Zohran Kwame Mamdani’s story begins in Kampala, Uganda, where he was born before moving to New York City with his family at the age of seven. A product of the city’s public school system, he graduated from the Bronx High School of Science and went on to study Africana Studies at Bowdoin College. In 2018, he officially became a U.S. citizen, a milestone that would later shape his political journey.
Before entering politics, Zohran worked as a foreclosure prevention housing counselor in Queens, helping low-income homeowners of color fight to keep their homes. It was during this time that he saw up close how decades of policy choices had created a housing crisis that wasn’t inevitable but manufactured. That realisation pushed him to run for office to change those very choices.
His political roots, however, go back to organising. In high school, he co-founded the school’s first cricket team, learning how collective effort can turn an idea into something real. Later, in college, he helped launch the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter and worked with national campaigns for healthcare and equity. Even as he dabbled in rap, film, and writing, activism remained his constant.
Today, as the Assembly member representing Astoria, Ditmars-Steinway, and Astoria Heights, Zohran fights for a New York where dignity isn’t dictated by profit, where housing, energy, and justice belong to everyone.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York, directing sharp criticism at New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Netanyahu stated that Mamdani attempted to prevent him from attending the summit and silence him, asserting that the truth cannot be silenced. He claimed that many Jewish residents no longer feel safe in New York City since Mamdani became mayor. Netanyahu accused the mayor of praising individuals convicted of supporting Hamas, affiliating with controversial figures, hosting a Palestinian journalist who filmed Hamas actions, and repeatedly levelling false genocide allegations against Israel. News analysts noted that Netanyahu's address at the UNGA forum carried domestic political significance ahead of forthcoming elections in Israel, highlighting regional tensions across West Asia.
During the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Donald Trump held a meeting and joint press conference with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on the sidelines of the summit. The interaction between the president and the mayor, whom Trump had previously referred to as a communist lunatic, prompted widespread reactions and discussions across social media platform X as users reacted to their unexpected rapport.
A clash has emerged regarding the White House media ban, with US President Donald Trump restricting several media outlets including CNN, MSNBC, and Politico, while New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that all media members should be present. Mamdani conveyed to the president during their meeting that all press members would be welcomed on the lawn, regardless of differing opinions or critiques. The decision to restrict media outlets has raised questions about whether it serves as a distraction from issues surrounding the Iran war and rising gas prices, highlighting opposing stances on press freedom and media access.
This news report covers key geopolitical, economic, and strategic developments involving India, Russia, West Asia, and North America. During a bilateral meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin that the world must transition from endless wars to an end of war regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing peace and dialogue. Both leaders discussed bilateral ties, trade, and defence cooperation while travelling together to the Nomad Games opening ceremony. Additionally, the broadcast analyzes India's strategic partnership with Russia ahead of the SCO and BRICS summits, focusing on Arctic shipping routes, trade imbalances, and currency mechanisms. The report also highlights India's first-quarter GDP growth of 7.8 percent, driven by domestic consumption and exports. Further coverage includes escalating West Asia tensions following United States military airstrikes on Iranian installations on Larak Island near the Strait of Hormuz, alongside PM Modi's diplomatic engagement with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Finally, it details Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat's global outreach tour across the United States and Canada.
Speaking on the RSS centenary global outreach, Dr. Bharat Barai, chairman of the US-India Community Foundation, highlighted Mohan Bhagwat's addresses in the United States and Canada. Barai affirmed, 'RSS is a cultural and civilization service-oriented organization. It's not a religious organization,' clarifying that temple matters remain with the VHP. He noted that the diaspora has felt energized by the call for Hindus to become model citizens and serve their communities. Addressing criticism from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Barai dismissed the objections as political grandstanding. He reiterated the civilizational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, emphasizing that true Indian philosophy views the entire world as one family.
