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News18
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- News18
World Photography Day: 7 Best Wedding Photographers To Look Out For This Upcoming Wedding Season
Last Updated: Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a multi-day spectacle, here are seven wedding photographers you'll want on your radar this upcoming season: From palatial Indian soirees to breathtaking international celebrations, the art of wedding photography has evolved into an editorial, cinematic affair. As couples lean toward emotion-rich, design-forward storytelling, these photography studios are setting the benchmark for what it means to capture love in all its beauty. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a multi-day spectacle, here are seven wedding photographers you'll want on your radar this upcoming season: If you're looking for photography that feels like a film, 1Plus1 Studio—founded by Manvi Gandotra—is a name you can't miss. With over 300 weddings shot across 12+ countries including Spain, Italy, UAE, and Indonesia, this female-led brand is known for its visual depth, editorial aesthetic, and emotionally charged storytelling. Whether it's a misty wedding in Nandi Hills or a couple's shoot inside the Art Institute of Chicago, Manvi and her team bring a rare blend of sensitivity, style, and structure to every frame. Couples to Know: Actor Arushi Sharma's intimate Himachal wedding A multicultural Indo-American wedding shot inside a world-class museum A fashion-forward celebration with bridal looks by Amit Aggarwal and Anushree Reddy 2. Stories by Joseph Radhik – For Luxury Indian & Destination Weddings Joseph Radhik's team is renowned for larger-than-life celebrity weddings (think Virat and Anushka) and masterful light play. If you want timeless elegance with editorial composition, this is your pick. 3. House On The Clouds – For Dreamy, Documentary-Style Shoots Known for soft tones, candid moments, and poetic visuals, this studio specializes in immersive visual storytelling that allows each love story to unfold organically. 4. Naman Verma – For Fashion-Forward Frames with a Cinematic Edge If you want your wedding photos to look like editorial spreads from a fashion magazine, Naman Verma is your guy. Known for his moody lighting and offbeat perspectives, his work feels raw, glamorous, and incredibly chic. 5. Ivory Films – For Bold Cinematics & High-Impact Frames With a strong cinematic vision and larger-than-life compositions, Ivory Films excels in creating visual narratives that feel like feature films. Expect impactful angles, dramatic lighting, and luxury-laced imagery that tells a powerful story. 6. Gaatha – For Nostalgic, Story-Driven Memories Gaatha, a Mumbai- and Pune-based wedding photography and videography studio led by Gaurav Hingne and Priyanshu Bhargava, was born from the belief that photos should evoke nostalgia and tell real stories. Guided by the principle, 'Don't shoot what it looks like, shoot how it feels," they capture both meticulously planned moments and raw, unscripted ones—because every memory matters. Delivering 1,000–1,500 high-res images and cinematic films per two-day wedding, they ensure your story becomes a legacy to revisit for generations. 7. Weddings by Bhushan – For Traditional Meets Modern Elegance Weddings by Bhushan blends classical Indian aesthetics with modern, clean visuals. With a knack for capturing rituals with reverence and romance with flair, Bhushan's work resonates with couples seeking a balance between tradition and style. Planning Tip The best photographers get booked months sometimes even a year in advance, especially during peak wedding season. If one of these names is on your wishlist, now is the time to reach out. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Loading comments...
