Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

President Droupadi Murmu said on Tuesday that by 2050, India aims not only to meet its clean energy targets but also to become a global hub aggregating solar demand and fostering innovation, manufacturing, and knowledge exchange. Addressing the 8th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the President affirmed that India is on track to emerge as a global solar energy leader. She highlighted the country’s rapid progress in achieving renewable energy milestones ahead of schedule and urged all member nations to link solar energy initiatives with job creation, women’s leadership, rural livelihoods, and…

India is poised to remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy in 2026, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projecting a growth rate of 6.6%, according to its latest World Economic Outlook report. The country’s economic expansion continues to be powered by rising domestic consumption, strong manufacturing output, and steady gains in the services sector. Economists view the IMF’s latest figures as a strong affirmation of India’s economic resilience amid a volatile global backdrop. In comparison, China’s growth is forecast to slow to 4.8%, underscoring India’s widening lead among major economies. Dr. Manoranjan Sharma, Chief Economist at Infomerics Ratings, remarked that…

Netflix has released Part 2 of Kurukshetra: The Great War of Mahabharata, a visually striking and emotionally compelling continuation of the epic battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas. Created by Ujaan Ganguly, the series builds on Part 1, which concluded with Jayadratha’s death, and offers a deeper exploration of the human struggles, moral conflicts, and ethical questions underlying the 18-day war. The animation series reinterprets the Mahabharata for contemporary audiences, presenting legendary characters not only as divine or heroic figures but also as flawed, complex humans navigating duty, desire, and destiny. While Krishna’s guidance influences the warriors, the show underscores…

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has reaffirmed India’s commitment to a cautious and strategic approach in trade negotiations, stating that the country will not hastily enter into agreements or accept conditions that could compromise its long-term economic interests. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions with major trading partners, including the United States. Speaking at an event in Berlin, Goyal emphasized that trade deals should be built on trust and mutual growth rather than short-term objectives or immediate market access. “Trade agreements go beyond tariffs or six-month targets. They are about establishing enduring partnerships and creating sustainable frameworks for…

Indian-American security expert Paul Kapur has officially assumed the role of Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, a critical post in the Trump administration’s engagement with the region. His swearing-in was confirmed Wednesday by the Bureau, which welcomed him as the bureau’s new leader responsible for shaping US policy in South and Central Asia. Kapur succeeds Donald Lu, who held the position from September 2021 until January 2025. Prior to this appointment, Kapur served on the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff from 2020 to 2021, focusing on South and Central Asia, the broader…

In a bid to reinforce mutual growth and economic collaboration, the ‘Viksit Bharat – Invest India: India-Honduras Bilateral Trade Relations’ seminar was hosted in Tegucigalpa, showcasing the potential for trade and investment between the two nations. The event, organised by the Indian Embassy in Guatemala, which is concurrently accredited to Honduras, brought together ministers, vice ministers, officials, chamber representatives, and key business stakeholders from Honduras. During the seminar, dignitaries including the Vice Minister of Health and the Vice Minister of Energy shared insights on collaboration opportunities with India, particularly in pharmaceuticals, healthcare services, renewable energy, and sustainable development. They also…

 India is rapidly transforming into a global leader in services exports, with the sector recording a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.8% over the past 30 years—significantly higher than the 9.8% growth seen in goods exports, according to a report by the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Currently ranking seventh in the world for service exports, India holds a 4.3% global market share, primarily fueled by telecom, IT, and business services, which together account for nearly three-fourths of the country’s total service exports. Technology exports alone surpassed $200 billion in fiscal year 2025, underscoring the sector’s expanding global influence. The…

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended his heartfelt wishes to people celebrating Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas across Britain, highlighting the values of devotion, joy, and renewed unity that the festival represents. Recalling his visit to India earlier this month, Starmer said he lit a diya in Mumbai as a symbol of devotion and hope. “Wishing Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs across Britain a joyful and peaceful Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. Earlier this month I lit a diya in Mumbai as a symbol of devotion, joy, and renewed bonds. As we celebrate this Festival of Lights, let’s keep building a…

 Ayodhya’s Deepotsav celebrations 2025 have made headlines by creating two new Guinness World Records, showcasing the city’s devotion, cultural vibrancy, and grandeur ahead of Diwali. The festival saw over 26 lakh diyas illuminated along the ghats of the River Saryu, while thousands of devotees performed a synchronized aarti, creating a breathtaking spectacle witnessed worldwide. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the event and received certificates for the two records. The first record recognized the largest display of oil lamps, with a total of 26,17,215 diyas lit. The second record celebrated the most people simultaneously performing a ‘diya’ rotation, with…

Aditi Rai, a senior at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), has been named the 2025 recipient of the Marian Ivers Community Service Leadership Award, celebrating her empathy-driven leadership and tireless efforts to uplift others. Pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a minor in Chemistry, Rai exemplifies balance and purpose — managing a rigorous academic journey while dedicating countless hours to community service. Her volunteering journey bridges continents and causes, rooted in her belief that lasting change can arise from both grand initiatives and heartfelt, everyday gestures. Rai’s commitment to service began when she volunteered as an English-speaking…