Author: Bhakti Narayanan

India and Liechtenstein agreed to intensify cooperation in high-value manufacturing, advanced technologies, and innovation-driven sectors during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prince Alois, the Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein, on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. Following their discussions, PM Modi highlighted the potential for strengthened economic linkages between the two nations, particularly after the entry into force of the India-TEPA Free Trade Agreement in October 2025. Both leaders expressed confidence that the TEPA framework would encourage up to $100 billion in investment into India over the next 15 years. Prince Alois attended…

President Peter Pellegrini of Slovakia described his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “historic milestone” in bilateral relations, marking a new chapter in cooperation between the two nations. The leaders met on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit, where discussions focused on expanding strategic and economic engagement. During their talks, both sides reviewed the full spectrum of India-Slovakia relations and explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration in trade, investment, digital technologies, defence, space, energy, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. The conversation reflected a shared intent to deepen engagement across both traditional and emerging sectors. The two leaders welcomed…

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced a major reshuffle of leadership across New York City government, appointing new commissioners to the Office of Technology and Innovation, the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, the Department for the Aging, and nominating a former federal prosecutor to lead the Department of Investigation. The appointments, announced at Brooklyn’s SAGE Center, a hub for LGBTQ+ seniors, reflect the administration’s dual focus on modernizing city services while prioritizing equity and protections for vulnerable populations. Lisa Gelobter, a veteran technologist and entrepreneur, has been named Chief Technology Officer and Commissioner of the Office of Technology and Innovation.…

India’s real estate industry is projected to reach US$ 970 billion by 2030, according to a joint study conducted by KPMG and the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO). This marks more than a threefold increase from an estimated US$ 290 billion market in 2025, highlighting the sector’s rapid expansion across residential, commercial, and industrial segments. The growth trajectory aligns with India’s long-term vision of emerging as a developed economy by 2047. Several factors are expected to drive this surge in real estate. Rising urbanization, higher disposable incomes, policy reforms, and growing institutional investment are all contributing to increased demand.…

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum has appointed Rohit Kumar Singh, former Secretary to the Government of India, as Chair of its Global Value Chains Committee and Advisor to the Board of Directors. The announcement, made in Washington, DC, marks a significant step toward reinforcing supply chain collaboration between India and the United States. In his new capacity, Singh will work closely with global industry members and government stakeholders to promote diversified and resilient supply networks. His role will focus on regulatory coordination, infrastructure readiness, and stronger public-private engagement aimed at improving efficiency and ensuring smoother global trade flows. The organization…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Croatian counterpart, Andrej Plenkovic, on Wednesday to discuss early implementation of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and strategies to strengthen bilateral relations. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the five-day AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, bringing together leaders from across the globe to explore technology-driven collaboration. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that both leaders exchanged views on enhancing India-Croatia relations and expanding cooperation in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, information and communication technologies, innovation, and clean energy. They agreed to work closely for the swift execution…

 French President Emmanuel Macron added a touch of cinematic flair to his diplomatic visit to Mumbai on Tuesday, holding a special interaction with prominent figures from Indian cinema. Accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, he met celebrated actors Anil Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Richa Chadha, and Shabana Azmi, along with filmmaker Zoya Akhtar and Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej. Sharing highlights on X, Macron called the actors “legends of Indian cinema,” noting that culture serves as a bridge between nations. Actor Anil Kapoor also posted about the meeting, describing it as an inspiring exchange on cinema, culture, and the strong ties connecting…

The India AI Impact Summit 2026, ongoing at Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam, is focused on exploring how artificial intelligence can serve the public and advance inclusive growth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized on the second day of the five-day event. Sharing his thoughts on X, Modi highlighted that intelligence, rationality, and effective decision-making ensure that science and technology deliver real benefits to society, with AI playing a key role in this transformation. The summit, which began on Monday, has assembled an impressive gathering of over 100 government officials—including more than 20 heads of state and 60 ministers or vice ministers—alongside 500…

Sujit Singh received a prestigious recognition at a recent spiritual gathering hosted by the Hindu American Temple and Cultural Center (HATCC), also known as the Sri Guruvaayoorappan Temple, commonly referred to as the Shri Krishna Temple. Founded in 1988, the nonprofit temple serves as a central hub for spiritual, cultural, and community activities across New Jersey. Singh was honored for more than a decade of dedicated service to over 600 residents with disabilities and their families. His efforts have focused on enhancing quality of life, promoting inclusion, and strengthening support systems for caregivers. Through his work, Singh has become a…

Defending champions India delivered a commanding performance to defeat Pakistan by 61 runs in their crucial Group A encounter at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The victory not only reinforced India’s dominance in this fierce rivalry but also secured their qualification for the Super Eights stage of the tournament. Setting a competitive total of 175 for 7 in 20 overs, India ensured that Pakistan never truly threatened the target, eventually bundling them out for 114 in 18 overs. The foundation of India’s total was laid by Ishan Kishan, whose aggressive 77 shifted the momentum early in the innings. His…