Indians

In this By Invitation column, author, art historian and curator Dr Alka Pande shares how the Indian art is experiencing a boom, with auction records being shattered for modern masters like Husain and Raza, fetching hundreds of crores. Despite global market caution, wealthy Indian collectors are driving demand, viewing art as a symbol of heritage and identity.

Chef Ajay Chopra's new book, 'Discovering Umami in Indian Cuisine,' unveils the 'fifth taste' long present in Indian kitchens. It explores how this savory depth enhances beloved dishes, from slow-cooked curries to everyday comfort food. The book offers a fresh perspective on traditional recipes, highlighting umami's natural presence and its role in modern culinary artistry, featuring insights from renowned chefs.

Tilak Varma's unbeaten 75 guided Mumbai Indians to victory against Punjab Kings. He made a gesture for Rohit Sharma, who responded with a warm hug. Varma expressed his enjoyment in finishing games. Mumbai Indians will next play Kolkata Knight Riders.

Mumbai Indians chased down a target of 201 with six wickets in hand, thanks to Tilak Varma's unbeaten 75 and Will Jacks' quickfire 25. Punjab Kings lost control in the death overs, marking their fifth consecutive loss. Jasprit Bumrah began his captaincy with a win.

Jasprit Bumrah captained Mumbai Indians for the first time, marking a unique IPL record. MI became the first team to have three Indian captains in a single season: Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Bumrah. This leadership shift highlights an unusual season for the franchise, with Bumrah making his captaincy debut after 156 matches.

India has strongly condemned an attack on an Indian-flagged ship near Oman, deeming it 'unacceptable' and expressing deep concern over ongoing threats to commercial shipping. All Indian crew members aboard the vessel are reported safe, with thanks extended to Omani authorities for their rescue.

Lower-cost, latest-generation immunotherapies from China are a shot in the arm for Indian cancer patients who have been priced out of treatment by expensive drugs from western MNCs

The Indian government has launched a $1.5 billion Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool, backed by a $1.4 billion sovereign guarantee, to offer risk cover for Indian vessels on international routes, including war zones. This initiative aims to reduce shipping insurance premiums and guarantee coverage even when global insurers withdraw due to rising risks.

Hardik Pandya has excelled for India in crunch T20 situations since 2024 but struggled to replicate that impact for Mumbai Indians. His bowling economy and batting strike rate dip sharply for MI, especially in death overs. Questions resurfaced after MI’s record 103-run loss to CSK, where Hardik avoided bowling late despite having overs left, highlighting his contrasting performances for franchise and country.

Indian boxers face a challenging path to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, with four qualification opportunities beginning in 2027. The World Championships in Astana and three other qualifiers will offer a limited number of quota places across 14 weight categories, featuring gender parity for the first time in Olympic boxing under the new World Boxing governing body.

India's maritime regulator has banned 366 foreign ships from hiring Indian sailors due to alleged abandonment, including unpaid wages and lack of compensation. These vessels, categorized as restricted or blacklisted, face immediate prohibition from employing Indian seafarers. The DG Shipping is demanding details of currently engaged Indian crew within two weeks.

Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna observes a significant evolution in Indian home cooks' skills and confidence over 16 years of judging MasterChef India. He emphasizes his commitment to showcasing Indian cuisine globally, a mission reflected in his New York restaurant, Bungalow, which offers an authentic cultural experience beyond just food.

Mumbai Indians crashed out of the IPL after a loss to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, marking their sixth consecutive season without a trophy. Inconsistent performances from the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma and a lack of support for Jasprit Bumrah have plagued the team. Yet, Head coach Mahela Jayawardene continues to back the 'core group' despite the struggles.

Nick Jonas, the chart-topping musician, recently shared his go-to Indian restaurant in Vancouver, calling it the ultimate destination for scrumptious Indian fare. This announcement builds on his admiration for beloved dishes such as butter chicken and paneer, reinforcing his status as a culinary enthusiast.

A non-binary transgender Indian national, Q Manivannan, has been elected as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) on a student visa. This historic win marks the first time a foreign citizen without permanent residency has held such a position. Manivannan's election has drawn controversy, with debates arising over their immigration status and political stance.

The Indian Army is set to release the Agniveer Admit Card 2026 soon on joinindianarmy.nic.in for the Common Entrance Exam. Scheduled between June 1-15, the exam covers various Agniveer categories. Candidates must carry their admit card and a valid photo ID, such as Aadhaar or PAN card, to the examination centre. Ensure all details on the hall ticket are accurate.

Living in Indian metros like Mumbai and Delhi exposes skin to severe pollution, accelerating aging and pigmentation. Dr. Mikki Singh highlights Vitamin C as a crucial antioxidant defense, neutralizing free radicals and boosting collagen. She advises using stabilized derivatives over unstable L-ascorbic acid for better efficacy and recommends pairing it with SPF for comprehensive protection against environmental damage.