Author: Bhakti Narayanan

India’s e-commerce sector is poised for rapid expansion, with projections indicating growth of over 150 per cent by 2030, driven by a surge in digital shoppers and rising consumer spending. The transformation reflects a broader shift in how Indians discover, engage with, and purchase products online. A joint report by Google and Deloitte estimates that the market could reach $250 billion by the end of the decade, up from approximately $90 billion at present. This significant growth is expected to be fuelled by the addition of nearly 150 million new digital consumers and a steady increase in per capita expenditure.…

In a significant step to strengthen bilateral relations, India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met with St Kitts and Nevis Minister of Foreign Affairs, Denzil L Douglas, in New Delhi on April 7. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in development projects, healthcare partnerships, digital capacities, and disaster response preparedness. The dialogue also covered regional and global issues of mutual interest, highlighting the strategic importance of the partnership. Douglas, who also serves as St Kitts and Nevis’ Minister for International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Economic Development, and Investment, arrived in New Delhi on Sunday after concluding official…

The United States and India signaled renewed momentum in their strategic partnership amid a series of high-level meetings in Washington and a White House dinner hosted by President Donald Trump for US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor. These interactions underscore growing alignment between the two nations on security, political, and regional priorities. The White House confirmed that President Trump would participate in the dinner with Ambassador Gor, who is currently in the US capital engaging with senior officials to advance bilateral cooperation. Following a meeting with Vice President JD Vance, Gor emphasized the political significance of the US-India relationship. He…

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, delivered a virtual address at the concluding ceremony of the India-Japan Year of Science, Technology and Innovation Exchange on Monday. The event was hosted at the Embassy of India in Tokyo and marked a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between the two countries. He began his speech by greeting the audience and expressing his pleasure at being part of the closing event. He described the occasion as an important moment that celebrates 40 years of continued collaboration in science and technology between India and Japan. Highlighting the strength of…

Director Nitesh Tiwari has revealed the scene he is most excited to watch with audiences in his upcoming film, Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama. According to Tiwari, the most emotionally charged moment is Lord Rama’s exile, a sequence that showcases the entire city gathering to bid farewell, sharing in his grief. The director said, “Every time I watch it, it moves me, and I truly hope it resonates with the audience in the same way.” The film, backed by producer Namit Malhotra, has generated significant buzz online since the release of its first look. While some viewers have…

Puducherry is set for assembly elections on April 9, with the political contest intensifying as Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a high-energy roadshow alongside Chief Minister N Rangasamy. The campaign highlights strains within the ruling coalition while all parties prepare for a competitive election. This election features a three-way battle as actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) enters the fray, making its political debut and adding a fresh dynamic to Puducherry’s electoral landscape. The BJP, a partner in Rangasamy’s NR Congress-led government, aims to expand its footprint. In 2021, the BJP contested 14 seats and won six, while the Congress…

Ranbir Kapoor’s upcoming film Ramayana has become the center of conversation across Bollywood circles ever since the teaser dropped in India on Hanuman Jayanti. The release instantly sparked mixed reactions online. While many fans admired the visuals and Ranbir’s performance, a section of viewers expressed concerns about the casting choices. Some felt that Ranbir might not perfectly fit the role of Lord Ram, while others questioned Sai Pallavi’s portrayal of Sita. Despite the debate, Ranbir Kapoor remains fully confident in Sai Pallavi’s abilities. Speaking at a special screening in Los Angeles, Ranbir praised her acting prowess, saying, “Sai is an…

In New Delhi on Thursday, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, M Riaz Hamidullah, met with India’s Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, to discuss enhancing bilateral defence cooperation. The discussions focused on joint training initiatives and broader opportunities for collaboration aimed at promoting regional peace and security. The Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) shared that the meeting explored ways to deepen ties between the two militaries while fostering stability in South Asia. Earlier, on March 26, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh emphasised India’s warm welcome to Bangladesh’s new government, highlighting…

As global interest in lunar exploration intensifies, the United States and India are advancing toward the Moon with distinctly different strategies. On April 1, 2026, NASA launched its latest Artemis mission, marking another step in its long-term plan for human space exploration. Meanwhile, India’s ISRO has already secured a historic achievement through its Chandrayaan program, highlighting a striking contrast between large-scale investment and efficient execution. The Artemis mission is a 10-day journey designed to orbit the Moon and return safely to Earth while testing essential systems. Its primary objectives include validating the Orion spacecraft, assessing navigation and communication systems, and…

 The Indian community in Australia is actively fostering women-centric entrepreneurship networks aimed at strengthening business opportunities for women. These initiatives are designed to provide comprehensive support, including mentorship programs, access to funding, and specialized training sessions, helping aspiring women entrepreneurs navigate the business landscape more effectively. Indian women are taking an active role in these programs, demonstrating significant engagement in entrepreneurial activities. Experts emphasise that such inclusive approaches are critical for fostering diversity and equitable growth in business environments. By encouraging participation from women across sectors, these networks contribute not only to individual success but also to broader community advancement.…