Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

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…

Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba is marking 18 years under the leadership of President Ravi Bhooplapur by emphasizing its growing academic and professional connections with the United States and Canada. The institution has steadily focused on creating structured pathways that enable its graduates to pursue clinical training and medical practice in North America. Since Bhooplapur took charge, the university has worked to strengthen its global standing through formal recognitions and accreditation milestones. It has secured unconditional accreditation from the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine, along with recognition from key US medical education bodies, including those responsible for…

 TIME magazine has released its 2026 list of the 100 most influential people, recognizing individuals who are shaping global conversations across industries such as technology, entertainment, politics, and culture. The list includes notable names like Sundar Pichai, Vikas Khanna, Neal Mohan, Zohran Mamdani, and Ranbir Kapoor, along with several powerful global leaders. Published on April 15, the annual TIME100 list celebrates individuals who have made a strong impact on leadership, innovation, and public life. This year’s lineup also features major political figures, including Donald Trump, Pope Leo XIV, Marco Rubio, Mark Carney, Xi Jinping, and Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as…

 The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi has reopened its doors to devotees from April 14, bringing an end to a temporary closure that lasted nearly 40 days due to regional tensions. The reopening follows confirmation from authorities in the United Arab Emirates that conditions have improved, allowing the resumption of public access to places of worship and restoring normal religious activity in the region. With the temple now operational again, devotees are once more able to visit for prayers and spiritual practices. However, entry is regulated through a prior registration system, requiring visitors to book their slots through the…

The United States has launched its Freedom250 celebrations in India with a visually engaging campaign in New Delhi, marking the lead-up to its 250th anniversary of independence. The initiative was introduced by US Ambassador Sergio Gor, who unveiled a fleet of brightly designed auto-rickshaws featuring images of US President Donald Trump along with recognizable American symbols. These autos have been transformed into moving displays aimed at connecting with the public in a unique and relatable way. As they travel through the busy streets of Delhi, they are expected to capture attention and spark curiosity among commuters and pedestrians. The campaign…