Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Devotees visiting the sacred Kedarnath Temple have expressed strong support for the proposed ropeway project, saying it will make the pilgrimage significantly easier and more accessible. Many pilgrims believe the initiative will reduce physical strain and allow a larger number of people to undertake the spiritual journey to Kedarnath Dham with greater comfort. Umesh Chandra Posti, a priest at Kedarnath and secretary of the Kedarnath Sabha, stated that the ropeway will be especially beneficial for those who are unable to complete the traditional trek due to physical limitations. He noted that once the system becomes operational, even elderly and differently-abled…

India and New Zealand are set to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on April 27, marking a significant step in strengthening economic ties and boosting bilateral trade between the two countries. The agreement aims to more than double trade flows to $5 billion over the next five years. The FTA, which was agreed upon in December 2025, is expected to enhance market access for businesses on both sides by reducing trade barriers and facilitating smoother exchange of goods and services. Negotiations for the agreement were formally launched in March 2025, reflecting a growing momentum in bilateral engagement. Currently, trade…

Former US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell has identified India as the United States’ most crucial strategic partner of the 21st century, while also acknowledging that recent developments have introduced visible strain in bilateral ties. Speaking at the New India Conference organized by the Hudson Institute, he emphasized that the relationship between the two democracies will play a defining role in shaping global geopolitics in the coming decades. Campbell noted that despite challenges, the partnership remains fundamentally strong, though he expressed concern over the need to repeatedly emphasize mutual respect between the two nations. This, he suggested, reflects underlying…

Smartphones have taken center stage as one of India’s top export drivers in the financial year 2025-26, marking a significant leap in the country’s electronics trade performance. The category witnessed an impressive 24% rise in outbound shipments, fueled by strong international demand and a steady increase in domestic production by major global technology companies like Apple and Samsung. This surge reflects India’s growing importance as a global manufacturing hub for mobile devices, supported by large-scale production capabilities and export-focused operations. A key factor behind this expansion has been the government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which has played a crucial role…

India’s Production-Linked Incentive scheme for the food processing industry is playing a major role in accelerating the sector’s expansion by encouraging investments, increasing production capacity, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian food products. By linking financial incentives to incremental sales, the initiative motivates companies to scale operations and improve value addition throughout the supply chain. The scheme has also contributed to strengthening smaller businesses, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, while encouraging innovation in emerging categories such as millet-based products. This approach has helped create a more inclusive and diversified growth environment within the industry. Introduced in April 2020…

Bihar officials presented an ambitious vision for the state’s growth and technological transformation during the Bihar Diwas 2026 celebrations held in New York. The event took place at the Consulate General of India and brought together diplomats, policymakers, and members of the global Indian diaspora to discuss Bihar’s development roadmap. The programme began with a welcome address by emcee Komal Sharan, setting the tone for discussions focused on Bihar’s evolving economic and technological landscape. Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit emphasized that the state is prepared for a major transformation phase. He called upon people of Bihari origin across the world…

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan held a series of high-level meetings in the United Kingdom aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and addressing emerging global security challenges. His discussions with UK Minister of State for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard focused on the changing nature of modern warfare and the importance of deeper military collaboration between the two nations. In another key engagement, General Chauhan met UK Minister of State for Indo-Pacific Seema Malhotra to advance the India–UK defence partnership. According to the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), the talks covered the Defence Industrial Roadmap and…

Nuclear energy and natural gas are emerging as key pillars for the next phase of India US energy cooperation, with experts suggesting that both countries are seeking to reduce costs, diversify supply chains, and strengthen long-term energy security. According to Dinsha Mistree of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, there are significant opportunities for deeper collaboration, particularly in nuclear energy. He described nuclear power as a “very critical” area for future India US engagement, highlighting its strategic importance in global energy transition efforts. Mistree pointed to the 2008 civil nuclear agreement between the two nations as a foundational step that…

On April 19, business leader Mukesh Ambani marked his birthday with a family visit to the Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple in Mumbai. The occasion saw the Ambani family coming together for a spiritual darshan, reflecting their continued tradition of beginning important milestones with religious blessings. Among those present, Nita Ambani stood out for her elegant traditional attire. She chose a rich crimson saree that resembled a finely woven Dhakai muslin Jamdani, detailed with intricate handwoven floral motifs. The saree was paired with a matching blouse, creating a classic yet graceful appearance that highlighted India’s textile heritage. Known for her preference for…

India and China recently conducted bilateral consultations under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in New Delhi, focusing on strengthening cooperation and reviewing the organisation’s future direction. The discussions centered on implementing decisions made by SCO leaders and enhancing collaboration across key sectors. Both sides expressed their commitment to maintaining regular dialogue and deepening engagement within the SCO structure. The meeting took place over two days and was led by India’s SCO National Coordinator, Ambassador Alok A Dimri, and China’s National Coordinator, Ambassador Yan Wenbin. During the consultations, both delegations also met Secretary (West) Sibi George to assess…