Author: Bhakti Narayanan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted India’s expanding contribution to global innovation, emphasizing that the country’s progress should create opportunities for people worldwide. Speaking Tuesday at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, he called for technology, knowledge, and innovation to serve the broader public rather than concentrate influence and benefits among a small group. His message centered on the principle of using power to empower others and encourage inclusive development. Modi explained that the value of wealth, knowledge, and influence depends on how these resources are used. Drawing on India’s longstanding traditions, he argued that meaningful progress comes from applying these…

World Food Movement (WFM) has marked the first anniversary of its campus feeding initiative, celebrating a milestone of 70,000 meals served to college students across the United States. The organisation commemorated the occasion at its annual gala at Princeton Farms & Preserves in Skillman, New Jersey, bringing together college leaders, philanthropists, business executives, donors and students. Launched in September 2025, the initiative aims to address food insecurity among college students by providing access to nutritious meals. During the event, Sri Shuklambhara Dasa, President of World Food Movement New Jersey, reflected on the organisation’s founding and its inspiration in Srila Prabhupada’s…

Canada has launched its largest trade mission to India in more than three decades, with nearly 300 Canadian business delegates travelling to Mumbai and Bengaluru to explore commercial opportunities, attract investment and strengthen bilateral economic ties. The mission comes as both countries work towards advancing negotiations on a proposed trade agreement by the end of the year. Led by Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, the Team Canada Trade Mission will run from October 12 to 17. According to Global Affairs Canada, the delegation will engage with Indian decision-makers, industry leaders and potential business partners to expand commercial relations and…

India has introduced a draft national steel policy that seeks to significantly expand the country’s steel industry by 2047. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the proposal sets a target of 604 million tonnes of annual steel production capacity, compared with approximately 220 million tonnes currently. Per capita steel consumption is projected to increase from 116 kilograms to 302 kilograms, while exports are expected to reach 45 million tonnes over the next two decades. The draft policy emphasizes that future growth must extend beyond expanding production capacity. It calls for greater value addition, technological innovation and stronger integration…

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump after receiving the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, recognizing his leadership and contributions to the technology industry. The Indian-origin executive said he was humbled to be honored alongside prominent figures who have helped advance American scientific research and technological progress. Nadella was among six technology leaders recognized during the New Golden Age Summit in Washington on Thursday. The ceremony celebrated achievements across several fields, including computing, artificial intelligence, scientific research, and space exploration. In a message posted on X, Nadella thanked Trump for the distinction and expressed…

Indian pharmaceutical company Sun Pharmaceutical Industries is strengthening its support for medical research and education in the United States with a $2.5 million gift to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. The contribution has established the Sun Professorship in Dermatology, an endowed academic position designed to support research, education and professional training in the field. The endowment is also intended to provide sustained support for academic leadership in dermatology over the long term. Dr. Mark G. Lebwohl has been appointed as the inaugural holder of the professorship. He was formally installed during a ceremony on October 6 at…

The American spice industry is pushing for continued and permanent tariff exemptions on Indian spices as Washington and New Delhi work toward a broader trade agreement. Industry representatives argue that many spices imported from India cannot be commercially produced in the United States, making tariffs more likely to increase costs than protect domestic agriculture. Donald Pratt, president of the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA), said the industry’s main objective is to preserve exemptions for agricultural products that are not commercially available from US producers. Speaking at an event at India House in Washington, Pratt said these products are widely used…

India is working to expand its network of bilateral investment partnerships and expects to conclude at least three new agreements by December, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said during a discussion at the Munich Leaders Meeting. Sitharaman said India is negotiating bilateral investment promotion and protection agreements with several countries, including Canada and Russia, as New Delhi looks to strengthen investment ties amid changing global trade patterns. The government is also awaiting Cabinet approval of an updated template for such agreements, which is expected to provide a framework for future negotiations. Canada could be among the countries to complete an agreement…

India’s strong growth prospects, expanding infrastructure and rising international credibility are increasingly strengthening its position as an attractive destination for global investors, experts said on the sidelines of the Kautilya Economic Conclave 2026. The three-day gathering brought together economists, policymakers and experts from across the world to examine major challenges facing the global economy, including geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions, energy security, climate risks and the changing international economic order. Swedish economist Erik Berglof said the quality and international participation at the conclave had improved significantly since its inception, reflecting the growing importance of the platform in global economic discussions. Against…

Hasan Minhaj has been selected for the American Advertising Federation’s 2026 Cultural Force Award, an honor recognizing a public figure outside the advertising industry whose work has influenced how brands engage with audiences and communicate cultural ideas. The American Advertising Federation said the award highlights individuals whose creative work has contributed to cultural conversations, questioned established narratives and encouraged audiences to look at issues from different perspectives. AAF President and CEO Steve Pacheco said the recognition is intended for people whose influence extends beyond their primary field and has an impact on the wider culture. The announcement follows the…