Author: Akancha Mishra

The Indian and US armies have commenced the 16th edition of their joint Special Forces exercise, Vajra Prahar, at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. Scheduled from February 23 to March 15, 2026, the exercise is aimed at deepening defence cooperation, enhancing interoperability, and improving joint operational readiness between the two nations. According to the Indian Army, the exercise provides a platform for exchanging advanced special operations tactics, techniques, and procedures. The training involves realistic scenarios designed to build mutual trust and operational synergy. The previous edition in 2024 was held in Idaho, US, with 45 personnel…

India’s planned official visit to the United States has been postponed, according to a senior government official, as both countries assess the implications of a recent US Supreme Court decision. Authorities are reviewing the impact of the landmark ruling and will determine a mutually convenient date for the visit soon. The Supreme Court of the United States on Friday struck down President Donald Trump’s broad reciprocal tariff measures, ruling that the executive branch had overstepped its constitutional authority by using emergency powers to impose wide-ranging import duties. In a 6-3 decision, the judges concluded that Trump’s tariffs on numerous products…

Leading U.S. technology companies unveiled significant investments and partnerships in India during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, highlighting the importance of robust infrastructure, autonomy, and broad access across the AI ecosystem. The summit brought together global leaders and ministerial delegations to discuss AI’s economic and societal influence. Google and Nvidia announced India-specific initiatives, while executives from OpenAI, Microsoft, FedEx, and Khosla Ventures shared strategies for AI deployment, governance, and inclusive growth. Google revealed plans to construct new subsea cable links connecting India directly to Singapore, South Africa, and Australia, enhancing digital connectivity as computing demands rise. This builds on…

In a decisive shift in maritime enforcement, India’s Coast Guard has seized three oil tankers sanctioned by the United States, alleging their involvement in illicit ship-to-ship transfers of restricted petroleum cargo. The move marks India’s first direct operational action aligning with U.S. sanctions enforcement, signaling a notable evolution in bilateral strategic cooperation. The vessels — Al Jafzia, Asphalt Star, and Stellar Ruby — had been blacklisted by the U.S. Treasury for allegedly transporting Iranian oil under deceptive ownership structures and false flags. Such tactics are common within the so-called “shadow fleet,” a network of aging tankers that obscure cargo origins…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi to discuss ways to deepen bilateral collaboration, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the leaders reflected on the long-standing ties between India and the UAE, expressed satisfaction over progress in multiple sectors, and explored new avenues for AI cooperation. Sheikh Khaled, attending on behalf of the UAE President, arrived in New Delhi late Wednesday and was welcomed by Union Minister of…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Wednesday during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where the two discussed expanding artificial intelligence collaboration and creating opportunities for Indian students and professionals. The interaction took place on the sidelines of the five-day summit being held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to February 20. Sharing details of the meeting, Modi said they discussed India’s ongoing AI initiatives and explored ways Google could partner with the country’s skilled youth in advancing innovation. The Prime Minister highlighted India’s growing AI ecosystem and emphasized the importance of industry collaboration in nurturing…

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…