Author: Malavika Subramanyan

India’s health insurance industry has demonstrated steady expansion in the financial year 2024–25, with total premium collections surpassing $12.98 billion. The sector recorded growth of more than 9%, reflecting increasing demand for financial protection against rising healthcare costs and improved access to insurance services. This upward trend has been fueled by greater awareness among consumers about the importance of health coverage, along with evolving healthcare financing options. Structural shifts in healthcare spending patterns have also contributed to the sector’s expansion, as more individuals seek reliable coverage to manage medical expenses worth millions of dollars over time. A significant role in…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to dominate international popularity rankings, securing a 68% approval rating in the latest survey conducted by the US-based analytics firm Morning Consult. This achievement reinforces his position as the world’s most admired democratic leader, reflecting broad public support across multiple countries. Among the respondents, 26% expressed disapproval of his leadership, while 6% remained undecided. The survey employs a trailing seven-day simple moving average to capture public opinion trends among adults globally. Modi’s approval rating places him ahead of several international counterparts. Switzerland’s Guy Parmelin follows closely with 62% approval, while South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung…

S&P Global has projected that India will maintain strong economic momentum, with GDP growth estimated at 7.1% in FY27 despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. In its latest economic outlook, S&P Global highlighted that India continues to be among the fastest-growing major economies, supported by robust domestic demand, steady export performance, and a gradual recovery in private investment. The report noted that India’s growth trajectory remains resilient even as global uncertainties, including rising crude oil prices and geopolitical disruptions, pose challenges to the broader Asia-Pacific region. Across Asia-Pacific (excluding China), economic growth is expected to improve to around 4.5%…

New York City is witnessing a significant shift in governance strategy as Zohran Kwame Mamdani has announced a series of major administrative appointments and institutional reforms aimed at reshaping how the city functions. The changes reflect a broader effort to build a more coordinated, service-oriented, and accountable system of urban governance. At the center of the reforms is a new approach to public safety. Mamdani has introduced the Office of Community Safety and appointed Renita Francois as Deputy Mayor for Community Safety. With extensive experience in public service and advocacy, Francois will lead a citywide strategy that focuses on addressing…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing partnership with Russia, stating that New Delhi will work closely with Moscow under its BRICS chairmanship to address shared global challenges. Speaking virtually at a conference titled “India and Russia: Towards a New Bilateral Agenda”, Jaishankar highlighted India’s “humanity-first” and people-centric approach during its leadership of BRICS. He emphasised that India looks forward to collaborating with Russia in a balanced and inclusive manner, while reiterating the strong foundation of trust and mutual respect that defines the bilateral relationship. Referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to…

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ has emerged as a major cinematic success in the United States, setting new benchmarks for Indian films with its extensive screenings and strong box office performance. The sequel has quickly gained traction among audiences, drawing packed houses and generating significant buzz across North American theatres. The film, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, is witnessing an unprecedented exhibition strategy. In several multiplexes across the United States, screenings are scheduled as frequently as every 30 minutes, resulting in near sold-out shows throughout the day. This aggressive release pattern marks one of the widest distributions ever seen…

India’s Digital India programme, launched in 2015, has significantly reshaped the country’s digital ecosystem by expanding connectivity, improving affordability, and strengthening digital infrastructure across urban and rural regions. Over the past decade, the initiative has played a central role in transforming how citizens access services, communicate, and conduct financial transactions. Broadband penetration has witnessed a remarkable surge, rising from 2.5 billion connections to 10.3 billion, reflecting nearly a 400 percent increase. At the same time, mobile infrastructure has expanded rapidly, with base transceiver stations increasing by around 273 percent to 2.95 million units. Connectivity has now reached nearly all villages,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stepped up diplomatic efforts as tensions escalate in West Asia. On March 17, 2026, Modi held a phone conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, condemning recent attacks on the Gulf country and stressing the urgent need for secure and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway, which handles nearly one-fifth of global oil shipments, was closed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) following US and Israeli strikes on Tehran’s military and naval assets. These strikes, part of an ongoing conflict now in its 18th day, have rattled…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has crossed the landmark figure of 30 million subscribers on YouTube, emerging as the most-followed global leader on the video-sharing platform. With this milestone, PM Modi now leads worldwide rankings among serving and former heads of government in terms of subscriber base. His channel significantly outpaces other prominent political figures, underscoring the scale of his digital engagement and international outreach. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro holds the second position with around 6.6 million subscribers — roughly a quarter of PM Modi’s total. The Indian Prime Minister’s subscriber count is also reported to be more than seven…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on March 2, 2026, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi for extensive bilateral discussions aimed at reinforcing cooperation between the two countries. The high-level meeting underscored a shared determination to strengthen diplomatic and economic engagement at a pivotal moment in India-Canada relations. During their talks, the two leaders evaluated progress under the India-Canada Strategic Partnership and explored new opportunities for collaboration. Key areas of focus included trade and investment, energy security, critical minerals, agriculture, education, research, innovation, and people-to-people connections. Both sides expressed interest in advancing negotiations toward a comprehensive…