Author: Jesse Walker

The institute considered a total of six different parameters while conducting this study A study conducted by a Gurugram-based institute declared the Northeast Indian state of Mizoram as the happiest state in the country. It also mentioned that the unique social structure of the state of Mizoram is the main reason for enhancing the happiness level among the young population of the state. The institute considered a total of six different parameters while conducting this study. The study revealed that this state which boosts of a 100% literacy rate, has a very unique social structure. Some of the key parameters used for the measurement…

On a recent October evening on New York City’s Upper East Side, hundreds of influential Indian Americans ranging from Bollywood actors to tech CEOs, dressed in bedazzled outfits and heavy jewellery, mingled over cocktails to celebrate the Hindu festival of lights at the posh hotel The Pierre. But while the invitation called for a Diwali celebration, the party was buzzing with excitement over the Indian-American community’s latest political milestone: Kamala Harris becoming the first US presidential candidate of South Asian heritage to lead a major party ticket. “This time around is so unique because we actually have someone we can…

US prosecutors have charged an Indian man with a plot to kill at least four Sikh separatists in North America. The indictment links the case to the murder of a Canadian citizen earlier this year, and has prompted questions about what US agents knew in the days before his death. On 18 June, Nikhil Gupta watched a video of a Sikh separatist leader who had been shot dead in Canada in his car, his bloody body slumped over the steering wheel. Mr Gupta then forwarded the video to a man he is accused of hiring as a hitman for another…

Millions of Indians cried along with cricket captain Rohit Sharma on Sunday as he walked off the field, trying to hold back his tears. His team had just lost the cricket World Cup final to Australia, prolonging India’s painful wait for the glory since 2011. This was arguably his best shot at winning the coveted trophy – he will be 40 years old in 2027, when the tournament will be held next. In theory, Rohit could still play in the next World Cup and give it another try. But the pain of losing at home is likely to linger for…

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has said the UK government should be doing more to secure the release of a Scottish man detained for six years in India. The British Iranian national was arbitrarily arrested in 2016 and detained in Iran for six years. She said both she and Jagtar Singh Johal, from Dumbarton, should have been better protected by the UK government. The UK government said it was committed to seeing Mr Johal’s case resolved as soon as possible. Mr Johal, a Sikh activist, was arrested in November 2017 after travelling to India to attend a wedding. The 36-year-old has been accused…

Indian cricket legend Bishan Singh Bedi has died aged 77 after a prolonged illness. He was battling age-related illnesses and had undergone a few surgeries in recent years. Bedi, regarded as one of the world’s finest ever spin bowlers, captained India in 22 of his 67 Tests and took 266 wickets. He made his debut against West Indies in 1966 and played his last Test against England at The Oval in 1979. Bedi also played English county cricket for Northamptonshire and finished his career with 1,560 first-class wickets, the highest by any Indian bowler. Bedi was an integral part of…

The organisers of a city’s first Ratha Yatra festival have said they want it to be “an example of inclusivity all over the world”. The Festival of Chariots has taken place in New Square Park, Cambridge. Organisers said about 600 people saw the parade and hope that next years will be bigger and better. Sushant Jeurkar said 100 volunteers had made the day possible with the aim to create a day that helps to foster a “united feeling”. The Festival of Chariots, also known as Ratha Yatra, typically features three chariots, however organiser Mr Jeurkar said the streets of Cambridge…

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has left India after a problem with his aircraft extended a testing visit to India’s capital by two days. He was meant to fly on Sunday after the G20 summit ended but an embarrassing mechanical snag grounded him. Opponents at home and Indian social media users mocked him for the delay, which came after Mr Trudeau had a tense meeting with Indian PM Narendra Modi. Canada-India relations have grown increasingly strained in recent months. Mr Trudeau’s visit “did nothing to mend the frosty ties that he has developed with India”, reported India Today on Tuesday. Days…

For decades, Nepal has allowed its ethnic Gurkha soldiers to join the Indian army under a special agreement. The practice came to an abrupt halt last year after India introduced a controversial new army hiring plan, straining ties between the two neighbouring countries. The Gurkhas, famed for their ferocity and bravery, have fought several wars over the decades for both the Indian and British armies. They were first recruited by the British East India company in 1815 following a peace deal with Nepal. After the end of colonial rule in 1947 a tripartite agreement between Nepal, India and Britain allowed…

A 28-year-old man is accused of being at the centre of the deadly religious violence that broke out in the northern Indian state of Haryana earlier this week. Parts of Gurugram (formerly Gurgaon), a posh city on the borders of the capital, Delhi, and a few other districts saw pitched battles on the streets as shops and cars were set on fire. At least six people, including a Muslim cleric, were killed and dozens of others, including several policemen, were injured as mobs of Hindu and Muslim men clashed. Police said violence broke out on Monday afternoon in Nuh district…