Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

India is exploring the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in agriculture, with projections suggesting that smart AI adoption could contribute approximately US$ 7.71 billion to the economy. At the AI4 Agri 2026 conference held in Mumbai, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, highlighted that AI-driven solutions can increase farm productivity, lower operational costs, and mitigate risks for farmers. The minister emphasized that nearly 600 million people in the Global South depend on agriculture and face challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and health risks. AI applications, including real-time weather updates, disaster preparedness, crop forecasting, and…

India and the United States will convene a three-day meeting in the US starting February 23 to finalise the legal text for an interim trade agreement, PTI reported, citing an official. Earlier this month, both countries released a joint statement outlining the framework for the interim trade deal. The framework focuses on lowering tariffs, strengthening energy ties, and boosting economic cooperation. While the framework sets the roadmap, additional negotiations are required to translate it into a legally binding agreement, expected to be signed in March. The Indian delegation will be led by chief negotiator Darpan Jain, a joint secretary in…

The outlook for the Indian textile industry is turning increasingly favourable, buoyed by key Free Trade Agreements and a textile-focused Union Budget, senior government officials have said. After navigating a year of global economic headwinds, the sector now stands at the cusp of renewed growth driven by improved market access and policy support. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary (Textiles), highlighted that recently concluded FTAs are unlocking substantial opportunities for Indian exporters. By improving tariff competitiveness and integrating India more deeply into global value chains, these agreements are expected to significantly strengthen the country’s export potential. She noted that the alignment between…

Jay Bhattacharya, a distinguished physician and economist, has been named acting director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while continuing his leadership role at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Bhattacharya confirmed the dual appointment in an interview with NBC News, following multiple prior reports. The CDC has experienced significant leadership instability in recent months under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Susan Monarez, who briefly served as CDC director, was dismissed in August after internal disagreements with Kennedy, known for his vaccine skepticism. Deputy Health Secretary Jim O’Neill temporarily led the agency until Bhattacharya’s appointment.…

onPhase, a Tampa-based provider of AI-driven financial automation and payment solutions, has appointed Sudarshan Ranganath as its new Chief Product Officer. The leadership move signals the company’s continued focus on expanding its unified automation platform and accelerating product innovation in the finance technology space. In his new role, Ranganath will oversee product vision, long-term strategy, and execution. He is expected to enhance customer impact, broaden adoption of the company’s integrated financial automation platform, and further strengthen its AI capabilities. With more than 20 years of experience in product leadership, he brings expertise across business spend management, revenue optimization, financial workflow…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron convened a high-level bilateral meeting at Mumbai’s Lok Bhavan on Tuesday, accompanied by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and other senior officials. The leaders shared a warm greeting before beginning their discussions, reflecting the strong rapport between the two nations. Posting on X, PM Modi noted, “It’s a delight to meet my friend, President Macron in Mumbai! He mentioned enjoying the city and his morning run earlier today.” According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the talks focused on reviewing progress under the India-France Strategic Partnership,…

The United States cricket team has emerged as a hub for talented Indian-origin players who are bringing experience, skill, and leadership to American cricket. Skipper Monank Patel, who has represented the USA in 71 ODIs and 43 T20Is, has become the face of this transformation. Patel’s leadership is grounded in his extensive playing experience, and he has been instrumental in shaping a team capable of competing at the highest levels. Supporting him is vice-captain Jasdeep Singh, another Indian-origin player who brings both strategic insight and a disciplined approach to the squad. Singh has consistently emphasized the importance of planning, professionalism,…

India is well positioned to emerge as a global leader in artificial intelligence adoption and could see its GDP growth cross 10 percent within the next two years if it accelerates its AI push, according to Umesh Sachdev, CEO and co-founder of Uniphore. Speaking ahead of the upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, Sachdev described the current phase of global AI development as a defining moment. He said countries and enterprises are recognising that there is no “one-size-fits-all” model for AI, and that building strong ecosystems and strategic alliances will be critical. He emphasised that India must leverage the…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley on securing an unprecedented third consecutive electoral victory, describing it as a remarkable democratic achievement. In his message shared publicly, Modi emphasized the value India places on its long-standing friendship with Barbados and reiterated his commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two nations across multiple sectors. Mottley’s Barbados Labour Party delivered a commanding performance in the general elections, winning all thirty seats in the House of Assembly for the third straight time. The decisive thirty-zero outcome reinforced her leadership and reflected strong voter confidence in her administration. Following the…

A resurfaced video has brought renewed attention to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reflections on the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, highlighting a message of perseverance and resilience for young people. In the video, recorded during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, Modi praised Lincoln’s unwavering determination in the face of repeated failures. Addressing students at a university convocation ceremony, he urged youth to draw inspiration from the former US President’s life journey. Recalling Lincoln’s early struggles, Modi pointed out that the American leader faced multiple electoral defeats, business setbacks and financial hardships over several decades. Despite these obstacles, Lincoln…