Event Coverage
Donald Trump secures historic return to White House as 47th president
Mumbai: “Sometimes by losing a battle, you find a new way to win the war,” Donald Trump once proclaimed. Today, that statement finds its proof in history as in a comeback that defies precedent and expectation, Trump has clinched the U.S. presidency for a historic second time, becoming the 47th president by defeating incumbent vice president Kamala Harris.
Trump’s return to the White House, after a tumultuous single term, is more than a political triumph; it’s a testament to his unwavering grip on the American electorate. Amid a deeply polarised nation, Trump’s resurgence paints a vivid picture of ambition, resilience, and the fierce loyalty of his supporters, redefining what’s possible in American politics.
Trump’s path to victory involved pivotal wins in key swing states. He secured Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Wisconsin, surpassing the requisite 270 electoral votes. These victories reflect his campaign’s effective mobilisation of his base and successful outreach to undecided voters in these regions.
The international community has responded with a mix of congratulations and caution. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended his congratulations, while European leaders expressed concerns about potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy. Indian prime minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Congratulations to my friend Donald Trump on his historic election victory. Looking forward to working together for global peace and prosperity.”
Financial markets reacted swiftly to the election outcome. The Indian stock market experienced a rally, with the BSE Sensex closing up by 1.13 per cent, and the Nifty rising by 1.12 per cent. Conversely, the Indian rupee depreciated to an all-time low against the U.S. dollar, reflecting investor uncertainty.
Major U.S. media outlets have portrayed Trump’s victory through various lenses. The New York Times highlighted his ability to tap into voter economic anxieties and concerns over immigration, while The Washington Post emphasised the historic nature of his nonconsecutive terms and his status as the first felon to assume the presidency.
In India, the ancestral village of Kamala Harris in Tamil Nadu expressed sorrow over her defeat, with residents acknowledging her fighting spirit and expressing hope for her future endeavours.
Trump’s return to power is expected to bring significant policy shifts, particularly in trade and foreign relations. He has previously criticised China’s trade practices and indicated intentions to implement stricter measures. Domestically, his administration is anticipated to focus on immigration reform and economic policies aimed at bolstering the working class.
Event Coverage
Anime India announces Amazon MX Player as co-presenting partner for Anime India Kolkata 2026
MUMBAI: Riding high on the success of its blockbuster Mumbai debut, Anime India is accelerating its nationwide expansion with the announcement of Amazon MX Player as the co-presenting partner for Anime India Kolkata. The partnership marks a significant step forward in the festival’s mission to deliver large-scale, accessible, and fan-first anime experiences across the country.
Scheduled for 14 and 15 February 2026 at the iconic Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, Anime India Kolkata will launch the first regional chapter of what is set to be a year-long, multi-city tour. As the curtain-raiser for the 2026 circuit, the Kolkata edition aims to fuse the energy of global Japanese pop culture with India’s fast-growing community of anime, manga, and pop-culture fans.
A household name in digital entertainment, Amazon MX Player brings unmatched reach and cultural relevance to the Anime India platform. With its expanding focus on anime and youth-driven content, Amazon MX Player’s involvement as co-presenting partner reinforces Anime India’s vision of making anime culture more inclusive breaking barriers of language, geography, and accessibility to connect with fans nationwide.
Anime India Kolkata 2026 will showcase cosplay competitions, interactive zones led by the Indian Gunpla Community, India-39 Vocaloid Community, The Japan Curry, and Adda-o-Otaku by The Otaku Guild. Fans can join tournaments across fighting games, Pokémon VGC, and more. Acclaimed Japanese director Susumu Mitsunaka (Haikyu!!) will attend as guest of honour, appearing in panels and live sessions. Positioned as an immersive celebration of fan culture and industry collaboration, the Kolkata edition marks the beginning of Anime India’s nationwide expansion.
Sharing their perspective on the partnership, Amazon MX Player director Aruna Daryanani expressed, “Anime in India has evolved from a niche interest into a mainstream cultural movement, driven by an increasingly engaged and passionate fanbase. At Amazon MX Player, our focus is on expanding access by bringing anime to audiences across the country for free and in multiple local languages. Our association with Anime India reflects our commitment to supporting the growth of anime in India and deepening connections with fans, while continuing to build Amazon MX Player as a trusted destination for free, high-quality entertainment.”
“Anime India Kolkata is a celebration of how anime has grown beyond entertainment into a powerful cultural and creative force. By bringing fans, creators, and industry leaders onto one shared platform, the festival is helping define the future of pop culture in India,” said Anime India co-founder and director Neha Mehta.
The debut edition of Anime India 2025 in Mumbai attracted over 29,000 fans, quickly cementing its status as a landmark celebration of anime and Japanese pop culture. Riding on this overwhelming response, the Kolkata chapter is projected to draw more than 40,000 visitors across two days, positioning it as one of the biggest anime conventions ever held in eastern India.
Anime India is focused on bringing together fans from across the country to create a truly pan-India celebration of anime, manga, cosplay, gaming, and Japanese culture. With plans to expand into four key metropolitan hubs in 2026—east (Kolkata), north (Delhi), west (Mumbai), and south (Hyderabad)—the festival seeks to deliver globally benchmarked experiences while supporting and uplifting creators, artists, and fan communities throughout India.