News18
a day ago
- Sport
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Rayhan Thomas finishes T-58 in Boise Open
Agency: PTI Last Updated: Boise (Idaho), Aug 18 (PTI) Rayhan Thomas carded a final round of 1-over 72 to finish the week in Boise at tied 58 in the Albertsons Boise Open on the Korn Ferry Tour. Thomas, who started the week with a strong first round of 65, slipped thereafter. With 65-70-69-72 his combined score for the week was eight under par. The final round included five birdies, four bogeys and one double bogey. Indo-Canadian Sudarshan Yellamaraju missed the cut, while Indo-American Julian Suri was tied-seventh. Emilio Gonzalez of Mexico won the title at the Hillcrest Country Club by becoming the fourth player in the history of the Korn Ferry Tour and the first player since 2010 to shoot 10-under par on the final day of a 72-hole tournament and win. Gonzalez finished the week at 22-under par (68-68-65-61). In ttthe second place was Jeffrey Kang with a score of 21 under par (67-67-64-65). PTI Corr UNG view comments First Published: August 18, 2025, 12:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
3 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Boise on Korn Ferry: Rayhan Thomas makes cut
Agency: PTI Last Updated: Boise (Idaho), Aug 16 (PTI) Rayhan Thomas played a second round of 1-under 70 at the Hillcrest Country Club to make the cut in the Albertsons Boise Open on the Korn Ferry Tour. Thomas slipped to tied 33rd from tied 8th on the leaderboard at the end of the second day but safely made the cut. He had three birdies and two bogeys in the round. Having started on the back nine he began the round with a bogey and then recovered the shot with a birdie on the 11th before making another bogey of the day on the 18th hole. On the front nine he made consecutive birdies on the second and third holes for a score of one under for the day. His combined score now stands at seven under. Indo-Canadian Sudarshan Yellamaraju, a past winner in the Korn Ferry Tour, shot a round of 1-under 70 as well but missed the cut by one stroke after a first round 67. The cut was set at six under par and Yellamaraju had a two day score of five under par. Indo-American Julian Suri (63-72) also made the cut at T-33 alongside Thomas. Philip Knowles shot a second round of 7-under 64 to move into the lead at the halfway mark. The American played a bogey free second round including seven birdies. He began the day on the back nine and made birdies on the first, third, seventh, ninth, 15th, 16th and 17th holes. China's Zou Cheng (64-66) and German Adrien Dumont de Chassart (63-67) are tied second at 12-under. PTI CORR KHS KHS KHS (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
11-08-2025
- Business
- News18
Walking Tall: India's Strategic Autonomy In An Era Of Tariffs And Tensions
The wiser course is to endure short-term pain, invest in the enablers of autonomy, and prepare for a world where even close partners may turn adversarial on specific issues The United States and China dominate the global stage, and each sees India through a different lens. Washington views Delhi as a strategic partner, an essential player in the Indo-Pacific, yet also as a country capable of challenging American economic influence. Beijing regards Delhi as its principal regional challenger, a competitor for strategic space from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean. Both powers, despite their own differences, have found it useful to encourage Pakistan as a spoiler against India. The latest shock in the Indo-American tariff war came when US. President Donald Trump ordered a doubling of tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, citing New Delhi's continued purchases of discounted Russian oil and its 'unfair" trade practices. This was not an isolated skirmish. It was a reminder of how quickly even 'strategic partners" can weaponise economic measures. Tariffs hit exporters and unsettle investor sentiment. They also embolden domestic sceptics of the relationship, pushing societies back into their ideological dugouts. The Nature of the India-US Relationship For over two decades, India-US ties have been marked by expanding defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, and deep people-to-people links. Agreements such as LEMOA, COMCASA, and BECA have enabled unprecedented military interoperability. The US has supported India's rise in multilateral forums, from the Quad to export-control regimes like the MTCR. Yet the relationship has never been free from transactional calculation. As Sameer Lalwani of the Council on Foreign Relations notes, 'Major differences remain in defence spending priorities, the role of civilian oversight, and the independence of defence-industrial bases." When trade friction escalates, as it has now, these differences surface quickly. The U.S. is pushing for greater market access in agriculture, GM crops, and dairy. This runs into India's domestic political red lines. After three years of farm protests, New Delhi cannot hand opponents a rallying cry. Similarly, Washington's periodic engagement with Pakistan revives Indian concerns about American strategic reliability. China: Rival and Economic Partner China's equation with India is even more complex. The two share a booming bilateral trade, mostly in critical industrial inputs, but remain locked in a military standoff along the Line of Actual Control. After the 2020 Galwan clashes, disengagement has occurred at some points, yet Beijing has retained forward deployments in others. Chinese diplomacy has sought to stabilise ties, inviting India's senior leadership for talks and dangling the prospect of economic cooperation. But the distrust is deep. As Jayadeva Ranade warns, 'Any Chinese pullback without genuine de-escalation and de-induction of forces is reversible." Beijing's continued military support to Pakistan, renaming of locations in Arunachal Pradesh, and integration of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor into its Belt and Road Initiative are constant reminders of its long-term aims. The MoU with Russia In this fraught environment, New Delhi's signing of a sweeping Memorandum of Understanding with Russia on August 6 was more than a commercial deal. Covering sectors from defence manufacturing to rare-earth mining, the agreement secures supply chains in strategic minerals, aerospace technologies, fertilisers, and