Author: Bhakti Narayanan

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the success of the Union Budget should be measured by tangible outcomes, including enhanced infrastructure, smoother credit access, improved ease of doing business, and increased transparency in governance. He stressed that the budget must also focus on simplifying citizens’ lives and creating new opportunities for them. Speaking at the first post-budget webinar of the 2026-27 series, PM Modi described the national budget as a long-term policy roadmap rather than a short-term fiscal document. He highlighted that budgets should not be treated as isolated events, but as part of a continuous nation-building journey aimed at…

India and Bhutan have agreed to further strengthen collaboration on trans-boundary rivers and hydropower projects during a high-level official meeting in Thimphu. The discussions aimed to review ongoing activities of the Punatsangchhu-I Hydro Electric Project and explore additional avenues for bilateral cooperation. The Indian delegation was led by V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. It included officials from the ministry, representatives from the governments of Assam and West Bengal, and executives from WAPCOS Ltd. The visit took place from February 24-27. During the Secretary-level bilateral meeting,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Israel’s President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem, holding wide-ranging discussions aimed at further strengthening cooperation across key sectors including education, startups, innovation, technology and connectivity. The meeting underscored the growing warmth and strategic depth of India-Israel relations. Both leaders reviewed the progress achieved in recent years and explored new avenues to expand collaboration, particularly in areas driven by knowledge, innovation and people-to-people engagement. Prime Minister Modi thanked President Herzog for his consistent support in strengthening the special partnership between the two countries. In a symbolic gesture reflecting India’s emphasis on environmental consciousness, the Prime Minister…

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has achieved a major digital milestone, becoming the first world leader and politician to surpass 100 million followers on Instagram. Since joining the platform in 2014, Modi’s account has grown steadily, establishing itself as one of the most engaged and influential political profiles globally. Through Instagram, Modi shares glimpses of official visits, public outreach events, international engagements, cultural moments, and personal reflections. This approach has helped him connect with a diverse, worldwide audience, particularly resonating with younger demographics. Observers note that the Prime Minister’s Instagram presence highlights the evolving nature of political communication in the digital…

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday underscored the significant role of AYUSH systems in enhancing public health during her address at the National Arogya Fair in Shegaon, Buldhana district. She emphasised that traditional practices such as Yoga, Ayurveda, and Siddha have been supporting human health since the early days of modern medicine and continue to play a vital role in maintaining well-being. According to the President, healthy citizens are essential for a strong and thriving nation. Highlighting the economic and environmental dimensions, she pointed out that India’s farms, kitchens, and forests contain an invaluable collection of medicinal plants and herbs. Promoting…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tel Aviv on February 25, 2026, beginning a two-day State Visit to Israel marked by both diplomatic warmth and political debate back home. Upon landing, he was greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and accorded a ceremonial red carpet welcome, underscoring the importance Israel attaches to the visit. This is Modi’s second trip to Israel, following his landmark 2017 visit that reshaped bilateral engagement. Shortly after arriving, he held discussions with Netanyahu at the airport before proceeding to address Israel’s parliament, the Knesset. With this engagement, Modi becomes the first Indian Prime Minister…

Celebrations are underway for Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna as they prepare for their wedding, officially set for February 26, 2026. The couple inaugurated their festivities with a unique cricket-themed event, dubbed the Virosh Premier League, reflecting their playful and personal touch ahead of tying the knot. The actors, known for their work together in Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade, confirmed the date on social media while sharing highlights from the cricket match. The term “Virosh” is a heartfelt blend of the couple’s names, created by their fans to celebrate their relationship. Vijay and Rashmika dedicated their upcoming wedding to…

Michael Kratsios, science adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, has described India as a technology powerhouse crucial to America’s global artificial intelligence initiatives. Speaking after attending the India AI Impact Summit, Kratsios emphasized India’s growing innovation ecosystem and the country’s impressive output of engineering talent, noting that India continues to produce a significant number of highly skilled engineers who are contributing to cutting-edge products and AI applications. Kratsios framed India as a central partner in the U.S. strategy for building AI sovereignty among allied nations, highlighting the country’s long-standing collaboration with America in technology sharing. He underscored that several U.S.…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a bronze bust of C. Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday during the ‘Rajaji Utsav’, replacing the bust of British architect Edwin Lutyens. Modi encouraged citizens to attend the event, noting that it highlights the remarkable contributions of Rajaji to India’s history and serves as an inspiration for all. In his radio programme “Mann Ki Baat” on February 22, the Prime Minister had emphasised that India is moving away from symbols of colonial rule and increasingly valuing representations of its own cultural heritage. The replacement of Lutyens’ bust, who designed many of New Delhi’s iconic…

India formally joined the US-led Pax Silica initiative, marking a significant expansion of its technological collaboration with the United States. The announcement came during the AI Impact Summit, where officials signed the Pax Silica Declaration alongside a bilateral addendum named the India-U.S. AI Opportunity Partnership. This framework establishes a shared commitment to securing the foundational elements of the artificial intelligence era. Pax Silica, launched in December 2025, is a strategic alliance aimed at safeguarding global supply chains critical for AI development. The name combines “Pax,” symbolizing peace and stability, with “Silica,” referencing silicon, the key component in semiconductors. By joining…