Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

India’s air cargo industry is experiencing strong expansion, with cargo volumes rising by nearly 40% in recent years, according to Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu. The government is now working to build modern cargo infrastructure capable of supporting the country’s growing trade and logistics requirements. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Naidu said the development of world-class air cargo hubs and specialized facilities remains an important priority. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader focus on improving India’s logistics network and creating more efficient connections for the movement of goods. The rapid growth in cargo traffic…

India is stepping up efforts to expand its network of free trade agreements, with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal saying negotiations are underway with 8-9 additional groups of countries and individual nations. The combined economies involved represent roughly $15 trillion in GDP, underscoring New Delhi’s push to widen access to major international markets. Speaking in Tokyo while leading a business delegation of more than 200 representatives, Goyal said India’s expanding trade agreement network is designed to strengthen the country’s role in global commerce. The long-term objective is to establish trade agreements covering about 75% of global trade, giving Indian…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has marked 10 years of the Unified Payments Interface, reflecting on the platform’s rapid growth and its role in transforming how millions of people conduct financial transactions across India. In a post on X, Modi described the introduction of UPI a decade ago as a significant milestone in the country’s shift toward digital payments. He highlighted the platform’s extensive reach and encouraged people to share their personal experiences of using the payment system and explain how it has changed their everyday lives. Since its introduction, UPI has become a central part of India’s digital financial ecosystem.…

India’s invitation to Nepal and Bangladesh to participate in the BRICS outreach session could help strengthen engagement across South Asia and create an opportunity to reset regional ties. India is preparing to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi next month. The participation of the Nepalese and Bangladeshi premiers is expected to provide a platform for discussions on shared global challenges, economic growth, regional connectivity and cooperation among countries of the Global South. Bangladesh is currently the chair of BIMSTEC, while Nepal is also a member of the regional grouping. Inviting both countries to the BRICS outreach session…

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor visited the historic Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh on Friday as part of his ongoing tour of the Union Territory. His visit comes during a broader diplomatic engagement in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting Washington’s interest in strengthening ties with India on regional security and counter-terrorism. Thiksey Monastery, located roughly 19 kilometers from Leh, is among the most prominent Buddhist monastic complexes in central Ladakh. Established in 1433, the hilltop monastery is renowned for its traditional architecture, which bears similarities to Tibet’s Potala Palace. The site contains centuries-old religious artifacts, including stupas, scrolls, images, and wall…

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to return to the launch pad in September, ending an extended operational pause with the planned deployment of the GISAT-1A Earth-observation satellite. The mission is expected to mark an important step for India’s space program after a challenging period that included multiple launch setbacks. GISAT-1A, also known as EOS-05, is currently scheduled for launch during the first week of September aboard India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). If the schedule holds, it will be ISRO’s first launch since the PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission ended unsuccessfully on January 12. The upcoming flight carries particular significance…

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor visited Srinagar and met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, marking his first official trip to the Union Territory since assuming office. The visit is being viewed as a significant development in India-US engagement concerning the region. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Gor described Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India and praised its natural beauty. He expressed enthusiasm about visiting the region and highlighted the positive impressions gained during his stay. The US envoy also indicated that Washington would review its travel advisory related to Jammu and Kashmir. His…

India hosted the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, bringing together environment ministers, senior officials, policymakers and experts from member countries to discuss shared environmental priorities. The gathering provided an opportunity to exchange ideas, build consensus and identify avenues for deeper cooperation on sustainability and climate-related challenges. Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav chaired the meeting as India continues its BRICS leadership in 2026. The country’s chairship is centered on the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” reflecting an emphasis on practical solutions to environmental and developmental challenges. Addressing the…

US Ambassador Sergio Gor and General Atomics executive Vivek Lall discussed opportunities to expand cooperation between Washington and New Delhi in aerospace, defense and energy during a meeting in New Delhi on August 17. Gor said the talks covered collaboration in advanced technologies and nuclear energy, alongside broader engagement in strategic sectors. The meeting took place as India moved ahead with a new arrangement involving General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, underscoring the company’s growing role in strengthening India’s maritime security capabilities. Earlier that day, India’s Ministry of Defense announced a contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to lease two MQ-9B SeaGuardian…

More than 1,000 devotees gathered at Old Bridge High School in New Jersey for the annual Guru Purnima Satsang hosted by Shree Santram Bhakta Samaj, USA. The event brought together families and followers from communities across the country for an evening centered on prayer, devotion, music, fellowship and service. The celebration drew inspiration from the teachings of Shree Santram Mandir in Nadiad, India, particularly the principle of “Janseva,” or service to humanity. The gathering reflected the organization’s efforts to maintain spiritual traditions while creating opportunities for devotees to connect with one another in the United States. Shree Santram Bhakta Samaj…