Author: Akancha Mishra

Akancha has been a journalist for about twenty years, and she has a Bachelor of Arts in English Honors and a Master's Degree in Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. She and her husband and children Supriya and Alok currently call New York City home.

Maruti Suzuki Expands Renewable Energy Investment Plans

Maruti Suzuki India has unveiled an ambitious plan to strengthen its renewable energy infrastructure, committing approximately $97 million in investments through fiscal year 2031. The initiative is designed to accelerate the company’s transition toward cleaner energy sources while supporting sustainable growth across its expanding manufacturing network. A key objective of the program is to significantly increase solar power generation capacity, which is expected to reach 319 MWp by FY31. This expansion represents a major step in the automaker’s effort to integrate renewable energy into its operations and reduce reliance on conventional electricity sources. As part of the ongoing rollout, Maruti…

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Morocco Courts India for Expanded Economic Partnership

Morocco is stepping up efforts to strengthen its economic relationship with India by presenting itself as an ideal entry point for Indian businesses seeking opportunities across Europe and Africa. Leveraging its strategic geographic location and expanding industrial capabilities, the North African nation is encouraging Indian companies to explore partnerships in a variety of sectors, including defence, automotive manufacturing, aerospace, renewable technologies, and logistics. The growing momentum in bilateral ties reflects a broader commitment from both countries to enhance cooperation beyond traditional trade relationships. In recent months, senior officials from India and Morocco have engaged in several high-level discussions aimed at…

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U.S. AI firm grants India access to cyber model

India has been included among a select group of countries granted access to Claude Mythos Preview, a specialized artificial intelligence model developed by U.S.-based company Anthropic for advanced cybersecurity applications. The model is part of the company’s broader initiative aimed at strengthening digital security across critical infrastructure systems worldwide. Access to the model is being provided through Project Glasswing, Anthropic’s dedicated cybersecurity program. The initiative currently involves around 150 organizations across more than 15 countries and is focused on entities that operate essential infrastructure or provide services used by large populations. India joins a group that also includes countries such…

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India, UK Launch Critical Minerals Supply Chain Hub

India and the United Kingdom have jointly launched the Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory (GCSO), marking a major step forward in bilateral cooperation aimed at strengthening supply chain resilience and securing access to strategic resources essential for future industries. The initiative reflects the growing partnership between the two countries in the critical minerals sector, which has become increasingly important for clean energy transitions, advanced manufacturing, electric mobility, and emerging technologies. The observatory is designed to provide data-driven insights and intelligence to support informed policymaking and long-term supply chain security. Speaking at the launch, Union Minister for Coal and Mines…

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US, India Advance Private-Led Nuclear Energy Partnership

The United States and India are working to deepen their civil nuclear partnership, with both countries increasingly emphasizing the role of private industry in supporting future energy needs. The initiative comes as India experiences growing electricity demand driven by economic expansion, technological development, and industrial growth. Speaking at the Vision India 2047 CITI 2026 event in Mumbai, US Ambassador Sergio Gor highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration in the civil nuclear sector. He described nuclear energy as one of the most promising areas for long-term cooperation between the two nations and said efforts are underway to elevate the partnership to…

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New York Senate adopts Aug. 15 as India Independence Day

The New York State Senate has adopted Resolution J1935, urging the Governor to officially proclaim August 15, 2026, as India Independence Day across the state. The move highlights New York’s recognition of India’s historical legacy while honoring the significant contributions of the Indian-American community to the state and the nation. During the Senate proceedings in Albany, lawmakers praised India’s rich civilizational heritage, democratic traditions, and the enduring influence of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy. Several senators also emphasized the growing role of Indian Americans in shaping New York’s economic, cultural, educational, and civic landscape. The resolution received sponsorship from State Senator Jeremy…

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PM Modi meets Nepal RSP chief, seeks closer ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chairman Rabi Lamichhane in New Delhi, where discussions centered on strengthening India-Nepal relations and expanding cooperation for shared regional growth. The meeting highlighted mutual interest in deepening engagement between the two neighboring countries. In a statement shared on X, Prime Minister Modi expressed satisfaction at meeting Lamichhane and welcomed his commitment to working closely with India. He emphasized that India values Nepal as a key partner under its Neighbourhood First policy, which prioritizes strong diplomatic and developmental ties with surrounding nations. Modi further noted that both sides share a vision of…

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India UPI Payments Hit Record Growth Milestone May

India’s digital payment ecosystem achieved a major milestone in May 2026 as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded its highest-ever monthly transaction value. The system processed transactions worth approximately US$ 312.21 billion, marking a significant jump in the country’s rapidly evolving cashless economy. According to data released by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the total transaction value grew by around 19% year-on-year and approximately 3% compared to the previous month. This steady upward movement reflects the continued expansion of digital financial services and increasing reliance on instant payment systems across both urban and rural regions. Transaction volumes also…

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ISRO Targets First Gaganyaan Test Flight This Year

India’s space agency is making significant progress toward the country’s first human spaceflight program, with preparations underway for the inaugural unmanned Gaganyaan mission expected to be launched before the end of the year. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan stated that critical components required for the mission have already arrived at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, where the launch vehicle will be assembled and readied for flight. According to the chairman, the upcoming mission represents an important milestone in India’s efforts to send astronauts into space under the ambitious Gaganyaan program. The unmanned test flight is designed to validate key systems and…

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India-US semiconductor, AI ties enter industrial phase

The technology partnership between India and the United States is entering a new phase as both countries shift from strategic discussions to the implementation of major initiatives in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and critical minerals. Supported by the US-India TRUST Initiative and the PAX Silica Declaration, the collaboration is focused on creating secure technology supply chains, expanding research capabilities, and accelerating innovation across key industries. The foundation for this growing cooperation was established in February 2025 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump introduced the Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technologies (TRUST) initiative. The framework was designed to…

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