Author: Bhakti Narayanan

India’s expanding tunnel infrastructure is emerging as a critical driver of improved connectivity, economic growth and national resilience, reflecting a strategic shift toward smarter and more sustainable development. By overcoming challenging terrain and harsh climatic conditions, tunnel projects are addressing long-standing connectivity gaps and strengthening access to remote regions. Landmark projects such as the Atal Tunnel highlight how modern engineering is transforming mobility across mountainous landscapes. Stretching 9.02 kilometres beneath the Pir Panjal range, the tunnel provides year-round connectivity by bypassing the Rohtang Pass. Officially recognised by the World Book of Records UK as the world’s longest highway tunnel above…

Renowned Michelin-starred restaurateur Avtar Singh Walia was celebrated as a Top Restaurant Owner of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) at a gala held at the Bellagio Hotel. The award also recognized his flagship restaurant, Tamarind Tribeca, as the Top Restaurant of 2025, honoring Walia’s decades-long influence on elevating Indian cuisine on the global stage. The annual IAOTP gala, attended by international industry leaders, highlighted Walia’s visionary leadership, dedication, and transformative impact on Indian fine dining in the United States. Reflecting on the honor, Walia expressed humility and gratitude, noting that the recognition validates the growing…

Sergio Gor officially took charge as the new United States ambassador to India and special envoy for South and Central Asia during a ceremony held at the US Embassy in New Delhi. His first appearance in the role stood out for its symbolism rather than formality, as a classic soul track played while he walked toward the podium, setting an upbeat and unconventional tone for the event. The song, a well-known 1960s hit with a message of reassurance and optimism, drew applause from attendees and reflected Gor’s intention to highlight warmth and approachability at the start of his tenure. The…

India could face fresh economic challenges following the United States’ decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on countries conducting trade with Iran, a move announced by US President Donald Trump. The development comes at a time when India is already grappling with steep tariffs on certain exports to the American market. India remains one of Iran’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $1.68 billion in the 2024–25 financial year. Official data shows that India exported goods worth $1.24 billion to Iran while importing goods valued at $0.44 billion, reflecting a stable trade relationship despite longstanding international…

India’s educational institutions are expected to record a steady 11–13 per cent increase in total income over the next two fiscal years, driven by rising enrolments and fee revisions, according to a report by Crisil Ratings. The report notes that FY26 will mark the fifth consecutive year of double-digit growth for the sector, reflecting higher household spending on education amid improving income levels. While revenues are set to rise, operating margins are projected to remain stable at around 27–28 per cent, as institutions face increased expenditure on staff salaries and related operational costs. Educational institutions are also expected to step…

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday conveyed Germany’s readiness to take its relationship with India to a new strategic height, emphasizing that both countries share common interests at a time when global politics and economics are undergoing significant transformation. Speaking alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi after bilateral discussions in Ahmedabad, Merz highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between the two democracies. During his remarks, Merz referred to his visit to Mahatma Gandhi’s birthplace as deeply symbolic, stating that Gandhi’s message of becoming the change one wishes to see resonates strongly in today’s uncertain global environment. He expressed appreciation for Prime…

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held discussions with European Union Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maros Sefcovic in Brussels, marking another significant step toward concluding a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement. The meeting reflects the growing momentum behind negotiations as both sides work to resolve outstanding issues and move closer to a comprehensive deal. According to Goyal, the dialogue covered several critical components of the proposed agreement. He reiterated India’s commitment to a rules-based global trading system and emphasized the need for a modern economic partnership that protects the interests of farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises…

India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, met US House Speaker Mike Johnson on Capitol Hill to discuss the India-US bilateral relationship, counterterrorism cooperation, and key areas of partnership. Kwatra said he was honoured to meet Speaker Johnson and expressed deep appreciation for his support in strengthening India-US ties. He thanked the Speaker for the United States’ solidarity with India’s counterterrorism efforts following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025. During the meeting, the ambassador briefed the Speaker on the expanding scope of India-US cooperation, including defence and security, oil and gas trade, and technology partnerships. He…

Mahesh Samdani, a New York-based managing director at JPMorgan Chase, has transformed a personal tribute into a long-term educational initiative at his alma mater, BITS Pilani. Along with his wife, Purva Ladha, Samdani has committed $1 million to establish a permanent scholarship endowment aimed at supporting female students who demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need. The fund, named the Kaushaliya Devi Samdani Scholarship Endowment, honors the memory of Samdani’s mother. Designed as a merit-cum-need program, the initiative seeks to ensure that capable young women are not denied access to quality higher education due to economic limitations. The scholarships will…

US President Donald Trump revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally approached him to discuss India’s pending defence purchases and trade issues, including the long-delayed delivery of Apache helicopters. Speaking at the House GOP Member Retreat, Trump recounted Modi’s visit, saying, “Sir, may I see you please? Yes!” and emphasized the strong rapport he shares with the Indian leader. Trump noted that while he maintains a good personal relationship with Modi, the Indian Prime Minister expressed dissatisfaction over tariffs. India has faced higher US levies, partly due to its reduced oil imports from Russia, which Trump confirmed had dropped “very…