Author: Malavika Subramanyan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Malaysia from February 7-8, responding to an invitation from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the Ministry of External Affairs announced. This will mark PM Modi’s third official visit to Malaysia and his first since India and Malaysia upgraded their relationship to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” in August 2024. During the visit, PM Modi will engage in bilateral talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and interact with members of the Indian community, as well as leading industry and business representatives. The 10th India-Malaysia CEO Forum is also scheduled to coincide with the visit,…

A recently proposed trade arrangement between the United States and India is expected to gradually narrow India’s current account shortfall, lend stability to its currency, and reduce its exposure to global economic shocks, according to a report released on Tuesday. Under the agreement, Washington has agreed to lower reciprocal tariffs on Indian products to 18 per cent from the previous 50 per cent, a move analysts describe as structurally beneficial for India’s economic trajectory. Axis Securities highlighted that the pact is likely to strengthen India’s medium-term growth prospects and external financial position, particularly by supporting industries that are heavily reliant…

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar departed on Monday for a three‑day trip to the United States, where he will take part in a Washington‑hosted ministerial focused on critical minerals supply chains. The visit, spanning from February 2 to February 5, carries added diplomatic weight as it unfolds against a backdrop of frayed relations between India and the United States. Senior officials from the US administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are expected to meet with Jaishankar during his stay. According to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the ministerial forum will concentrate on reinforcing the resilience of…

A recent State Department report has revealed a series of high-value gifts presented by Indian leaders to senior US officials, highlighting India’s diplomatic gift exchanges. Among the notable items, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted then-President Joe Biden a sterling silver train set valued at $7,750 during his visit. Following federal rules, the train set was transferred to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The report, published in the Federal Register on January 29 by the Office of the Chief of Protocol, notes that refusing such gifts could cause embarrassment to both the donor and the US government. Alongside the…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, reflecting on the lasting relevance of Gandhian principles in shaping India’s future. The prime minister emphasized that Gandhi’s unwavering advocacy of swadeshi continues to serve as a foundational idea for building a strong, developed, and self-reliant nation. According to Modi, these ideals are not confined to history but remain deeply woven into the country’s present-day development approach. In a message shared on social media platform X, the prime minister offered his respects to the Father of the Nation, recalling Gandhi’s enduring influence on India’s moral…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated India Energy Week (IEW) 2026 in South Goa and announced the near-closure of a “very significant” free trade agreement between India and the European Union, describing it as the “Mother of All Deals”. Addressing global delegates after the virtual inauguration, PM Modi said India Energy Week has rapidly emerged as a major global platform for dialogue and action on energy and sustainability. He welcomed international participants and highlighted India’s growing role in meeting global energy demand. Calling India a “land of immense opportunities”, the Prime Minister underlined that as the world’s fastest-growing major…

 On the occasion of Republic Day 2026, the Government of India announced a total of 131 Padma awards, including five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri recipients. These awards, presented annually on January 26, celebrate distinguished achievements across a variety of fields such as art, literature, education, medicine, science and engineering, trade and industry, sports, public affairs, social work, and civil service. The Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honor after Bharat Ratna, recognized five exceptional individuals for their outstanding and unparalleled contributions. The Padma Bhushan, awarded for distinguished service of high order, honored thirteen luminaries, including notable…

Former Democratic Congresswoman and current Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, has highlighted the recent disruption at Cities Church in St. Paul as a reflection of why she parted ways with the Democratic Party. The incident involved anti-ICE demonstrators who entered the church during a service, chanting and creating a disturbance as congregants gathered for worship. The protest specifically targeted Pastor David Easterwood, recognized as ICE’s St. Paul field officer. This event follows the tragic shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis earlier this month, which involved ICE and triggered widespread protests. Law enforcement responses to these demonstrations have been…

India’s leadership in the global clean energy transition was highlighted at the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Mr. Pralhad Joshi, outlined India’s strategy of scaling growth while ensuring affordability and sustainability. In discussions with WEF President and CEO Mr. Børge Brende and other global stakeholders, Joshi emphasized the importance of international collaboration, multilateral frameworks, and ongoing dialogue between governments and the private sector to drive sustainable development. A roundtable discussion at WEF spotlighted India’s decentralized renewable energy sector, covering rooftop solar, agricultural energy solutions, and mini grids. These models…

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, currently visiting New Delhi, highlighted the growing opportunities in space exploration as commercialisation expands beyond traditional government-led programs. She expressed gratitude to those who prayed for her safe return from her recent mission, acknowledging the support of the Indian public. Williams emphasized that the space industry now offers careers not only in spacecraft and rockets but also in satellite technology, 3D metal printing, and scientific experiments. “Commercialisation of space opens doors across diverse sectors—from spacecraft to satellites, experiments, and even metal 3D printing,” she said. She noted that the International Space Station (ISS) has established a…