Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

An Indian-American woman, Tanu Priya, recently went viral on Instagram after posting a Reel reflecting on the everyday comforts she has learned to appreciate more deeply since living in India for 15 years. Now residing in the Chicago area, Priya shared three luxuries from the US that she says she will never again take for granted. The first comfort she highlighted was something many people in the United States don’t give a second thought—hot water directly from the tap. Priya explained that while living in India, she had to switch on a geyser and wait at least 15 to 30…

India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are preparing for the impact of steep tariff hikes imposed by the United States, with analysts suggesting that new trade opportunities with the United Kingdom and European Union could help cushion the blow. According to a report by Crisil Intelligence, diversifying exports beyond the US market is key to sustaining MSME growth. The US already levies a 25% tariff on Indian goods. Beginning August 27, an additional 25% duty will raise the total tariff burden to 50%. This sharp increase is expected to significantly affect sectors where MSMEs dominate, as they contribute around…

IKEA Global CEO Jesper Brodin has said that India is compelling the Swedish home furnishings leader to rethink its product mix, pricing models, and overall value proposition as it deepens its footprint in the country. He described India as both a challenge and an opportunity, highlighting its influence on IKEA’s broader global strategy. In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Brodin admitted that global tariff uncertainties continue to create turbulence. While these pressures may persist for “a few months,” IKEA is prepared to adapt and operate within the environment, even if policy directions remain outside its control. Brodin noted that Indian consumers…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, shortly after Putin’s high-profile meeting with former US President Donald Trump in Alaska. The conversation between Moscow and New Delhi came as global attention turned to possible breakthroughs in efforts to end the ongoing Ukraine war. Taking to X, PM Modi thanked President Putin for reaching out and for sharing details of his talks with Trump. “Thank my friend, President Putin, for his phone call and for sharing insights on his recent meeting with President Trump in Alaska. India has consistently called for a peaceful…

The much-anticipated sixth round of trade negotiations between India and the United States may not happen as planned later this month, with officials indicating a likely postponement. The US delegation was scheduled to arrive in New Delhi from August 25 to 29 to continue talks on the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), but a senior official told PTI that the visit is expected to be rescheduled. The delay comes at a sensitive moment, as India prepares for a steep escalation in tariffs on its exports to the US. From August 27, tariffs on Indian goods are set to climb to…

On the occasion of India’s Independence Day in 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended warm greetings to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while commending India’s growing influence in global decision-making. Putin emphasized that India holds a “well-deserved authority” on the world stage, actively engaging in discussions and solutions to critical international issues. He underlined Russia’s appreciation for its long-standing relationship with India, describing it as a “special privileged strategic partnership” that continues to shape the political and economic landscape between the two nations. The Russian leader expressed confidence that Moscow and New Delhi would jointly pursue stronger…

On August 15, 2025, the Red Fort in New Delhi became a vivid stage for the nation’s aspirations as Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 79th Independence Day celebrations, centered on the theme of “New India.” This year’s event reflected the government’s vision of achieving Viksit Bharat — a fully developed India — by 2047. The morning began with PM Modi receiving a warm welcome from senior defense leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. After inspecting a Guard of Honour comprising 96 personnel, Modi proceeded to the…

India is preparing to introduce hydrogen fueling infrastructure along national highways in a landmark move toward cleaner transport. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced a pilot program valued at $68.64 million, spanning 10 strategic highway stretches. This initiative will test the viability of green hydrogen for commercial transport, with a focus on establishing safe and standardized fueling and storage systems. The trials will take place in varied regions to evaluate technical performance, supply-chain efficiency, geographic adaptability, and logistical practicality. Findings from these tests will guide a potential nationwide rollout. The project is part of MoRTH’s long-term…

India is set to intensify its diplomatic engagements with Russia, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar scheduled to visit Moscow on August 21. The discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will cover key bilateral issues and frameworks for international cooperation. This meeting follows earlier conversations at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on July 15 and underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Russia across diplomacy, defence, and multilateral platforms. According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the agenda will include critical aspects of bilateral cooperation and discussions on key international frameworks. The visit builds…

India’s economy continues to display robust growth momentum, driven by resilient high-frequency indicators, according to Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran. Speaking at an event in Mumbai, he emphasised that while trade-related challenges matter, they should not overshadow pressing priorities such as energy transition, AI development, and semiconductor manufacturing. Nageswaran noted that last year’s consumption slowdown was primarily due to tight credit and liquidity conditions, prompting the government to introduce substantial middle-class tax cuts in the Union Budget. The Reserve Bank of India also cut policy rates by 100 basis points and ensured a liquidity surplus to stimulate growth. On…