarks like the Empire State and Chrysler buildings. Khanna emphasizes that personal memories and connections to his Indian culture significantly shape the space's meaning.
Foreigner shares his 5 big lessons after travelling 365 days in India: 'It's always about...'
Reflecting on his year in India, Lukas underscores the impact of the individuals he encountered. While he faced initial hurdles such as traffic and intense heat, these difficulties led him to a richer comprehension of life in India. Rather than focusing solely on the visuals, he learned to cherish the emotional aspects of his experiences, leaving him thankful and eager for a future visit.
Seattle Diwali celebration disrupted by far-right activists with anti-Indian placards
A Diwali celebration in Seattle was disrupted after two far-right activists, Jake Lang and Thomas Allen, entered the venue carrying placards demanding the deportation of Indians and alleging a Hindu takeover of Christian America.
‘When will we learn?’: Harsh Goenka questions civic sense of Indian tourists after they turn Vietnam airport into picnic spot
Recent footage shows Indian travellers enjoying meals on the floor of a Vietnam airport, triggering scrutiny from billionaire Harsh Goenka. He criticizes this behavior for damaging the global image of Indian tourists, sparking a heated discussion on social media about the lack of decorum displayed by some travellers. This incident raises ongoing concerns regarding the respect for local traditions and public spaces by Indian tourists abroad.
US leaders join Indian-Americans in Diwali celebrations, light traditional lamps across states
Diwali celebrations across the United States saw governors, lawmakers and public officials join Indian-Americans in marking the festival of lights. Former Vice President Kamala Harris extended festive greetings, while California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the state's first official Diwali holiday.
Emmanuel Macron, Mark Carney, Anthony Albanese, leaders from across the world call for peace, prosperity on Diwali
World leaders, including Emmanuel Macron and Anthony Albanese, extended warm Diwali greetings, celebrating the festival's message of joy and unity among diverse communities. The festivities were marked in India along with vibrant celebrations in Canada, Australia, and the UAE. Additionally, Thailand's Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival showcased the richness of cultural diversity, symbolizing the enduring ties of the global Indian diaspora.
From 'Dilli Calling' to 'Gurgaon on My Mind': Why India needs songs that put its cities on the map
American music has turned cities, roads and states into cultural icons, giving places identities beyond geography. India has a few memorable location-based songs but needs more music that celebrates its own towns, cities and highways. Rather than relying on exotic foreign backdrops, filmmakers should make ordinary Indian places legendary through music.
Russia, US extend Diwali wishes to people in India
"Warm Diwali greetings to all our dear friends in India. light never diminishes by sharing; rather, it only increases. I believe that this very spirit of mutual respect, goodwill, and trust will continue to strengthen the friendship between India and Russia. May this auspicious festival of Diwali bring new hope, happiness, peace, and prosperity into your lives. Happy Diwali to you all," he said.
Seattle Diwali celebrations disrupted by activists carrying 'Deport All Dot Heads' placards, spark outrage
Diwali celebrations at Seattle Center were disrupted by conservative activists Jake Lang and Thomas Allen, who carried placards with anti-Hindu and anti-immigrant slogans. The incident triggered condemnation from US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and community leaders, who called the display racist and said Hindu Americans should be able to celebrate safely.
Nepal PM seeks $2B package ahead of visit
Nepal is preparing to request a $2 billion economic package from India during Prime Minister Balen Shah's upcoming visit. The package includes $1 billion in credit for infrastructure projects and $1 billion in grants for highway upgrades and post-flood reconstruction. Additionally, Nepal will advocate for new air routes between the two countries during the visit.
Frontier Raas opens new store in Ahmedabad, Kangana Ranaut attends inauguration as Chief Guest
Indian ethnic and occasionwear brand Frontier Raas inaugurated its new store in Ahmedabad on November 1, 2026, marking another step in its retail expansion. Actor Kangana Ranaut attended the inauguration as the chief guest, alongside prominent business personalities, leading families and members of the city's fashion and cultural communities.
900-year-old book records Kashmir's kings and their wars, now earns UN recognisition along with Mahabharata and Chanakya's Arthashastra
UNESCO has added Kalhana's Rajatarangini, the Mahabharata and Kautilya's Arthashastra to its Memory of the World Regional Register for Asia and the Pacific. The decision was taken at the committee's 11th session in Jakarta, taking India's total regional inscriptions to six, following three recognitions in 2024.
New York woman wanted American children to experience Diwali. How a mother's rangoli kits became a funded business
Indian American businesswoman Akriti Babaria established Kulture Khazana to enhance the visibility of Diwali and Indian cultural customs in the US. What started as an idea at a kitchen table has expanded into a toy brand serving more than 45,000 families, schools, and organizations, familiarizing American children with Indian festivals via books, rangoli kits, puzzles, and crafts.
Diwali Abroad 2026: How NRIs in the US, UK and Gulf Are Keeping Indian Traditions Alive Thousands of Miles From Home
Diwali 2026 is bringing Indian communities together across the US, UK and Gulf, with celebrations ranging from Times Square and London's Trafalgar Square to Dubai's Festival of Lights and temple gatherings in Abu Dhabi. As November 8 approaches, NRIs are marking the festival through cultural performances, traditional food, diya lighting, family pujas, festive shopping and community events. Here is how the Indian diaspora is celebrating Diwali abroad this year.
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