India rocketed up 30 spots in the World Bank's 2017 ease of doing business ranking, the biggest year-over-year jump in the survey's history. The eye-popping improvement is the result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's multiple reforms to make it easier for Indians and foreign investors and firms to do business in India.
India a "natural partner" of the U.S. in the area of space and technology, an influential American lawmaker has said, underscoring the possibility of a "real strong partnership" between the two countries in the field. Rep. Barbara Comstock (Virginia), a member of the powerful House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, recently returned from a trip to Bangalore and New Delhi.
Ashok Bajaj, owner of Washington D.C.'s Rasika restaurant, which has won just about every top dining honor possible, is spilling (some of) his secrets in a new cookbook called "Rasika: Flavors of India." His advice: "Don't be afraid of the spices!"
The Embassy of India in Washington D.C. celebrated the 148th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2. Ambassador Navtej Sarna laid flowers at the statue of Gandhi outside the Embassy and addressed a gathering of guests.
Millions of people have flocked to firework displays, prayers and events to mark the start of Diwali, the annual festival of light celebrated every autumn around the world. The festival sees Hindus, Sikhs and Jains celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair.
The best way to explore a country as vast, diverse and intriguing as India, it is often said, is by railway. In the foothills of the Himalayas, travelers catch the Shivalik Express, which travels for 60 miles on a narrow-gauge railway that is renowned for its dramatic mountain views. Through the windows of the tiny carriages - just six rows of seats - lush greenery unfolds into a majestic, misty mountain backdrop, as the train slowly clatters along.