Speaking at the Universal Oneness event at Madison Square Garden in New York City during a 17-day world tour marking the centennial of the RSS, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity and inclusivity. Bhagwat stated that a true Hindu can never exclude Muslims, even in a Hindu Rashtra, emphasizing that different religions follow varied paths of worship while humanity binds them as one. His statements received praise from sections of the Muslim community, including former Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari and various Muslim clerics, who called the message commendable. However, the remarks triggered political backlash in India, with Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal asserting that actions must speak louder than words. Additionally, opposition leaders questioned the contrast between Bhagwat's overseas message of pluralism and his positions within India. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed disapproval of the event while acknowledging a lack of city jurisdiction to cancel private gatherings, whereas USCIRF Chair Asif Mahmood had earlier called for sanctions against the RSS and the revocation of Bhagwat's US visa.
An RSS chief address to the Indian community at Madison Square Garden in New York highlighted messages of unity, diversity, and civic duty to one's Karma Bhumi. Emphasizing that diversity decorates oneness, the speech pointed out that India helps the world understand unity in diversity. The address urged members of the Indian diaspora living and earning in the United States to fulfill their duties and remain loyal to their Karma Bhumi, emphasizing that living and working in America makes one part of the nation. It noted that while fulfilling duties to one's working land is essential, contributing to Bharat remains valued. The speech stressed the importance of sustaining humanity and nature, highlighting that truth connects everyone despite differences in language, attire, or religion. The event took place despite opposition from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who acknowledged he lacked the authority to cancel the gathering.
In an interview, Priya Samant, spokesperson for the Universal Oneness event in New York featuring RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, discussed the purpose of the gathering. Addressing concerns about inclusivity, Samant described it as an interfaith, cultural, and community initiative rooted in the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Responding to opposition from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Samant emphasized democratic free speech, stating, "Dialogue does not mean endorsement." She noted that over 5,000 attendees from 39 states are participating, highlighting that oneness accommodates diverse perspectives rather than requiring sameness.
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to address the Universal Oneness celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York as part of the organization's centenary year global outreach. Ahead of the event, Bhagwat visited the Iskcon temple in New York, where he met volunteers, attended a food distribution program, and spoke on recognizing oneness despite world divisions. Organized by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD), the event centers on the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and is expected to draw about five thousand Indian Americans. Over two hundred Hindu American organizations are participating in the program, which marks the first leg of a seventeen-day world tour. The event has faced political opposition from New York's Zohran Mamdani, who called the RSS exclusionary, while noting the city lacks jurisdiction to cancel a private program. Protesting groups have also urged the US Secretary of State to revoke Bhagwat's visa. AHEAD stated the event promotes unity and community bonds on Raksha Bandhan.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to address the Universal Oneness Celebration in New York City as part of the organization's centenary year global outreach. Ahead of the event, Bhagwat visited the ISKCON temple in New York City, where he met volunteers, attended a food distribution program, and emphasized that consciousness is the uniting factor amid global conflicts. The event, supported by over 200 Hindu American organizations, centers around the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. However, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani opposed the event, accusing the RSS of representing an exclusionary vision while noting that the city lacks jurisdiction to cancel a private program. Speaking to India Today, Universal Oneness spokesperson Priya Samant defended the gathering as an interfaith, cultural event promoting unity and dialogue among diverse groups. Samant noted that dialogue does not imply agreement and expressed respect for free expression in a democracy.
The New York City Mayor has expressed opposition to a planned event featuring the RSS chief at Madison Square Garden on August 29. Addressing a news conference, the mayor stated that he does not support the rally, citing his vision of India as a pluralistic society and a secular republic. However, he noted that municipal authorities may not have the jurisdiction or legal power to cancel a privately organized gathering. The RSS chief arrived in the United States as part of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's centenary year global outreach program, where he is scheduled to address members of the Indian diaspora at the iconic venue. The bulletin highlights that opposition to the visit has also been raised by US religious freedom officials and civil rights organizations calling for restrictions, while organizers continue preparations for the gathering.
