India has formally taken its first step towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which includes Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and the Kyrgyz Republic. On August 20, 2025, both parties signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) to initiate negotiations, according to an official statement from the Indian government.

The signing ceremony featured Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary in India’s Department of Commerce, and Mikhail Cherekaev, Deputy Director of the Trade Policy Department at the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC). This development comes at a time when India faces mounting pressure from the United States, which has imposed additional tariffs on Indian imports while urging New Delhi to scale back economic cooperation with Moscow.

Despite these external challenges, trade between India and the EAEU has been steadily expanding. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $69 billion, reflecting a 7% increase compared to the previous year. The growth underscores the deepening economic relationship between India and the bloc, driven primarily by energy supplies, manufactured goods, and emerging sectors.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry emphasized that the combined GDP of the EAEU stands at nearly $6.5 trillion, making the proposed FTA highly significant. Officials expect the agreement to open wider market access for Indian exporters, foster diversification into new sectors, and strengthen competitiveness against non-market economies. The initiative is also anticipated to deliver meaningful benefits to India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), providing them with new opportunities in Eurasian markets.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to concluding the FTA at the earliest and establishing a robust institutional framework for long-term trade cooperation. If successful, the agreement could mark a pivotal shift in India’s trade strategy, balancing Western pressure with stronger ties to Eurasian economies.

India’s renewable energy landscape has seen a monumental transformation in June 2025, with a 420% year-over-year increase in capacity additions. According to Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Mr. Pralhad Joshi, the nation’s clean energy installations surged from 1.4 gigawatts (GW) in June 2024 to 7.3 GW this year. Speaking at the IVCA Renewable Energy Summit in Mumbai, he emphasized this achievement as a milestone in India’s journey toward green energy leadership.

A standout success in this transition is India’s solar power sector, which expanded an extraordinary 4,000% since its early days. Solar capacity has skyrocketed from just 2.82 GW to a massive 117 GW in 2025. Wind energy is also seeing significant momentum, growing 140% to reach 51.7 GW compared to 21 GW a few years ago.

One of the most notable shifts is in solar pricing. Over the last decade, solar tariffs have dropped dramatically by 80%. In 2010-11, solar energy cost $0.13 per unit, but by 2025, this figure has fallen to just $0.025 per unit. With solar combined with battery storage now cheaper than thermal power, renewable energy has officially become the most economical option for electricity generation in India.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in clean energy is fueling this rapid growth. In 2023 alone, India secured $4.88 billion in renewable energy investments, contributing to a total of $18.60 billion since 2020. The first quarter of 2025 witnessed an even steeper climb, with green energy investments reaching $9.8 billion—a 7.7 times increase compared to the same period last year.

Mr. Joshi also highlighted India’s largest waste-to-energy plant in Ahmedabad as a beacon of sustainable development. This facility processes 1,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, converting it into electricity—a model of how environmental initiatives can drive urban transformation.

With 83% of 2024’s power sector investments focused on renewable projects, the minister called on global investors to continue backing India’s clean energy revolution. He stressed that this sector not only benefits the environment but also provides growth opportunities for farmers, communities, and urban areas alike, making it a win-win for both the planet and the economy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit China next month to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, according to a report by the

The SCO summit will take place in Tianjin on August 31 and September 1. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi confirmed that the gathering will include leaders from over 20 countries and representatives of 10 international organizations. Russian President Vladimir Putin and other heads of SCO member states are also expected to attend the summit.

A possible meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping is being closely watched. Their last face-to-face interaction took place during the BRICS summit in Russia in October 2024. Although there is no official confirmation of Modi’s visit yet, diplomatic sources suggest that efforts are underway to prepare for high-level talks.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent visit to China is seen as a key step in setting the stage for Modi’s anticipated trip. On July 16, Jaishankar, along with other SCO foreign ministers, met President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Jaishankar conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, while updating Xi on recent developments in India-China relations.

During his Beijing visit, Jaishankar also held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a forward-looking approach to bilateral ties and recommended reducing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Jaishankar highlighted the progress made in normalizing ties over the past nine months but stressed the need to avoid trade restrictions and border escalations.

The 2020 Galwan Valley incident was the worst India-China border clash in over four decades, leading to soldier casualties on both sides. Since then, both countries have been working to mend ties, including reviving the Special Representatives dialogue and resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after nearly five years.

In addition to China, Prime Minister Modi is also expected to travel to Japan in late August to meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This would be his first Japan visit since attending the G7 summit in Hiroshima in May 2023.