energy. By deepening such ties at a moment of tension with Washington, India is asserting its doctrine of multi-alignment. It will not align blindly with any bloc and will diversify its partnerships to maintain room for manoeuvre. The Russia deal also has geopolitical weight. As Western sanctions push Moscow closer to Beijing, a strong India–Russia channel gives both sides leverage. For India, it secures critical inputs for industrial modernisation under 'Make in India" and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. For Russia, it offers an economic lifeline and an alternative to overdependence on China. Why Self-Reliance Matters More Than Ever The tariff episode underscores why India cannot afford to base its strategic future on external goodwill. If access to the US market can be curtailed overnight, and Chinese cooperation is always conditional, then true autonomy demands capacity at home. This means accelerating R&D in areas that will define power hierarchies in coming decades—artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, critical minerals, and advanced manufacturing. Government programmes like the National Quantum Mission, IndiaAI, and the Semiconductor Mission are important steps. But they need scale, urgency, and deep public–private collaboration. Strategic reserves of critical minerals and energy resources should be built now, before geopolitical shocks make them harder to secure. Hedging, With Realism In theory, India can hedge—engaging both Washington and Beijing to maximise benefits. In practice, this is becoming harder. The US expects strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific, reduced Russian defence imports, and concessions on market access. China wants India to mute its Quad role, refrain from criticising Belt and Road projects, and limit its security ties with the US. These expectations are fundamentally at odds. Thus, hedging should be a temporary tactic, used until domestic capacity reduces vulnerability. In the short term, this means keeping dialogue channels open while building leverage. Every bilateral FTA signed with other partners (UAE, Australia, EFTA, UK, and potentially the EU) reduces dependence on any single market. Every step towards de-dollarisation in BRICS settlements adds flexibility in the financial domain. Learning from History India's refusal to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty despite decades of pressure is instructive. At the time, it seemed costly. Today, India's nuclear status is accepted as a reality. Strategic patience, backed by capability, can outlast external coercion. Similarly, resisting unreasonable trade demands now, while expanding domestic capacity, may yield greater freedom of action later. The analogy extends to the Swadeshi movement. Reducing critical dependencies is not isolationism but empowerment. As Bob Sternfels of McKinsey observes, 'India has the opportunity to be a unifier in a fractured world, if it stays connected to all, without becoming hostage to any." A Civilisational Approach Tagore's 'Ekla Chalo Re" is not a call for loneliness, but for resolve. Strategic autonomy is not about rejecting partnerships; it is about entering them from a position of strength. In practical terms, this means: Preparing for sanctions or market closures by diversifying supply sources. Investing in human capital—education, skills, and health—to make the demographic dividend real. Building a credible narrative capacity to counter disinformation and explain India's positions to global audiences. These are not romantic ideals. They are necessities in a system where power respects capability. Conclusion The present downturn in India–US trade relations is serious but not terminal. As in the past, cooler heads may prevail, perhaps when high-level negotiations resume. Washington's flirtation with Pakistan is likely to be short-lived. Pakistan has little economic or strategic value to offer beyond nuisance potential. The greater risk is that India becomes reactive, trapped between appeasing one power and containing another. top videos View all The wiser course is to endure short-term pain, invest in the enablers of autonomy, and prepare for a world where even close partners may turn adversarial on specific issues. This is not about walking away from the US or China—it is about walking tall, with the means to chart one's own path. The writer is a retired Brigadier in the Indian Army. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 11, 2025, 17:42 IST News opinion Opinion | Walking Tall: India's Strategic Autonomy In An Era Of Tariffs And Tensions Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. 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First Post
08-08-2025
- Business
- First Post
How India can navigate Trump's tariff storm in a choppy world
Trump's tariffs and the penalty he is likely to put on India for purchasing Russian oil have undeniably introduced a new layer of complexity to the Indo-American relationship read more Good diplomacy aims for win-win situations where all parties involved in a negotiation or agreement benefit, fostering cooperation and long-term stability. A win-win approach can de-escalate tensions and build trust between nations. This contrasts with a zero-sum approach where one party's gain necessitates another's loss. Win-win outcomes in diplomacy are achieved through negotiation, compromise, and a focus on mutual gains. India and the US have deepened their partnership across multiple sectors, driven by shared interests, democratic values, and strong people-to-people ties. Key areas of collaboration include defence, technology and innovation, space, semiconductors, biotechnology, cybersecurity, advanced telecommunications, clean energy, trade and economy, energy, education and culture. