Author: Akancha Mishra

India has achieved a historic milestone in its trade relations with the United States by signing an interim trade agreement that opens preferential access to a US$30 trillion market for Indian exporters. The announcement, made by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, establishes a framework that significantly reduces the maximum US tariff from 50% to a standard rate of 18%, applied reciprocally. Existing tariffs on goods from other nations are also being adjusted, making Indian products more competitive globally. Comparatively, India’s new average tariff rate is now lower than that of China (35%), Vietnam (20%), and Bangladesh (20%). Prime Minister…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 aired today, bringing together students, teachers, and parents across India. The session, a signature annual interaction, focused on empowering young learners to balance academic preparation with personal growth and self-discovery. PM Modi urged students to study beyond the syllabus and encouraged teachers to extend learning beyond textbooks. Highlighting the importance of dreaming, he stated that limiting one’s ambitions is akin to a personal crime. Addressing the influence of the digital world, Modi cautioned against excessive screen time and mindless scrolling, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between online engagement and…

India’s services sector maintained robust momentum in January, driven by strong domestic and regional demand, according to the latest HSBC India Services Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) data. The January reading rose to 58.5 from 58.0 in December, marking the 54th consecutive month of expansion and highlighting the continued strength of the services-driven engine of economic growth. Growth in new business accelerated at the fastest pace since November, supported by higher orders from South and Southeast Asian markets. Companies reported that increased online presence and proactive marketing campaigns played a key role in attracting new business, while export orders also showed…

Uber has announced the appointment of Balaji Krishnamurthy as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective February 16, 2026, following the resignation of current CFO Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah. Mahendra-Rajah will continue with the company as a senior finance advisor to CEO Dara Khosrowshahi until July 1, 2026. Krishnamurthy, 41, has been with Uber since 2019, serving in multiple leadership roles, including Vice President of Strategic Finance since 2023 and previously as Head of Investor Relations from 2020 to 2023. A graduate of Manipal Institute of Technology, he holds an MBA from the Management Development Institute, Gurgaon, and completed an exchange program at…

Willow by Cricbuzz announced on February 6 that it will stream Team USA matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup free of charge on YouTube, marking a first for viewers in the United States and Canada. The tournament runs from February 7 to March 8, with coverage kicking off at 8:30 a.m. ET on February 7 for the USA vs. India match. In addition to YouTube, the matches will also be accessible at no cost on Willow and Cricbuzz platforms. To enhance the viewing experience, Willow has partnered with Jomboy Media to produce an alternate, creator-led telecast for select…

Veerabhadran Ramanathan, distinguished professor emeritus at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Crafoord Prize in Geosciences for his groundbreaking research on atmospheric aerosols and climate pollutants. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences praised his work for establishing a fundamental understanding of how minute particles and gases in the atmosphere drive climate change, significantly advancing knowledge of Earth’s energy balance and global warming. Ramanathan expressed that he was “speechless and humbled” by the recognition, noting that receiving an award from the same academy that presents the Nobel Prize highlights the credibility of…

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has strongly endorsed the newly announced US–India trade agreement, describing it as a major economic and strategic win for both countries. Speaking after discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, Jaishankar said the pact would create millions of dollars in economic value, generate new employment, and accelerate innovation across key industries. He emphasised that the deal would further strengthen India’s “Make in India” initiative by encouraging greater investment, manufacturing activity, and collaboration in trusted technologies. The minister, who arrived in New York for a three-day official visit to attend the…

India has taken a significant step in strengthening spiritual and cultural ties with Sri Lanka as the sacred Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha embark on their first-ever international exposition. The initiative reflects India’s growing emphasis on Buddhist diplomacy and its role as a custodian of shared civilisational heritage. The revered relics will be enshrined at Colombo’s Gangaramaya Temple, offering devotees, monks and international pilgrims a rare opportunity for public veneration. The exposition is expected to draw large numbers, highlighting the enduring spiritual bonds that connect India with the Buddhist world. The outreach follows India’s broader efforts to deepen cultural engagement…

Leading US-India business organisations have welcomed India’s Union Budget 2026–27, stating it reinforces strong economic growth, fiscal responsibility, and India’s position as a key US economic partner amid global uncertainty. The US-India Business Council (USIBC) and the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) highlighted that the budget strengthens bilateral commercial and strategic ties while underlining India’s commitment to resilience and global competitiveness. The councils noted that continued growth, disciplined fiscal management, and public investment send a strong signal to international investors, positioning India as one of the fastest-growing major economies and a critical partner for the United States. USIBC President Atul…

Foreign ministers from several Arab nations have arrived in India to participate in the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, marking a significant step in strengthening India’s engagement with the Arab world. Senior representatives from Libya, Somalia, Comoros, Palestine, Sudan and other Arab nations are attending the high-level dialogue, alongside the Secretary General of the League of Arab States. The gathering reflects the growing importance of structured political engagement between India and Arab countries across multiple sectors. The meeting aims to build on existing cooperation and expand collaboration in priority areas including economy, energy, education, media and culture. Leaders are expected…