Author: Bhakti Narayanan

India and Italy have officially elevated their bilateral relationship to a “Special Strategic Partnership,” marking a significant milestone in ties between the two nations. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi following wide-ranging talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome. The two leaders unveiled the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, describing it as a practical and forward-looking framework aimed at strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors. The move reflects growing political trust, expanding economic collaboration, and increasing strategic convergence between the two countries. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that bilateral trade between India and Italy is steadily…

India’s digital payments landscape continued its strong expansion in the second half of 2025, with the Reserve Bank of India reporting that the Unified Payments Interface has firmly established itself as the leading platform for transaction activity. According to the latest Payment Systems Report, UPI accounted for 85.5% of total digital payment transaction volume, highlighting its central role in India’s rapidly growing cashless economy. The report explained that UPI’s growth has been driven by widespread smartphone usage, improved digital infrastructure, and increasingly simple and instant payment experiences. As digital adoption expands across both cities and smaller towns, UPI has become…

Indian-American investment executive Nirmal Narvekar, widely recognized for transforming Harvard University’s massive endowment fund, is expected to step down from his leadership role in 2027 after more than a decade at the institution. Reports indicate that discussions regarding succession planning have already begun within Harvard Management Company, the organization responsible for overseeing the university’s investment portfolio. According to reports, Narvekar initiated conversations earlier this year with board members about identifying a future successor. While no official retirement date has been finalized, the discussions are part of long-term planning for leadership transition at one of the world’s largest university investment funds.…

India and Oman jointly highlighted their centuries-old maritime relationship during a special event at the United Nations focused on ancient trade routes and shared oceanic heritage. The programme centered around the historic voyage of the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya, which recently completed its maiden overseas journey to Oman. The event, titled “Ancient Trade Routes: The Journey of INSV Kaundinya,” was co-organized by the Permanent Missions of India and Oman to the United Nations. Diplomats, Permanent Representatives, and members of the international community attended the gathering, reflecting strong global interest in India’s maritime history and modern ocean diplomacy efforts.…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Oslo on Monday for a landmark two-day visit to Norway, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Scandinavian nation in more than four decades. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store personally welcomed PM Modi at the airport, highlighting the importance both nations are placing on strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation. Soon after landing in Oslo, PM Modi shared his appreciation for the warm reception and emphasized his confidence that the trip would deepen ties between India and Norway. He noted that the visit would create new opportunities for collaboration while…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla, backed by entrepreneur Elon Musk, has expanded its presence in India by opening its first experience center in Bengaluru’s Whitefield area. The move represents a significant milestone in the company’s broader strategy to strengthen its footprint in one of the world’s fastest-growing electric mobility markets. Located in Bengaluru’s prominent technology district, the new facility will allow customers to explore Tesla’s electric vehicle lineup, including the popular Model Y and the newly introduced Model Y L. Company officials stated that the experience center has been designed to provide potential buyers with hands-on access to Tesla’s latest innovations…

A graduation ceremony at North Carolina State University turned into a life-changing moment for hundreds of students after Indian-origin philanthropist Anil Kochhar announced that he would fully pay off the remaining education loans of 176 graduates from the university’s Wilson College of Textiles. The unexpected announcement was made during the commencement event held at Reynolds Coliseum, leaving students and faculty deeply moved. Kochhar, who served as the commencement speaker, said the initiative was a personal tribute to his late father, Prakash Chand Kochhar, who had migrated from Punjab, India, to Raleigh many decades ago in pursuit of education and opportunity.…

Indian-origin scientist and acting US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Jay Bhattacharya has assured the public that the recent hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship near Spain’s Canary Islands should not trigger fears of another global pandemic. During an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Bhattacharya emphasized that existing containment measures for hantavirus are well-established and have proven effective in previous outbreaks. According to Bhattacharya, the current situation is fundamentally different from the Covid-19 pandemic. He stressed that there is no evidence suggesting the virus could spread on a similar scale or create widespread public disruption.…

Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal as merely an exercise in “austerity” risks missing the broader political and administrative message behind it. The emphasis is not solely on reducing expenditure or projecting symbolic simplicity, but on reinforcing a culture of accountability, efficiency, and public trust within governance. At its core, the appeal reflects an attempt to align government functioning with public expectations during a period of global economic uncertainty and rising scrutiny over public spending. In many democracies, citizens increasingly expect leaders and institutions to demonstrate restraint and responsibility, particularly when ordinary households are facing financial pressures. The messaging…

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor attended the swearing-in ceremony of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday, marking a notable diplomatic presence at the high-profile political event in Guwahati. The ceremony, held at the Veterinary College ground in Khanapara, celebrated Sarma’s beginning of his second consecutive term following the BJP-led NDA’s strong performance in the Assam Assembly elections. The event witnessed participation from several top Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other senior representatives from NDA-ruled states. The presence of the US envoy added an international dimension to…