Author: Deepika chandrasekar

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday emphasized the high priority India places on its relationship with Japan, underlining collaboration in key international forums such as the Quad, the United Nations, and the G20. His remarks came during the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. Jaishankar noted that over the past two decades, the bilateral relationship has evolved from primarily economic ties into a broad, comprehensive, and strategic partnership. He highlighted that both nations, as leading democracies and major global economies, have a shared responsibility to shape the international order, particularly amid current…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi observed Makar Sankranti at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence in New Delhi by feeding fodder to his cows, continuing a tradition closely associated with the harvest festival. A short video clip showed the Prime Minister standing on the lawn and gently offering feed to the cows, which were dressed in decorative cloths in line with festive customs. On the occasion, the Prime Minister extended warm wishes to people across the country, highlighting the cultural diversity with which Sankranti is celebrated in different regions. The festival marks the Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, or…

India’s economy is expected to grow between 7.5 and 7.8 per cent in the current financial year, supported by strong festive demand, resilient domestic consumption and robust performance in the services sector, according to a recent economic outlook report. The report notes that while growth momentum remains firm in FY26, expansion could moderate to 6.6–6.9 per cent in FY27 due to a higher base effect and continued global economic uncertainties. Despite external headwinds, India’s underlying economic fundamentals remain strong. India’s real GDP grew 8 per cent in the first half of FY26, reflecting resilience amid global trade disruptions, policy shifts…

The United States views India as its most vital global partner, US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor said while addressing an audience at the US Embassy in New Delhi. Gor, who also serves as Washington’s special envoy to South and Central Asia, underlined that no other nation holds the same strategic importance for the United States as India. He also revealed that the next round of India–US trade negotiations is scheduled to resume immediately, signaling renewed momentum in economic engagement. During his remarks, Gor emphasized the personal relationship between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing it as authentic…

Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw participated in a high-level finance ministerial meeting in Washington focused on strengthening and diversifying global critical minerals supply chains, particularly rare-earth elements essential for advanced manufacturing and electronics. The meeting was hosted by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and brought together finance ministers and senior economic leaders from major global economies, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, the United Kingdom and representatives of the European Union. The discussions reflected growing international concern over the concentration and vulnerability of critical mineral supply chains.…

Chile’s Ambassador to India, Juan Angulo, has underscored India’s growing importance on the global stage, stating that the country’s relative weight in international affairs continues to rise and plays a crucial role in shaping global agendas. In an interaction in New Delhi, Ambassador Angulo highlighted India’s leadership during its G20 presidency, describing it as substantial and impactful. He noted that India’s initiatives aimed at strengthening the voice of the Global South have been significant, with Chile participating at the highest levels in meetings convened by New Delhi. The envoy stressed that countries like India are essential intermediaries in addressing complex…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday jointly inaugurated the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront, turning a traditional celebration into a moment of cultural diplomacy. The event highlighted the growing warmth between India and Germany while showcasing Gujarat’s vibrant heritage. Upon their arrival, both leaders were warmly received and honored with traditional Gujarati scarves. The riverfront transformed into a lively cultural arena, with folk artists from different parts of Gujarat performing traditional music and dance. The performances offered an immersive glimpse into the state’s cultural richness, creating a festive atmosphere that resonated with both…

Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas has revealed her first look from her upcoming film The Bluff, offering audiences a glimpse into a powerful and action-driven role unlike any she has portrayed before. The newly released images showcase Chopra in a gritty pirate avatar, sharing the screen with actor Karl Urban in what appears to be a high-stakes and emotionally charged narrative. The visuals highlight intense confrontations, fast-paced action sequences, and dramatic moments that hint at the film’s raw tone. Chopra is seen performing physically demanding scenes, blending combat-driven action with emotional depth. Introducing her character on social media, she described the…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a roundtable with twelve Indian AI start-ups at his residence in New Delhi, ahead of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 scheduled for next month. The meeting brought together participants of the AI for ALL: Global Impact Challenge, who presented their innovations and research to the Prime Minister. The start-ups represented a wide array of AI applications, including Indian language foundation models, multilingual large language models (LLMs), speech-to-text, text-to-audio and video technologies, generative AI for 3D content in e-commerce and marketing, engineering simulations, material research, advanced analytics, and healthcare diagnostics. The founders praised India’s strong…

Indian-origin technology professional and community advocate Sujit Singh has announced his bid for the Democratic nomination for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, placing human services, inclusion, and grassroots engagement at the centre of his campaign. Singh said his decision to enter the race was shaped by years of involvement in nonprofit human services, an area he believes remains underrepresented in local and state-level policymaking. He emphasised the need to strengthen support systems for low-income families, immigrant communities, seniors, and young people across the district. The four-county congressional district is among New Jersey’s most diverse, with large Asian, Hispanic, Black, and…