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.
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.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has written a personal letter to jailed activist Umar Khalid, urging him not to let 'bitterness consume' him. The letter, shared by Khalid’s partner, comes as Mamdani takes office as the city’s first Muslim mayor. Additionally, eight US lawmakers have written to the Indian Ambassador seeking bail for Khalid, citing concerns over his prolonged detention under the UAPA. The report highlights the sharp political divide in India, with the Congress welcoming the international attention while the BJP and VHP condemn it as foreign interference in India's internal legal processes. Khalid was recently granted interim bail for his sister's wedding.
The big focus of this episode of India First is on political controversy after Shah Rukh Khan’s Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) purchased Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.2 crore in the IPL 2026 auction.
Lab tests have confirmed now that contaminated water was the reason behind the Indore water tragedy.
Rama Duwaji’s fashion choices have always been under the spotlight, and this time for her boots.
From the quiet subway oath to the public ceremony, Rama Duwaji never left Zohran Mamdani's side.
In a move sparking a political storm, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has written a personal letter to jailed activist Umar Khalid, saying 'I think of your words on bitterness often'. The letter, surfacing after eight US lawmakers urged a fair trial for Khalid, was welcomed by Congress leader Udit Raj but slammed by the VHP as 'selective outrage'. India Today Global Editor Pranay Upadhyaya analyses the impact of this 'running commentary' on India's judicial process, noting that while the Supreme Court is seized of the bail plea, such international interventions are seen by many as lobbying.
In a historic ceremony at the Old City Hall subway station, Zohran Mamdani has been sworn in as the 112th Mayor of New York City. The 34-year-old democratic socialist, son of filmmaker Mira Nair, took his oath on the Quran, becoming the first Muslim and first Africa-born leader of America’s largest city. The report details his upset victory over heavyweight Andrew Cuomo and his 'unapologetically progressive' platform, which includes freezing rent hikes, launching city-owned grocery stores, and making public transportation free. Mamdani, who criticized predecessor Eric Adams for sidelining the working class, was administered the oath by Attorney General Letitia James.
New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani has sparked a political storm in India after writing a personal letter to jailed activist Umar Khalid. The letter, in which Mamdani recalls Khalid's words on bitterness, surfaced alongside an appeal by eight US lawmakers urging the Indian Ambassador to ensure a fair trial for Khalid. Congress leader Udit Raj welcomed the intervention, asserting that 'bail is the rule and jail the exception.' In contrast, the VHP slammed Mamdani, questioning his right to interfere in India's internal matters and alleging selective outreach. The report highlights the growing international attention on Khalid's prolonged detention.
In a historic milestone, Zohran Mamdani has been sworn in as New York City's first Muslim and Indian-origin mayor. The 34-year-old Democratic Socialist defeated Andrew Cuomo in a fierce contest, promising a 'transformative vision' for the city. Mamdani, the son of filmmaker Mira Nair, took his oath on the Quran. He has pledged to freeze rent hikes and make public transport free, criticizing predecessor Eric Adams for making the city 'more expensive.' The report highlights his rise from a Queens Assembly seat to leading America's largest city.
In a historic moment for New York City, Zohran Mamdani has been sworn in as the new Mayor. The Indian-origin Democrat took the oath of office on the Quran, becoming the first Muslim to lead America's largest city. Mamdani described the occasion as 'truly the honor and privilege of a lifetime'. The new Mayor stunned the political establishment by defeating heavyweight Andrew Cuomo in the race. The son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, his rise signals a significant generational and political shift at City Hall. The programme captures his oath-taking ceremony where he pledged to faithfully discharge his duties to the best of his ability.
Zohran Mamdani has been sworn in as New York City's new mayor in a historic midnight ceremony at a decommissioned Manhattan subway station. At 34, the Democratic Socialist is the city's first Muslim, South Asian, and Africa-born leader. Mamdani took the oath of office with his hand on a Quran, administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The transcript highlights his Indian roots as the son of filmmaker 'Neera Nair' and his focus on affordability amid high living costs. In his oath, Mamdani pledged to 'faithfully discharge the duties of the office of the mayor of the City of New York, according to the best of my ability.' The event marks a significant political development, with commentary noting the powerful messaging of his inauguration.
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has issued a video message urging immigrants to assert their rights during interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Following a recent ICE raid attempt on Canal Street in Manhattan, Mamdani advised New Yorkers that they have the right to remain silent and refuse entry to agents without a judicial warrant. In the video posted on social media, he stated: ‘As Mayor, I'll protect the rights of every single New Yorker, and that includes the more than 3 million immigrants who call the city their home.’ The Mayor-elect, set to be sworn in on January 1, emphasized that ICE agents are ‘legally allowed to lie’ and encouraged residents to film interactions without interfering.