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, India's relations with the US, which were progressing from strength to strength, are now facing serious challenges. Some experts are even saying that President Donald Trump has sent Indo-American ties to the drawing board. Indeed, a comprehensive US-India trade deal has hit several roadblocks and is currently facing uncertainty. The US has imposed a 25 per cent tariff on a broad range of Indian goods, effective August 7, 2025. This comes despite previous indications of good progress in trade talks and amidst a deadline for a possible agreement. In addition, President Trump has signed an Executive Order imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports. He has said that these additional tariffs are because India is purchasing Russian oil. That will raise the total tariff on Indian imports to the United States to 50 per cent which is among the highest tariff rates imposed by the US. India has 21 days to respond to the additional tariffs before they go into effect. A major point of contention is the US' demand for greater access to India's agricultural and dairy sectors. India has consistently resisted, citing concerns about the livelihoods of millions of small farmers and potential disruption from subsidised US products. India is also pushing for the removal of the recently imposed tariffs and further reductions on other products, such as steel and aluminium, to gain a competitive advantage over other countries. The situation is deteriorating further as the US has expressed concerns about India's continued purchases of Russian oil and military equipment, linking these actions to the current trade impasse. President Trump has accused India of profiting from the Ukraine war by selling Russian oil in the open market and said that the US will be 'substantially' increasing the tariffs imposed on Indian imports in response. The Time magazine (August 5) has said that 'President Trump seems unafraid to burn India, a long-time friend of the US, over its Russian oil purchases'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India, however, maintains that its relationship with Russia stands on its own merits and that its energy purchases are vital for its economy. India has said that such targeting by the US was 'unjustified and unreasonable' in light of continued and substantial Western trade with Moscow. In a statement issued on August 4, India's Ministry of External Affairs said, 'Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy but also fertilisers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel machinery and transport equipment. Where the US is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, and fertilisers as well as chemicals. The statement concluded by saying that like any other major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security. The Indian government has also decried the executive order on additional tariffs. India has said, 'It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest. We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the important question is whether the position taken by India will diffuse tensions with the US or escalate them even further. Going by past trends, Trump is unlikely to be swayed by the undeniable logic contained in India's statement, as it runs counter to his own stand. Being a businessman, Trump brings a transactional approach to diplomacy. His style of functioning is such that he feels happy only when the other party is seen to be making concessions. The concessions must sound big even if they are not quite so, for Trump likes to feel that he has won the contest. An article entitled 'India Defies Trump on Russian Oil Despite Tariff Threats' in The Wall Street Journal (August 5) states that 'India is digging in its heels and resisting pressure from the US to curb purchases of Russian oil, despite threats by President Trump to retaliate by imposing higher tariffs on India'. Based on this assessment, it appears that the statement by the Ministry of External Affairs could escalate tensions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US tariffs could potentially damage India's economy in several ways. They will increase the cost of Indian products for American consumers, making them less competitive compared to goods from other countries not subject to these tariffs or to lower tariffs. The tariffs could put Indian exports at a disadvantage in the US market compared to competitors like Vietnam and Bangladesh. Sectors heavily reliant on exports to the US, such as gemstones and jewellery, textiles and apparel, pharmaceuticals, and potentially auto components, are likely to experience the most significant negative impacts. India supplies a significant portion of US pharmaceutical needs. Tariffs could lead to decreased demand, potentially impacting earnings for Indian pharmaceutical companies which derive a substantial portion of their revenue from the US market. A decline in export orders could lead to production cuts and job losses, particularly in labour-intensive sectors and smaller businesses in India. The American tariffs on India, which was hiked to 50 per cent, citing Delhi's continued buying of the Russian oil, could also potentially reduce the country's GDP growth by a significant amount. Further penalties imposed by the US could weaken capital inflows and investment in India. Thus, Trump's tariffs could be considered a near-term headwind for the Indian equity market and could contribute to volatility. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In short, a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement remains elusive. India-US tensions are escalating and are likely to continue doing so in the immediate future. US tariffs could hurt India's economy by making its exports less competitive, potentially impacting key industries and potentially slowing down its overall economic growth, while also straining the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. The tariffs and the likely penalties linked to India's purchase of Russian oil have already caused diplomatic friction. They will also damage the long-standing, carefully nurtured relationship between India and the US. India views the imposition of tariffs and penalties related to Russian oil purchases as an attempt at coercion and interference in its foreign policy. While India has initially ruled out immediate retaliation, it has expressed its intention to safeguard its national interests and economic security, possibly through future measures. There are reports that India could consider imposing reciprocal taxes on US imports to compensate for the anticipated $33 billion loss in exports due to the tariffs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There are also geopolitical factors at play which India cannot ignore. Trump has moved closer to Pakistan, with which he has historically had a complex and sometimes tense relationship. It cannot be forgotten that in January 2019, Trump had said