Author: Akancha Mishra

Indian solar manufacturers with significant exposure to the US market are likely to draw investor attention after Washington finalized steep anti-dumping and countervailing duties on solar cells and panels imported from India, Indonesia and Laos. The US Department of Commerce announced its final affirmative determinations on Friday following investigations into crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells. The agency concluded that producers and exporters in the three countries benefited from government subsidies and that their trade practices harmed the US solar manufacturing industry. For Indian producers, the Commerce Department established a final anti-dumping duty margin of 123.04%. It also imposed a 126.09% countervailing…

India is entering a new phase of industrial expansion, supported by strong domestic demand, increasing private-sector participation and sustained government policy measures, according to global investment bank Jefferies. The report identifies several emerging industries where policy initiatives and private investment are helping India strengthen its position in global manufacturing and technology. The space sector is among the areas seeing significant momentum after India opened the industry to greater private participation. Jefferies said the country has globally competitive capabilities and is targeting a space economy worth $40–45 billion by 2030. Companies including Skyroot, Pixxel and Agnikul are progressing toward commercial operations,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm wishes to citizens across the country on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, one of India’s most widely celebrated Hindu festivals. In his message, Modi highlighted the spiritual significance of the festival and expressed hope that the worship of Lord Ganesha would fill people’s lives with renewed strength, optimism and enthusiasm. Known as Vighnaharta, or the remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesha holds a special place in Indian traditions. Reflecting on this symbolism, the prime minister prayed that divine blessings would help people overcome difficulties and bring positive outcomes to their endeavors. He also linked the…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a key meeting in New Delhi ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit, reviewing bilateral cooperation and discussing major regional and global developments. The two leaders exchanged a warm embrace before beginning their discussions, marking their second meeting this year following their talks on the sidelines of the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek on August 31. During the meeting, Modi presented Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, the celebrated work of Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. The classical text includes extensive writings on agriculture and farmers. The discussions are…

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has expressed confidence in India’s ability to take on the challenges of building future space stations, while emphasizing that the next era of human spaceflight will depend heavily on technological innovation and international partnerships. Speaking during a Space Expo session focused on the future of exploration and scientific research, Williams reflected on her experience aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and discussed what astronauts may need as missions move farther from Earth. She said future stations should be equipped with technologies that allow crews to operate more independently rather than relying constantly on support teams on…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Prince Rahim Aga Khan V in New Delhi on Thursday during the Aga Khan Development Network chairman’s first visit to India since becoming the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. The meeting focused on the Aga Khan Development Network’s work in social development and heritage preservation, along with opportunities to expand cooperation in India and other countries. Jaishankar said the discussion covered the network’s impact in these areas and potential opportunities for further collaboration. Prince Rahim arrived in India on Wednesday for a seven-day visit at the invitation of Vice President C.P.…

India and the United States have largely completed negotiations on their proposed trade agreement, according to Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal. Speaking on the sidelines of the Global Fintech Fest 2026 on Wednesday, Agrawal said only a few matters remained under discussion and that the agreement would be signed when both governments consider the timing appropriate. The two countries are now focusing on creating a framework that provides preferential access to each other’s markets. India generally operates under most-favored-nation tariff principles, while the US has been using executive tariffs. This difference requires a structure that can establish specific tariff advantages and…

India is preparing to wrap up its 2026 chairship of BRICS with the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, scheduled to take place in New Delhi on September 12-13. India assumed the leadership of the grouping on January 1 and has centered its year-long agenda on the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The four priorities reflect India’s approach to making BRICS cooperation more practical and focused on the needs of people across emerging and developing economies. Resilience emphasizes stronger economic, social and institutional systems that can withstand global disruptions, including supply-chain shocks, public health challenges and climate-related risks. Innovation…

Indian space technology startup GalaxEye has achieved a major international milestone after securing a United States patent for the core technology behind its OptoSAR imaging system. The development strengthens the company’s intellectual property portfolio and highlights the growing presence of Indian private companies in advanced space and satellite technologies. The patented system is designed to bring together optical imaging and microwave-based Synthetic Aperture Radar, commonly known as SAR, in a synchronized manner. According to GalaxEye, the technology allows both types of sensors to operate in alignment while collecting information at the same time. This synchronized approach addresses a major technical…

Major religious and cultural celebrations, including Diwali and Eid al-Fitr, could receive greater consideration in California under a newly passed bill aimed at reducing conflicts between important observances and public or academic events. The proposal seeks to ensure that people are not unnecessarily forced to choose between participating in religious traditions and attending significant meetings, ceremonies, or educational activities. The California State Legislature has approved Assembly Bill 395, which asks state agencies and public higher education institutions to make reasonable efforts when scheduling important events. The legislation received unanimous bipartisan approval in both chambers on August 27 and is now…