Author: Akancha Mishra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Spanish President Pedro Sánchez on Wednesday at Hyderabad House for bilateral talks aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, economy, digital technology, innovation, healthcare, climate action, and education. The discussions coincided with the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, providing a strategic platform for technology-driven collaboration. President Sánchez, who arrived in India earlier in the day, was welcomed at the airport by Minister of State for Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Singh. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that the leaders explored a wide-ranging agenda to deepen the India–Spain partnership, including trade expansion, economic…

 The Indian retail market is projected to reach approximately US$ 237.6 billion (Rs. 21.5 lakh crore) by 2035, according to a report cited from the Economic Times. This growth is expected to be driven by rising consumer spending and the increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence throughout the retail supply chain. Shifts in consumer behaviour, higher income levels, and widespread digital adoption are transforming the retail landscape. AI-enabled solutions are expected to enhance inventory management, streamline operations, and deliver personalised shopping experiences, allowing retailers to engage more effectively with customers while improving operational efficiency. The report highlights that AI will play…

Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt recently revealed her keen interest in parenting literature, sharing a photo on Instagram of the book The Parent’s Tao Te Ching: Ancient Advice for Modern Parents by William Martin. She described the book as “obsessed,” highlighting her fascination with its insights into fostering meaningful conversations and connections between parents and children. Alia, married to actor Ranbir Kapoor, shares a daughter, Raha, with him. Their personal journey into parenthood has clearly influenced her growing curiosity about parenting philosophies and tools that blend age-old wisdom with contemporary challenges. In addition to her personal interests, Alia remains actively engaged…

The United States has announced its 15 player squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, with Indian origin wicketkeeper batsman Monank Patel appointed as captain. The tournament will begin on February 7 and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The American team is scheduled to face defending champions India in the opening match in Mumbai, a high profile clash expected to draw global attention. A significant portion of the squad remains unchanged from the previous T20 World Cup held in the Americas. Ten of the 15 selected players were part of that campaign, underlining the management’s confidence in…

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will undertake a State Visit to India next week at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking another significant step in strengthening the India–Brazil Strategic Partnership. During his visit, President Lula will attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where global leaders, policymakers and technology stakeholders are expected to deliberate on emerging trends in artificial intelligence and its global implications. The main bilateral engagement of the visit will include delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Modi and President Lula. The discussions are expected to review the entire spectrum of India–Brazil relations and…

 US lawmakers have called on the State Department to make the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, available for congressional testimony, highlighting the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship and seeking greater oversight. During a House subcommittee hearing on South and Central Asia, Democratic Ranking Member Sydney Kamlager-Dove asked Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur if he would coordinate with Congress to bring Ambassador Gor before the committee. Kamlager-Dove stressed that, given India’s strategic significance in the Indo-Pacific, it would be essential for Gor to answer questions regarding US priorities and policies in the…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep shock over the deadly shooting incident at a school in Canada’s British Columbia, extending condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery to those injured. In a message shared on social media, the Prime Minister described the incident as horrendous and conveyed India’s solidarity with the people of Canada during what he termed a moment of profound grief. He offered heartfelt sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones and expressed hope for the swift recovery of the injured. The tragic incident resulted in multiple fatalities after a…

 The Council for Leather Exports (CLE) has welcomed the newly signed India-US trade agreement, describing it as a landmark development that promises significant benefits for India’s leather, footwear, and leather products industries. The council highlighted that the deal is mutually advantageous, as it offers more liberalized trade conditions, including reduced tariffs and fewer barriers, fostering stronger commercial ties between the two countries. CLE noted that the United States remains the largest consumer of Indian leather products, accounting for roughly a quarter of India’s total leather exports. With the new agreement easing longstanding tariff and non-tariff restrictions, Indian leather goods are…

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…