Author: Akancha Mishra

India and the United States have largely completed negotiations on their proposed trade agreement, according to Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal. Speaking on the sidelines of the Global Fintech Fest 2026 on Wednesday, Agrawal said only a few matters remained under discussion and that the agreement would be signed when both governments consider the timing appropriate. The two countries are now focusing on creating a framework that provides preferential access to each other’s markets. India generally operates under most-favored-nation tariff principles, while the US has been using executive tariffs. This difference requires a structure that can establish specific tariff advantages and…

India is preparing to wrap up its 2026 chairship of BRICS with the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, scheduled to take place in New Delhi on September 12-13. India assumed the leadership of the grouping on January 1 and has centered its year-long agenda on the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The four priorities reflect India’s approach to making BRICS cooperation more practical and focused on the needs of people across emerging and developing economies. Resilience emphasizes stronger economic, social and institutional systems that can withstand global disruptions, including supply-chain shocks, public health challenges and climate-related risks. Innovation…

Indian space technology startup GalaxEye has achieved a major international milestone after securing a United States patent for the core technology behind its OptoSAR imaging system. The development strengthens the company’s intellectual property portfolio and highlights the growing presence of Indian private companies in advanced space and satellite technologies. The patented system is designed to bring together optical imaging and microwave-based Synthetic Aperture Radar, commonly known as SAR, in a synchronized manner. According to GalaxEye, the technology allows both types of sensors to operate in alignment while collecting information at the same time. This synchronized approach addresses a major technical…

Major religious and cultural celebrations, including Diwali and Eid al-Fitr, could receive greater consideration in California under a newly passed bill aimed at reducing conflicts between important observances and public or academic events. The proposal seeks to ensure that people are not unnecessarily forced to choose between participating in religious traditions and attending significant meetings, ceremonies, or educational activities. The California State Legislature has approved Assembly Bill 395, which asks state agencies and public higher education institutions to make reasonable efforts when scheduling important events. The legislation received unanimous bipartisan approval in both chambers on August 27 and is now…

Mayo Clinic’s Gastroenterology and Hepatology department has welcomed Dr. Misha Gautam as its newest fellow, marking an important step forward in her medical training and professional career. She joins one of the country’s leading medical institutions to pursue advanced training in the specialized fields of gastroenterology and hepatology. Dr. Gautam chose Mayo Clinic because of its strong reputation for medical education, collaborative working environment and commitment to patient-centered care. She said the institution offers an ideal setting to further develop her clinical knowledge and professional skills while becoming part of a supportive medical community. The fellowship will provide Dr. Gautam…

The Indo-American Arts Council is set to bring a major celebration of Indian performing arts to New York City with the 18th annual Erasing Borders Dance Festival. The two-day event will take place on September 19 and 20, 2026, at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, showcasing artists representing some of India’s most celebrated classical and contemporary dance traditions. Widely regarded as one of New York’s leading festivals dedicated to Indian dance, Erasing Borders creates a platform for internationally recognized performers and artists from the Indian American and South Asian diaspora. The program will feature performances inspired by Bharatanatyam, Kathak,…

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India is prepared to move ahead with a bilateral trade agreement with the United States once Washington offers Indian exporters a tariff advantage over competing countries. Speaking at a national workshop focused on helping businesses make better use of free trade agreements, Goyal said the remaining details of the India-US trade arrangement could be finalized once the United States provides preferential tariff treatment that gives Indian products a stronger competitive position in the American market. According to the minister, India has successfully secured favorable outcomes in the nine free trade agreements completed so…

India’s e-commerce industry is expected to experience significant growth over the next several years, with the market projected to expand to approximately $345 billion by 2030. The growth will likely be fueled by the rapid rise of quick commerce, increasing use of artificial intelligence and changing shopping habits among India’s expanding digital consumer base. According to Infisum’s Smart Growth in a Fast Market report, India’s online retail market could nearly triple in value from $125 billion in 2024. The sector is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 18.4 percent through the end of the decade, highlighting…

Janmashtami, the festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, will be observed according to different traditions in 2026. Ashtami, the eighth lunar day associated with Krishna’s birth, begins at 2:25 AM on September 4 and ends at 12:13 AM on September 5. Because the lunar period crosses two calendar dates, Smarta devotees generally observe the fast on September 4, while many Vaishnava communities and ISKCON followers observe Janmashtami on September 5. For devotees observing a fast, the day generally begins with a light meal before sunrise. Those who are not following a strict waterless fast can choose simple foods such…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held separate discussions with the Presidents of Laos and Tajikistan during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, underlining India’s interest in expanding its partnerships with both countries. The meetings focused on strengthening bilateral engagement and exploring opportunities for cooperation across a range of sectors. During his meeting with Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith, Modi discussed ways to deepen the relationship between India and Laos. The two leaders exchanged views on strengthening connections between their nations, with the Indian Prime Minister describing the conversation as a productive opportunity to advance bilateral engagement. Modi also met Tajikistan President…