A political row has erupted after the Ministry of External Affairs denied clearance for the United States leg of Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's foreign visit. While clearance was granted for the United Kingdom visit, the ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated the United States program was not considered appropriate for the office. The Bharatiya Janata Party has questioned meetings conducted during the UK tour with Oxford historian Faisal Devji and policy professor Maya Tudor, alleging anti-India links and highlighting a proposed meeting with Zohran Mamdani. Revanth Reddy rejected the charges, stating he was shocked by the denial and maintained that the tour aimed to bring global education opportunities to Telangana.
Zohran Mamdani heckled outside his NYC home after his mother, filmmaker Mira Nair, was mentioned in a recent set of Epstein Files released by the US Justice Department.
A political firestorm has erupted in Mumbai, with the Adani Group at its epicentre. During a rally, Raj Thackeray accused the BJP of enabling land grabs to benefit the corporate giant, particularly concerning the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The BJP swiftly retaliated, releasing pictures of Thackeray meeting with the industrialist and alleging his associations with other figures. Amid the political back-and-forth, one commentator noted, 'But in this country, even if there are so many industrialists, I don't want to show the world that there is so much mercy on one person.' The allegations have turned the Adani connection into a significant flashpoint in the ongoing political battle for Mumbai.
In this special report, Ian Bremmer, President of Eurasia Group, discusses the 'Top Risks 2026' report and India's evolving role in a shifting global landscape. Bremmer highlights that while the United States has become 'unpredictable and unreliable' for many nations, India remains in a 'strategically quite strong position' due to its consistent leadership and economic reforms. He notes that India serves as a crucial hedge for the US against China and maintains robust relations with the G7 and the Global South. The discussion explores the emergence of a 'G0 world' where traditional rules are weakening and raw power gains significance. Bremmer also addresses the impact of US tariffs, the rise of multipolarity in the economic order, and the challenges posed by unregulated artificial intelligence. He concludes that despite the 'chaos' of declining American global leadership, India’s capacity for consistent foreign policy provides it with a unique advantage in the current geopolitical climate.
In a major verdict on the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, the Supreme Court has denied bail to 'main actors' Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam while granting relief to five other accused. Speaking to India Today's Srishti Ojha, Special Public Prosecutor Rajat Nair welcomed the judgment as a 'very, very fair verdict.' He highlighted that the court distinguished between the 'main actors' who galvanized the conspiracy and the 'facilitators' who were granted bail. The top court firmly held that 'delay is not a trump card' in serious offences involving national security under the UAPA. The report also references a recent letter of support for Khalid from newly elected New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
In this Special Report, India Today's Senior Editor Anjali Istwal anchors coverage on the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces. Global Editor Pranay Upadhyay reports on the Indian Ministry of External Affairs' advisory urging 'extreme caution' for the less than 100 Indians in Venezuela, noting that the 'Ministry of External Affairs has advised Indians to restrict movement'. US Correspondent Rohit Sharma details Maduro's transport to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn to face 'drugs and weapons' charges, confirming that the Venezuelan leader was flown in on a US warship. The report also highlights the political fallout, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's condemnation of the US strikes.
On this episode of NewsTrack, Maria Shakeel discusses the controversy surrounding New York City's new Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who wrote a letter to jailed Indian activist Umar Khalid. The letter, shared by Khalid’s partner, expresses solidarity and urges him to resist bitterness. The show also highlights a letter from eight US lawmakers to the Indian Ambassador advocating for Khalid’s bail. Panelists, including Lt Gen Tiny Dhillon and Ajay Jain Bhutoria, debate whether this constitutes foreign interference or a genuine concern for human rights. Additionally, the programme covers the engagement of Rehan Vadra to Aviva Beg.
In this episode of Newstrack, the focus is on the controversy surrounding New York City's new Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who wrote a letter to jailed Indian activist Umar Khalid.
The Madhya Pradesh government is under fire for criminal negligence, which led to 10 deaths from water contamination.