In a major development offering hope to international students, a federal court in Georgia has issued a temporary order restoring SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records for 133 students, most of whom are Indian nationals. This came after their records were unexpectedly revoked and their student visas invalidated by the US Department of State and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

These students pursued legal action, challenging the Trump administration’s crackdown, which they argue unjustly stripped them of legal status by deleting them from the SEVIS database—a system that allows educational institutions to report foreign student data to the government. As per CNN, the legal team acknowledged that while a few students had past interactions with law enforcement, none had criminal convictions.

On April 18, the court issued a temporary restraining order directing that the students’ status be reinstated by April 22. Attorney Charles Kuck confirmed that all impacted students can now resume their studies or join the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program to gain work experience in the U.S.

The Trump administration has faced criticism for targeting thousands of international students, particularly those from India, under seemingly minor infractions. According to the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), around 4,736 international students have had their SEVIS records revoked by ICE since January 20, 2025. This includes students from China, Nepal, South Korea, and Bangladesh, though the majority are Indian.

Out of 327 individual cases reviewed by AILA, it was revealed that most Indian students were F-1 visa holders currently engaged in OPT—typically in STEM-related fields. The Trump administration reportedly used reasons such as minor traffic violations and technical breaches of university rules to justify these actions.

As the court proceedings continue, the next hearing is expected shortly, with the focus now on ensuring due process and protecting the rights of international students navigating complex immigration rules.

Preserving the grandeur of centuries-old structures while resolving modern structural issues remains a tough balancing act—especially when the monument in question is the revered Srikalahastheeswara Swamy Devasthanam in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati district. The temple, dating back to the 11th century and associated with the Chola dynasty, has long struggled with water leakage from its expansive roof despite repeated concrete repairs.

The vast stone-and-brick roof, covering approximately 64,000 sq. ft. including sanctums of key deities, was originally constructed using traditional surkhi mortar—a mix of burnt clay and lime. Over time, rainwater began seeping through gaps in the stone joints and pillars. A 2009 chemical treatment failed to stop the damage, highlighting the need for a more thoughtful approach.

Turning to innovation with respect for tradition, the temple administration partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati (IIT-T). Led by director K.N. Satyanarayana, a team of engineers from IIT-T and IIT-Madras inspected the site and collected core samples from the structure. Lab analysis at IIT-Madras revealed multiple layers of brick and lime mortar beneath the surface. Incompatibility between the ancient lime-based materials and modern concrete overlays, especially with rusted mesh embedded in the top layer, had caused cracks and increased water seepage.

Focusing on a sustainable solution, the team piloted a restoration over the shrine of Goddess Gnana Prasunambika Devi. They removed the deteriorated concrete and proposed restoring the original brick jelly lime concrete (BJLC) using a traditional mix. This mixture—crafted from natural ingredients like jaggery, Kadukkai extract, Arabic tree gum, lady’s finger, urad dal, and jute—was chosen for its compatibility with the original materials and its proven durability.

By combining age-old knowledge with modern research, the project aims not just to stop the leaks, but to set a precedent for heritage restoration that respects the soul of ancient architecture.

 Gold prices in India soared to unprecedented levels on Tuesday, with 24-carat gold breaching the $1,200 per 10-gram mark for the very first time. According to the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA), the price surged by nearly $40 in just 24 hours, jumping from roughly $1,160 to $1,200 per 10 grams.

Other purities of gold followed the same trend. Rates for 22-carat gold reached $1,170, 20-carat climbed to $1,065, and 18-carat gold touched $970 per 10 grams. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), October futures even surpassed $1,205 before closing slightly lower, marking a sharp 2% rise in a single trading session.

Analysts point to a global wave of investor sentiment shifting toward gold as a reliable hedge against volatility. Colin Shah, Managing Director at Kama Jewellery, linked the surge to growing friction between former President Trump and US Fed Chair Jerome Powell over monetary policy decisions, particularly rate cuts.

The weakening US dollar, combined with recent tariff escalations on Chinese imports and speculation around Fed actions, has heightened market uncertainty. As interest rates drop, gold becomes a more attractive store of value due to its non-yielding nature.

Furthermore, central banks globally—especially in India and China—are aggressively expanding their gold reserves. This move, part of a broader ‘de-dollarisation’ effort, is designed to reduce dependency on the US dollar amid financial instability.

Shah also noted that seasonal demand around Indian festivals like Akshaya Tritiya typically drives domestic prices upward. However, the global factors at play currently have a more profound influence, keeping gold prices elevated.

With multiple macroeconomic pressures still unfolding, experts believe gold may remain at premium levels in the near term as investors seek safer investment avenues.

Speaking at the 17th Civil Services Day in Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday emphasised the pivotal role of civil servants in shaping the future of a developed India. He called upon the country’s bureaucrats to adopt the mantra of

The Prime Minister highlighted that the last decade has seen India undergo transformative changes across multiple sectors, laying a robust foundation for the grand ambition of Viksit Bharat by 2047. However, he acknowledged that the journey ahead is not without challenges. With India now being the world’s most populous nation, ensuring that every citizen has access to essential services and infrastructure is more crucial than ever. He urged administrators to prioritise the needs of the underserved and focus relentlessly on reaching the last mile.

