Author: Akancha Mishra

The World Bank has revised its projection for India’s economic growth in the current fiscal year, increasing it by 20 basis points to 6.5%. The global lender attributed this optimism to India’s position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, driven by rising consumer demand and policy reforms. In its latest South Asia Development Update for October, the World Bank emphasized that India’s sustained consumption growth continues to underpin its robust economic performance. The report also highlighted the government’s recent steps to simplify the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system — such as reducing the number of tax slabs and easing…

India and the European Union are moving closer to finalizing a long-awaited trade pact within the next three months, according to a recent report. The agreement, currently under negotiation, is expected to address crucial areas such as agriculture, sustainability, and market access. If concluded, it has the potential to transform the landscape of global commerce. Negotiators have reported a noticeable surge in momentum during the discussions. Much of this renewed energy has been attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff offensive, which has pushed both parties to accelerate their dialogue, according to an analysis published by OneWorldOutlook. The report emphasizes…

BHUBANESWAR: In a major step towards advancing India’s semiconductor ecosystem, the Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has approved the establishment of the ‘NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory’ at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar. The project, announced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on Sunday, carries an estimated cost of ₹4.95 crore, funded under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) Scheme. The initiative aims to empower India’s youth with industry-ready semiconductor skills while strengthening the country’s growing pool of chip design professionals. According to the ministry, the NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory will position…

 India’s women’s cricket team delivered a commanding performance against Pakistan, securing an 88-run victory in the 2025 Women’s World Cup on October 5. Batting first on a slow pitch, India faced initial struggles as several batters were unable to convert starts into substantial scores. Openers Pratika Rawal (31) and Smriti Mandhana (23) provided a steady platform, while Harleen Deol played a composed 46. Late contributions from Jemimah Rodrigues (32) and a quickfire 35 not out by Richa Ghosh propelled India to a competitive total of 247 runs. Chasing 248, Pakistan stumbled early with a top-order collapse, losing three wickets for…

 India and China are set to resume direct flights between selected cities this month, ending a suspension that has lasted more than five years, according to India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The move is seen as a careful step toward easing tensions between the two nations, which have experienced strained relations following border clashes in 2020. Since 2020, no direct flights have operated between the two countries, despite China being India’s largest bilateral trade partner. The resumption of flights is expected to strengthen trade, tourism, and diplomatic connections. India’s largest airline, IndiGo, announced plans to start daily non-stop flights between…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are expected to possibly meet on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, scheduled for October 26–27, 2025. Malaysia has invited both leaders to attend, and if Trump confirms, it would be their first multilateral interaction since Washington imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods. India-US relations have faced strains following Trump’s tariffs, alongside his administration’s increasing engagement with Pakistan. Tensions intensified over India’s continued energy purchases from Russia, with Trump repeatedly warning that such imports undermine international efforts to pressure Moscow to end the war in Ukraine.…

 The India office of the Cranberry Institute (CI) has announced that internationally acclaimed Michelin-star chef, author, and philanthropist Vikas Khanna will serve as the brand ambassador for U.S. cranberries for the 2025–26 season. This partnership aims to showcase the superfruit’s nutritional value and culinary versatility on a global scale. Chef Khanna, celebrated for his commitment to wholesome ingredients and innovative culinary experiences, will lead campaigns promoting cranberries’ health benefits and diverse applications in various cuisines. As the face of the initiative, he will engage audiences in India and worldwide, highlighting the fruit’s relevance during health, nutrition, and festive conversations. Reflecting…

  India and Bhutan further consolidated their longstanding partnership as Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met his Bhutanese counterpart, Aum Pema Choden, in New Delhi for high-level consultations. Both sides reviewed the full breadth of bilateral engagement, highlighting significant progress across energy, infrastructure, and development cooperation. One of the most notable achievements was the commissioning of all six units of the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project, a key milestone under the India-Bhutan Joint Vision on Energy Partnership. This project underscores the shared ambition of both nations to strengthen clean energy collaboration and ensure mutual growth in the power sector. The consultations…

 BJP leaders across the country hailed India’s dramatic victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final, calling it not just a cricketing achievement but a symbolic triumph of national pride and defiance. Senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi described the win as a strong message to a nation that has long supported terrorism. “Our players not only dominated on the field but also gave a fitting response to Pakistan, which has become a supporter of terrorism. Today, this country is transformed. It is no longer a nation that tolerates terrorism while maintaining relations,” he said. India defeated Pakistan in…

 India is weighing the option of importing corn from the United States to boost ethanol production as part of ongoing trade negotiations with Washington. The discussions are intended to culminate in a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by the fall, focusing on mutual benefits and expanded economic cooperation. New Delhi is simultaneously pressing the US to lift the additional 25% tariffs imposed on Indian imports of Russian crude oil, which the US has argued indirectly supports the conflict in Ukraine. Officials indicate that fresh proposals, including discussions on US corn purchases for ethanol, have already been tabled, signalling progress in the…