Author: Bhakti Narayanan

India’s e-commerce industry is on track for a major expansion, with the country’s online retail market projected to reach $345 billion by 2030. Rapid growth in quick commerce, wider adoption of artificial intelligence and changing consumer habits are expected to be the key forces behind this transformation. A report titled Smart Growth in a Fast Market by Infisum estimates that India’s e-commerce market could almost triple from $125 billion in 2024 to $345 billion by the end of the decade. The industry is expected to record a compound annual growth rate of 18.4 percent through 2030, highlighting the increasing importance…

Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra held separate meetings with senior global financial leaders during the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Asheville, North Carolina. The discussions included talks with US Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh and International Monetary Fund First Deputy Managing Director Dan Katz. The RBI shared details of the meetings in a post on X, as Malhotra joined finance ministers and central bank governors from G20 nations for the two-day gathering. The meeting has brought together some of the world’s leading economic policymakers to discuss challenges affecting the global financial system. Key topics…

Indian-American teenager Kiran Reddy has added a historic achievement to the growing list of accomplishments by people of Indian origin in the United States after winning the Miss Teen USA 2026 title. The 18-year-old Georgia resident was crowned Miss Teen USA at the national pageant finale in Miami on August 26. Her victory came shortly after she made history in July by becoming the first contestant of Indian origin to win the Miss Georgia Teen title and represent the state at the national competition. Reddy’s win marks another moment of visibility for Indian Americans in prominent national competitions and highlights…

The White House has described India as a strong, dynamic, and resilient economy following the release of official figures showing that the country’s gross domestic product expanded by 7.8 percent. The positive assessment highlighted India’s growing importance in the global economy and its potential to create new opportunities for international businesses and investors. Speaking during the G20 finance ministers’ meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, White House Senior Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai said India’s latest economic performance supported the Trump administration’s view that the country continues to emerge as a major global economic force. According to Desai, India’s large market…

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined South Asian seniors at India Home to celebrate Raksha Bandhan, taking part in the traditional festivities and recognizing the cultural significance of the festival. The gathering brought together members of the South Asian community for an occasion centered on affection, trust, care, and the responsibility of supporting one another. Mamdani shared photographs from the celebration held on August 28, offering a glimpse into his participation in the traditional ceremony. Several images showed women tying colorful rakhis around his wrist, reflecting one of the festival’s most recognizable customs. In a message shared after the…

The United States is looking to deepen its investment relationship with India and is open to helping Indian businesses better understand the country’s national security review process for foreign investments, according to a senior US Treasury Department official. Speaking ahead of the G20 finance meetings in Asheville, Assistant Secretary for Treasury Chris Pilkerton described India as an important partner and said he welcomed opportunities to engage with Indian government representatives and companies interested in investing in the United States. Pilkerton said discussions could help Indian businesses understand and work through the process overseen by the Committee on Foreign Investment in…

Manoj Bajpayee is set to headline a new Hindi drama as Last Man in Tower prepares to arrive in Indian theaters on September 11. The film’s teaser was released Thursday, offering audiences an early glimpse into a tense story centered on community, personal choices and the pressures that can reshape relationships. Directed by Los Angeles-based filmmaker Ben Rekhi, the movie is adapted from Aravind Adiga’s acclaimed novel of the same name. The project brings together a prominent creative team and marks the first time Bajpayee and Boman Irani will share the screen in a feature film. Last Man in Tower…

India will host the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12-13, bringing together leaders of BRICS member countries, partner nations and outreach invitees. India’s BRICS Chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a people-centric approach rooted in the principle of “Humanity First.” During the summit, leaders are expected to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation within BRICS on common priorities and exchange views on major global and regional developments. Under India’s chairship, more than 350 meetings and high-level engagements have been organised across…

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat arrived in New York as he began a three-nation global outreach tour covering the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom during the organisation’s centenary year. Bhagwat received a warm welcome upon his arrival and is expected to interact with members of the Indian diaspora and representatives of overseas organisations during his visit. A key event of his New York tour will be the ‘Universal Oneness Celebrations’ at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. Organised by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) forum, the gathering is expected to bring together members of…

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is encouraging leading Japanese corporations and financial institutions to expand their presence in India, highlighting opportunities emerging across several critical areas of the economy. His outreach comes as New Delhi works to strengthen commercial ties with Japan and attract greater international investment. During the third day of his official visit to Japan, Goyal held discussions with senior representatives from Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) Group, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) and Nippon Life Insurance. The meetings covered potential areas for collaboration spanning trade, mobility, industrial activity, banking, commercial finance, investment…