Emphasising the need to balance technological progress with empathy, Modi urged civil servants to remember that human judgment cannot be replaced. “Hear the voices of the poor, feel their pain, and make solving their issues your topmost duty,” he advised, urging them to become active agents in building the India of tomorrow.

The Prime Minister also addressed the evolving nature of governance, stating that the performance of the current administration should not be measured by the benchmarks set by previous regimes. Instead, he encouraged setting fresh goals and measuring progress by how close the nation is to achieving its 2047 vision.

Turning attention to India’s global stature, Modi cited the G20 Presidency as a testament to India’s growing leadership. He pointed out the wide-ranging engagements held in over 60 cities, reflecting India’s inclusive and decentralised approach to diplomacy and governance.

He also spotlighted the role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups in propelling the Mission Manufacturing initiative. With the global market as their playground, he said, Indian entrepreneurs must be equipped to compete at an international level.

During the event, PM Modi also released e-Coffee Table Books showcasing innovations in public administration and recognised exemplary efforts by government bodies through the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has officially announced his visit to India later this year following a phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The tech mogul expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to speak with PM Modi, describing it as an “honor” and sharing his enthusiasm about exploring collaboration opportunities between India and the United States.
Their call revisited discussions from PM Modi’s Washington visit earlier this year, where both leaders spoke about the potential for advancing joint efforts in space, electric mobility, and innovation. Musk expressed that speaking with Prime Minister Modi was an honour and mentioned his enthusiasm about an upcoming visit to India later this year in a post on X.
PM Modi, in a post following the call, highlighted that the dialogue covered wide-ranging topics including bilateral technology partnerships. “India remains committed to advancing our partnerships with the US in these domains,” he said.
Musk’s upcoming visit to India coincides with a pivotal moment, as the country strengthens its position as a key player in the global tech landscape, particularly amid the ongoing US-China trade tensions. With Tesla set to launch sales in India by the third quarter of 2025, the move signals a major milestone in the company’s global growth plans and aligns with Musk’s broader business ambitions. Reports indicate that Tesla has rented a space in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, scouted additional locations in Delhi and Mumbai, and is in the process of hiring staff for showrooms and vehicle delivery operations.
In parallel, Musk’s satellite internet venture Starlink is navigating India’s regulatory landscape, aiming for clearance to operate commercially. The company’s leadership recently met with Union Minister Piyush Goyal in Delhi to discuss investment opportunities and address pending security concerns. India’s status as a global leader in internet consumption makes it a lucrative target for Starlink’s growth.
The Modi-Musk relationship also holds a personal dimension. During Modi’s US visit earlier this year, he met Musk’s children—Lil X, Azure, and Strider—accompanied by Musk’s partner Shivon Zilis. Modi gifted the children three books: “The Crescent Moon” by Rabindranath Tagore, “The Great RK Narayan Collection,” and “Panchatantra” by Pandit Vishnu Sharma. The PM later shared images of the children reading the books, calling it a “delightful” exchange.
Musk’s upcoming India trip is expected to solidify Tesla and Starlink’s footprint in the country while marking a significant milestone in India-US tech diplomacy. It also coincides with broader bilateral efforts, including a potential trade deal designed to enhance cooperation in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and innovation-driven growth.

Kamala Harris, former U.S. Vice President and the Democratic nominee in the 2024 election, is set to headline a major Democratic National Committee fundraiser next month in New York, marking a significant step in her political re-engagement following last year’s electoral loss.

The event, scheduled for May 6, will feature a discussion between Harris and DNC Chair Ken Martin, according to an invitation obtained by The New York Times. Ticket tiers begin at $25,000, designated as “building the opposition,” while a higher level of $44,300 is referred to as “fighting for the future.”

Harris’s involvement in the fundraiser marks her steady return to public political life, coming five months after her abbreviated general election campaign ended in a loss to former President Donald Trump.

As she considers her next move, sources close to Harris suggest she is leaning toward a gubernatorial run in California in 2026. However, she has reportedly expressed that she would only pursue either a presidential bid in 2028 or a campaign for governor, not both.

While Harris has kept a relatively low profile since the election, other prominent Democrats—such as her former running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz—have been actively appearing at public events and conservative-leaning venues. Meanwhile, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is also slated to speak at a key Democratic gathering in New Hampshire this month.

The May 6 fundraiser represents a notable return for Harris and may be the first of several high-profile appearances as Democrats position themselves for future leadership in the post-2024 political landscape.