that the US had given Pakistan 33 billion US dollars in aid, and in return, Pakistan had given only lies and deceit. He is now speaking about Pakistan in a completely different tone. Trump's approach also raises concerns about the potential elevation of Pakistan as preferred regional partner for the US, further destabilising the dynamics in South Asia. It's widely acknowledged that high-level diplomatic intervention can sometimes achieve remarkable results in international relations. One wonders whether the need of the hour is for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to step in and stem the rot. After all, the strategic India-America bilateral relationship built over decades is now also at risk. PM Modi has repeatedly said that solutions to problems can only be found through dialogue and diplomacy. He has emphasised that the world needs leaders who can find solutions to global complexities and needs while prioritising their nation's interests on the global stage. He has received numerous international awards, including the Legion of Merit on December 21, 2020, from President Trump himself! The award recognised PM Modi's leadership and vision for India's global emergence, his contributions to advancing the India-United States strategic partnership, and his role in promoting global peace and prosperity. All the accolades received by him are seen as a recognition of his global leadership and standing on the world stage. However, without some concessions, Trump is unlikely to soften his position. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What sort of concessions can PM Modi offer? India has often used TRQs (tariff rate quotas) which involve a two-tiered system. A specified quantity of a particular agricultural product can be imported at a lower or even zero duty. Imports exceeding this quota face a higher tariff rate. India currently has TRQs for commodities like corn, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil and milk powder. While India has reportedly offered TRQs to the US, the extent of these concessions is limited. According to a report prepared by the US Department of Agriculture, top agricultural prospects for US exporters include cotton, dairy products, ethanol, fresh fruit, forest products, processed food and beverages, pulses, and tree nuts. According to this report,India has tremendous potential to be a large consumer of many of the high-quality and diverse agricultural products that the United States has to offer. The US is seeking to significantly expand its agricultural exports to India, with a particular focus on commodities like cotton, corn and soybeans. India has concerns about allowing imports of certain products like corn and soybeans due to potential impacts on domestic farmers. However, it must be pointed out that the domestic demand for both these items is rising. India is a significant consumer of corn, particularly for animal feed, human consumption, and increasingly for ethanol production. While it's also a notable producer, recent trends show a growing domestic demand that is reshaping the country's corn market. Corn consumption in India is rising, driven by factors like the adoption of corn-based snacks and dishes, increased use in animal feed, and the growing biofuel industry. The Indian government's decision to promote ethanol production from corn has significantly increased demand, leading to a surge in imports. Corn is a crucial component of animal feed, especially for poultry and dairy, and the expansion of the livestock sector also contributes to the rising demand for corn. While India is a major corn producer, the increased domestic demand, coupled with the ethanol push, is leading to a shift in focus towards more imports for meeting domestic needs. Likewise, India is a significant importer of soybeans and soybean oil. While India is no doubt a major producer, its domestic production is not sufficient to meet the growing demand for edible oils and animal feed. In fact, India is a big importer of soybean oil, with imports often exceeding domestic production. India relies on imports to meet a significant portion of its soybean oil needs, with a large percentage coming from countries like Argentina and Brazil. While China remains the largest export destination for US soybeans, India is seen as a growing market, especially for soybean oil. The war in Ukraine has led India to seek alternative sources for vegetable oils, potentially boosting soybean oil imports from countries like the US. India had restricted imports of Genetically Modified soybeans but had also temporarily relaxed these restrictions in 2021 and 2022 to address shortages and rising prices. To whatever extent is feasible, India could offer the US some more TRQs on specific American agricultural products like corn, soybeans and nuts while maintaining higher tariffs for quantities exceeding the quota. This could help to provide some concessions to the US in sectors where it is demanding greater market access while still protecting domestic industries. Dairy product imports remain a sensitive sector in India, where cultural and dietary preferences influence food choices, and some restrictions exist on imports, particularly concerning animal by-products in feed. India's dairy imports are relatively small, with a focus on specific products like butter oil, skimmed milk powder, and ingredients like lactose and whey protein, primarily for industrial use. India does not currently offer TRQs for dairy imports and has halted such mechanisms since 2014. India also requires dairy imports to be certified as originating from animals not fed with feed containing ruminant or porcine byproducts, such as blood meal or meat and bone meal. Dairy products which do not meet this requirement cannot enter the Indian market. In conclusion, Trump's tariffs and the penalty he is likely to put on India for purchasing Russian oil have undeniably introduced a new layer of complexity to the US-India relationship with significant geopolitical implications for India's foreign policy choices, economic trajectory, and regional standing. The tensions with the US are assuming dangerous proportions and the situation cannot be brushed off lightly. The writer is a retired Indian diplomat and had previously served as Ambassador in Kuwait and Morocco and as Consul General in New York. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
